Gerber on Medicare

Re “Medicare as a Form of Entertainment,” Commentary, May 29:

As a social worker who has worked with senior citizens for many years, I was shocked and appalled at the misleading and incorrect statements by Merrill Joan Gerber. The addendum states the author’s upcoming book “is a reflection on life in a nursing home.” However, in the article the author refers to her mother living in a retirement home, instead of a nursing home.

The van service referred to is included in residents’ monthly rent and furnished by the facility, not “free” as Gerber states. Also, the author mentions, “ . . . senior citizens are able to buy discount coupons that provide nearly free taxi rides.” But this is misleading, since residents must pay monthly to obtain taxi coupons.

I wish Gerber would get her facts straight before she starts slamming senior citizens!

SANDRA BONNER

Long Beach