—Statement by Medicare Rights Center President Fred Riccardi– 

New York, NY—The devastating cuts passed by Republicans in Congress threaten the health, well-being, and economic security of millions of older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, working families, and children. This cruel and irresponsible legislation rips away essential care and coverage while driving up costs across the health care system—all to partially pay for tax breaks that overwhelmingly benefit the wealthy and deepen the national debt. 

The people we serve every day are among those most at risk. This bill would kick 17 million people off their health coverage, increase red tape for Medicare and Medicaid enrollees, allow dangerous nursing home conditions to persist, and push more people into poverty by eating into already modest Social Security checks. It would also trigger automatic, catastrophic Medicare cuts—$45 billion in 2026 alone—and result in more than 51,000 preventable deaths each year. 

Lawmakers knew the consequences. They heard from constituents, advocates, and experts. Yet they chose to move forward anyway, disregarding the real harm this legislation will cause. These cruel and unnecessary rollbacks will jeopardize access to care, worsen health outcomes, and undermine decades of progress. 

At the Medicare Rights Center, we remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting and strengthening programs that help people live with dignity and independence. We will continue to advocate for policies that meet people’s needs, and we will hold those who supported this shameful bill accountable.