‘Fine-Tuning’ the Medicare Surtax
It is disappointing indeed to see that a fine newspaper like The Times has aligned itself with the American Assn. of Retired Persons and a lot of misguided congressmen. Your editorial position is not only incorrect, it misleads readers into the belief that older citizens are complaining only about the surcharge when, in fact, it is the legislation that is undesirable at any cost.
A key consideration is that approximately 85% of people over 65 have supplemental insurance to cover a major portion of the cost above Medicare’s allowance. What is needed is long-term nursing care that is not provided in the act.
If the legislation were addressed to the needs of the elderly, there would be no complaints about a reasonable surtax. Regrettably, that is not the case in the present law.
R.W. FRITZSCHE
Tustin
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