–Statement by Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi–  

Washington, DC—Today, Republicans in the Senate had the opportunity to protect millions of people from losing Medicaid, Medicare, Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage, and SNAP food assistance. Instead, they turned their backs. They chose to harm millions of people, including older adults and people with disabilities, by pushing through flawed, irresponsible, and inhumane cuts to programs that help people meet basic needs. All this to fund tax breaks that disproportionately benefit high-income earners while ballooning the national debt.  

The cruel budget bill rips coverage from people with Medicare and Medicaid, leaves millions of others without critical ACA financial assistance, and keeps families from accessing the food they need to stay healthy. At least 17 million more people will be uninsured. People will drown in red tape trying to get help paying Medicare costs, resulting in lower Social Security payments. Nursing home residents will face more unsafe conditions without the staff necessary to keep them from harm. Health care will be harder to get—especially in rural areas—as Medicaid community-based services and supports shrink and hospitals and health clinics close. This bill spikes the deficit, creates unnecessary suffering, piles on unfairness, and makes it harder than ever for people to live with health, independence, and dignity.  

This colossal tax giveaway proves that Republicans are willing to sacrifice Medicaid and Medicare to pay for tax cuts. It immediately undermines and keeps the programs at risk, as the higher deficits it creates may be used to justify even deeper cuts in the future.  

The bill now goes back to the House of Representatives, where it started. We call upon all House members to embrace this second chance to do the right thing. We urge you to reject the bill in its entirety. It is not too late to prioritize and protect the people you were elected to serve.