For Immediate Release
October 10, 2018
Kuster Highlights her Fight for Granite State Seniors
**Kuster will take part in the AARP/Concord Chamber of Commerce Forum, Thursday, October 11th at 12:00PM at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.**
*** Kuster will meet with seniors Friday at the Huntington in Nashua at 2:00 PM.**
(Concord, NH) - Congresswoman Annie Kuster is highlighting her efforts to stand up for Granite State seniors by protecting Social Security, Medicare, and critical services that support seniors. Kuster has fought for programs that protect seniors such as the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), funding for research into Alzheimer’s, cancer, and diabetes, as well as day and wellness programs for seniors. Kuster is also focused on addressing the high costs of prescription drugs by requiring Medicare Part D to negotiate a volume discount with pharmaceutical companies. Kuster's full Seniors' Agenda can be read HERE.
“I’m committed to fighting for seniors in New Hampshire and across the country,” said Kuster. “I’ve been appalled by the suggestion of Republicans in Congress that they can pay for their massive giveaway to corporate special interests by gutting Social Security and Medicare. Seniors in New Hampshire won’t stand for this and neither will I. President Trump’s budget proposal even included eliminating LIHEAP which protects some the most vulnerable seniors during the cold winter months. I’m proud to have helped protect LIHEAP funding and will fight to lower the price of prescription drugs and against efforts to throw seniors under the bus.”
Kuster will discuss her effort on behalf of seniors at a forum hosted by AARP and the Concord Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, October 11th at 12:00PM at the Grappone Conference Center in Concord.
On Friday in Nashua, Kuster will meet with seniors at the Huntington at Nashua at 2:00 PM.
Annie Kuster’s Seniors' Agenda
By 2030, nearly half a million Granite Staters -- almost a third of the population -- will be 65 years or older. Since seniors are a growing portion of our population, now more than ever it is important that we stand up for their needs. Annie Kuster is committed to advocating for seniors, which is why in Congress she will:
Protect Social Security and Medicare: Granite State seniors have worked their entire lives to earn Social Security and Medicare benefits. Annie will stand against those who would cut these important programs. Annie reached across the aisle and passed a bill to improve Medicare's financial stability and prevent New Hampshire seniors from losing access to their doctors.
Expand Access to Healthcare for Seniors: Annie believes that individuals who are 50 and over should be able to buy into Medicare. She is also proud co-sponsor of legislation that would expand Medicare to cover eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental care. Annie believes that Congress must act to reduce the cost of healthcare for seniors struggling to make ends meet, and expand access to medications and medical devices that improve quality of life.
Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape: Annie believes that seniors should not have to fight through a complicated bureaucratic process to receive the benefits they have earned. That’s why Annie supports additional funding for the Social Security Administration, so they can reduce growing wait times for benefits claims and appeals.
Lower the Cost of Drugs: Seniors spend too much money on medication. Medicare could help lower these costs by negotiating directly with drug companies and purchasing medication at a discounted rate. Annie will continue to advocate for legislation that will allow Medicare to negotiate with drugs companies, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing prescription drug costs for seniors.
Empower Seniors to Make Healthcare Decisions: Annie believes that seniors should be able to choose which types of medical care are most compatible with their lives. That is why Annie supports legislation that will expand access to home health care, providing more options for seniors later in life.
Prioritize Efforts to Improve Alzheimers Care: When Annie’s mom, Susan McLane, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, Annie and her family -- like so many families whose loved ones are afflicted by this disease -- stepped up to care for her mother. In Congress, Annie has cosponsored legislation that incentivizes medical professionals to focus on early detection of this illness, and backed efforts to provide more federal funds to research this disease and find a cure.
Keeping Seniors Warm: Annie is committed to protecting the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which provides temporary, but critical, assistance to vulnerable seniors and individuals who cannot afford to heat their homes during the cold winter.
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