Molly's letter to Sen. Wachtmann

From Molly Janczyk, May 30, 2006

Sen. Wachtmann, May I ask some particulars for this legislation you are working on and how it will protect retirees' HC?

You state 'STRS was not as farsighted as the other pension systems' and paraphrased esp. with ensuring the HC benefits. It has been since 2001 and we who retired thinking we had the 'premiere pension system and HC second to none' had no warning and were hit with a financial crisis from which we can never recover. Please imagine yourself going from:

- $31 to cover you and your spouse (ridiculously low since STRS knew it turns out since the late 80's problems were coming) to over $800 per month possible in 2007 just for premiums for yourself and spouse.
-100% coverage to 80% -$200 deduc to $500 each -$5 and $10 RX's to $25-125 each possible in 2007.

Yet, no increase in pensions except a 3% simple COLA earning me about $70 additional per ck each year. Going back to work was our only option in able and for those not able, moving in with their children, skipping meds and Dr. appt. etc. Some retirees are billed each month if their pension doesn't pay for their HC.

If this were you, would the legislation to help retirees move any faster? We can't keep bearing the burden for STRS not being farsighted and not seeking revenue for HC.

What is the solution for us who worked careers only hoping for a decent retirement promised us clear up to 2001?

Perhaps you could share with Michelle Schneider who blocks me.

Help us!

Molly J.