Florida retiree Bill Cea, a member of the Alliance for Retired Americans’ Executive Board, recently joined Vice President Joe Biden in Coconut Creek FL to discuss plans to cut Medicare that have been advocated by U.S. House Republicans and presidential candidate Mitt Romney.
The FY 2013 budget proposal by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) would give seniors vouchers to either buy health coverage in the costly private insurance market, or purchase it from a Medicare program that would be made more expensive by the exodus of younger, healthier retirees. The plan, which would lower taxes on corporations and high-income earners, would also cut spending on Medicaid and turn it over to cash-strapped states, jeopardizing the only way over 70 percent of seniors are able to afford long-term or nursing home care.
In contrast to Romney, who termed the plan “bold and exciting,” Biden told the gathering of 500 seniors that the proposal would, “balance the budget on the backs of seniors and middle class Americans.” “Vice President Biden made a powerful presentation to Florida seniors. He understands that Medicare and Social Security are lifelines for millions of retirees,” said Cea, a retired teacher.
Even though the 2010 Affordable Care Act improves Medicare by helping retirees better afford to see a doctor and fill a prescription, Cea is concerned that the law is often misunderstood among older Americans. “I urge all retirees to learn more about how this law helps them pay their medical bills,” he said.
The Alliance has a new fact sheet on the Republican budget proposal, as well as information on how the Affordable Care Act helps seniors.
Tony Fransetta is President of the Florida Alliance for Retired Americans, with a membership of over 200,000 in the Sunshine State
By the time we reach our golden years, we are faced with issues from day to day can seem overwhelming. However, with age comes wisdom, and many seniors in Florida know that we cannot afford to slow down or disengage. Instead, we must remain involved in world events and the struggles our children and grandchildren undertake for a better future.
The demonstrations on Wall Street over the past two weeks by our country’s young people are educating the public on the excessive greed of Wall Street, the outcomes of bailouts with our tax dollars, and the endless problems Wall Street continues to cause for working America. The actions of the anti-Wall Street protesters camped out in a Lower Manhattan park are now inspiring actions across the country and attracting broad-based backing from labor unions and community organizations.
We told our children and grandchildren to go to school and get a good education. For what? America is failing these generations. Where are the jobs? Overseas. Where is the capital? In offshore accounts.
It is clear that our enemies are not only on Wall Street, but are also the Members of Congress funded by that top 2%. These politicians claim that the super-rich and largest corporations are “job creators” and shouldn't be asked to pay their fair share. We don’t buy it. The only jobs created by them are in China, Mexico, India, Cambodia, and elsewhere.
Our children and grandchildren cannot find dignified work, let alone hope to retire with dignity under the current system. We must remain determined not just to create good jobs, but to protect the programs like Medicare and Social Security that have allowed Americans to retire with dignity.
Unfortunately, as big corporations and the super-rich shatter the dreams of our youth for a decent job, they are also actively working to destroy programs that are currently in place to assure them decent years later in life. They spread lies about programs like Social Security, seeking to convert the program to a private account system. Good for Wall Street, bad for the financial security of our young people.
Like decent jobs, our youth need decent social insurance programs. Social Security is just another program that serves the 98% of our country and is under attack. For 76 years, through good times and bad, Social Security has paid out every benefit owed to every eligible American. It is completely solvent for the next 25 years.
The most effective way to strengthen Social Security for many future generations is to raise the cap on payroll taxes that go to Social Security, currently capped at $106,800. Currenly, someone earning $106,800 pays the same amount of money into Social Security as billionaires like Bill Gates, because all income above that amount is exempt from the Social Security payroll tax. As a result, 94% of Americans pay Social Security tax on all of their income, but the wealthiest 6% do not.
Fortunately, Senator Bernie Sanders, has introduced an important bill, the "Keeping Our Social Security Promises Act" which would scrap the payroll tax cap for those earning $250,000 per year or more.
However, too many of our elected officials are more concerned with their own elections than about speaking out on behalf of the people they represent in this critical and heartbreaking time. Many refuse to show the kind of courage of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders and Senate candidate Elizabeth Warner in Massachusetts. At least some real courage these days is coming from the youth who are piecing together who’s responsible for the mess we are in and speaking out against Wall Street greed and those who do the bidding of Wall Street.
We need to join the effort to help our children and give courage to our elected representatives to stand up for America's future.
