WASHINGTON, DC — AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins offered the following statement in reaction to the 2016 Medicare Trustees report released today:

“This year’s Medicare Trustees report reinforces the recent progress that has been made through greater Medicare savings and lower costs per enrollee. The report also highlights the financial challenges that continue to face the Medicare program, which is projected to provide critical health coverage to 64 million Americans by 2020.  

“We can and must continue to find ways to improve care and reduce unnecessary costs in Medicare using sensible solutions that do not harm beneficiaries. AARP is addressing the biggest challenges to Medicare’s long-term stability by working on ways to reduce high prescription drug costs, improve health care outcomes, and eliminate unnecessary testing, excess paperwork, and waste and fraud in the program. All of these things will improve our health care system as a whole while at the same time saving money in Medicare.

“A typical senior today has an annual income of just under $25,000 and pays roughly one out of every six dollars of this in out-of-pocket health care costs. The more than 55 million older Americans who today depend on Medicare for guaranteed, affordable health coverage simply cannot afford more than they already pay.  

“AARP will continue to advocate for policy changes that will ensure adequate affordable health care for American families while improving the quality and delivery of care for today’s seniors and future generations.”

Note to reporters: Please visit AARP Public Policy Institute at www.aarp.org/ppi for both national and state data on Medicare.

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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' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world’s largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.