Fraud Schemes Targeting Older Adults: Senate Aging Committee Sounds Alarm

Published in RINewsToday on July 21, 2025

“Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that you are one of our lucky winners,” read the letter.

The official-looking correspondence—purportedly from the desk of the Vice President, International Promotions/Prize Award Department of Publishers Clearing House (PCH)—continued:

“On behalf of the members and staff of PCH, the Association of North America Lottery, and Provincial Sweepstakes, we sincerely congratulate you on your grand prize winnings of $750,000… Please contact your claims agent to arrange method of payment.”

Enclosed was a check, appearing legitimate, allegedly issued by Northern Fairfield Insurance (NFI) of Danbury, Connecticut, from a Webster Bank account, in the amount of $9,700.65.

According to the letter, the check was intended to help cover taxes, handling, and processing fees related to the prize.

Northern Fairfield Insurance, established in 1998, is a small firm with just three employees, including its owner, Jim Ostrove. Nearly two weeks ago, Ostrove began receiving calls—mine among them—asking whether the PCH letter and enclosed check were legitimate.

“The volume has tapered off by the day,” he admits, noting that “we’re no longer receiving any calls.”

A quick call to NFI confirmed my suspicions: the letter, marked “Confidential,” was a scam. In conversation with Ostrove, he said, “I felt violated and angry.”

Concerned, Ostrove contacted Webster Bank—the financial institution listed on the counterfeit check—to confirm that no account had been set up in his company’s name. The bank quickly verified this, noting that the check’s routing number was invalid and had no connection to a legitimate account. “Looking closely at the PCH check, I also realized that the name of my insurance company was misspelled,” Ostrove added.

Ostrove says the bank’s fraud unit was very helpful and confirmed the check was fake. His concerns about any potential financial fallout for his business were eased, he says.

Although Ostrove filed a police report, he had no real expectation that the scammers would be caught. “I just wanted the report on file in case someone came forward about the reward and tried to hold me financially responsible,” he said.

“My report made it very clear that I was a victim of fraud,” he emphasized.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, victims reported nearly $350 million in losses to prize, sweepstakes, and lottery-related scams in 2024.

Like me, the Better Business Bureau estimates that tens of thousands of individuals will receive similar scam mailings in 2025—complete with fake prize notifications, counterfeit checks, and fraudulent requests for payment or personal information. The actual number of victims may be much higher, as many incidents go unreported.

Senate Aging Committee Puts a Spotlight on Scams and Financial Exploitation

On Feb. 12, 2016, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging announced the publication of its first full-year “Fraud Book,” Protecting Older Americans Against Fraud, covering the period from January 1 to December 31, 2015. These annual reports aim to raise awareness about the growing number of fraud schemes targeting older Americans and provide specific recommendations to combat them.

The latest, published just recently, is a 40-page multi-language annual report, Age of Fraud: Scams Facing Our Nation’s Seniors (Report No. 119-35 of the 119th Congress), and was released on July 10, 2025. It highlights the many forms of fraud—including grandparent scams, tech support fraud, financial service scams, travel and timeshare fraud, romance scams, and government impersonation schemes.

“These schemes often target emotional vulnerabilities, particularly among seniors facing loneliness, isolation, or depression,” note Chairman Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Ranking Member Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) in a statement announcing the newly released report.

The 2025 bipartisan report outlines the growing financial threats facing aging Americans and ways for seniors to identify red flags that provide warnings of scams, suggests practical tips on how to protect themselves, and how to report scams. This year’s edition underscores the alarming rise in sophisticated schemes, particularly those utilizing artificial intelligence (AI). In 2024 alone, fraud and scams cost seniors over $4.8 billion, with those aged 50–59 losing an additional $2.5 billion.

“Across our nation, older Americans are being targeted every day by increasingly sophisticated scams that rob them not only of their hard-earned savings but also of their security and peace of mind. These attacks are personal, and they are unacceptable,” says Scott, stressing that fighting fraud against older Americans will remain a top priority for the Committee.

“Through critical initiatives like National Slam the Scam Day and our toll-free Fraud Hotline, we are expanding access to education, prevention tools, and direct support to empower families to recognize fraud and respond quickly,” he says.

“This report shines a direct light on the scale and severity of the threat we’re facing, and we must be united in our determination to stay vigilant, informed, and proactive in defending our seniors,” adds Scott.

