Social Security and Medicare are crucial pillars of America’s social safety net. Our nation’s elderly should be able to rely on them for financial security and peace of mind. However, both programs are on an unsustainable path, and if the next president isn’t willing to undertake reforms that will modernize and strengthen them, they simply won’t be there for tomorrow’s seniors.
Further, the programs should be reformed to work best in the 21st century, to meet the needs of Americans in a changing economy. The programs’ current crises are partially attributable to our slow economic growth, and they should be reformed with a view toward reigniting growth and helping Americans prosper throughout their lives.
As President, Marco will:
Protect Social Security and Medicare by
- Making no changes for those in or near retirement
- Strongly defending Medicare and Medicare Advantage for current seniors
- Gradually increasing the Social Security Retirement age to keep up with changes in life expectancy
- Reducing the rate of growth of benefits for upper-income seniors while making the program stronger for low-income seniors
- Transitioning Medicare to a premium support system, which would give seniors a generous but fixed amount with which to purchase health insurance. Seniors would have the option of either Medicare or a private provider.
Improve the Financial Security of Retirees by
- Allowing the American people to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, which is now used by members of Congress and other federal employees
- Exempting seniors over 65 who wish to continue working from the payroll tax, strengthening the economy and seniors’ nest eggs
- Abolishing the Retirement Earnings Test, which discourages work and does nothing to help Social Security’s long-term solvency
Op-Eds & Speeches
Marco on how to strengthen Social Security for the 21st century. (National Review, August 15, 2015)
Marco on saving Social Security and Medicare. (National Review, August 5, 2014)
The post Marco’s Plan to Strengthen and Protect Social Security and Medicare appeared first on Marco Rubio.