Advocacy

AARP Urges Congress to Oppose Cuts to Social Security and Veterans Benefits

FOR IMMEDIATE R ELEASE

Human Cost of Delaying Medicaid Expansion is Too High

EXPANSION WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE TO 62,000 VIRGINIANS AGE 50-64 AND MORE THAN 33,000 MILITARY VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

STATEMENT OF AARP VIRGINIA ADVOCACY DIRECTOR DAVID DEBIASI:

MEDICAID EXPANSION WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE TO 62,000 VIRGINIANS AGE 50-64

MEDICAID EXPANSION WOULD PROVIDE COVERAGE TO 62,000 VIRGINIANS AGE 50-64

Don’t Delay the Medicaid Extension!

RICHMOND _ When Barry Noel lost his job five years ago he had difficulty finding and affording health insurance for his family, including five children.

A family of three making just $6,000 a year doesn't qualify for Medicaid. Individuals 50-to 64-year-old (without dependent children) do not qualify for Medicaid regardless of income. Many Virginians living in poverty do not qualify for Medicaid and cannot afford private health care insurance --even with the subsidies that will be offered through the health benefits exchange.Expanding Medicaid will help older Virginians who have lost their jobs or are in jobs without health benefits get affordable care. It will provide coverage for hardworking people who’ve paid in all their lives but are now struggling to make ends meet. Over 62,000 Virginians ages 50-64 would have access to health care coverage if Medicaid is expanded in our state.The time to take action is now! Call 1-800-211-0914 and tell your state Senator to support the budget amendment to change the Medicaid income guidelines. You can also send an email to your legislator.