Gillibrand adds, “We must do everything we can to prevent and fight back against these scams, and that starts with monitoring fraud whenever and wherever it occurs. As Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, I’m committed to continuing the fight against fraud, and I hope this Fraud Book is a valuable resource for our aging communities.”

The report serves as a significant wake-up call to Congress. Fraud continues to skyrocket, notes the Committee. Citing FBI data, 2024 was a record year for losses reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center, totaling a staggering $16.6 billion. There were 859,532 complaints that year—and over 4.2 million complaints over the past five years.

The report also emphasizes that fraud targeting older adults is growing in both complexity and financial impact, making enhanced awareness, education, and robust support systems more critical than ever.

 According to the FBI, from 2023 to 2024:

  • Overall losses increased 33%, mostly due to fraud.
  • Average loss for those age 60 and older rose to $83,000.
  • Reports for this age group increased by 43%.
  • Cryptocurrency-related losses rose by 66%.
  • Complaints involving cryptocurrency kiosks increased by 99%.

To safeguard aging Americans from fraud, scams, and financial exploitation, the Senate Aging Committee has led two bipartisan efforts: one resolution designating March 6, 2025, as National Slam the Scam Day to raise awareness and educate the public about fraud prevention, and another recognizing May 2025 as Older Americans Month. Both efforts aim to inform and protect older adults while reinforcing the committee’s commitment to combating fraud through public education, legislative action, and advocacy for stronger safeguards—ensuring seniors can enjoy their golden years with greater security and peace of mind.

From the Ocean State

According to the 2025 Fraud Report, the Federal Trade Commission reported 11,776 complaints were filed in Rhode Island in 2024.

“Our team tracks patterns of scams reported to us throughout the year,” says Timothy M. Rondeau, Communications Director for the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General. “This year, we’ve continued to see a wide range of fraudulent actors deceiving Rhode Islanders through romance scams, imposter scams, and scams involving cryptocurrency.”

According to Rondeau, while new scams aren’t necessarily emerging, the tools and methods used are evolving. “AI tools are increasingly used in imposter and romance scams, where AI-generated voices and videos deceive and manipulate victims,” he explains. “While we can’t always confirm AI involvement in each case, we know the use of AI makes it much harder—especially for older adults—to distinguish between real and fraudulent interactions.”

For more information about common scams or to file a complaint, Rhode Islanders can visit: riag.ri.gov/scams

If you or someone you know has been a victim—or suspects they’ve been targeted—please call the Senate Aging Committee’s Fraud Hotline at 1-855-303-9470 (open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time). If you’d like a member of the committee’s team to return your inquiry, please include your phone number in the web form.

Go here to read the Senate Aging Committees 2025 Fraud Report,

The US Dept. of Justice released this information in recognition of Elder Abuse Awareness Day – The Justice Department Highlights Enforcement Efforts Protecting Older Americans from Transnational Fraud Schemes in Recognition of 2025 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day contains specific information on each type of fraud and what the US Government is doing to shut it down.

AARP offers  Tips on Protecting Yourself Against Fraud.

AARP also has a Fraud Watch Network.

Aging Policy in 2025: Rhode Island Legislative Wins and What’s Missing

Published in RINewsToday.com, July 14, 2025 

On June 24, 2025, with a 35-2 vote in the Senate, the Rhode Island General Assembly has given its approval to a $13.963 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year that directs additional funding toward addressing the state’s housing and homelessness crisis, improving access to health care, supporting municipalities through increased revenue sharing, more funding for the state’s Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, extending childcare subsidies for toddlers and infants, and increasing Medicaid reimbursement to primary care providers, nursing homes and hospitals, among its directives.

Faced with a slowing economy and impending federal budget cuts, lawmakers were tasked with closing a $250 million deficit without resorting to broad tax hikes or cuts to essential services. To generate revenue, they implemented new electric vehicle (EV) registration fees, adjustments to the gas tax, and increases in real estate conveyance and hotel taxes. Additionally, tolls on large trucks (18-wheelers), which were approved in 2016 but delayed due to litigation from the trucking industry, are now set to be implemented following the state’s legal victory. The FY 2026 budget includes revenue from these tolls, which are scheduled to take effect.

According to Larry Berman, House Director of Communications, when the dust settled at the conclusion of this year’s 164-day legislative session, lawmakers introduced 1,430 bills and resolutions in the House and 1,165 in the Senate. Of those, the Governor signed 384 House and Senate bills into law, while another 125 became law without his signature.

