Seniors express concerns about SS, Medicare

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Nearly 100 senior citizens gathered at the Cedars at Saint Anthony's Church in Springfield for a forum about changes to Social Security and Medicare.

The seniors were able to voice their concerns about potential changes during a program sponsored by AARP called 'You've Earned a Say'.

Seventy-seven year old Irene Euchler was one of the seniors in attendance and says, without the benefits, she fears she might not be alive.

"I have lymphoma and if it wasn't for Medicare, I would be sitting at home, probably dying," said Euchler.

AARP Massachusetts State President, Linda Fitzgerald says more than one million people in the state rely on the social security for their income.

"If Social Security were to be cut or taken away, that would add 300-thousand more people to the poverty polls in Massachusetts," said Fitzgerald.

The organization hopes to bring these concerns to Washington so lawmakers can see the impact of any major changes to the benefit programs.