MONTPELIER – As I walked across the street in Montpelier, I noticed a little old lady standing on the corner, staring at me. As I got closer, I could see she was fixated on me.
“Are you a senator?” she asked.
“No,” I replied, “I’m a representative. Can I help you?”
I was startled by her loud voice for such a diminutive person. Her kerchief, wrapped tightly around her head, fluttered in the wind. She was barely more than four feet tall.
“You can stop taxing the hell out of me!” she said sternly.
She caught my startled expression and added, “Are you scared of me?”
“Not unless you’re planning on body-slamming me,” I replied.
She cracked a smile and chuckled. “If I could lift the likes of you, I’d go to work for UPS!”
We both laughed. Then her expression turned serious. She told me she was 92 years old, living alone on Social Security, and struggling to make ends meet.
She shook her head and started to walk away. I called out, “Hey, wait a minute, Mamme, give me a chance.”
She turned back indignantly. “Make it quick.”
I reached into my briefcase and pulled out my card, along with the Health Care Advocate’s number. I wrote my name on it and added the words Medicare Savings Program.
“Call this number,” I told her. “Tell them I referred you and ask about the Medicare Savings Program.”
She gave me a steely look. “I told you I need help with my taxes, not health care,” she said, turning to leave again.
“I can’t wave a magic wand and lower your taxes,” I called after her, “but I might be able to put real money back in your pocket by helping with your Medicare premiums.”
She paused, turned back, and gave me a small smile. “It better work,” she said, “or I’ll come looking for you.”
I admired the grit and independence of this remarkable woman, and I hoped my referral would make a difference.
The Medicare Savings Program can help Vermonters by covering some or all of their Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, depending on income. In many cases, the amount of money you have in the bank does not count toward eligibility. If you think you might qualify, I encourage you to call (800) 917-7737 and ask for assistance.
Make no mistake: many older Vermonters are struggling to pay their property taxes. But there are also younger families working just as hard, trying to pay their bills, support their children, and make ends meet. There is no single, easy answer to these challenges: if there were, we would have found it by now.
What I do believe is this: in a state as strong and caring as ours, we have a responsibility to look out for one another. That means being willing to make tough choices: cutting state expenses where we can, while also recognizing that those with the greatest means may need to contribute a bit more. If we strike that balance thoughtfully, we can ease the burden on those who are struggling and build a stronger, more resilient Vermont for everyone.
David Yacavone represents Lamoille-Washington in the Vermont Legislature, including Elmore, Morristown, Woodbury, Worcester and Stowe.
