FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 10, 2013

CONTACT

AARP Media

202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia

AARP: Donohue Correct that We Don’t Have to Cut Entitlements

WASHINGTON—AARP President Rob Romasco released the following statement in reaction to U.S. Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue’s appearance on CNBC this morning:

“In his appearance on CNBC this morning, Chamber of Commerce CEO Thomas Donohue told Americans that we don’t have to cut entitlements to balance the budget. We couldn’t agree more.

“However, he went on to express his support for the chained CPI and adjustments in co-pays – both benefit cuts. In fact, the chained CPI is not more accurate for seniors, and is a significant benefit cut for current and future Social Security beneficiaries and veterans. What’s more, it looks to Social Security as a piggy bank for problems in the rest of the budget. Social Security doesn’t contribute to the deficit, and shouldn’t be cut to reduce it.

“Mr. Donohue also asserted that we have to bend down the cost curve of benefit programs like Medicare. Again, we stand in complete agreement. But we must rein in costs throughout the entire health care system, not just Medicare spending. The high cost of health care in this country is a burden for everyone – not just seniors on Medicare and individual Americans, but also the thousands of employers Mr. Donohue represents.

“Over the last year, AARP has engaged more than 6 million Americans in a conversation about how best to strengthen these critical retirement security programs, discussing different options that have been on the table in Washington. As we seek out responsible solutions, it is imperative that we focus on ways to contain health care costs system-wide, rather than simply shifting more costs to seniors on Medicare. We must consider the impact of any changes on real people, not just budget spreadsheets.

“Older Americans know better than anyone how critical Social Security and Medicare are to retirement security in this country, and they want to see the programs strengthened for their kids and grandkids. On their behalf, AARP will continue fighting for responsible solutions to keep Medicare and Social Security strong, not shortsighted changes that would hurt current and future generations.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a bilingual news source. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

###