Make Your Voice Heard – It’s Your Turn

For far too long, the discussions about the long-term solvency of Medicare and Social Security have taken place behind closed doors in Washington. Now, we need Washington to hear what we have to say.

See Also: You’ve Earned a Say

Across the country and here in Maine, AARP wants to hear your opinion about the future of Social Security and Medicare. You, too, can take part in the AARP initiative You’ve Earned a Say so that together, we can ensure Maine residents’ voices are heard in Washington. This is our chance to play a part in the discussion on securing these programs for current and future generations.

Last summer was a busy one in Washington and for millions of older Americans it was also a time loaded with anxiety. Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries watched all summer long in 2011 as their benefits were debated over and over again, wondering what changes might be on the horizon. Doesn’t it seem reasonable that conversations about you should include you? Let’s work together to make that happen.

In this crucial election year, You’ve Earned a Say will give millions of Americans who rely on these programs the chance to tell us what they think should happen around Social Security and Medicare.

Here in Maine, AARP is holding community events and working with community leaders across the state. Through You’ve Earned a Say questionnaires being distributed to our members and their families, AARP is listening.

We need Washington to do the same.

You deserve to know what changes politicians are putting on the table, so you can speak out about how they would affect you and your family. Your voice matters, because Social Security and Medicare are the foundation of income and health security in retirement for most Americans.

Here in Maine more than a third of Social Security beneficiaries rely on their monthly checks for one hundred percent of their income. With even a slight reduction in their benefit, these older Mainers could be making choices no one should have to make. They should not be deciding between buying food or keeping up with their living expenses. The 267,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Maine need Medicare to help them afford health care, including guaranteed coverage for doctors, hospitals and prescription drugs.

The protection of both of these programs has never been more important.

Please join in the discussion. You can also complete the questionnaire by telephone by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP. It will only take a few minutes (there are just six questions) but we hope you will take the time. We look forward to hearing from you.

To volunteer in You’ve Earned a Say activities in Maine, email us at me@aarp.org, call us at 1 -866-554-5380, or visit us on Facebook.