Letter to the Editor: The Unaffordable Health Care Act

AARP is running a video claiming that the new G.O.P. American Health Care Act is really an “age tax.” They have a good point.

In a letter to Congress, the AARP states a 64-year old making $15,000 a year could face health insurance premiums of up to $8,400 under the GOP House healthcare bill. A regularly employed person earning $15,000 a year would pay $1,147.50 in FICA taxes, leaving $13,852.50 before any other deductions if the employer did not provide a health plan.

Forget about a smartphone! He or she might also have to give up utilities, shelter, clothing and/or transportation.

That $454.38 average monthly income after premiums wouldn’t be enough for any deductibles or prescription copays if the 64-year old has a condition that needs ongoing treatment, if the person also needs to eat, drive a car to work, pay electrical and heating bills, and not look like a homeless person. Heaven forbid that he or she should have a mortgage.

Do the math for yourself and your neighbors. Write or call Rep. Mike Gallagher to oppose this bill.

Estella Lauter

Fish Creek, Wis.