System of protecting assets is unethical

As I read Kristi O’Harran’s Friday column, “Long-term care a costly concern,” I became increasingly concerned, and then irate. The idea that anyone would consider “protecting assets” in order to make long-term care a responsibility of the taxpayers is unconscionable. We should accept the fact that living longer leads to spending more of our money.

It is important to note that the long-term care resident on Medicaid will be allowed to keep only $50-$60 a month for expenses, including cable, phone, certain medications, toiletries, barber and beauty services, clothing, snacks and hobbies. Another concern is the growing number of long-term care facilities that limit, evict or refuse to admit residents on Medicaid. The rush to Medicaid may not be in the resident’s best interest.

As a taxpayer, I resent this system of “protecting assets.” Basically, I am paying an inheritance to those who choose to go this route. Legal? Yes. Ethical? Never.

Karen Greenwalt

Everett