Concerning the Dirigo health plan, who among us poor folks can afford it? With so many out of work, on limited income, homeless. Too many government officials assume we are all rich.

Furthermore, the high deductible makes the insurance unaffordable. One would be stuck paying premiums, deductible, plus out of pocket expenses not covered by the insurance.

It would be far better if people put their money into the bank and pay as they go to doctors. If they are out of work, they would not lose the money they put into their own health plan in banks. That is what I’ve done and got better medical care without insurance than when I had it. HMOs denied me care I needed and I opted out of that.

High rents and cost of living is making us poorer by the week. Government officials should look at needs of the people before adding on more financial burdens we cannot afford, nor pay into since most of us receive very low wages most of our working lives.

Many cannot afford their own homes any longer. Even rents are beyond the reach of many who cannot afford the high prices. Who is concerned over the plight of the poor? Most of us seniors go without, make do or use home remedies. We cannot afford anything anymore.

Gabrielle DeMoras, Lewiston