Letter: Most seniors aren’t helped by Guinn plan

Friday, May 11, 2001 | 6:01 a.m.

I'm writing in response to Tony Weber's May 4 letter about our governor's senior prescription plan. Don't get me wrong, because I am very happy that Gov. Kenny Guinn's plan helps a few senior citizens, but what about the majority of seniors whose income is just barely over the limit to qualify for the program or for any programs for the disabled.

My husband has diabetes and is insulin dependent, plus he has congestive heart failure and kidney failure. He takes 20 prescriptions a day, but we get no help.

Now we are stuck with the high electric bills from Nevada Power -- my electric bill rose from $80 to $114 last month because he has to be on oxygen 24 hours a day. I called Nevada Power to ask about a reduced rate for a disabled person and was given a number to call for low-income people. I was told we made just over the limit and we didn't qualify.

So I want to ask our governor what do we give up now? We have already cut back on food to buy his prescriptions. Do we have to give up his medicine or oxygen to afford our electric bill this summer? So what is the governor going to do for us seniors who don't qualify for his great prescription plan?

SUE LITTLE