Finance

Having Your Say On Medicare And Social Security

Posted: 8/18/2012

You can let your congressional representatives know about issues that directly affect you.

(NAPSI)—Medicare and Social Security are the foundation of retirement security for millions of American workers. But these vital programs face challenges in the coming years, and the next president and Congress could make decisions about them that might affect you.

Why are these programs so important? The typical retiree on Medicare and Social Security has an income of only $20,000 and must devote nearly 20 percent of that for out-of-pocket health care costs that Medicare doesn’t cover. Social Security is currently the principal source of income for nearly two-thirds of older American households, and Medicare provides health coverage for nearly all seniors.

Many who are not yet retired are struggling with lost pensions and savings, lower home values and higher health care costs. They may not be thinking about Medicare and Social Security today, but it is likely the guaranteed benefits of these programs will be critical to their health and retirement security.

Yet for the last year, politicians in Washington have been meeting behind closed doors to discuss changes to Medicare and Social Security, without the input of people who could be affected by their decisions.

AARP recently launched You’ve Earned a Say, a national conversation to ensure that Americans’ voices are heard in the discussion through questionnaires, community conversations, town hall meetings, online forums and other events.

You’ve Earned a Say will provide information about the major proposals that Washington has put on the table, both the pros and cons, without all the political jargon and spin. Americans deserve to have the facts, so they can tell politicians what they think should be done to strengthen these programs.

Making sure your voice is heard in Washington may be the best way to protect Medicare and Social Security for generations to come. Most Americans pay into these programs throughout their working lives and have earned the right to be heard.

To make your voice heard and learn more about You’ve Earned a Say, go to www.earnedasay.org. Or you can call (888) OUR-AARP.

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