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Unfairness to government retirees
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Posted on Mar 23 2005
I have the following questions related to the CNMI Retirement Fund’s unilateral directive of March 11, 2005, regarding the addition of Medicare coverage to retirees (65 and above) who only have Group Health medical coverage.
1. Why does the CNMI government require retirees (65 and above) to have Medicare coverage when they already have Group Health medical coverage?
2. Could it be that the CNMI government is so “strapped” for funds that it must penalize retirees who have faithfully given years of dedicated service to the CNMI government?
3. Is it fair? Is it equitable? Must we penalize retirees (65 and above) by adding Medicare?
For consideration: This additional cost (GHLI + Medicare) is most difficult to meet, given the fact that retirement benefits are a fixed amount (except for COLA).
Request: I would like to respectfully request a board of non-partisan legislators to re-evaluate this Medicare mandate.
Conclusion: There must be some other way. Thank you for your kind perusal and investigation of the above mentioned request.
Daniel L. Martinez
Saipan
