Senate approves harmful cuts to Medicaid, food aid in revised budget bill

As the House prepares for a final vote, AARP is urging support for federal programs that impact millions

From AARP — By Molly Snow —

Proposed cuts to Medicaid, food assistance and long-term care that could impact millions of low-income older adults are heading for a final vote in the House as AARP urged lawmakers to protect those programs.

Senate Republicans narrowly passed their version of President Trump’s domestic spending and tax bill on Tuesday and House lawmakers will now consider the legislation.

The bill slashes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and health care for low-income people and people with disabilities and aims to dramatically reduce federal spending to deliver on the Trump administration’s priorities, including an extension of the President’s tax cuts.

AARP and other advocacy organizations are urging lawmakers to consider how these provisions would affect older adults who will struggle to meet stringent new benefit eligibility requirements.

“This is a moment to strengthen — not weaken — the supports that help people stay in their homes, access needed health care and live with dignity and independence,” wrote Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s chief advocacy and engagement officer, in the June 29 letter to Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Food aid cuts endanger millions

One of the largest programs on the chopping block is SNAP, which provides supplementary grocery income to 10 million households that include at least one adult age 50 or older.

The Senate seeks to extend work requirements to adults up to age 64, and would require parents or guardians of children 14 and older to work or volunteer in order to maintain SNAP eligibility.

The House proposes a similar change, but limits exemptions to caregivers of children under age 7.

AARP is concerned that these exemptions are too narrow and would be difficult to navigate, leading to confusion and, ultimately, a reduction in benefits for many older adults affected by the changes.

“There are no clear automatic exemptions for people caring for individuals with a chronic or other health condition or functional limitation, including family caregivers of older adults,” LeaMond wrote.

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Continue reading at AARP.org

Do you need an attorney to handle your Estate Planning, Probate, Special Needs, or Medicaid/Medicare issues? Find a qualified member of the Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in the Ohio NAELA Directory.

Senate approves harmful cuts to Medicaid, food aid in revised budget bill

As the House prepares for a final vote, AARP is urging support for federal programs that impact millions

Food aid cuts endanger millions

Do you need an attorney to handle your Estate Planning, Probate, Special Needs, or Medicaid/Medicare issues? Find a qualified member of the Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys in the Ohio NAELA Directory.

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