When I talk to my constituents in Gardiner and Farmingdale, it's clear that many are having a hard time making ends meet. That's especially true for a lot of older people who are trying to get by on fixed incomes. They are worried about how they will afford to age in their own homes, pay for groceries and keep up with their monthly bills. When you add in the out-of-pocket costs many pay for health care and prescription medications, their expenses strain their budgets and force them to make tough choices that nobody should have to make.

It shouldn't be this way. I strongly believe that every Mainer deserves to be able to age with dignity.

In the Legislature, I've made it a priority to do everything I can to provide relief and lower these costs. That is why I was proud to vote to expand eligibility for the Medicare Savings Program (MSP), which helps older people with lower incomes pay for some or even all of their out-of-pocket costs for Medicare premiums, deductibles and copayments. It can also pay for the Part B premium, which is usually deducted from Social Security -- putting real money back into people's pockets.

This expansion is expected to affect more than 45,000 Mainers. While the amount of the benefit varies by individual, it averages around $7,300 -- which has the potential to be a lifeline that provides substantial relief. It won't solve all of the concerns about costs, but it can hopefully help alleviate some of the anxiety that folks are experiencing.

Making these changes to MSP was more than just good policy -- it was simply the right thing to do. To learn more and for help with the application process, you can reach our local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-877-ELDERS-1.

Rep. Karen Montell

Gardiner

Editor's note: The writer is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents House District 54, which includes Gardiner and Farmingdale. She serves on the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.

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Elise Brown has our full support for commissioner