Seniors Under Siege: Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security at Risk

Rich Fiesta, Executive Director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, discussed the potential impact of budget cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and other programs, as well as their upcoming anniversaries.

The recently passed "Big Ugly Bill," as Fiesta referred to it, contains cuts to Medicare and Medicaid, potentially impacting seniors and disabled Americans. Medicaid faces a $930 billion reduction over 10 years, threatening nursing home care and home-based services for millions. Medicare could see nearly $490 billion in cuts, jeopardizing rural hospitals and limiting access to care. Fiesta said these cuts and potential facility closures could leave many seniors without essential medical services and support.

Fiesta highlighted the alarming increase in seniors relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With inadequate Social Security benefits and dwindling pension options, more older Americans are turning to SNAP for basic needs. Fiesta said the $186 billion cut to SNAP could leave 6.5 million seniors struggling to afford food. Additionally, he added, a $5 billion loophole for "orphan drugs" threatens to lock in high drug prices, undermining recent efforts to lower prescription costs for seniors.

Finally, Fiesta discussed the Alliance’s efforts to celebrate and defend Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security as their anniversaries approach. Medicare and Medicaid turn 60 on July 30, while Social Security will mark its 90th anniversary on August 14. Fiesta emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the threats to these programs through grassroots efforts, including visits to congressional offices, public events and media outreach.

Listen to the full episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast featuring Rich Fiesta.