AARP Alabama: Cuts to Medicaid will devastate Alabama’s vulnerable seniors

Contact: Jamie Harding
Phone: 205-470-1265
JHarding@aarp.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 5, 2015

Statement by AARP Alabama interim state director, Candace Williams. in response to Alabama House passage of $156 million cut to Medicaid

“The action taken by the Alabama House today to slash Medicaid by $156 million would create a dangerous and devastating situation for many frail and vulnerable Alabama seniors and their families.”

“About two-thirds of nursing home patients in Alabama rely on Medicaid funding. The Medicaid budget cut passed today would cause many nursing facilities to close their doors, and force these patients into the unknown.”

“We strongly urge our Legislature to reverse the proposed cuts and restore level funding to Medicaid in the 2016 General Fund budget. Balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable elderly citizens simply cannot be allowed to happen. This is a matter of life-and-death for thousands of Alabama seniors.”

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

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