The Governor is not required to act on resolutions. During the session, the House passed 238 resolutions and the Senate passed 127, most of which expressed congratulations or condolences, says Berman.

As Rhode Island’s population continues to age, advocacy organizations urged lawmakers to consider an array of legislation aimed at enhancing the delivery of state programs and services for older residents—and strengthening protections for their health, safety, financial security, and overall well-being.

Below is a selection of key laws enacted, organized by category:

Healthcare and Insurance

Lawmakers increased insurance coverage for hearing aids from $1,500 to $1,750 per ear, applicable to all ages. Additionally, the new law allows for hearing aid purchases every year, rather than every three years. Sponsored by Rep. Carol Hagan McEntee (D-Dist. 33, South Kingstown, Narragansett), H 5218,  and Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich, S 0120, this legislation has been signed by the Governor.

The General Assembly passed S 0610B introduced by Senate President Valarie J. Lawson (D-Dist. 14, East Providence) and Rep. Kathleen A. Fogarty’s (D-Dist. 35, South Kingston), bill, H 5494A.  The new law provides new consumer protections for Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) and aligns Rhode  Island’s market with neighboring states. Additionally, the budget expanded the Medicare Savings Program, helping more beneficiaries with premiums and co-pays.

With the passage of S 0169A  sponsored by Sen. Jacob E. Bissaillon (D-Dist. 1, Providence) and H 5184A by Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith (D-Dist. 46, Lincoln, Pawtucket), the new law protects homeowners from medical debt-related liens on their primary residence. Medical bills are among the top reasons underlying bankruptcy among Americans. This law takes effect on Jan. 1.

Senate President Lawson and Rep. Joshua J. Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) sponsored S 0974aa and H 6066A to expand paid family leave under the Temporary Care Insurance (TCI) program. Starting in January 2027, the TCI wage replacement rate will increase from 60% to 70%, and then to 75% in January 2028. This expansion is funded through a modest increase in the payroll contribution cap, which will not impact the state budget.

Consumer Protections and Financial Legislation

The General Assembly passed S 0016A and H 5121A, introduced by Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies Committee Chairwoman Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingston, Exeter). Signed by the Governor, the new law aims to prevent scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs, a growing fraud scheme in Rhode Island. 

According to AARP, recently 11 states have passed laws or regulations that put key consumer fraud protections on cryptocurrency ATMs in place. Americans lost more than $246 million to crypto ATM fraud and scams in 2024 alone, and older adults are disproportionately targeted by criminals.

With the passage of H 5042A and S 0229A, sponsored by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls) and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence), a new law eliminates the special exemption that allowed payday lenders to charge exorbitant interest rates of up to 260% APR. This reform helps protect consumers from falling into predatory debt cycles.

Lawmakers passed H 5185A and S 0133A sponsored by Rep. Susan R. Donovan (D-Dist. 69, Bristol, Portsmouth) and Sen. Matthew L. LaMountain (D-Dist. 31, Warwick, Cranston).  Signed into law by Gov. Dan McKee, it prohibits predatory real estate practices that often target older homeowners, preventing them from facing liens or other issues related to their properties.  The bill is based on model legislation that has been adopted in 30 other states. The legislation was backed by AARP, the American Land Title Association and the National Association of Realtors.

Support for Vulnerable Populations

Rep. Tina L. Spears (D-Dist. 36, Charlestown, New Shoreham, South Kingstown, Westerly) and Sen. Todd M. Patalano (D-Dist. 26, Cranston) sponsored H 6165A and S 0983A to create the PURPLE Alert system. Signed into law, this new initiative is designed to quickly locate missing adults with serious disabilities whose health and safety are at risk.

Legislation (S 0381A / H 5833A), sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Frank A. Ciccone III (D-Dist. 7, Providence, Johnston) and Rep. Mary Ann Shallcross Smith, now law, allows licensed hairdressers to provide in-home services to individuals with special needs or sensory-related disorders. This new law ensures that such services are provided in accordance with individual care plans verified by a licensed healthcare professional.

Now law, (H 5017A/ S 0884), sponsored by Rep. Samuel A. Azzinaro (D-Dist. 37, Westerly),  and Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton), protects veterans from improper conduct or excessive fees by individuals assisting them in filing disability claims with the Department of Veterans Affairs, except as authorized by federal law, and it imposes penalities under the deceptive trade practices provisions.

