AARP Says Republican Health Will Make Older Americans Pay More For Insurance

The AARP came out aggressively against the Republican plan to replace Obamacare, calling the plan “harmful” to older Americans.

AARP also called the Republican plan a “sweetheart deal” to “big drug companies and special interests.”

In a statement released today, AARP said “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.”

The AARP called out several aspects of the Republican plan including the ending of Medicaid expansion.

The statement continued by saying, “Before people even reach retirement age, big insurance companies would be allowed to charge them an age tax that adds up to thousands of dollars more per year. Older Americans need affordable health care services and prescriptions. This plan goes in the opposite direction, increasing insurance premiums for older Americans and not doing anything to lower drug costs.”

“Finally, Medicaid cuts could impact people of all ages and put at risk the health and safety of 17.4 million children and adults with disabilities and seniors by eliminating much needed services that allow individuals to live independently in their homes and communities,” the statement continued.

“Although no one believes the current health care system is perfect, this harmful legislation would make health care less secure and less affordable,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s executive vice president, said in a statement.

“AARP stands ready to work with both parties on legislation that puts Americans first, not the special interests,” the group said.

AARP: Trump-Republican health plan amounts to an “age tax”