WASHINGTON — AARP CEO Myechia Minter-Jordan issued the following statement in response to the Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ reports released today: 

“The Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ reports released today show the trust fund for Social Security is going to be depleted one year sooner than was projected last year, which means that Social Security recipients may see a 19% reduction in their Social Security income one year sooner. Congress must act to protect and strengthen the Social Security that Americans have earned and paid into throughout their working lives. More than 69 million Americans rely on Social Security today and as America's population ages, the stability of this vital program only becomes more important. 

Medicare is the primary source of health care for Americans age 65 and older and plays an essential role in negotiating lower prescription drug costs. It’s paramount that the program remains financially strong for current and future generations.  

AARP members and older Americans nationwide consistently say that the future of Social Security and Medicare are the issues they care about most, and they stand ready to hold politicians across party lines accountable to strengthen these programs for the long term.” 

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About AARP  
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.