Out-of-pocket cost of EpiPen crippling

I read with interest “LI sees EpiPen shortage” [News, Aug. 18]. My granddaughter requires an EpiPen for her nonlife-threatening nut and peanut allergies. There is another aspect of EpiPen usage that the article did not mention — the out-of-pocket cost of this product.

My granddaughter, and most likely many other children, requires one at home, one in school, one for her early morning care program and one for her afterschool care program, which is at a different location.

Yes, her health insurance picks up the $600 cost for a two-pack, but only the cost of one two-pack. That means there is a $600 out-of-pocket expense for this vital drug. Perhaps requiring the insurance companies that offer such coverage to permit two prescriptions annually, at least until children are old enough to carry this product for themselves, would be helpful.

Elaine Catalanotti, Elmont

Nassau payouts demand answers

In all the controversy over six-figure payouts for ex-Nassau County political appointees [“Ex-Nassau appointees receive $2.5M payout,” News, Aug. 12], no one seems to ask the fundamental question: Why should anyone earning a $100,000-plus annual salary automatically be entitled to a fixed number of vacation and sick days that are accumulated year after year, only to be cashed in at retirement?

It doesn’t happen in the private sector, to those people who pay the taxes which fund public worker pensions. Are there any politicians brave enough to ask the question?

Steve Sullivan, Manhasset

Suboxone has a role in helping addicts

The story about a Wantagh drug suspect included a photo of his alleged stash with Suboxone as the main, identifiable product [“Wantagh man facing drug charges tied to three ODs,” News, Aug. 14].

The headline on the same day’s front page, “Suffolk’s new plan to help drug users,” emphasized a program in which Suboxone will probably be one of the main components to treat opiate abusers.

This drug has helped thousands of addicts lead productive lives and this photo only adds to the stigma that an addict in recovery has to deal with. A dealer will sell Suboxone when his customers can’t get opiate pills or heroin and they will avoid withdrawal.

I know many readers will see this as a drug to get high on and say, “I told you so.” This article does a disservice to all those in recovery who use medication-assisted treatment to stay sober.

Janie Dill, Sayville

Editor’s note: The writer is a retired addictions nurse who has worked at local detox centers, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities.

Air-traffic racket persists on East End

On a recent Monday, I awoke at sunrise, walked outside and watched the ospreys in the sky. Suddenly, a white seaplane roared overhead at an altitude no higher than the birds. Three more followed, each less than one minute apart.

Thousands of residents across the South and North forks of Long Island have been bothered by aircraft noise for years. Helicopters, prop planes, seaplanes and jets from the west cross Long Island Sound, turn south at Mattituck Inlet, and fly low over Noyack to East Hampton Airport. From Thursday afternoon to Monday evening, residents can’t even carry on normal conversations.

Lately, we have seen fewer aircraft flying the southern route over the ocean. Unless airport supporters want the East Hampton Airport closed because of public outcry, they need to be clear about how they will solve this problem. This fight is not going away. Complaints will rise as the air services grow without restraint. The town boards of East Hampton, Southampton, Shelter Island, Southold and Riverhead need to fix this problem now!

Barry Holden, Noyack

Editor’s note: The writer is a member of the Town of Southampton Airport Noise Advisory Committee.

A style reminiscent of Erma Bombeck

The article “Don’t smile, take off glasses and say, ‘Jeez’ ” by reader Robin Ames [Act 2, Aug. 12] brought back wonderful memories of Erma Bombeck. I think that Ames paid tribute to the late columnist with her beautifully written article. It made me laugh and remember many laughs I had reading Erma’s columns over the years. Please, continue your writing.

Mary Anne Powers, Sound Beach

The joy of music for our grandson

Thank you for your “Quieter for the cause” [News, Aug. 18]. Our beautiful 2-year-old grandson was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, Williams Syndrome. He’s doing very well; he has wonderful doctors and amazing therapists and a family who loves him beyond measure. But, what we have learned from this little boy, and we’ve learned a lot, is he just loves music! He loves soft melodies, tunes and singing.

It was with great pleasure and happiness to read that we have an opportunity to let him enjoy going to a movie within his own comfort zone without blaring lights and loud music. He is going to love it and so are we!

Mariann Eckert, East Islip