John Edwards' Declaration of Independence For Older Americans

A DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE FOR
OLDER AMERICANS

“It’s time for a new kind of declaration of independence – a commitment to helping older Americans live independently, with choice over their health care, financial security and lifestyle. It’s not enough to congratulate ourselves on living longer, if we are not living stronger.

“Social Security is one of the most successful government programs in history, but it is also more than that – it is a promise between generations. I am committed to honoring the promise and protecting retirement benefits for working Americans.”

Summary

John Edwards’ agenda for older Americans is based on the values of security, dignity and choice to help every older American live as independently as they desire.

The Edwards Plan for Seniors

• Ensure financial independence
• Guarantee health security
• Promote living with dignity

Ensure Financial Independence

• Keep the promise of Social Security.
• Honor pension promises and help families save with a universal, portable retirement account.
• Fight predatory lenders.
• Preserve older Americans’ freedom to work.

Guarantee Health Security

• Protect the future of Medicare with cost‐effective health care reform that improves quality.
• Allow Medicare to negotiate drug costs with drug makers, address the “doughnut hole” in the drug benefit, give beneficiaries the choice of a public plan for their prescription drugs and permit safe drug reimportation from Canada.
• Train more doctors and nurses in geriatrics.

Promote Living With Dignity

• Edwards will promote the choice of home‐based care, supportive living options like senior villages and accessible transportation, while improving nursing homes and cracking down on elder abuse.

For John Edwards' full plan for older Americans, visit www.johnedwards.com/seniors

Source: John Edwards08, The Plan to Build One America, Bold Solutions for Real Change