The General Assembly passed legislation (S 0884 / H 5017A) that grants people the right to repair their own complex power wheelchairs and mobility aids. Sponsored by Sen. Mark McKenney (D-Dist. 30, Warwick) and Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence), this new law requires manufacturers to provide independent service providers with the necessary tools and repair information. Under the new law, manufacturers are prohibited from using parts that would prevent installation of any non-manufacturer-approved replacement part or component. Also, a health plan’s coverage and payment is not allowed to require any form of prior authorization or medical documentation to complete repairs for consumer-owned complex rehabilitation technology.

Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) and Sen. Pamela J. Lauria (D-Dist. 32, Barrington, Bristol, East Providence) introduced H 5619 and S 0481, directing the Department of Health to collaborate with the state’s advisory council on Alzheimer’s to distribute educational materials. With the bill’s passage, signed into law, these resources will help  educate both the public and medical providers on prevention, early detection, and management of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Legislative Changes and Reforms

Sen. Melissa Murray (D-Dist. 24, Woonsocket, North Smithfield) and Rep. Brandon Potter (D-Dist. 16, Cranston) sponsored legislation (S 0120, H 5218) to create a three-year pilot program to remove prior authorization requirements for medically necessary care ordered by primary care providers.  Now law, the program is designed to reduce administrative delays and improve patient access to timely care.

Two bills sponsored by Sen. Pamela Lauria and Rep. Michelle McGaw (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Little Compton) improve pharmacy flexibility. The first (H 5633, S 0483aa) allows pharmacists to dispense a one-time refill for up to 100 days if the prescriber is unavailable. The second bill (S 0482A H 5855A) simplifies the process for substituting therapeutically equivalent prescription drugs or devises. Such substitutions typically occur at the request of an insurer, and the current process requires the pharmacist to contact the patient’s prescriber for approval before filling it.

Observations from Aging Advocates:

Lori Light, the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman, frequently observes that facility staff accused of abuse are often terminated from one facility only to be rehired by another, with the new administrator unaware of the prior allegations. “While it is important not to penalize individuals based on unproven claims, we believe that repeated allegations involving the same staff member across multiple facilities are unlikely to be coincidental and suggest a recurring issue,” she says.

To address this, H 5303 was introduced to make the complaint histories of licensed care staff accessible to prospective employers. Light expressed disappointment that this bill did not become law and hopes to work closely with the state’s Department of Health to revise and reintroduce it next year.

“We were pleased to see that the Safe Staffing and Quality Care Act, initially passed in 2021, was amended by the state budget to allow for enforcement,” says Light. While she acknowledges that the revised law may not provide the same level of benefit to nursing home residents as originally intended, she recognizes it as a step forward.

Light also expressed disappointment that the Assisted Living Resident Empowerment Act (H5169, S484) did not pass. “Assisted living facilities remain under-regulated, with fewer resident rights despite high monthly costs and regular rate increases,” she said. The unsuccessful legislative change would have strengthened resident and family councils and improved financial transparency within these facilities.

“It’s unclear why the Department of Health’s legislation (H5426, S789), which would have increased financial transparency in nursing homes and limited equity extraction, failed to advance this year, despite having the governor’s support,” says Light. She notes that this is the second year the bill has been introduced.

“With more out-of-state investor groups acquiring facilities, it is critical to ensure that public Medicaid dollars are spent on resident care, not diverted to investors,” she emphasizes, recognizing that the bill represented a modest but essential step in that direction. “We anticipate that RIDOH will reintroduce the bill next session, and we remain committed to supporting it,” she says.

Carol Anne Costa, executive director of the Senior Agenda Coalition of RI (SACRI), notes, “SACRI worked closely with many agencies and individuals in the aging network to advance our legislative agenda. Collaboration is always beneficial for passing good laws, and more importantly, it strengthens the fabric of the coalition,” she says.

Costa continues, “SACRI fully intends to resume pushing for the passage of unsuccessful legislation in the next session, including expanded accessibility in new housing, the development of more housing for older adults, nursing home patient welfare, and assisted living resident councils. Additionally, SACRI will be closely monitoring the impact of the Trump’s Reconciliation Bill on Rhode Island.”

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret adds, “It was absolutely wonderful to see the FY 2026 bill include a provision to increase the income eligibility for the Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), which was SACRI’s top legislative priority for 2025.”

