Question about healthcare for UAW retirees

[question everything]

Among the talking heads discussion the bailout, there are suggestions for union concessions, one of which is to drop health care for retirees. But if they get their insurance through the unions, don't they save our tax money by not using Medicare?

Or am I comparing apples to cranberries?

[Auggie]

1. They still need the Medicare supplement

Many of these retirees are living on pensions that are decades out-of-date.

[Vinca]

2. Many retirees aren't old enough for Medicare.

When they are eligible, I think they go on it and maybe get a supplemental policy from the auto companies. I think that's how it worked for my dad, anyway. What would solve it is universal, single-payer healthcare. That's one of the major things dragging all businesses down in this country. That's why jobs are gleefully outsourced to countries that provide it for their citizens.

[question everything]

3. Right. I remember in the 90s, it was said that about $1,500 of each car

can be traced to benefits.