Hey Bill,
I know I'm pretty late in reviewing this chapter (even though I read it before now), but something has really been bothering me about the reviews regarding Ben's money. First, it is NOT Ben's responsibilty to financially support JR. Let's just be clear and remember that it falls to Michael as the other person responsible for JR's DNA.
Secondly, regarding Ben's salary as a tenured professor: I'm not sure, but isn't Ben still positive in this story? The reason I ask, is that there are several written recently where he isn't, but that's beside the point. For the sake of argument, let's just say that he is. I really don't understand folks thinking that even as a tenured professor that Ben's health insurance would automatically cover his HIV medication. That is a MISCONCEPTION if I've ever heard one. In fact, it very well could possibly be looked at as a PREEXISTING CONDITION, especially since a tenured professor at a college or university does NOT begin their respective careers that way. They are known as Adjunct Professors until they get tenure, and therefore only have at most basic insurance based on how many hours they work (usually about 25 to 30 hours which is still considered part time). So all of this talk about what Ben should contribute is inaccurate, especially since he would STILL need to pay for his HIV medication.
So let's go on and say that he is making $75K per year. The cost of his meds PER MONTH would by at least $3000, which in actuality is the cost of one chemo pill. I know this because I have a family member, who has been living with the virus going on 30 years now and the new medication she is on is about $3500 for a 30-day supply. As for the chemo pill, my father passed from two types of cancers in 2012, and his insurance only covered PART of that and only because he was a Veteran. So, back to Ben, if you were to take $3000 and multiply it by 12, it equals $36,000 and that doesn't even include taxes and fees. All that said, I'm very curious to know just how Ben is supposed to be the one to pay for EVERYTHING, including but not limited to, the house and all that comes with owning or renting one, insurance for himself and Hunter, other basic needs including his meds AND HUNTERS, plus support his mooching-ass husband? If anything, Michael should get the hell off his ass and realize that having a child is not an IN NAME ONLY situation. That would be the adult thing to do!
So in conclusion, if I were Ben, I would certainly have required Michael to pay back every damn copper penny to my retirement fund as well as pay full child support whether Mel wants it or not, because that's what a noncustodial parent is supposed to do. And if Michael couldn't do that, then I would leave but sue him privately for my funds back. I really don't give a damn that they are 'married', that fund was what Ben WORKED HARD for, and unless Michael was contributing to it, which he was NOT, then the Joker-looking idiot had no right to access it.
Just my take on things, but you know how us writers are.
HUGS and LOVE, Boo!
~Nichelle
Author's Response: Hi Nichelle, So nice to hear from you!!!! I agree about Ben paying for JR's upkeep. Michael has kept him at arm's length where JR is concerned. Justin is Papa, Ben is Uncle Ben. In one of the earlier chapters I mention Ben being glad he was able to get his meds covered by his insurance. You are correct there is no must be covered for preexisting conditions Michael getting a fulltime job was to allow him to pay back Ben and to get his own health insurance. Ben gave him an ultimatum to get a job. Poor Ben just had the misfortune to fall in love with a man-child and I think in some ways that is what appealed to Ben. Personally I never understood Mel choosing Michael to father her child. Hope all is good in your world. Hugs back to you!! Bill
