AARP on White House Budget Proposal

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

CONTACT: AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia

AARP on White House Budget Proposal

Urges Responsible Health Savings, Pleased Social Security a Separate Conversation

WASHINGTON, DC—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy A. LeaMond released the following statement in reaction to President Obama’s FY2015 budget proposal:

“As AARP reviews the details of the President’s proposals, particularly the proposed changes in Medicare, it’s important to emphasize the need for health care cost containment, not simply cost shifting. We know that brand name prescription drugs are one of the key drivers of escalating health care costs, so we appreciate the President’s inclusion of proposals to find savings in lower drug costs.  But instead of shifting additional costs onto Medicare beneficiaries, we must look for savings throughout the entire health care system, as the rising cost of health care threatens people of all ages.  

“In addition to lowering the cost of prescriptions, innovations that promote better care, reward improved outcomes and make health care programs more efficient and less wasteful have the potential to hold down high health care costs overall, including costs in Medicare.

“We also appreciate that the President recognizes in this budget proposal that Social Security does not contribute to the deficit and that benefits should not be cut in order to reduce the deficit.  As the President and Congress work to address the challenges facing our nation, AARP believes it is time for responsible solutions that improve the retirement and overall economic security of current and future generations.

 “As retirement security grows ever more elusive for Americans of all ages, Medicare and Social Security have grown more important for older Americans and their families. AARP believes it would be wrong for the President or Congress to attempt to balance the budget by weakening the programs that provide the very foundation of health and retirement security for current and future generations.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.​

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