COVID-19 response, preserving Social Security and Medicare, are “cornerstones” to protecting seniors

60 Plus Founder and Chairman Jim Martin Thursday thanked President Donald Trump for his efforts on behalf of senior citizens, particularly for the administration’s focus on the health and wellbeing of older Americans. 

At a White House event today in advance of the May 1st kick-off of Older Americans Month, Martin told the president, “On behalf of the 60 Plus Association’s more than five million older men and women, I want to thank you for keeping your campaign promises to always protect their Social Security and Medicare. These are the cornerstones of protecting seniors and we are grateful for all you’ve done.” 

Martin also noted the administration’s recent efforts to improve the health and safety of seniors amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “President Trump immediately saw the threat coronavirus presents to older people with those with preexisting medical problems, and took action in response to that threat,” said Martin. “Free coronavirus testing through Medicare, increased attention to nursing home safety, and grants for home care and meal services reflect the compassion and concern with which President Trump is responding to this health crisis.”

Martin also delivered to President Trump a message of thanks from 60 Plus National Spokesman Pat Boone. “I and millions of other seniors are truly grateful for President Trump’s dedication to meeting the needs of older people,” said the legendary entertainer and song writer. “These are uncertain times and the president’s leadership has helped ease the fears of seniors and their families.”

Martin expressed his confidence that President Trump will continue his track record of ‘promises made-promises kept’. “Millions of seniors are acutely aware of the threat to their health care from those advocating Medicare For All,” said Martin. “Retired and disabled Americans know full well that Medicare For All means Medicare For None, and they’re supporting the president in his fight against socialized medicine schemes like this.”

The health and economic hardship caused by COVID-19 has disproportionately hit seniors, and Martin urged the president to take strong action against the Chinese Communist government for its role in the global pandemic. “There’s a direct line between this pandemic and the Communist government of China,” said Martin. “I am urging the president to hold them accountable for the wreckage they have brought to our health care system and economy.” 

Martin called the administration’s decision to withhold funding from the World Health Organization, “a prudent step,” and said “seniors know a scam when they see one. The WHO has been directly responsible for months of life altering misinformation so it’s entirely appropriate to re-evaluate our support for this organization.” 

Martin, who served in the Marine Corps during the Korean conflict, also raised the issue of hazardous duty pay for those on the front lines of fighting the COVID-19 virus. “Tens of thousands of nurses, care givers, doctors, paramedics and others are putting their lives on the line, hour after hour, day after day in fighting this enemy,” said Martin. “Hazardous duty pay is a recognized standard in the military and ought to apply in this case as well.”