Medicare denied to former city employee
My sister worked for the City of Chicago her whole career. She was precluded from accumulating quarters for Medicare as she was not allowed to pay into SS, rather promised through SEIU that she would be covered medically. Rahm axed that, and now she is not eligible. Has to “buy in” at a higher rate. Lawyer working on it for years, to no avail. Lightfoot refusing to help also.
Suggestions Terry? She is currently paying 2828.52 per MONTH for health insurance also through the City. I handle her bills. She is in remission from brain cancer. She receives 1300 a month from the City as a pension as a Crossing Guard, yet health insurance as I said is almost 3 thousand per month. She is 64 and I just found out that she is ineligible for Medicare in a year. Worked her whole life for this to happen to her. Thank you for any help.
Terry Says
Oh, this is a horrible situation. And a number of people are caught in this situation. Although the city or state cannot adjust pension payments, the law allows them to renege on promises of healthcare. I think you need to investigate MEDICAID — the state program for health care for those who cannot afford to pay for private insurance, even under the Affordable Care Act. Certainly she would qualify for Medicaid.
