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Legislative Agenda 2009-2010
Older Americans in 2009 face challenges on several fronts. Health care
costs continue to rise dramatically and outpace general inflation. Seniors
increasingly use more of their income for out of pocket health care costs.
In addition, the economic downturn, which began in 2008, threatens
seniors' financial security. Social services, on which millions rely for
basic needs, are severely strained. Basic energy and food costs have risen
dramatically. This all has come at a time when the oldest members of the
Baby Boom generation are beginning to retiree in large numbers, the start of a
wave of retirements that will nearly double the number of older Americans. The
need for health care services, long-term care, economic security, and housing
will grow increasingly urgent as the American population ages.
Current
and future retirees, and their families, will need strong Social Security and
Medicare systems, access to affordable long-term care, and strong pension
systems in order to attain a comfortable quality of life. However,
structural changes to the Medicare program and attempts to cut Social Security
benefits, as well as current tax policy, which is skewed toward the wealthiest
Americans, represent major threats to the security of today's and tomorrow's
retirees.
The 2008 elections have given the nation a great opportunity to
fundamentally change how
Americans pay for and receive their health care. The
country today has a once-in-a
generation opportunity to create lasting,
positive change.
The Alliance for Retired Americans believes that
thoughtful and effective legislative policies enacted in the 111th Congress will
protect and enhance the quality of life for America's retirees for years to
come.