B’nai B’rith International (BBI) shares the disquiet of many over the just released Social Security and Medicare Trustees’ Report, which shows a decline in the fiscal health of the trust funds. However, it is of great concern that some will attempt to leap upon the fiscal report to justify arguments that would make significant changes to the plans—changes that will damage them and place vulnerable seniors at risk.
“The prediction that the funds are projected to run out of money earlier than previously expected should surprise no one,” said BBI Associate Executive Vice President Mark D. Olshan. “The worst economic recession in decades and the resultant decline in payroll taxes could have led to no other result.”
“B’nai B’rith is concerned that those who have traditionally tried to damage the Social Security program with quick fixes aimed at destroying the structure of the programs will seize upon this opportunity to once again attempt to impair Social Security and Medicare,” Olshan added.
B’nai B’rith has long believed that both Social Security and Medicare must be carefully examined in order to strengthen them as the social safety nets they have been for more than 70 years. As a leading provider of housing for seniors with nearly 40 properties in more than 25 communities around the world, B’nai B’rith has developed an expertise in senior services. “What we must do,” Olshan said, “is control the growth of healthcare costs by making sure people have access to preventive and chronic care throughout their lifespans. Healthier adults become healthier retirees, and save the Medicare program money.”
B’nai B’rith International will continue to work with both Congress and the Obama administration to find ways to make responsible changes in both the financial and benefit structure of Social Security and Medicare that will not damage the fabric of the programs.
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