What's the Latest on Medicare and Social Security?

OWL-SF and Gray Panthers of SF Present:
What's the Latest on Medicare and Social Security?
Jodi Reid, California Alliance for Retired Americans
Michael Lighty, California Nurses Association
Saturday, June 27, 10 AM to 12 Noon
555 Ellis Street (Between Leavenworth & Hyde)

This Summer marks the 50th year of Medicare and the 80th year of Social Security, arguably the nation's two most successful social programs, keeping millions of older and disabled people out of poverty.

Yet both programs are at a crossroads: The corporate agenda in government is to restrict who is eligible, reduce their benefits, cut their funding, and turn them over to private companies. But workers, retirees, and their families are needing these programs as never before.

With the Affordable Care Act's high premiums, high out-of-pocket payments, limited doctor and hospital choice, and huge healthcare profits, we all need a Medicare-type health program for everyone.

With the disappearance and raiding of pensions, especially defined-benefit pensions, the huge Great Recession losses in 401(k) plans, 40 years of stagnant wages so workers can't save for retirement, and the rapid growth of older people, we all need an expanded Social Security system with a more robust funding base.

Michael Lighty and Jodi Reid will describe how senior groups, labor unions, and community groups are mounting a Preserve, Improve, and Expand-Medicare-to-All campaign, including a giant event at Oakland's Ogawa Plaza on Thursday, July 30th at 11 AM. They will also describe how these groups are also actively supporting bills in Congress to improve and stabilize Social Security.

Jodi Reid is Executive Director of the California Alliance for Retired Americans.
Michael Lighty is is Public Policy Director of the California Nurses Association.

Contact: Michael Lyon, 415-215-7575, mlyon01 [at] comcast.net
Kathie Piccagli, 415-235-1300, kpiccagli [at] gmail.com