AARP and Senator Shaheen Talk Issues in Telephone Town Hall

AARP New Hampshire hosted a live telephone town hall this morning with Senator Jeanne Shaheen to educate its members on responsible solutions to Social Security and Medicare.  

The tele-town hall, held from 10:30 to 11:30 am, engaged 7,451 AARP New Hampshire members from across the state, allowing them to participate in the conversation led by AARP New Hampshire State President Dick Chevrefils.  Senator Shaheen shared her views on keeping Medicare and Social Security strong for today’s retirees and future generations and answered numerous questions from participants. 

“Granite Staters have earned their Social Security and Medicare benefits and have a stake in the future of these programs that they rely on,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark.  “We want to hear their views and give them an opportunity to hear Senator Shaheen’s views.” 

In New Hampshire, Social Security is the cornerstone of financial security for nearly 255,000 and Medicare provides affordable health coverage for over 220,000.  One in five Granite Staters rely on Social Security for 90% or more of their income.  And those on Medicare spend roughly $5300 on out-of-pocket health care costs, about 17% of their incomes.  “It’s because of statistics like these that AARP is fighting for commonsense solutions – not harmful cuts – for these programs,” added Clark.  

“This morning’s discussion was a great opportunity to hear directly from many Granite State seniors and share my views on important issues,” said Senator Shaheen.  “Seniors have worked hard all their lives and deserve a secure and dignified retirement.  We have to protect and strengthen Social Security and Medicare, both for current and future beneficiaries, and that will continue to be one of my top priorities.” 

AARP kicked off a national conversation last year about Medicare and Social Security which is called You’ve Earned a Say.  Community conversations have been taking place across the Granite State, giving AARP members and the general public a chance to have their voice heard.  “You’ve Earned a Say has struck a chord because people feel so strongly about these pillars of security they paid into and because they don’t want to be left out of the decisions politicians in Washington are making,” concluded Clark. 

Resources: 

Medicare:  Get the Facts

Social Security:  Get the Facts

Pros and cons: What’s on the table in Washington? 

How would you strengthen Social Security?

Senator Shaheen’s priorities and issues

Contact Senator Shaheen