Visiting and calling our elected representatives is absolutely necessary. But more than that, it is time to join our young people in the streets. It’s time to demand for a fairer economy and good jobs that will allow future generations to work and retire with dignity.
Alliance member Brenda Kelley Nelum of Woodbridge, Virginia spoke on Wednesday at the rally at on the U.S. Capitol, where activists told Congress to stop the job-killing budget cuts and take bold action to put Americans back to work.
Many of the protesters at the event were part of the #OccupyWallStreet movement that began two weeks ago in New York City.
Brenda Kelley Nelum said “I am honored to be here today with so many people who understand that it’s time for Congress to ACT to create jobs and get America’s economy moving again. And that it’s CERTAINLY NOT the time to cut our most meaningful programs like Social Security and Medicare!” She also got the crowd chanting “SENIOR POWER!”
As September dawns, Alliance activists across the nation wrap up summer actions focused on celebrating the anniversaries of Social Security and Medicare. Over 70 actions in 30 states garnered plenty of attention from elected officials and the media. Activities ranged from parties celebrating many successful years of the programs (76 for Social Security, 46 for Medicare); to deliveries of cake, letters and petitions to local Congressional offices; to protesting and calling out candidates on their damaging stances against the programs.
This month, the California Alliance hosted a coalition event in San Francisco and Los Angeles that brought together Californians of all ages for a mass delivery of Social Security stories to Senator Dianne Feinstein. They requested Feinstein stand firm on the issue of protecting and preserving Social Security, not just for today's seniors, but for future generations. Not only were seniors and members of the disability community on hand to relay the importance of Social Security in their lives, but young adults from all parts of the state turned out to say "Social Security can be there for my generation. I'm counting on you to protect it and make it work."
In Seattle this month, hundreds of seniors and community activists joined in a 'Medicare birthday march' from Safeco Field to Pike Place Market. Thousands of onlookers were touched by the Washington Alliance's message "Hands off Medicare."
In Warren, Ohio, 100 local residents gathered at a senior center with U.S. Rep. Timothy Ryan to discuss the importance of Social Security as a stable part of the local economy, not just to individuals but for the business community. Rep. Ryan spoke in support of the long term viability of Social Security and defended the need to keep Social Security fiscally sound.
The Rhode Island Alliance presented several Members of Congress, including Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman David Cicilline, awards for working to protect both Social Security and Medicare.
In New Hampshire, Alliance members and community allies made national news as they protested the visits of presidential nominees Rick Perry and Mitt Romney in both Portsmouth and Lebanon, New Hampshire.
Summer may be wrapping up, but Alliance activity around these issues will continue through the year. Stay tuned.
The New York State Alliance (NYSARA) has been busy honoring Social Security and Medicare this month. Last Thursday, they, along with New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and StateWide Senior Action Council, held a bithday celebration at Saint Sophia's Center in Albany.
Well over 100 people attended, including about 15 high school and college students. Luke Anapolis, a sophmore at Vanderbilt University led the group in singing the Star Spangled Banner and Happy Birthday. Anna Boughtwood who is entering Brown University spoke to the group on why Social Security and Medicare is important to people her age.
In addition to Boughtwood, the list of speakers included Dennis Tracey, New York Alliance President; Andy Palotta, NYSUT Executive Vice-President; Debra Riitano, NNORC Coordinator and Jewish Family Services; Carol McLaughlin, President of Albany's Common Council; Mike Breslin, Albany County Executive; and Mike Burgess, StateWide Senior Action Council.
After singing Happy Birthday, cake was served and a certificate of appreciation was presented to staff of Congressman Paul Tomko for his work in preserving Social Security and Medicare.
This Monday afternoon, the New York State Alliance joined the Hudson-Catskill Area Labor Federation and many other groups in celebrating Social Security's Birthday outside Congresswoman Nam Hayworth's office in Goshen, NY. About 70 people attended to express their disappointment with the Congresswoman's support of the Ryan Budget Proposal and overall lack of understanding of the importance of Social Security and Medicare.
San Diego --- Over 150 people participated in the Town Hall on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid (Medi-Cal) on Tuesday. The standing-room only crowd heard from advocates and experts on these issues and participated in a lively exchange with speakers on the future of important retirement security programs.
