Congressional Leaders Face Off on How to Protect Vulnerable Older Adults in the Budget Debate

Magazine Highlights What's at Stake for Medicare, Medicaid, and Aging Services

WASHINGTON, July 12, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The national debate over reducing the federal deficit and its effect on Medicare, Medicaid, and other aging services programs are featured in the latest edition of the National Council on Aging's (NCOA) magazine Innovations, which hits the streets today.  

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The summer edition includes articles by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) on their priorities for seniors in the budget debate and how their approach to deficit reduction would protect older adults.

"Seniors should not be forced to reorient their lives because of government’s mistakes.”
Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)

“Keeping Medicare and Medicaid strong and intact must be a top priority.”
Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL)

Innovations also features articles from leading experts in the field on the impact of current budget proposals on programs that support older adults in need, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and discretionary aging services programs, such as the Older Americans Act.

"NCOA understands why the current debate must happen," said James Firman, president and CEO of NCOA, "but we fully support a balanced approach to solve the nation's economic struggles with regard to senior services; one that includes cost and revenue considerations."

"We are rightly concerned about deficits," said Msgr. Charles Fahey, head of the Milbank Memorial Fund and chair of NCOA's Board of Directors, "but solving them on the backs of poor and vulnerable elders is not the answer."

To download a copy of the latest Innovations, please visit www.ncoa.org/Innovations.

The magazine also highlights real voices of seniors in need collected through One Away, an innovative advocacy campaign supported by NCOA. Watch videos and read more stories of struggle on www.OneAway.org.

About NCOA
The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. NCOA's mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities.  

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SOURCE National Council on Aging