AARP slammed the Republican alternative to Obamacare released Monday, saying it would make healthcare less affordable and less secure, especially for the over-50 population it represents.
"AARP opposes this legislation as introduced that would weaken Medicare, leaving the door open to a voucher program that shifts costs and risks to seniors," the group's executive vice president Nancy LeaMond said in a statement on the AARP website.
LeaMond went after the plan's change from subsidies to tax credits that are based on age, rather than income only.
"Older Americans need affordable healthcare services and prescriptions," she said. "This plan goes in the opposite direction, increasing insurance premiums for older Americans and not doing anything to lower drug costs."
Consumers would get a "hefty premium increase" while big drug companies and other special interests would get a "sweetheart deal," LeaMond said.
"Finally, Medicaid cuts could impact people of all ages and put at risk the health and safety of 17.4 million children and adults with disabilities and seniors by eliminating much needed services that allow individuals to live independently in their homes and communities," she said.
Conservatives in Congress have had the opposite objection, saying the plan devised by GOP leadership does not go far enough in completely repealing Obamacare.
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