Cuts taking real toll on retirees

Published 3:42 pm Tuesday, June 18, 2013

My mother-in-law is existing on only her Social Security check, and Washington state has been paying her Medicare Part B (doctor’s bills) premium through the Social Security system.

She just got a letter that effective June 1 that Washington state is ceasing that payment.

Since Medicare is paid in advance, the amount of about $105 will be deducted from her July Social Security check to recapture the June coverage payment. Washington state created this financial disaster by not properly handling the pre-payment situation.

In addition, she will now have to pay $105 each month out of her only income, Social Security, to continue having Medicare Part B coverage, or cancel that and go without medical coverage. A double-whammy for July.

I foresee throughout the state — a huge surge at the food banks — more unpayable visits to emergency rooms. People will suffer and die because of this change.

Wayne Espy

Everett