WASHINGTON—Today, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins issued the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address:
“AARP was encouraged that the State of the Union addressed many of the most important issues to older Americans today, including protecting Social Security, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and addressing our nation’s caregiving crisis, and supporting affordable high-speed internet.
“Americans should be able to trust that Social Security and Medicare – which they have contributed to throughout their working lives – will always be there for them. We applaud lawmakers on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to protecting these programs and will fight to ensure promises are kept.
“And we agree: Americans should not have to pay the highest prices in the world for lifesaving medications. Our polling shows that regardless of political ideology, 60% of Americans are concerned about being able to afford the medication they or their family need. Now that Medicare can finally negotiate for lower drug prices, American families and taxpayers will save billions of dollars. AARP will continue fighting until prescription drugs are affordable to all Americans, no matter how many times drug companies try to stop Medicare from keeping prices low.
“The President also highlighted the importance of supporting our nation’s 48 million family caregivers, who are the backbone of a broken long-term care system – and shoulder unprecedented financial and emotional costs at the expense of their own health. AARP has made investing in family caregivers a priority so that millions of older Americans can live independently in their own homes, rather than expensive nursing homes. We call on lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to join our effort to take care of America’s family caregivers.
“The Affordable Connectivity Program has helped millions of older Americans build social connections, gain employment, and access educational and health services. AARP calls on Congress to find a bipartisan path forward for the program before it’s too late.
“Actions speak louder than words, and AARP will continue advocating to improve the lives of the over 100 million Americans aged 50-plus and their families.”
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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation’s largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.
