There is much to feel encouraged about regarding the president’s State of the Union address, but the president and Congress have their work cut out for them.
Millions of older Americans face enormous challenges, many of whom work very hard to build nest eggs only to see them crack due to soaring health care costs. Too many older Americans lack access to quality, affordable heath care.
Many are falling further behind financially while dealing with the enormous responsibilities of providing care for their parents and children. They face an insurance industry that uses discriminatory practices to deny, limit, or charge too much for coverage.
Millions fall into the costly Medicare prescription drug coverage gap. In 2007, 32 percent of the Medicare beneficiaries in New Jersey fell into this Part D “doughnut hole.”
AARP is committed to putting the country’s fiscal house in order because our members care deeply about the legacy they are leaving for their kids and grandkids, but we must be certain that any efforts to cut spending don’t do more harm than good.
We stand ready to work with the president and leaders from both political parties to find solutions that make sense for older Americans today and tomorrow.
Kenneth Lindhorst Executive Councilman
AARP Summit