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Video: AARP CEO Meets Grandmother Who Relies on Social Security
Social Security and Medicare are the most effective and essential anti-poverty programs in American history. Social Security, which marks its 91st anniversary on Aug. 14, serves as the largest source of retirement income for most of its nearly 71 million beneficiaries, while for more than 69 million people, Medicare, which turned 61 on July 30, is the primary and, for many, only source of health care.
In these uncertain times, AARP is redoubling its efforts to preserve and strengthen both programs.
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The discussion on how best to achieve these goals must begin with an important acknowledgment: Social Security and Medicare are not “entitlement” handouts. They are earned benefits — sacred promises that must be kept.
For younger generations, these programs represent an essential lifeline to future retirement security. For older Americans and individuals with disabilities, they ensure access to necessities like groceries, housing and medical care. Social Security and Medicare embody the best of America’s values: security, dignity and economic stability.
At 91 and 61 years old, respectively, Social Security and Medicare require adjustments to remain sustainable. Without congressional action, Social Security benefits could be reduced by 17 percent in less than a decade — a loss of more than $4,000 a year for the average retired beneficiary. Chronic underfunding has also led to long wait times for many of those seeking assistance or applying for lifesaving disability benefits. Meanwhile, the Medicare trust fund is projected to be able to pay all benefits only until 2033 — long-term fixes are necessary to ensure its financial health for future generations.
Addressing these issues requires bipartisan commitment and timely action.
In conversations with older Americans across the country, AARP has heard a resounding refrain: We must act to ensure that after a lifetime of hard work and sacrifice, older Americans can live out their lives with the financial and health security they deserve. Top priorities are strengthening Social Security and Medicare, lowering prescription drug prices, expanding opportunities for financial stability in retirement, and closing the widening gap between the lifespan and the health span.
The importance of Social Security and Medicare cannot be overstated. As life expectancy increases and employer-paid pensions become less common, these programs are more vital than ever. Rising costs for basic necessities further underscore the need for strong and sustainable benefits. AARP’s unwavering commitment to these programs is a major reason why our organization is the leading advocate for more than 100 million older Americans.
As we celebrate Social Security’s 91st anniversary and Medicare’s 61st, I am reminded of President Franklin Roosevelt’s words when he signed the Social Security Act on Aug. 14, 1935: “We can never insure 100 percent of the population against 100 percent of the hazards and vicissitudes of life, but we have tried to frame a law which will give some measure of protection to the average citizen and to his family against the loss of a job and against poverty-ridden old age.”
Social Security and Medicare have fulfilled that promise for generations. We must ensure they continue to do so for generations to come.
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