Maigret notes that SACRI has worked tirelessly since 2013 to expand the MSP program. “These efforts finally paid off, thanks to the incredible support from community partners and legislative champions, including House Speaker  K. Joseph Shekarchi (D-Dist. 23, Warwick), lead sponsors Sen. Louis DiPalma and Rep. Karen Alzate, and many legislative co-sponsors.”

“Once eligibility is increased, as called for in the budget, potentially several thousand current MSP participants will have their co-payments covered, and thousands more Medicare enrollees will no longer have to pay for their Part B premiums (currently $185/month). These savings will help pay for other basic needs, such as food,” says Maigret.

Rhode Island’s 2025 legislative session brought meaningful advances for older adults, including expanded healthcare coverage, stronger consumer protections, and new programs supporting vulnerable populations.  Despite these successes, important bills on long-term care staff accountability, assisted living oversight, and nursing home financial transparency did not pass, leaving critical issues unresolved.

Expect committed aging organizations and advocates to return next year to advance these and other unfinished legislative priorities including promoting development of accessible housing for those with mobility impairments and caregiver tax credits to help ease the financial burden on unpaid family caregivers.

For a reporting of the provisions in the FY 2026 Rhode Island budget, visit https://rinewstoday.com/house-finance-committees-fy-26-budget-boosts-support-for-older-rhode-islanders-herb-weiss/.

Trump’s Big Bill, Big Promises – But a Bust for Seniors

Pubished in Blackstone Valley Call & Times on July 8, 2025

After 48 relentless days of political maneuvering—marked by cajoling, backroom bargaining, strategic threats, and last-minute incentives to win over stubborn holdouts—President Donald Trump finally got his wish: Congress passed his prized “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1), which he triumphantly signed into law on July 4, 2025.

On May 22, 2025, the House narrowly approved the sweeping 900-page bill by a vote of 215–214–1. Every House Democrat opposed the measure. Two Republicans, Reps. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Warren Davidson (R-OH), joined the opposition, while Freedom Caucus Chair Andy Harris (R-MD) voted “present.” Two GOP lawmakers did not vote.

What’s In the Bill: Tax Breaks Up, Safety Nets Down

The legislation extends the 2017 individual tax cuts and adds new deductions for tips, overtime pay, auto loan interest, and “Trump Accounts” for children. It raises the SALT deduction cap to $40,000 for five years, increases the child tax credit, imposes a remittance levy, and taxes college endowment income.

On the spending side, H.R. 1 raises the debt ceiling by $5 trillion, slashes over $1 trillion from Medicaid and Medicare, expands work requirements for  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, and allocates $150 billion each to defense and border enforcement—boosting ICE funding to over $100 billion by 2029.

Senate Republicans spent more than five weeks reviewing the House bill’s provisions to comply with the Byrd Rule, walking a tightrope between deficit hawks and moderates. After a marathon “vote-a-rama” that saw 46 amendment votes (only six of which passed), the Senate approved the bill 51–50 on July 1, with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.

The reconciliation process allowed the Senate to pass the bill with a simple majority rather than the standard 60-vote threshold. When the bill returned to the House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump personally lobbied holdouts, linking support to other legislative priorities and negotiating procedural rules. Early on July 3, the House adopted the Senate version in a 218–214 vote, with only Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) voting with Democrats. The bill was sent to the White House and signed into law the following day.

Despite Republican praise, public reaction to Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” has been largely negative. A KFF Health Tracking Poll found that 64% of Americans view H.R. 1 unfavorably, compared to 35% in support.

President Trump and GOP leaders hailed the bill as a historic conservative win that fulfills “America First” promises—cutting taxes, slashing regulations, boosting border security, promoting energy independence, and reducing federal spending. “This is a major victory for hardworking families,” said Rhode Island GOP Chair Joe Powers in a statement, praising the bill for delivering middle-class tax relief and real border control.

But Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI), representing Rhode Island’s 1st Congressional District, sees it differently and warns of the devastating consequences to aging programs and services.

“Trump’s big, ugly bill” shows that Republican lawmakers, following Trump’s marching orders, voted for “the largest theft in American history to further enrich the richest among us,” he says.

“Simply put, because of this horrific legislation, Americans will be poorer, sicker, hungrier, and further away from economic opportunity,” says the Rhode Island Congressman.

Deep Cuts and Dire Warnings from Aging Advocates

SACRI Policy Advisor Maureen Maigret emphasized the need for swift action in Rhode Island, stating, “It is crucial for the Secretary of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to promptly convene the advisory group outlined in Section 8 of the state’s FY 2026 budget bill.”

