Oct 19, 2013 1 min read

I am writing in reference to the article appearing on the front page of the O-R headlined “The raise in Social Security will be the lowest in years.”

This raise, according to a government decision, is so small because prices have not gone up much in the past year. I wonder if they have gone grocery shopping, filled their car with gas, paid increased utility bills or paid the increases in health care or prescription cards.

It is such an insult to senior citizens when Social Security and Medicare are referred to as “entitlements” or the reference is made that seniors are ill-prepared for retirement. If you are receiving any of the above benefits, you have earned them from the years you were gainfully employed.

This all-time-low raise is yet another disregard for the elderly. By the way, the approximately extra $17 each month will never be seen, as Medicare will escalate and quickly absorb the increase.

Carole Ward

Houston