Dear Editor,
I am a senior teacher attached to President’s College and I am suffering from diabetes. I took ill on September 1, 2008, and I resumed work on October 27, 2008.
My salary was paid by President’s College for the month of September and I was also paid half a month’s salary for the month of October, with the understanding that NIS would reimburse me for the other half of my October salary.
I submitted my claims on November 4, and I was told to call back in two weeks’ time. Ever since, I have been calling, only to be told to call back another time, because the voucher was not ready. However, I was paid $8,200 representing approximately 50% of the medical bill which included drugs and consultation fees. Finally, when I called on December 3, to enquire about my other benefit, I was told that I was disqualified because of the late submission of claims.
The NIS doctor gave me a letter for me to be paid up to October 15, 2008. According to my college, they also sent a letter stating why I submitted the claim late.
I think this is unadulterated nonsense which has to be stopped immediately. I have been making NIS contributions since 1975.
Could someone in authority please investigate this matter urgently? By the way, must I continue to contribute to NIS? Can someone tell me, why? I need my money urgently!
Yours faithfully,
Terrence Sukhram
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to the PRO of NIS, Ms Diane Lewis-Baxter, for any comments she might wish to make.
