AARP Ohio Launches Campaign to Protect Medicare

Proposed 'Voucher' Plan Threatens Benefits of Ohio Residents

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Jan 30, 2017, 17:53 ET

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AARP today launched a comprehensive campaign to protect Medicare in the face of proposals by some in Congress that would hurt hardworking Ohioans who have paid into the program their entire working lives.

Congressional proposals to change Medicare into a voucher system would dramatically increase health care costs and risks for both current and future retirees. Over the next few weeks, AARP staff and volunteers will meet with members of Congress to underscore that this proposal would put 2,016,275 seniors' benefits at risk and threaten the guarantee of benefits for 2,419,021 workers, ages 50-64, who are currently paying into the system.

"Older Ohioans depend on Medicare for affordable healthcare," said State Director for AARP Ohio, Barbara A. Sykes. "A voucher system would dramatically increase health care costs and risks for current and future retirees. It could mean many thousands of dollars out of their own pockets.

In a recent letter to Congress, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins said: "The average senior, with an annual income of under $25,000 and already spending one out of every six dollars on health care, counts on Social Security for the majority of their income and on Medicare for access to affordable health coverage. We will continue to oppose changes to current law that cut benefits, increase costs, or reduce the ability of these critical programs to deliver on their benefit promises. We urge you to continue to do so as well."

AARP's Public Policy Institute also has put out new, detailed analyses about Medicare, including state fact sheets , and Premium Support and the Impact on Medicare Beneficiaries. The report notes that "premium support could force people with fewer financial resources to leave traditional Medicare and enroll in less-expensive plans, with more limited benefits and restrictive provider networks."

Additionally, the campaign includes television and digital advertising that urges Congress to keep President Trump's commitment on Medicare. During the election, President Trump was very clear about his position, saying, "I am going to protect and save your Social Security and your Medicare. You made a deal a long time ago."

A new website for the campaign – www.aarp.org/protectmedicare -- also launched today.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 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. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. 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.

SOURCE AARP Ohio