Participants included seniors from area senior centers, people with disabilities, homecare workers, and local members and affiliates of CA Alliance for Retired Americans. Translation was provided in Spanish and Vietnamese. The program concluded at 12:00 with lunch, birthday cake, song, and celebration of Medicare’s 46th anniversary that is July 30th.
Guy Cargulia, CARA CAT Convenor said, “The meeting is an example of the interest and concern that people have for their retirement security. The new faces and organizations involved is inspiring! With so many Californians already struggling to get by, things would be much worse without Social Security, Medicare, and Medi-Cal. Fortunately, people are willing to get involved to save these programs from the chopping block."
On Thursday, the Ohio Alliance participated in a “Don’t Make Us Work ‘Til We Die” demonstration and news conference targeted at Representatives Patrick Tiberi and Steve Stivers as they return to Congress after voting for the Ryan Budget plan. Demonstrators ranged from under one-year-old to their late sixties. HCAN partner Ohio Communities United, and Progress Ohio helped to bring Ohioans together for this cause.
OARA President David Friesner said, “We are here today to challenge Congressmen Pat Tiberi and Steve Stivers for voting to make older Americans work until we die. The House budget plan proposes harmful actions to America’s productive workers now and in the future. We think that is wrong.
“Without Medicare Most Older Ohioans would Have No Health Insurance. The House budget plan, supported by Congressmen Tiberi and Stivers, does away with traditional Medicare and instead gives retirees and seniors vouchers for a fixed-dollar amount to buy health coverage on their own. Who can afford an individual private plan now with pre-existing conditions? Our children and grandchildren certainly will not have the savings to cover the ever-rising premiums the House budget proposes.”
Bruce Bostick, USW retiree and OARA activist pointed out the irony involved in Tiberi and Stivers’ votes to decimate Medicare while preserving tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and largest multinational corporations. He said, “This week marks the 10th anniversary of the passage of the Bush Tax Cuts, which have added $2.6 trillion to the public debt. Rather than eliminating these tax cuts, which mostly went to people making more than $645,000 a year the Republican budget aims to achieve $4.5 trillion in savings by cutting services and programs that primarily benefit the middle class. Of that amount, $4.2 trillion, is used to fund more tax cuts to the richest individuals and companies rather than actual deficit reduction.”
Some questions raised for Congressman Tiberi on the Medicare and Medicaid related to the Ryan Budget passed by the House:
Medicare’s administrative costs are a mere 3%, while private insurance companies spend between 15% and 20% on administrative costs. In light of this, would you support turning Medicare over to private insurance companies?
Under the House-passed Ryan Budget, Medicare would slowly be privatized and the average senior would be left with annual out-of-pocket costs of $20,700 by 2030 to cover their health insurance. Do you support ending Medicare as we know it and replacing it with a privatized voucher program that shifts costs on to the backs of seniors?
Medicaid pays for 62% of all long-term care services in the U.S., including nursing home and in-home care, for millions of elderly and people with diabilities. The House-passed Ryan Budget, which block grants Medicaid, would force Medicaid programs to drop coverage for millions of vulnerable seniors and dramatically increase costs for those still covered. Would you support a proposal that block grants Medicaid knowing that it would leave so many seniors out in the cold?
Post by Donald Singer, Retiree activist from New York (AFSA, ARA)
We all are members of many families. Our immediate families (our own children and grandchildren, our nieces and nephews); our professional family (fellow retirees, Associations, Political clubs, etc.); and our social family (clubs, friends, religious institutions, community centers, etc.).
Many of us consider ourselves "activists," because we belong to retiree groups and/or retiree organizations such as AFSA, CSA RETIREES, AARP and ARA. Is that enough?
Is there a connection between "family" and "activist?"
Most definitely!!! And as the State Legislatures and Governors around the country are screaming for "givebacks" from the "greedy public service unions" there has never been a more vital time for us to be active!
Issues that continually face retirees including pensions, social security, health insurance, Medicare, a fair taxing policy and affordable housing must be approached at all levels with which we have contact.
We as the "elders" must take the responsibility of sharing with all groups mentioned above. We should explain and teach about the values of pensions, Social Security and health care. We must emphasize that these "benefits" were not "entitlements," but the results of 40+ years of work, savings, and that they are not "unfair" burdens to our communities.
