Dear Editor:
Recently I notice many readers have written to various newspapers regarding the unfair treatment received by those on Medicare, compared with those on Medicaid.
During the long working years of our citizens, they paid into the American system which consists of Medicare, Social Security and Disability. Medicare can start at age 65; Social Security can start as early as age 62.
However, it appears many more benefits go to those on Medicaid, most of whom come here from other countries. On arrival most get SSI, food stamps, dental, medical, free housing and free transportation to anywhere. In many cases they get a homemaker three to five mornings each week without having paid one dime into the American system.
Many of our senior citizens are in their seventies, eighties and nineties. Most could use some help with their housework, laundry, shopping and a little helping hand to visit their doctor. Because they are on Medicare, they do not qualify for Medicaid. It is unfair to have so much compassion for those who did not work here, was never part of the American system, yet they qualify for Medicaid.
I suggest our politicians and social workers come up with a fair solution to improve the quality of life for all citizens on Medicare. They were the generation who kept the homefront together while our sons, brothers, sisters and husbands were in the Armed Forces keeping America free for the rest of us. All those citizens now deserve the same amount of compassion we so willingly give to the rest of the world.
V.E. Rummey