Couple found dead in murder-suicide worried over healthcare bills, deputies say

[UpInArms]

FERNDALE, Wash. (Gray News) - Authorities say the deaths of an elderly couple in Washington, who left behind notes “expressing concerns” about paying for medical care, are being investigated as a likely murder-suicide.

According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded Wednesday morning to a home near Ferndale, Wash., after receiving a call from a 77-year-old man, who told the dispatcher, “I am going to shoot myself.”

The dispatcher tried to keep the man on the line, but the 77-year-old hung up after saying, “We will be in the front bedroom.”

... snip ...

Detectives are investigating the case as a likely murder-suicide, according to the sheriff’s office. Several notes cited ongoing medical problems with Whitney-Jones and concerns that the couple would not be able to pay for care.

“It is very tragic that one of our senior citizens would find himself in such desperate circumstances where he felt murder and suicide were the only option. Help is always available with a call to 911,” said Sheriff Bill Elfo in a statement.

More at https://www.ky3.com/content/news/Couple-found-dead-in-murder-suicide-worried-over-healthcare-bills-deputies-say-534394391.html

Our “health care” is not a commodity that should be traded on the stock market... it has now become a merchant of death

[Hoyt]

1. Wish they had talked to someone. Medicaid often covers

Medicare cost sharing when income is low enough, and/or healthcare expenses are high enough.

Sad, in any event, whatever the reason they were going through such pain.

[katmondoo]

2. Yes they could have gotten help from Medicaid and Medicare

I am elderly and with old age comes health problems. I had a few very severe and expensive problems and got help from both. Advice for the elderly try talking to Medicare and Medicaid first. They will help.