For example, our children and grandchildren must understand that Social Security is not a drain on our society's resources; that it is a self-funded retirement/survivor/disability policy for those who have contributed parts of our salary so that we and our children and grandchildren will accrue a dividend for their investment in their own retirement plan. For example, when discussing health care, we must continue to advocate for reforms with the U.S. National Health Insurance Act to essentialy expand Medicare for all Americans, to lower the cost of health care, to allow the government to negotiate costs of prescription drugs and to maintain the integrity of health plans which retirees enjoy.
For example, when talking about tax reform and the budget, shouldn't we look at a new tax policy, closing "loopholes,' how Wall Street "reforms" are playing-out. Why should hedge-fund managers have a lower federal tax rate than middle-class teachers, nurses, firefighters and police officers?
So many other issues are of importance... housing, victims' rights, funding public education and, employee rights to unionize - just to mention a few.
When talking with our families, we must remember the "Social Contract" upon which our middle class was formed - the "family" must support the youngest through their years of schooling and post-High School education, and, at the same time, help the older generation retire in dignity and comfort. The families to which we belong will be supporting us if we support them. The challenges will be constant, but families will make facing those challenges easier.
These conversations could take place at our family and friends' dinner table and at parties and meetings and social events we attend. We should be proud of the families to which we belong.
We must see ourselves as advocates, as activists in all family situations. When we hear that "pensions" are too much of a drain on our society, when we hear that public employees and their unions are only out for themselves, and when we're told that "vouchers" are the answer to Public Education, we must answer.
But that answer should be in the context of the "family" in which we are residing in at the moment. It doesn't have to be confrontational, but the issue should be addressed. We must remember, that regardless of what "family" we're in, we're always sensitive to the need to be an advocate for what we strived for all during our careers. Not all of us will be active in "retiree organizations," but we should active as members of the "retiree family."
Today is the 45th birthday of Medicare, and Alliance members are holding dozens of events from New Hampshire to Arizona commemorating the occasion! From cake in Indianapolis to lobbying visits in Missouri, the events used a wide array of treats and techniques to drive home the point that Medicare has literally been a lifesaver for millions of seniors.
Alliance President Barbara Easterling said, “This year is an especially happy birthday for Medicare because the new health reform law makes it easier for seniors to afford to see a doctor, fill a prescription, and receive free preventive screenings and tests for serious diseases.” To read her entire column on Huffington Post, click here.
A new ad featuring Andy Griffith describes important improvements to Medicare made by the Affordable Care Act in advance of Medicare Open Enrollment. Watch here.
The Leadership Council of Aging Organizations, a coalition of 64 non-profits - including the Alliance - advocating for seniors, sent a statement commemorating Medicare’s birthday to the entire U.S. House of Representatives. The statement declares that in 1965, Medicare and Medicaid were established, “vastly improving the quality of life for older adults. Before these programs were enacted, one-half of America’s seniors were uninsured. The health care coverage provided by Medicare and Medicaid has meant better health, longer lives, and less financial strain for older people.” And in 2010, “Medicare is the largest source of health coverage in the nation, covering 47 million older adults and people with disabilities.”
On Wednesday, June 30, the president's Fiscal Commission met to discuss the nation's mid- and long-term fiscal challenges. However, the conversation was almost entirely dominated by the topic of federal health care spending.
The meeting included an "open-mike," in which witnesses were given a chance to speak. Alliance Executive Director Ed Coyle (at right) addressed the Commission: "Retirees are deeply disturbed by talk coming out of this Commission about cutting Social Security benefits and raising the retirement age." He also decried AmericaSpeaks for recommending that the retirement age be raised to 69, which would reduce benefits and be devastating for American workers. Coyle suggested raising the payroll tax cap for the wealthiest Americans in order to further strengthen Social Security's financial structure.
CNN Money's feature article, which summarized the recommendations given during the "open-mike" session, included a declaration by Mr. Coyle, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans: "Social Security did not cause these deficits -- it has a $2.5 trillion surplus and a dedicated source of revenue."
Additionally, Congressional Budget Office (CBO) director Doug Elmendorf testified, presenting the CBO's latest report on the long-term federal budget. Most members of the Commission were concerned that the CBO's projections pertaining to the new health care law's effects understate its potential to reduce costs.
The fiscal commission is set to meet three more times before it drafts its recommendation for Congress and the President. The next meeting is set for July 28.
To view Mr. Coyle's testimony in front of the Fiscal Commission on Youtube, click here.
