Editor,
Charles Van Amerongen of La Center recently discussed in The Reflector (page C13, April 13) the hardship to himself and others inherent in the Social Security/Medicare political/financial structure (an increase to income can put a person in a worse financial position).
While taking care of my elderly father, I searched for anything that would help him financially. I found these lesser-known programs and mention them in case they will help others:
1. Social Security offers an “Extra Help” program for those with low income/limited resources to help pay prescription drug coverage. It applies to “monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.” This program was a lifesaver to my Dad’s finances. Check it out here:www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10508.pdf or call 1-800-772-1213.
2. Check out Clark County’s Property Tax Exemption for Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons program (www.clark.wa.gov/assessor/property-tax-exemption-senior-citizensdisabled-persons). Quoting from this website, “If your income is below $40,000 ($35,000 for taxes payable years prior to 2015) you may be eligible for the exemption program. Under the exemption program, your residence’s assessed value is frozen and you will be exempt from excess and special levies resulting in a reduction in your property taxes. The reduction in property taxes from participating in this program does not place a lien against the property.”
3. For help with the new roof/roof repairs, check out the Housing Preservation Program, which “helps low-and moderate-income homeowners improve substandard housing by addressing fire, life, and safety hazards, making major repairs, and adding accessibility modifications.” This is a loan program that includes “low rate simple interest” and “deferred payment.” Information on this can be found at www.clark.wa.gov/sites/all/files/community-services/Housing%20Rehabilitation/2015rehabbrochure.pdf.
Of course this is not a comprehensive list, and obviously not a “fix” to the political issues discussed in the above-referenced commentary, just some programs that can help.
Miriam Green
Battle Ground
