Alberta’s health care system needs to be sustainable, but not on the backs of our seniors, according to a letter scribed by the president of the health advisory committee in Jasper.

Angie Lemire said she prepared the letter, to be sent to Health Minister Ron Liepert, because drugs costs are going to be too high for seniors, especially low-income seniors.

“I think the seniors are somewhat an exploited group of people because they don’t have a large voice,” Lemire said. “Some are confused, they don’t understand what the issue really is, and those who do understand don’t think can can do much about it.”

Last December, the government announced changes to drug coverage for seniors starting in 2010. Single seniors with an annual income of less than $21,325 and senior families with an annual combined income of less than $42,650 will not pay for drug coverage. Other seniors will pay a deductible of up to $7,500 based on their income. 

That means that a senior living alone with an income of  just $21,350 could wind up paying thousands of dollars in drug costs each year.

There are a number of seniors who would be forced to sell their homes if living costs go up too high for them, Lemire said. “With a little bit of careful planning the government can ensure seniors can stay in their home,” she said. 

Lemire, who takes turns with her mother to visit her father in Alpine Summit Seniors’ Lodge, said she thinks sending in letters can have a great impact. “If you want the government to know you’re unhappy and dissatisfied you have to write letters,” she said. 

“I would really like to see just massive amounts of letters going in because they have to respond to them, and I think everybody should send it in, because eventually you’re going to be a senior.”

Copies of the letter are available at the Fitzhugh office at 626 Connaught Dr. in Jasper.