Dear
Editor,
For
over half a century, Americans have paid into the Medicare system with the
expectation that they will have access to health care in retirement. For
those 65-plus, Medicare provides more affordable health coverage where private
insurance would cost seniors out of the market. It is of paramount importance
for Mainers currently on Medicare, and for those who will need it in the
future, that the program continues as promised.
In
Maine, with long winters and high heating costs, the financial burden of
medical care without Medicare coverage could not be afforded on a retiree’s
fixed income. In 2015, Maine Medicare beneficiaries had a median personal
income of $21,000, barely enough to cover life’s necessities such as food,
utilities, transportation, housing and medicine.
In
the upcoming election, the future of Medicare is on the line. The 300,000
Mainers on Medicare pay high enough out-of-pocket costs as it is. We need to
protect Medicare to ensure the economic stability of our older residents in the
years to come. Any additional medical financial strain would only jeopardize
their independence. That’s why AARP Maine is working to ensure that you
know where the candidates stand on this important issue. You can learn
more and take our pledge to vote in November at www.aarp.org/vote.
July
30 marks 52 years since Medicare was signed into law. Before Medicare, older
Americans struggled to find health coverage they could afford, which left many
individuals either uninsured or living in poverty. Let’s celebrate all of the
good the program has done to further our health and financial security which we
worked so hard to achieve.
Sammee
Quong
AARP
Maine Advisory Council Volunteer
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