AARP Mississippi launches campaign to protect Medicare

JANS - On Wednesday, AARP launched a comprehensive campaign to protect Medicare in the face of proposals by some in Congress that would hurt hardworking Mississippians 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 534,249 seniors' benefits at risk and threaten the guarantee of benefits for 571,969 workers, ages 50-64, who are currently paying into the system.

"Older Mississippians depend on Medicare for affordable healthcare," said AARP Mississippi State Director Kimberly L. Campbell, Esq. "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. Many seniors in Mississippi are on limited or fixed income. Any drastic changes could irreparably harm them. Most seniors on Medicare now are struggling with drug costs. They literally and figuratively cannot afford for changes that would cause a heavier financial burden on them."

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."

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