AARP Urges Senator Durbin to Oppose Deficit Commission Plan

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Dec 02, 2010, 09:40 ET

AARP Members, Concerned Citizens Reach Out to Senator Durbin on Eve of Critical Vote

SPRINGFIELD, Ill., Dec. 2, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the clock ticking towards a critical December 3 vote, AARP is deeply concerned that the recommendations from the Co-Chairs of the President's Fiscal Commission would erode the health and financial security of millions of Americans. As Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) ponders his vote, AARP Illinois members are urging him to oppose the plan because of its potentially devastating impact on Social Security and health care.

The Commission proposals would deeply reduce Social Security benefits, and shift too many costs onto Medicare beneficiaries. AARP is especially troubled by the proposal to repeal the CLASS Act. Eliminating this program would deny older and disabled Americans and their families an opportunity to save for their future long term care needs, and be able to stay in their homes and communities longer.

"Older Americans care about fixing our nation's deficit, but not through measures that would sacrifice their health and economic security," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. "Over the next 24 hours, AARP Illinois members will reach out to Senator Durbin and urge him to look at the impact of the proposals on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other vital programs, and vote against the Simpson-Bowles plan."

Concerned citizens will be visiting and calling Senator Durbin's office in Springfield today to convey this urgent message, stressing the need to put the health and economic security of all Americans above unbalanced deficit reduction measures that could have a devastating effect.

AARP's analysis of the Simpson-Bowles plan found that the proposals would lower the retirement incomes of average people who rely on Social Security while significantly increasing their out of pocket costs for Medicare. The combined impact of these changes would grow over time and disproportionately hurt future retirees.

The proposals would also compound this loss of income by dramatic cost shifts in the Medicare program, with most beneficiaries experiencing significant increases in cost-sharing.

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SOURCE AARP Illinois