As a senior citizen, I have a few thoughts on recent news items.

1. The proposed health care bill would reduce payments to Medicare providers. This will greatly impact the care seniors receive since most doctors already feel that Medicare is shortchanging them.

2. To those who oppose the $250 for seniors, may I remind them that though the cost of living has not gone up, our Medicare cost does.

3. Finally in regard to free rides for seniors, I have no objection to paying for transportation for trips to the theater, museums, and other optional venues. However, for those who depend on public transportation to get them to the grocery, doctors and jobs, may I suggest a needs test. Also the idea that seniors use public transportation mainly during nonpeak hours should cause the transportation authorities to reschedule and eliminate empty trains, thereby doing their part to save money.

Eve Barson

Schaumburg