The Honorable Andrew Gillum
c/o Andrew Gillum for Governor
240 North Magnolia Drive
Tallahassee, FL  32301

Dear Mayor Gillum:

The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, on behalf of its more than 108,000 Florida members and supporters, enthusiastically endorses your candidacy for election as the state’s next governor on November 6th.

Florida needs your leadership, vision and determination to fight for working families and older Americans. You earn the endorsement of the National Committee because you understand the importance of a state’s Medicaid program, which in conjunction with Social Security and Medicare, is a critical component of the nation’s social safety net.

Because Social Security and Medicare are federal programs, the National Committee’s advocacy primarily focuses on Congress and the President.  However, on rare occasions, when at the state level the stakes are high for seniors and their families, and the differences between candidates are clear, the National Committee will endorse a gubernatorial candidate.  And the stakes could not be higher for Floridians in this year’s election.    The choice voters make in November could determine whether Florida expands Medicaid or whether the state will turn down federal assistance and deny 662,000 Floridians Medicaid eligibility.

Many believe Medicaid is solely for the poor.  You appreciate, however, that Medicaid also is essential for middle class seniors who cannot afford the cost of long-term care.  You understand that as Florida’s senior population grows, the demand on Medicaid to provide long-term care will increase.  Most importantly, you understand that the most effective way to control Florida’s Medicaid long-term care costs is to offer more seniors under age sixty-five Medicaid coverage.  Medicaid coverage will mean “young” seniors are more likely to see a doctor, receive preventive care and ultimately improve their quality of life and that of their families.  Simply put, Medicaid expansion will keep more seniors out of nursing homes and save Florida taxpayers money.  Sadly, your opponent fails to see that Medicaid expansion is a common sense solution to the state’s and the nation’s looming health cost crisis.

There is no membership in the nation more aware or active politically than the men and women who proudly are associated with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security ad Medicare.  And they know they can count on you!

Sincerely,

Max Richtman
President & CEO
Chairman, NCPSSM-PAC Board of Directors