American Seniors Association CEO Calls Obama Budget Appalling for Seniors

American Seniors Association CEO Phil Kent today called President Obama’s proposed 2013 budget “reckless” and said that it reveals an appalling lack of fiscal discipline at a time of record-high unemployment and mounting debt.  He also labeled the budget’s proposed Social Security and Medicare reforms as “token,” saying that the budget would leave many seniors without a reliable safety net.

“There is no question that Social Security and Medicare need to be modernized and reformed, but this budget only offers token reforms that will leave many low-income seniors without any reliable safety net,” said Kent.  “More important, a failure to address these problems will lead to more trillions of debt and eventually bankrupt the economy.”

American Seniors Association is on record supporting the bi-partisan Ryan-Wyden premium support model proposed by U.S. Congressman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore.  Under the Ryan-Wyden premium support model, seniors would be able to pick from an array of private insurance options similar to the benefit choices made in the private sector.  These plans would be subsidized by a defined contribution, roughly equal to what the government now spends per person. This $15,000 subsidy would grow over time, but seniors who want more expensive plans would still be allowed to do so by paying with personal funds.

“The Ryan-Wyden premium model is exactly the kind of plan needed to ease the burden on taxpayers while introducing private market competition that would dramatically control costs,” said Kent.

The Wall Street Journal has noted that the Ryan-Wyden premium support model would create a market reward for the services that consumers value; and the American Seniors Association appreciates that insurers would compete to supply them, and providers in turn would have a reason to improve healthcare delivery and services.

“ASA recommends that its members urge their members of Congress to implement real fiscal discipline by cutting spending and taxes as well as passing legislation protecting and reforming Medicare and Social Security based on the Ryan-Wyden model,” said Kent.

About American Seniors Association

The Atlanta-based American Seniors Association is nationally as "the conservative alternative to the AARP."  With more than 13 million member and growing, the American Seniors Association works hard to fulfill its mission to provide seniors with the choices, information, and services they need to live healthier, wealthier lives.  To learn more, visit: http://www.americanseniors.org