“As AARP reviews details of the President’s 2016 budget proposal, we’re pleased to see that the President is working to create opportunities for families most in need and for the middle class. We have concerns, though, about certain proposals that could shift costs on to older Americans, such as higher premiums, deductibles, and copays for Medicare beneficiaries. As the federal deficit continues shrinking, we must find responsible solutions for strengthening critical programs and improving the retirement and overall economic security of current and future generations. We must also look for savings throughout the entire health care system, as the rising cost of health care threatens people of all ages.   

“We appreciate the President’s proposals to lower the cost of prescription drugs, promote better care, reward improved outcomes and make health care programs more efficient and less wasteful. AARP supports plans to hold down high health care costs overall, including costs in Medicare.

 “We also share the President’s goal to make saving for retirement easier for Americans, as approximately 55 million private sector employees have no access to retirement savings plans at work. We need simple ways for workers to improve their retirement security, and we hope to see more progress on giving easy access to retirement savings plans at work at both the federal and state level.

“As retirement security grows ever more elusive for Americans of all ages, Medicare and Social Security have grown more important for older Americans and their families. As we await budget proposals from our new Congress, we urge our elected officials to strengthen, not to attempt to weaken, the programs that provide the very foundation of health and retirement security for current and future generations as a way to balance the budget.”

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 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.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more atwww.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia