In 2016, AARP launched its Innovation Challenge to identify policy solutions to strengthen Social Security.
AARP received an overwhelming number of responses to the Challenge from thought leaders across the country.
All proposals were reviewed by blind panels using a consistent scoring rubric.
The slate of awardees reflects the concepts that ranked the highest under the blind review.
The blind review also surfaced two additional proposals co-authored by AARP staff that were deemed poised for further development.
These ideas will be developed and modeled, but no AARP staff will receive financial support to do so.
All seven fully developed proposals, including the modeling results, will be released in the fall of 2017.
The seven proposals are described briefly below.
AARP is committed to investing in surfacing and developing policy innovations.
AARP does not necessarily support any of the policy proposals identified as innovative, other than for further development.
The proposal would be paid for via general revenue, similar to Medicare Part B.
To offset additional costs, the proposal would gradually reduce auxiliary spousal benefits.
It adopts an augmented poverty threshold linked to employment history.
Beneficiaries with 1019 years of covered employment would be assured incomes of at least 112% of poverty.
The proposal would raise the taxable income threshold from $127,200 to $200,000.
As a result, the concepts will be further developed and modeled by The Urban Institute.
Additionally, Innovation Challenge funds will NOT be awarded to AARP staff.
Employees and employers would make contributions to STARTs based on workers earnings.
The federal government also would make progressive contributions to STARTs funded from the Social Security program.
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