The dictionary defines a "freeloader" as one who "imposes upon another's generosity or hospitality without sharing in the cost or responsibility."
Tony Castellucci has little time for freeloaders.
"A freeloader is someone who could work, but doesn't. They just know how to work the system. I'm 78 years old. I'm not the healthiest person in the world, but I've worked every day of my life. Sometimes I even work on Sundays," said Castellucci, a native of Italy who came to the U.S. in the early 1950s as a teenager.
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Tony Castellucci
"People should be required to work and pay for their own health insurance," he said.
"I do not mean people who are sick, elderly or those who are (physically) unable to work. Anyone who truly needs help, I'm all for giving them all the help they need. I'm talking about those who are healthy, but they don't work. Like I said, they just know how to work the system to get insurance paid for them. You and I are paying for their health insurance," Castellucci said.
To him, that makes no sense.
Late last month, the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 to overhaul the nation's health care program by requiring everyone to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. The program often is referred to as "Obamacare."
"Obama wants everyone to be required to pay for their own health insurance, and I agree with that," Castellucci said, referring to a law proposed and engineered by President Barack Obama.
"I don't like freeloaders. I've always worked. I have worked since I was 7. I'm still working," said Castellucci, a professional tailor who lives in Northumberland,
"I have to work because of health insurance. My wife is much younger than me, and I have to work until she is 65. Then we both can go on Medicare.
"I'm paying $1,600 a month now for insurance, and that would be tough to afford without working," Castellucci said.
