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The Honorable Sonny Perdue
Governor, State of Georgia
Room 201 State Capitol
Atlanta, Georgia 30034
Dear Governor Perdue:
I am writing in regard to the reduction in benefits to Georgia’s Medically Needy Program. Over the past few weeks, I have been contacted by many
constituents who are rightfully upset about their family members who are affected by these cuts. Those contacting me on behalf of loved ones come from all walks of life. Their
relatives, usually a parent, are veterans, former mill workers who were the backbone of Georgia when that industry was booming here, and retired government employees just to
describe a few. Their income, the majority of the time, slightly exceeds the poverty threshold. One relays how their mom’s entire life savings was already depleted to pay for long
term care before being forced to apply for Medicaid, something her taxes for years and years paid for.
This termination of these benefits reflects the healthcare dilemma
faced in America. Think tank organizations such as the Council on State Governments has been pointing out that demand has outstripped supply when it comes to affordable
healthcare. Since I began my service in the Senate 6 years ago, Georgia has been able to accommodate these individuals who worked hard all of their lives and paid their share of
taxes. I am enclosing two letters which I ask you or your staff to review. One is from an accountant who outlines the horror his mother, age 80, will face if his dad, an
Alzheimer’s victim, is evicted from the nursing home because of suddenly earning too much income on their social security and meager retirement leaving children to find the means
to do this — children who reside miles away. Another is from a daughter whose mom is paralyzed on the left side due to a stroke and suffers from Parkinson’s who cannot be cared
for in the home.
Recently an acquaintance from Ireland was discussing the elderly in the United States. He relayed that he was surprised at how difficult it is in the
United States for those on fixed incomes who reach the twilight of their time on earth. Let us demonstrate that Georgia cares. Thanks.
With kindest personal regards, I am,
Sincerely,
Michael S. Meyer von Bremen
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