Election 2012: a time to protect the future of our grandchildren

PRIME September 2012 By Linda F. Fitzgerald AARP State President Special to PRIME As a great-grandmother, I often worry about the future — not only for my husband and myself, but also for my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. As election season heats up, the ballot on Nov. 6 is more important than ever for older Americans and their families. This is because the next president and Congress may determine the future of Medicare and Social Security. So far, the debate about these crucial programs has happened behind closed doors in Washington, D.C. — without input from the very people who know the most about Medicare and Social Security, those of us who count on these benefits each and every month. That's why AARP launched "You've Earned a Say" this past March. This national conversation about the future of Medicare and Social Security has taken AARP throughout the country — and across the commonwealth — to hear from Americans of all ages and to make sure these individuals have a say in the debate. Nearly 14,000 Massachusetts residents recently completed a "You've Earned a Say" questionnaire — and 91 percent want to make their voices heard about changes to Medicare and Social Security. More than half believe Medicare (58 percent) and Social Security (52 percent) need to be changed to be strong for their children and grandchildren, either through more funding, reduced benefits, or a combination of both. AARP believes any reforms to Medicare and Social Security should be part of a broad effort to bolster retirement security for hard-working Americans, not a stampede for a budget deal or to promote anyone's partisan agenda. Today, nearly a million older Massachusetts residents rely on Social Security and Medicare. The average annual Social Security benefit is only $14,200, while seniors pay an estimated $5,300 every year, out-of-pocket, for health care costs. In reality, Social Security keeps one of every three Bay State seniors out of poverty. For nearly 50 years, AARP has worked to protect and strengthen Social Security so these vital benefits will always be available. We remain committed to clear-cut principles that have made Social Security effective for so long, and are adamant certain provisions must remain part of the program. Among those provisions is the guarantee Social Security must provide benefits to everyone who works and pays into the system; and that these benefits must be linked to what an individual earned and contributed to the system through payroll deductions. These benefits earned under Social Security must keep up with inflation and last a lifetime. Any changes to Social Security should be modest, phased in gradually, and should not harm retirees or workers approaching retirement. Finally, benefits must be protected for low-income individuals who need them most; including retirees, spouses and dependent family members, and individuals with disabilities. Remember, Social Security can pay full benefits for the next 21 years, and 75 percent of promised benefits after that. Of course, this isn't good enough, but it's not a crisis, either. Medicare, however, faces a bigger challenge because its cost increases are linked to the broader health care system. AARP is fighting to make sure Medicare never abandons its guarantee of affordable health care for seniors, along with choice of doctors and access to quality care. These protections will be just as important for tomorrow's seniors as they are today. Yes, the debate is just beginning, and the stakes are high. I urge you — for yourself, your children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren — to learn more and weigh in. Visit AARP's website, www.earnedasay.org to make your voice heard. Linda F. Fitzgerald is the volunteer state president of AARP Massachusetts, which represents more than 800,000 members age 50 and older in the Bay State. Connect with AARP Massachusetts online at www.aarp.org/ma, www.facebook.com/AARPMA and www.twitter.com/AARPMA.