AARP Opposes Senate Tax Bill; Cites $25B in Medicare Cuts

The AARP on Thursday said it is opposed to the Senate's proposed tax cuts legislation for several reasons, but most acutely because of the mandatory $25 billion in cuts to Medicare in 2018 the bill would trigger.

In a letter to senators, AARP cited the CBO's analysis that due to the Senate bill's impact on the deficit – adding $1.5 trillion over 10 years – automatic federal spending cuts of $136 billion will kick in next year, with $25 billion of that hitting Medicare.

"AARP is prepared to support tax legislation that makes the tax code more equitable and efficient, promotes growth, and produces sufficient revenue to pay for critical national programs, including Medicare and Medicaid," AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins wrote in the letter. "However, the Senate Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in its current form, does not meet these criteria.

"Most troubling is the negative effect the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will have on the nation's ability to fund critical priorities," Jenkins wrote. "Such sweeping cuts would be detrimental to an already vulnerable population."

AARP also opposes the repeal of the individual mandate that is part of the Senate's proposal, instead urging senators to "pass the bipartisan Alexander/Murray bill that will take immediate steps to stabilize the health insurance market," Jenkins wrote.

"For the reasons given, AARP cannot support the Senate Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, in its current form," Jenkins wrote. "We urge Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to enact tax legislation that better meets the needs of older Americans and the nation, and we stand ready to work with you toward that end."

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