Call to Action
This transcript has been edited for clarity.
AARP:We know you care about the future ofMedicareandSocial Security.
After all, youve worked your whole life and these are your hard-earned benefits.
What are the challenges ahead for Medicare and Social Security?
What proposals are politicians in Washington considering?
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David Certner, AARP:Hi, everyone.
Im glad to be here today.
Comment from Jane M:How secure is our Social Security?
Thanks for the good first question!
Comment from Conne Novak:How can information be given out that Medicare is not free?
We paid into it all of our working years and I still pay a monthly fee.
I ask this because a young woman asked if I was retired and I said yes.
I told her that to meet my expenses I carry a supplemental plan.
She then said, “You must have made a lot of money.”
How do we stop this thinking that seniors get Medicare for nothing?
David Certner, AARP:Thanks, Conne.
The typical Medicare beneficiary has income of just over $20,000 per year.
Part of the debate today is how to address these challenges.
Its important to make the best decisions today to strengthen these two critical programs for the future.
Our effort this year is to hear from all of you about the various options that have been discussed.
All they’ve left behind are IOUs.
How come they have never been paid back?
David Certner, AARP:Susan, we hear this issue come up all the time.
Next:Is Medicare solvency dependent upon health care costs?
Comment from Kim K:Is making Medicare solvent dependent upon controlling health care costs in general?
David Certner, AARP:Excellent point.
We need to hold down costs across our inefficient health care system to best hold down costs in Medicare.
What measures does AARP advocate as a means to ensure the long-term health of both SS and Medicare?
