As our population ages, we must ensure all seniors have access to the support and care they need to live independent, healthy lives.
Investments in home and community-based services have made it possible for seniors to stay active in their communities and remain in their homes longer. In addition, advances in medical treatments have made health conditions more manageable with new medications and approved devices.
For many seniors, Social Security and Medicare [link both] serve as a primary source of health and retirement security. Today, 53 million Americans receive Social Security benefits, and 47 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare. In order to keep the promise our country has made to American families and workers, Congress has a responsibility to keep Social Security and Medicare strong and stable for the current and next generation. While reforms are needed to strengthen these programs, Congress has an obligation to address these challenges in a straightforward, honest, and responsible way. I am committed to reforms that maintain the long-term solvency of these programs and protect the basic benefits promised to seniors, persons with disabilities, and their families. We must be certain that nothing puts the future of Social Security and Medicare at risk.
We must fulfill the commitments made to our seniors by keeping Social Security and Medicare strong and investing in the community-based supports that meet the challenges of an aging nation.