Take Action: Help Protect Medicare, Social Security

See Also: Fight to Protect Medicare and Social Security

Congress has pledged that any legislation to pay the nation’s bills must reduce the nation’s debt. But, instead of just targeting waste and closing tax loopholes, lawmakers are considering proposals as part of a political deal that could force cuts to the Medicare and Social Security benefits seniors have earned.

AARP understands the urgent need to reduce the deficit and control government spending, but we also recognize that imposing arbitrary spending limits on Medicare and Social Security could significantly reduce benefits to current and future retirees.

A deal like this could dramatically increase health care costs for seniors and future retirees, threaten their access to doctors, hospitals and nursing homes, and reduce benefit checks they rely on to pay the bills.

Medicare and Social Security are vital to the health and economic security of today's seniors and future generations. They mean a safety net for many, and health and financial security for all, including our children and grandchildren. That's why the fight to protect Medicare and Social Security is too important to lose.

Congress needs to make tough choices to address our growing debt, but they should make responsible decisions that don’t hurt seniors and cut the benefits they’ve earned after a lifetime of hard work.

Seniors and future retirees want Congress to strengthen Social Security and Medicare, not harm them.

Let’s stop Congress from making harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare as part of a deal to pay the nation’s bills.

In North Dakota, more than 108,000 people rely on Medicare. More than 118,000 North Dakotans receive Social Security. More than half of Social Security recipients rely on the program for 50 percent or more of their income. These programs help beneficiaries pay their bills, see their doctors and live with dignity.

Make your voice heard. Call Senator Conrad, Senator Hoeven, and Representative Berg toll-free at 1-888-722-8514. Or, email them today.

Get Involved

AARP North Dakota needs your help to educate and engage others in conversations about strengthening Medicare and Social Security.

Possible activities include:

• Sign and carry a petition.
  
• Give presentations to groups in your community.
  
• Represent AARP at events by staffing an information table.
  
• Facilitate community conversations.
  
• Host a house party to talk about the issues with your friends and family.
  
• Collect stories about how Medicare and Social Security have helped your friends, neighbors, and others in the community.
  
• Write a letter to the editor of your local paper.
  

Engage in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter. To learn more, email aarpnd@aarp.org or call 1-866-554-5383.