Issue Position: Reform Entitlements

Issue Position

Implement Structural Reform. We need to make meaningful, structural reforms to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that ensure the continued viability of these programs well into the future. We must make them solvent in a sustainable way, while also making them more effective at addressing the needs of seniors and the most vulnerable.

Hold Retirees Harmless. Current and near retirees must be held harmless as we implement common-sense and necessary reforms for future retirees. Today's seniors must know they can trust and depend upon the programs that are their lifeline. Workers need to have confidence that we are taking the necessary steps to ensure these programs will still be available upon their retirement. And future generations must also have assurances that as our national demographics and workforce change over time, our entitlement programs will remain viable without saddling them with unsustainable debt.

Gradually Raise Retirement Age. As improvements in our quality of life enable Americans to live and work longer than ever before, we must gradually begin to raise the retirement age.

Begin Means Testing. We must begin to introduce modest means testing measures to ensure that those most in need continue to have access to this vital safety net.

Eliminate Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. Programs of this magnitude and importance need to be held to the highest possible standards. Every penny that is lost to mismanagement, negligence, or malfeasance adds to our debt, takes away from those in need, and further threatens the long-term viability of our entitlement programs.

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