CNBNews

To the Brooklawn/Gloucester City NJEA Members, as a Camden/Philadelphia teacher of 20 years I would like to introduce you to real life. Currently, I am on Social Security Disability because I was shot at, assaulted, and locked down one time too often.

When I left it took almost two years to get Social Security Disability, during which time I spent $12,500 on medical bills and which, five years later, I am still paying off a little at a time.

On Social Security I get $1,500 plus a month (which I paid into for 40 years), Medicare costs me $94/month, and Part D (Rx) costs an additional $96 per month. I have to pay 20 percent of my medical bills. My Rx co-pay varies by prescription, but is from $10-$45, for an average of $120 per month.

Some Rx’s are not covered at all. By November 1, I have exhausted my Rx coverage and I have to pay in full because I am in what is called a “doughnut hole.”

You get benefits for life, so you do not have to rely on Medicare. Some of you get reimbursed the $94 which comes out of your pension. I am angry, and everyone else on Social Security should be angry. Do not look to me for another cent.

Dorothy Heade, Brooklawn

source Gloucester City News