Ravindra Kumar, Kendall Park
I am outraged to learn that Gov. Christie is proposing a huge deductible for the 125,000 beneficiaries of PAAD, the state’s prescription drug program. People on PAAD qualify for the program because they are either seniors with lower incomes or are individuals suffering from disabilities.
Turning to them in an effort to balance a troubled state budget seems unconscionable. Is imposing unaffordable fees on the state’s most vulnerable citizens really the only solution?
The Christie administration has proposed more than doubling the co-pays for each prescription these individuals take. In addition, for the first time ever, PAAD beneficiaries will be subject to a sizeable deductible of $310 each.
Come January 2011, these individuals and families will be forced into making impossible choices. Should they take the drugs they need? Pay the rent? Put food on the table? Again, are the poorest of the state’s poor the ones who should be targeted by this administration?
I encourage anyone who disagrees with this state budget proposal to voice your opinion. Call your state legislator and urge them to stop this proposal. Our state budget may be problematic, but surely we can work towards a better, more responsible solution.
Ravindra Kumar
AARP Outreach Volunteer
Kendall Park
