Social Security & Medicare Forums in Hawaii and Kauai Counties

AARP Hawaii is hosting public forums in Hawaii and Kauai Counties over the next several weeks - calling attention to harmful cuts to Social Security and Medicare being discussed in Washington. The sessions identify the need for a national debate on the future of Social Security and outline solutions for reducing costs in Medicare and the health care system.

The forums feature a formal presentation followed by Q&A. Registration is requested – either online or call toll-free 1-877-926-8300:

Hawaii County

Thursday, July 25 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) - Hilo – Hilo Hawaiian Hotel

Kauai County

Saturday, August 10 (9 – 11 a.m.) - Kauai at Coconut Beach Hotel

AARP is working for responsible solutions that will secure Social Security and Medicare for future generations and keep promises to current seniors. The member organization for people age 50+ is calling for separate debate about Social Security solvency apart from discussions about deficit reduction. Accordingly, AARP opposes the so-called “chained CPI,” which would cost Hawaii seniors and veterans thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.

Proposed cuts to Medicare would have an even greater impact on older Hawaii residents.

“Our members are tired of hearing that the only way to put Medicare on stable ground is to cut benefits or force seniors to pay more,” said AARP Hawaii State President Gerry Silva. “We believe Washington can reduce costs in Medicare and throughout the health care system by clamping down on drug companies’ high prices, improving coordination of care and use of technology, and cutting out over-testing, waste and fraud.”

Medicare provides guaranteed, affordable health coverage to over 217,000 Hawaii residents – 16 percent of our population. Yet the program faces a number of challenges in the coming years because of rising health care costs and changing demographics. AARP believes there’s a better way to address these challenges than cutting benefits or forcing seniors to pay more – beginning with responsible solutions that will improve care, reduce costs, and find real savings for taxpayers.

The smaller community conversations follow a discussion format. They will be led by AARP volunteers who are trained in the issues and familiar with the changes being proposed to Social Security and Medicare – but they are not experts.

Hawaii County

Wednesday, July 24 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) - Kamuela – Tutu’s House

Wednesday, July 31 (5:30 – 7:30 p.m.) - UH Hilo – North Hawaii Education & Research Center

Friday, August 9 (9 – 11 a.m.) - Laupahoehoe Seniors Club

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