We’re already a month into the legislative session and we need to address the continuing discussion about expanding health-care coverage to thousands of struggling Mainers. Many of these people are between the ages of 50 and 64 who have lost their jobs. Even if they are working, many are still struggling without adequate health-care coverage. The state needs to take action. If we can help hard-working Mainers obtain the health care coverage they need to get through tough times then it is beneficial for Mainers and for Maine.

Expanding health-care coverage will give people without insurance access to preventive care that can save lives. Expanding health-care coverage will help thousands of 50- to 64-year-old Mainers, not yet eligible for Medicare, who have fallen into a coverage gap because they do not have access to subsidized coverage through the ACA health exchanges.

Before the passage of the ACA, a loss of employer coverage was devastating for many 50- to 64-year-olds. On average, people over 50 have at least one chronic condition. Because of their age and health status, older adults often had trouble finding a plan that they could afford and one that met their needs especially with a pre-existing condition. The expanded health coverage will provide access to both primary and preventive care such as medical screenings and treatment for chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

It’s time to make a difference for Mainers who live in fear of getting sick or who delay taking care of their health problems because they cannot afford health care coverage. I strongly urge our elected leaders to work together to make the right decision in 2014 and accept the federal dollars already set aside for Maine.

Cynthia Grovo

AARP Maine volunteer

Scarborough