“For years, SACRI has worked to ensure a balanced system of long-term services—supporting quality nursing home care, expanding access to affordable home and community-based services, and collaborating with the Office of Healthy Aging and other aging advocacy groups to promote healthy aging,” says Maigret.

SACRI, a statewide coalition advocating for older Rhode Islanders, has partnered with other organizations to make significant strides in these areas, according to Executive Director Carol Anne Costa. “We cannot allow this progress to be reversed, especially as older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the state’s population,” Costa says.

“We have sent a letter to Secretary Charest requesting that SACRI be included in the advisory group established by Article 8 of the state’s FY 2026 budget bill.”

Now accounting for nearly 20 percent of the total population, the number of Americans age 65 and older is steadily increasing.

“Make no mistake: this harmful, cold-hearted bill will wreak havoc on our country’s fragile aging services infrastructure—at a time when demand for the Medicare and Medicaid-supported services it delivers is growing,” warns Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge.

“This legislation deals a significant blow to a core element of our country’s social safety net: Medicaid,” adds Sloan, emphasizing that the consequences “will not be pretty.”

She further warns, “Due to the level of deficit this bill will create, Medicare payments to providers may be reduced by 4% for the next ten years.”

According to Sloan, the bandaids included in H.R. 1—such as freezing (but not reducing) nursing home provider taxes and creating a rural health transformation fund, both touted as protections for older adults and aging services providers—will soon prove ill-equipped to prevent the bill’s damage. As states begin to grapple with budget shortfalls caused by reduced federal Medicaid contributions, the suffering, she says, will begin.

Max Richtman, President & CEO of the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, warned that 16 million Americans may lose health coverage, and millions more could lose access to food assistance. He stressed the bill’s devastating effects on the 7.2 million seniors dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid and the 6.5 million older adults who rely on SNAP benefits.

“These beneficiaries are some of the most vulnerable members of our society — and Republicans have put them at risk in order to pay for another tax cut mainly for the rich,” he says.

AARP: Safety Nets Shredded, Protections Undermined

Although AARP expressed strong opposition to many provisions in the reconciliation bill, the organization did support several key measures. These included increased investment in affordable housing through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, raising the additional senior standard deduction to $6,000, and expanding the Section 45S tax credit for paid family and medical leave.

Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond criticized the bill’s cuts to Medicaid, ACA Marketplace coverage, and food assistance, calling them particularly harmful to older adults, rural residents, and family caregivers. She emphasized that over 17 million Americans aged 50 and older rely on Medicaid to remain in their homes and manage chronic health conditions.

“This is a moment to strengthen—not weaken—the supports that help people stay in their homes, access needed health care, and live with dignity and independence,” said LeaMond, representing nearly 38 million members nationwide.

She stressed that AARP remained strongly opposed to Senate provisions that would slash Medicaid, Marketplace coverage, and food assistance, making it harder for older adults to get by.

“More than 17 million Americans age 50 and older rely on Medicaid as a critical safety net to stay in their homes, manage chronic conditions, and afford long-term care,” says LeaMond. “By limiting how states fund their Medicaid programs, the new law threatens health care access—particularly for people in rural and underserved areas and through safety-net providers,” she adds.

LeaMond also expressed concern over delayed implementation of nursing home staffing standards, which are estimated to save 13,000 lives annually, and provisions allowing drug companies to continue charging high prices for certain orphan drugs—even while selling the same medicines overseas at far lower costs.

AARP opposes H.R. 1’s new burdens that could cost people their health care or food assistance when they are unable to work due to age discrimination, caregiving responsibilities, or chronic illness. “This will only make it harder for many older adults to access needed health care and to put food on the table,” she says.

She also warns that the new SNAP cost-sharing formula could shift billions in expenses to state budgets, forcing states to restrict eligibility, reduce benefits, or withdraw from the program entirely.

Finally, AARP strongly opposed the bill’s 10-year moratorium on state and local regulation of artificial intelligence (AI), arguing that it undermines consumer protections in employment, housing, and health care—leaving older adults more vulnerable to harm from biased or untested AI systems.

For additional information on H.R. 1’s impact on senior programs and service, visit: aarp.org/advocacy/fight-senate-cuts-medicaid-snap
aarp.org/advocacy/support-budget-bill-tax-proposals