Why can’t those working, paying taxes get any help?
I am a student at UB, taking two classes until I achieve a bachelor’s in civil engineering. I am also working 30 hours a week in my field to secure a career after graduation. In order to maintain health insurance under my parents, I need to be a full-time student, but I only need two classes to graduate. To get health insurance through the university, I would have to pay $1,500 because health care is only offered for the entire school year. My last resort was Medicaid. Well, that’s when I was hit with the reality that the tax dollars coming out of my paycheck every week sure aren’t coming full circle.
After being denied Medicaid because I “make too much money,” I was instructed to try getting insurance through the state. Well, those plans range from $99 to $230 a month for an individual in Erie County. So I have two options: scramble to pay for insurance I can’t afford, or do without insurance. Now I’m not pro universal health care. But I am pretty disgusted with the fact that the people who work hard to achieve their goals get thrown aside, while those who take advantage of the system reap the benefits of my tax dollars. I am one of many students or those in between graduation and careers who are in the same dilemma. Maybe we should start thinking more about those who are the future of our society instead of those who are just along for the ride.
Joe Aramini
Buffalo
