The Hidden Squeeze on Seniors

Picture Ruth, a 78-year-old retiree in Pennsylvania, relying on Social Security and a small pension. This winter, her electric bill jumped $35 a month due to grid upgrades tied to new data centers nearby. Her Medicare Part B premium rose to $185 in 2025, and whispers of a nearly 10% hike for 2026 worry her. Heating her modest home feels like a luxury she can't always afford. Ruth represents millions of seniors facing these quiet but relentless pressures.