For years, I have been paying my mother’s housing costs. It’s my honor to help, but it didn’t have to be this way. She deserved better support, and help is available, if lawmakers will recognize how hard people are struggling.

My mother always worked more than one job and saved her money. But it fell to her to raise two beloved grandsons, one with a disability. She ran through her entire 401K paying to take care of my nephews and covering expenses for both boys to assure they received sufficient education, support, and access to special education.

Then just as the boys grew into men and could support themselves, my mother had a stroke that forced her into retirement at age 63.  She returned to work as soon as she was able and continued to work until age 70, commuting over an hour each way.

Despite being retirement age and eligible for Medicare, her healthcare expenses are still daunting; premiums alone consuming 12% of her Social Security. And because she spent her retirement savings helping raise her nephews, there is no wiggle room in her budget.

There are a number of different provisions before Congress that could help others from falling into this difficult situation. My mother would have benefited from the Child Tax Credit (payments of up to $300 per child per month), free school meals, and eligibility for Medicaid (which wasn’t expanded in Maine until 2019).

To help with her own health needs, my mother could use action to lower prescription drug costs and health premiums. With prices for food, gas and heat going up, putting a lid on the cost of medicine would make a real difference to her.

My mother, other retirees, and families with children at home need help coping with rising costs. I call on Maine’s congressional delegation to give hardworking Americans the support they need and deserve.

 

Steph Barrett

Belgrade

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