Social Security at top of legislative agenda
for retirees
Hundreds of retirees gather in Washington
to lobby Congress

The fight to preserve Social Security was the centerpiece of the Alliance for Retired Americans’ annual legislative conference held this September in Washington, D.C. Nearly 800 retired union members, including many from the AFT, attended the conference, titled “Respect and Protect Retirement Security.”

Alliance leaders and speakers called on the retirees to remain committed and active on the issue of Social Security because of its importance to working families.

“Seniors know their strength is in their voices and votes, and we use them to help steer our elected officials toward protecting and preserving the programs that serve seniors. We must be relentless in using our strength to keep elected [officials] on the best course for all Americans,” said alliance president George Kourpias.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) told attendees that “it is more vital than ever that we do everything we can to make sure the security promised by Social Security is protected from those who want to punch holes in our social safety net.”

The conference also spotlighted legislative efforts to lower prescription drug prices and to strengthen Medicare. And, in a show of solidarity, the retiree activists contributed nearly $3,000 to help fellow union members affected by Hurricane Katrina. During the conference, the AFT held sessions for leaders that focused on legislative issues for the 109th Congress, the pension crisis and building stronger retirement programs.

On Jan. 1, 2006, the new Medicare prescription drug program will begin. The Part D drug benefits will not be provided directly by Medicare. Instead, to get Part D coverage, you must choose a plan from a Medicare-approved private company or entity that offers a Part D plan in your area.

The monthly premium for standard coverage will be about $32 in 2006 or $384 for the year, but the cost will vary by geographic location. In many situations, you will not need both Part D and drug coverage under a separate health plan. You should choose one or the other, if possible. If you decide Part D is right for you, you need to contact Medicare; enrollment is not automatic.

To help you better understand the new program, the AFT has joined with the Medicare Rights Center, a national consumer service organization, to provide members access to the Center’s Medicare Interactive Web site, www.medicareinteractive.org/aft.

The Web-based tool is designed to provide older adults and people with disabilities, their caregivers and the professionals who serve them user-friendly consumer information about Medicare benefits, rights and options at no charge.

Medicare Interactive weaves together national and state-specific information and includes an explanation of how Medicare works with retiree health coverage, answers to frequently asked questions, and links to related sites. The site is updated daily.