AARP Launches Campaign to Protect Medicare

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP today launched a comprehensive campaign to protect Medicare in the face of proposals by some in Congress that would hurt hardworking Pennsylvanians who have paid into the program their entire working lives. 

Congressional proposals to change Medicare into a voucher system would dramatically increase health care costs and risks for both current and future retirees.  Over the next few weeks, AARP staff and volunteers will meet with members of Congress to underscore that this proposal would put the benefits of 2.3 million Pennsylvania seniors at risk and threaten the guarantee of benefits for 2.7 million workers statewide, ages 50-64, who are currently paying into the system.

"Older Pennsylvanians depend on Medicare for affordable healthcare," said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. "A voucher system would dramatically increase health care costs and risks for current and future retirees.  It could mean many thousands of dollars out of their own pockets."

In a recent letter to Congress, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said: "The average senior, with an annual income of under $25,000 and already spending one out of every six dollars on health care, counts on Social Security for the majority of their income and on Medicare for access to affordable health coverage. We will continue to oppose changes to current law that cut benefits, increase costs, or reduce the ability of these critical programs to deliver on their benefit promises. We urge you to continue to do so as well."

AARP's Public Policy Institute also has put out new, detailed analyses about Medicare, including state fact sheets, and Premium Support and the Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries. The report notes that "premium support could force people with fewer financial resources to leave traditional Medicare and enroll in less-expensive plans, with more limited benefits and restrictive provider networks."

Additionally, the campaign includes television and digital advertising that urges Congress to keep President Trump's commitment on Medicare.  During the election, President Trump was very clear about his position, saying, "I am going to protect and save your Social Security and your Medicare.  You made a deal a long time ago."

See AARP's new ad here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hV0DueXoKFA

A new website for the campaign – www.aarp.org/protectmedicare -- also launched today.

About AARP

AARP has 1.8 million members in Pennsylvania. Follow AARP Pennsylvania on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AARPPA and on Twitter @AARPPA.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

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SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania