Thank You to Voters

We are grateful and humbled by the decision of Woolwich voters to return us to the Woolwich selectboard this week. These past two weeks have not been easy on our Town so it was heartening to see how many people took time away from getting their lives back in order to vote in an off-year election. Woolwich always sees an impressive turnout and we’re proud to live in this Town.

As representatives of the people of Woolwich, we take this job seriously and will continue to listen and respond to the concerns, ideas, and energy of everyone.

Allison Hepler
and Jason Shaw,
Woolwich

ACA Open Enrollment

If you do not have health care coverage through an employer or a government program, such as Medicare or Medicaid, the time to review and purchase health insurance is here. The Affordable Care Act (ACA)’s Open Enrollment period is now underway and this is the only time of year when Mainers who purchase their health insurance on the open market can make changes to their coverage. Mainers from Madawaska to Kittery only have a few weeks to take advantage of this opportunity as ACA Open Enrollment ends on Dec. 15.

The cost of available health insurance plans depends on your income. During Open Enrollment, you can explore health plans that offer a variety of options to meet your health needs. After reviewing available plans, there are a few things to consider that can help you select the plan that is best for you.

For example, most plans fall into four categories with a range of monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs and deductibles. For those who qualify, the ACA also offers catastrophic care generally reserved for people under 30 and often including high-deductibles but low monthly premiums. Some individuals may be eligible for federal financial assistance.

If you need help choosing health insurance coverage or if you have questions, free local assistance is available in communities across Maine. To find assistance in your area, contact Consumers for Affordable Health Care (CAHC). Call CAHC’s Consumer Assistance Helpline at 1-800-965-7476 or go to www.mainecahc.org for more information.

The process can be confusing, but CAHC, along with Maine’s Community Action Centers, are ready to help you.

This is the only time you can make changes to your coverage and we urge Mainers to review their health care options right away so they can get the care they need in 2018.

Japhet Els,
AARP Maine,
Portland

Another Travesty

What are you thinking — voting to increase med-care to all healthy 18-25 years olds, having just paid off on a long standing hospital debt from previous administrations. Should Med-care be extended to healthy virile 18-25 who is home playing video games and while paying jobs go unfilled. Look at any Mikey D , Burgerking, DD, all have running ads for help. The governor has said that this will a budgeted item with no tax increase. All committees will be cutting from their dept to make up for the increase in premiums.

The ones who will pay are the lobstermen, woodcutters and all who are self-employed will see an increase in their premiums. The people who have no one to speak for them. No one will see the lady with COPD die. No one will allow a women with handicap 18 year olds to go without. It’s all hype from the liberal segment from society. We have always taken care of those in need.

We will be watching how this is handled. If this is tax raising cost to cover this Medicare cost from this legislature — take this to the bank — all will be outside looking in. The vote of 47 percent percent against it can easily find the 4 percent needed to oust the sitting legislature.

David S. Kaler,
Bath