Tough questions for Congress
After listening to financial and economic news lately, I've got to ask a few questions of Congress.
If seniors do not receive a cost of living increase in their benefits, will the cost of Medicare still go up? If so, seniors will have even less to spend each month than they did this year.
If benefits for 2011 remain the same, will Medicare amounts rise anyway? Do you see where I'm going with this?
Each year that passes would mean less and less money for seniors. It appears to be OK with Congress to decrease Medicare benefits for seniors, but are they willing to forego their pay raises?
Another thing I'd like the answer to is how President Obama plans to save money by making cuts in Medicare.
My own theory is that with fewer benefits to cover medical costs, seniors will have to deny themselves life-enhancing treatments; more seniors will die sooner than they would have with proper care; and thus, fewer seniors will be enrolled in Medicare as the years progress and money will be saved.
What say you, Congress?
Sharon Eilert
Prospect Heights