I’d moved to South Carolina from California and had no health insurance. That’s a major issue when you take prescription medicine. I had enough meds to last me one month, but after that I would have a problem.
My folks had already lived here for three years and were well established in a church. They hosted a small group at their home every week and knew those folks quite well. When they invited me to join them, I got to know several people.

One couple there had a son-in-law who was an internist in the area. After I had been in South Carolina a month, I still had no work and therefore no medical insurance. I needed to see a doctor in order to get my meds refilled.

Mom and Dad suggested we talk to their friends and see if their son-in-law could see me and at least write me a prescription. We’d figure out the financial part.I got an appointment with Dr. Phillips and he agreed to take me on as a patient and write a prescription for me.

I had some money saved up from my previous job and was able to pay for my meds for a while, but the combination doctors’ visits and medication would be over the top before too long. When I told him my circumstances, Dr. Phillips said he’d see me for free until I found a job that provided medical benefits.

“Really? Are you sure?”
“Yes, really Ellen. I’m sure.” he said.

He kept his word and I saw him regularly for the next four years until I had medical insurance. Once I got the insurance, he accepted it and I remained under his care for several years.

As for the medication, I eventually remembered my patients from a job I’d had several years earlier in California. For those whose income fell above the guidelines for free insurance from the state (Medi-Cal), there were programs through the drug manufacturers where they could get their medicine for free, if they qualified financially. Now it was time for me to look into those resources for myself. I did just that and was able to get the medicine I needed.

By agreeing to see me at no cost for several years, Dr. Phillips likely saved me from having major medical problems. I’m very thankful for his kindness and generosity over so many years. God put him in my life just when I needed it most