Medicare and Social Security provide an essential benefit for current enrollees and should be strengthened for future generations.
January 11, 2019
The Honorable Debbie Lesko
U.S. Congresswoman, 8th Congressional District of Arizona
1113 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Lesko,
On behalf of the 1.5 million members of the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), I am writing in support of your resolution, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Medicare and Social Security provide an essential benefit for current enrollees and should be strengthened for future generations. While there are several disagreements as to how we should guarantee Social Security and Medicare, this resolution reaffirms to seniors that Congress will stand by its promise to ensure access to Social Security and Medicare for years to come.
Recent Trustees’ reports show that Medicare and Social Security are set to become insolvent by 2026 and 2034, respectively. To make matters worse, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently estimated that over $48.5 billion Medicare dollars were lost to improper payments, waste, fraud, and abuse in 2018. Similarly, the Social Security Administration (SSA) estimates that it lost $10.9 billion in 2018 due to improper payments, waste, fraud, and abuse. With Medicare and Social Security on already shaky ground, it is heartening to see Congress resolve to root out waste, fraud, and abuse to preserve the integrity of both programs.
In addition to reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, this resolution also rejects any changes to Medicare or Social Security that diminishes benefits for Americans currently enrolled in Medicare or Social Security, or who are nearing enrollment. Right now, over 60,000,000 Americans are receiving Medicare and Social Security benefits, and an additional 10,000 Baby Boomers are becoming eligible for these programs every day. It is important that Congress realize the value and benefit these programs bring to the millions of seniors who have come to rely on these programs as they enter retirement.
As an organization committed to representing mature Americans and seniors, AMAC remains dedicated to ensuring senior citizens’ interests are protected. We appreciate your ongoing and dedicated commitment to guarantee that Medicare and Social Security are provided to senior citizens. AMAC is proud to offer our organization’s full support for your thoughtful and timely Resolution.
Sincerely,
Dan Weber
President and Founder of AMAC
