Golden years bring struggles for a long-time educator

I was a science teacher for 27 years, and then switched to a guidance counselor for approximately the last 12 years of my education career. I have students all over town who are physicians, nurses, teachers, police officers, and hold many other types of employment. These are quality people who give me great pride.

My overall health seems to be doing okay. I was in the hospital with atrial fibrillation (A-Fib) in June, but it appears it is not a serious threat, and I feel quite well. I have five grandchildren, four boys and one girl. They are all doing well, and, most important, they are healthy.

Since our state booted all retirees off of the state insurance, the copay for one of my medications is now over $600 per month; before it was less than $100.00. A second prescription I was told will be over $300 for a 90 day supply. A few more of these wonders of retirement and I will have to quit taking these meds, and it looks like I will need to go to work. I have applications out with several private schools, and I just completed an application with the Geologic Survey as a Botany technician.

For now, we are putting all our medical expenses on a credit card, and, with a little luck, I will pay the card down as much as I can during the coming year. I have to hope, and yes, pray that some breaks come my way to help me deal with the financial effects of the current system for seniors. But, for now, I take up the fight and life goes on.

By Jack