The US government is sending us a check in hopes of boosting the economy, and in the same breath it does away with federal student college loans in Massachusetts. ("Bush says first rebates going out Monday," April 26; "Credit crisis hits student borrowers," April 17).
Sorry, Mr. Bush, but you won't see my husband and I spending our "gift" in Wal-Mart. Instead, it will go toward our son's increased college tuition bill, which is more of a hardship for us now without these loans.
MARIA FERRAGUTO, Woburn
Drugs from Canada are not the only fear
Congress fought to block the ability of our citizens to buy drugs directly from Canada on the pretext that such drugs might not be safe. ("Families describe deaths from contaminated heparin, FDA cites need for increased vigilance," April 30.)
Congress seems perfectly comfortable, however, allowing drug companies to import drugs and drug components from China, where experience has proven that such products can be unsafe.
The heparin disaster is but the last in a series of defective imports; this one cost human lives.
When will our government concern itself with the well-being of its citizens rather than that of big corporations?
PENNY CROWELL, Sudbury
State lags in planning for LTC insurance
Thank you for bringing to light one of the most critical issues facing baby boomers as they approach retirement: paying for long-term care. ("Planning beyond the bottom line," April 27)
Unlike most states in New England and the rest of the country, Massachusetts has lagged behind in government-sponsored initiatives to educate people in what may be the greatest risk to their financial security in retirement.
Several states, including Connecticut, offer Partnership programs.
These programs give baby boomers incentive to purchase long-term care insurance by exempting a portion of their assets from Medicaid recovery rules.
Many states, including Rhode Island, have sent letters to residents ages 45 to 70 urging them to explore the possibility of signing up for LTC insurance.
The Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 sends a clear message that the government cannot continue to be the primary funding source for long-term care.
While it has been commonly accepted for generations that people should insure against an early death, it is only recently that it has become just as important to insure against living a long life.
Thank you for bringing this critical issue to the forefront.
ANNE ALLAR, CLTC Allar Long Term Care Planning, Somerville
rising
falling 