WASHINGTON, DC—As the US House Budget Committee plans to markup the budget bill tomorrow, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement in opposition to House Republicans’ Budget Blueprint:  

“AARP urges Congress to reject harmful changes that would have a negative impact on health security and the vital programs that serve older Americans.  AARP urges you to oppose efforts to cut Medicaid and turn Medicare into a voucher-type program that would shift costs and risks to older Americans. We will continue to oppose changes to current law that cut benefits, increases costs, or reduces the ability of these critical programs to deliver on their benefit promises. We urge you to continue to do so as well.

“Tens of millions of Americans depend upon Medicare and Medicaid for their health security.  The current budget proposal does little to address the high cost of health care and prescription drugs. Instead, the budget proposes to shifts costs onto individuals – many of whom cannot afford to pay more for their care.

“The typical senior, with an annual income of less than $25,000, already spends one out of every six dollars on health care, and counts on Medicare for access to affordable health coverage.

“Efforts to reduce or cap Medicaid funding could endanger the health, safety, and care of millions of children and adults with disabilities, and lower income elderly Americans. Furthermore, caps could result in overwhelming cost-shifts to state governments unable to shoulder the costs of care, as we have detailed in our communications to Congress with regard to the current health care debate.

“Finally, SNAP plays a vital role in feeding millions of hungry Americans, including close to five million older Americans, and proposals to cut the program would make SNAP less responsive and accessible in times of need.”

AARP’s letter to Congress on the House Republican Budget Blueprint may be found here.

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About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.