This fall, as the new state budget went into effect, many of us were (and are) distressed that our Augusta leaders decided to drop the property tax refund and rent rebate program we called the Circuit Breaker program. This was a hit to many of our budgets, I am sure. We’ve heard from many about this loss and the impact it has made.
At my house, I received notification that I would no longer qualify for the program sometimes called QMB, which paid the Medicare Part B premium – a loss of $105 from the Social Security check. Also gone from my budget is the Drugs for the Elderly that was a lifesaver, literally, for providing prescriptions at a tremendous discount. The substitute is something called RX card, which is not accepted at many pharmacies.
MaineCare, as most of us know, is a way to cover the costs of lab fees, co-pays and services particular to the older population. Some select seniors also lost this coverage and now the bills arrive daily for the $20 or $40 that wasn’t covered by Medicare.
All these adjustments, from the circuit breaker to dropping the drugs for the elderly, mean finding another part-time job – or winning the lottery. Another couple of hundred a month sounds easy to some, but the job choice is skimpy, at best.
I know I am not alone and would like to hear from some of you who have been affected by this latest way to balance the budget by taking from the lowest-income elderly. There is a 90-day period in which an appeal can be made. I figure if enough seniors complain, we will be heard.
We’ll be having elections before then and we hope everyone who has “helped” balance the state budget will carefully examine the candidates for town offices to see where they stand on keeping older Mainers healthy. It all starts locally.
A reminder for seniors in Lakes Region towns: A welcome gathering is planned on Monday, Sept. 16 at the new home of the Lakes Region Senior Center at the Sunset Ridge Golf Links, on River Road, right next to the town lines of Westbrook and Windham. The public is invited and refreshments will be served. Donations are welcome. Hours are 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
A variety of activities are planned for the center, which is designed as a drop-in center for ideal visiting with friends. Find out how to join if you’re not a member! For more information, contact Blanche Alexander, 892-5604, or email bwa32@maine.rr.com.
Kay Soldier welcomes reader ideas for column topics of interest to seniors. She can be reached by email at kso48@aol.com, or write to 114 Tandberg Trail, Windham, ME 04062.
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