Statement from the Medicare Rights Center and Center for Medicare Advocacy on Passage of Devastating Tax Bill

Washington, DC – Today’s passage of the Tax Cut bill puts the 57 million older adults and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare, and their families, at risk.

Medicare faces both short and longer-term threats as a result of this Bill. Almost immediately, budget rules triggered by the tax bill will require automatic and ongoing cuts to Medicare, starting with $25 billion in 2018 alone. While Congress may prevent this from happening, such action won’t “fix” this catastrophically damaging bill. The massive tax give-away will still result in a gaping revenue shortfall of $1.5 trillion or more, putting Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security directly in the cross-hairs of policy-makers seeking to pay for the tax cuts.

Congressional leaders have been clear – after passing a costly tax bill that drives up deficits, they will use these higher deficits to justify cuts to programs like Medicare. As organizations concerned about access to affordable, quality health care and long-term services and supports for older people, people with disabilities, and their families, we will continue to fight for Medicare and the health and well-being of everyday Americans.

Congress: We, and the tens of millions of people we represent, are watching. We will hold you accountable.

Contact: Deane Beebe, VP Communications & Outreach, dbeebe@medicarerights.org, 212-204-6248

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