AARP’s Opposition to the American Health Care Act
Follow and join the conversation with #AHCA and #NoAgeTax.
AARP has some strong opinions about the new GOP healthcare bill. The American Health Care Act, as Republicans call their bill, is currently making its way through the House of Representatives. According to AARP the bill would make health care even less affordable and less secure for millions of Americans all while lining the pockets of insurance and drug companies. “AARP opposes this legislation as introduced that would weaken Medicare, leaving the door open to a voucher program that shifts costs and risks to seniors,” Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond said. Here are highlights of what steps AARP is taking to oppose the bill, some facts Americans need to know about it and what can be done to help.
Letter to Congress
The day after the contents of the AHCA were released Joyce A. Rogers, AARP Senior Vice President Government Affairs, sent a five page letter to congress breaking down and explaining each item in the bill that would negatively impact Americans. Specifically, the letter addresses the bill’s effects on Medicare, prescription drug costs, the individual private insurance market, and Medicaid’s Long-Term Services and Supports Program.
David Certner, AARP Legislative Counsel, Sums it Up
Why AARP opposes the #AHCA: CBO finds people age 50-64 w/modest incomes would be disproportionately hurt by this bill. @DavidCertner pic.twitter.com/CYaNCYAfAi
— AARP Advocates (@AARPadvocates) March 13, 2017
Tell Congress to Give the Age Tax the Ax
AARP Advocates (@AARPadvocates) tweeted the informative and humorous video below, which includes Charlie the Squirrel (who even got a mention from Chelsea Clinton on Twitter), explaining the Age Rating Bill and how to contact your representatives to tell them to oppose it. AARP Advocates works with AARP members & advocates to fight on issues like Social Security, Medicare, caregiving & more.
RETWEET: The “age tax” would force Americans age 50-64 to pay thousands of $$$ more for health care. Tell Congress #NoAgeTax! pic.twitter.com/eFUcRZtm22
— AARP Advocates (@AARPadvocates) March 6, 2017
Adequate Premium Tax Credits are Vital to Maintain Access to Affordable Health Coverage for Older Adults
The AARP Public Policy Institute (@AARPpolicy) released a report detailing the impact and financial burden the AHCA would have on lower- and moderate-income older Americans over time. The report also compares the AHCA to the current law.
New tax credits under #AHCA would mean much less financial assistance for low- to moderate-income older adults: https://t.co/MxEtRAY5kW pic.twitter.com/8hp12Wojwh
— AARP Policy (@AARPpolicy) March 14, 2017
Medicare Matters Video
The Medicare Matters video is part of AARP’s nationwide Protect Medicare Campaign which strives to squash attempts by leaders in Congress to turn Medicare into a voucher system. According to AARP, “Medicare is a deal with the American people made a long time ago. Our goal is to protect that promise— for you and for future generations. We’ve launched a national campaign to fight proposals to turn Medicare into a voucher system. Doing so would dramatically hike costs for seniors and pose serious risks to all Americans paying into Medicare today.” Watch the video to hear AARP members tell Congress just how harmful this proposal would be to them and their families.
Take Action!
Tell your members of Congress to work for the American people by protecting Medicare from cuts. Make your voice heard!
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