The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is calling for the House of Representatives to support Medicare, Medicaid, and food stamps in the House budget proposal.
“We urge you not to include attempts to cut Medicare benefits or increase beneficiary costs in the upcoming budget proposal,” AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins wrote in a letter sent to legislators Wednesday.
A report by Senate Democrats said that the budget could cut Medicare spending over a decade by $473 billion. A Republican aide denied the existence of Medicare cuts in the budget, saying that instead Medicare would grow at a slower rate.
“Slowing the growth of Medicare will help make the program more sustainable and ensure it is able to keep providing the vital services that millions of people rely on,” the aide said, according to The Hill.
AARP is also concerned that Republicans would attempt to set a cap on spending for Medicaid, which was part of Republicans’ plans to repeal Obamacare.
“Efforts to reduce or cap Medicaid funding could endanger the health, safety, and care of millions of individuals who depend on the essential services provided through this program,” Jenkins wrote in the letter.
SNAP, the food stamp program, is important for “feeding millions of hungry Americans,” she continued.
“Proposals to block grant the program, or impose work requirements will make SNAP less responsive and accessible in times of need.”
“We stand ready to work with you to develop proposals that protect and improve Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP,” Jenkins wrote.