Letter: Medicare reform may hurt some

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003 | 8:49 a.m.

The Medicare reform act working its way through Congress has one element that will affect all retirees 65 and older who presently have a medical and prescription plan.

The law against age discrimination prohibits companies from having a different health plan for those who are retired and 65 or older. The Medicare reform act removes the age discrimination act; thus employers can drop the health benefits for the retired employees 65 and older. There is another provision that states that if an employer maintains the same health benefits he will receive a tax credit. In today's world no CEO will take a tax rebate instead of total removal of an expense to enhance the bottom line.

I propose those employees 60 and over and those who are presently retired be grandfathered so that whatever plan they presently have is continued. This will be a small group by time the bill becomes effective. This group will be the most financially affected by the new bill.

LOU DEBOTTARI Carson City