Senior citizens fight inflation, rising electricity and prescription costs in Oklahoma

LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) – Inflation is affecting shoppers throughout the nation, together with Oklahomans who’re chopping prices to make ends meet.

That’s in accordance with a latest ballot out of Oklahoma Metropolis.

The survey from Amber Built-in exhibits the typical costs for meals and power in Oklahoma and Texas are greater than the typical U.S. metropolis. One of many teams that’s needed to sacrifice essentially the most are our senior residents.

Between excessive prescription drug costs and skyrocketing utility charges, inflation is hurting seniors who dwell on a set revenue within the Sooner State.

“As we all know, inflation has been double digits for a really very long time, so the price of prescribed drugs, meals, power, and it’s simply charge enhance on prime of charge enhance for utilities is basically hitting folks within the pocketbook and so they’re actually needing assist,” Voskuhl stated.

This summer season, OG&E introduced an almost two p.c charge enhance, leading to dearer payments for patrons.

PSO additionally hiked costs this yr to get better prices from the 2021 winter storm.

Voskuhl stated one of the best ways to combat the will increase is to catch lawmakers’ consideration.

“What plan does OG&E have to cut back these prices for residential prospects who’ve made them so worthwhile in the previous couple of years? Are you gonna give a reimbursement to them? What sort of cost plans are you going to supply to assist people who find themselves struggling in paying their month-to-month electrical payments?” Voskhul stated.

Like everybody else, the senior inhabitants is going through greater costs on the grocery retailer, too.

Voskuhl stated some reduction is coming, although, for seniors quickly.

“Folks which are taking insulin who’re on Medicare, there’ll now be a cap of $35 per thirty days on of us paying for prescription drug prices relating to insulin,” Voskuhl stated. “There’ll be free vaccines like shingles additionally obtainable beginning in 2023.”

And beneficiaries will see an 8.7% enhance to Social Safety advantages for a value of residing adjustment. It’s the best enhance in 40 years.

“Relying on what your cost is per thirty days from social safety, they’ll be on common of greater than $140 per thirty days,” Voskuhl stated. “That’s some welcome information to assist ease among the inflationary prices. It’s not sufficient, however not less than it’s some excellent news.”

Out of 500 Oklahomans surveyed, 60% stated they’re chopping again on groceries, journey and leisure.

Voskuhl encourages folks to contact the Senior Well being Insurance coverage Counseling Program, or SHIP, for unbiased info on Medicare choices and prescription drug plans at 1-800-763-2828.

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