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    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
    December 14, 2005

    CONTACT:
     Pamela Causey 202-216-8378/202-236-2123
    Kim Wright 202-216-8414

    ~ 4 Million Seniors ~ One Voice ~No Privatization ~

    White House Conference on Aging delegates Say “No” to Private Accounts
    and the current Privatized Medicare Drug Plan

     “The nation's 1,200 delegates to the White House Conference on Aging should be proud of the work they have done this week.  They have given this administration, in the clearest terms, recommendations that should be the guideposts for future policies, programs and initiatives.  As advocates and aging services professionals, their voices should be heeded by the White House and Congress as we address critical aging issues.”
    -- Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO and WHCoA Policy Committee member.

    The WHCoA delegates have approved 50 resolutions and recommendations dealing with a variety of aging policy issues. The resolutions include: long term care, the retention of older workers in the workforce, the importation of prescription drugs and creating a senior residency database in case of a national emergency.  However, the biggest news from this WHCoA is the overwhelming rejection of Social Security private accounts and a call to completely overhaul the Medicare Part D drug benefit and replace it with a government-run Medicare program. 

    “I've worked with the Policy Committee to ensure delegates had their say at this White House Conference. Even though most of the delegates were appointed by President Bush, Republican governors and Republican Congressional members, these aging advocates echoed what the entire nation has been saying all along…our seniors deserve better than privatized Social Security and Medicare systems. It's now up to Washington to listen.”

    A report listing WHCoA recommendations will go to governors for comment with the final draft due to Congress and the President by June. 

    The National Committee, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the Board of Directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing better-informed citizens and voters.