This week the U.S. Senate is debating President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, known as S. 1.  The bill contains several important provisions that directly affect retirees. 

The key retiree provisions are:

· Retiree Stimulus Payment - A $300 payment for all retirees receiving Social Security, SSI Benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, or Veterans Benefits.
· Nursing Home Help - $87 billion in help for state Medicaid programs.  Medicaid funds are the single largest source for nursing home care.
· COBRA Help – A 65% percent subsidy for 9 months for workers who have lost their jobs from September 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009 so they can keep their health insurance.

What you can do to tell your senators to keep these provisions and pass S. 1:

· Use the toll free number 1-888-460-0813 to call their offices
· Send the attached email to your senators

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am writing to urge you to vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan, S. 1. This bill is urgently needed and contains several provisions of particular importance to retirees.

The bill contains a much needed $300 payment to retirees that will immediately help stimulate economic growth. In addition, the $87 billion in Medicaid help to the states is necessary to continue nursing home funding, the single largest use of Medicaid funds. The COBRA provisions are especially important to older workers who often cannot find affordable health insurance after losing a job. America needs S. 1 now. Please vote for it without delay.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
February 03, 2009