Senior Surtax

Boy, oh! boy, my liberal, bleeding heart, pro-social program soul is being tested.

Soon to be 65, I have a fine health insurance plan and do not need Medicare. I have a good retirement income, having worked a full-time job plus a part-time job for 28 years, which good health allowed. I assumed I wouldn’t have to pay the 15% surcharge on my income tax if I refused to sign up for Medicare. I was wrong.

All “affluent” oldsters will be socked for this tax at the minimum age of 65 years, 3 months, Medicare or non-Medicare users alike. Since this same group must pay income tax on 50% of their Social Security, “we” are real unfortunate fortunates.

I have always believed that the richer should share their bounty with the poorer.

However, I am still not over my personal shock. I am one of the “richer.” I am not sure I like it very much.

JACK A. McGINLEY

Westminster