Wayne's need for the guaranteed benefits of Medicare and Social Security in order to retire is a common theme among older workers.

June and Donald have Medicare to thank for their home and health. Medicare and supplemental insurance covered all costs for Donald's back surgery and pneumonia treatment.

Edie Fishman is legally blind and living with osteoporosis, but can continue to reside comfortably and independently in her home.

Kitty Kennedy had a severe allergic reaction that could be treated with medication and an ointment, Clobetasol. The price was almost $500, costing her a $242 copay. Fortunately Medicare Part D lessened the blow.

Diane Fleming, 75, worked for United Airlines for 39 years, but when United filed for bankruptcy, her pension was dramatically cut. A few years after enrolling in Medicare, Diane was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.

Donna Cutler, 76, recently spent a week in the hospital to address an issue with her oxygen levels. Although no surgery was required, the bill came to almost $50,000. Fortunately, Medicare covered the cost.

Several years after Suzy retired, her former employer, United Airlines, filed for bankruptcy. Her pension was reduced 30%, and she has had to do freelance work to make up the difference. She is still paying into Medicare.

Susan Flashman, 61, is a retired electrician. She worked for more than 25 years. In 2011, at age 57, she needed brain surgery due to a tumor. Susan’s hospital bills alone were more than $100,000.

Jody Weinreich, 66, lost her job at Tama Manufacturing at age 61 when the factory closed and moved to Mexico. The national exchange created by the Affordable Care Act covered her until she qualified for Medicare.

Ken Pease, 73, suffers from a number of health conditions. Last year he suffered an aortic aneurysm, which doctors thankfully discovered as a result of preventive screening covered by Medicare.

Francena Dwyer would like to remind Congress that a person’s health can change overnight. An English professor at a community college in Connecticut for more than 20 years until her deteriorating health forced her to retire..

Sharon Moore, 75, is grateful for Medicare’s guaranteed benefits. She says that without them, she is afraid she would not be able to afford her prescriptions & would likely have to sell the house she has lived in for 22 years

Joyce Bourgault recently retired from her job. While there, she saw more seniors who could not afford their health care there than she expected. and many could not afford their Medicare Part B and D premiums.

Rebecca Freund, 62, has Medicare to thank for her medical needs being met the past 9 years. With her disability, she says she might be out on the street without Medicare.

“While I was in the workforce I answered the call when there was an emergency to keep the public warm and to keep the lights on.. Now I need Medicare to hold me fast now so I can monitor and keep myself healthy."

Steve Johnson, 66, says that without his Medicare benefits, he would not have been able to afford to repair a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder.

With careful planning, Tracy Cuccia, 56, was able to retire at 55. She says that changing the rules midstream unfairly affects those who planned ahead - and made their decisions when Medicare eligibility was promised at 65.

“My Medicare costs are already almost $4,000 per year just with premiums. People don’t realize how much seniors are paying as it is,” she said...Read More

Dave Starkson, 67, lives in Glendale, Arizona, but is ready to downsize to another town nearby. He is on Medicare, which is a major reason he is able to retire. Between his Medicare benefits and the lower util... Read More

Louis Forrisi, of Siler City, North Carolina, appreciates Medicare after his recent knee replacement. "Medicare took care of everything from hospital bills to physical therapy, and it paid for a walker as well"... Read More

Gail Rygiewicz, 67, of Franksville, Wisconsin is grateful for Medicare. “Medicare has allowed me to maintain an independent lifestyle without relying on my children to help me financially,”... Read More

Carroll Jackson of Seattle, Washington quickly learned of the importance of Medicare at the age of 75 when she underwent heart bypass surgery. “I can’t imagine what Medicare was billed; they were my primary provi... Read More

Diana Madoshi, 69, of Rocklin, California started working at age 17, then put herself thorough school all the time that she worked – sometimes two jobs. Now without Medicare, her health would... Read More

Don Bennett, of Burien, Washington, 74, has been retired from the U.S. Postal Service for 11 years. He feels fortunate to have the quality of life that he enjoys during retirement - in large part due to Medicare... Read More

Mary Land, 58, of Racine, Wisconsin, knows the value of Medicare all too well after watching her mother, 88, cope with a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and make remarkable progress. “We have all paid for Medica... Read More

George Nolan, 74, of Garland, Texas was healthy until 2013, when a doctor told him that due to cardiomyopathy, his heart was only functioning at 10%. He received a pacemaker and has submitted information to obtai.. Read More

Luis’ parents, after long and productive working lives, received excellent medical care as retirees because they were had Medicare. Luis’ mother had to have multiple surgeries to treat lung cancer, and he was abl... Read More