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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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