Letters to the Editor

Re: When a Lawyer Dies
The GPSolo Section of the North Carolina Bar Association took a step toward solving this problem by publishing "Turning Off the Lights," a publication designed to encourage and help solo practitioners plan for their untimely demise or disability that forces them to stop practicing law. In 2004, the publication received the ABA GPSolo Section Single Project Award. Copies may be obtained by contacting the CLE Department of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Malvern King
Chair, North Carolina Bar Association Rich Harris Committee
Durham, NC

Re: Q&A with Charles Sabatino
I think the article with Charles Sabatino and the ABA's "A Crash Course for Practitioners" is an excellent idea.

Though I am a non-practicing attorney, I had to become familiar with Medicare Part D. My mother is eligible for the benefit due to a disability. During the fall of 2005 I wanted all the information I could find about the new drug plan. My mother's prescription drugs, which included a cancer treatment, would usually cost around $1,000 a month out of pocket because Medicare was her only health insurance. I knew she needed help.

I contacted my County Department of Aging to enroll in one of their volunteer programs to inform and enroll seniors in Medicare Part D. I learned a lot during this class. The information was helpful with enrolling my mother. As a result, her prescription drug costs have been reduced to around $100 a month after the drug plan began in January.

I also took the information I gathered from the volunteer class to my church congregation, which consists of many seniors. They were very responsive. The main idea I wanted them to understand was that the new benefit is confusing for most people and that they are not alone. I provided information about local organizations who offered help.

Courses such as the ones provided by the ABA are necessary. Please continue to inform us as attorneys and as sons and daughters.

Aquanetta J. Betts
Pikesville, MD

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