To the Editor:

AARP New Jersey calls on U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez to maintain their strong and public opposition to the Senate’s health care legislation. It provides tens of billions in tax breaks for drug and insurance companies, while dramatically increasing costs and reducing coverage for Americans age 50-plus.

Specifically, the legislation:

• Would allow insurance companies to charge older people an age tax or five times — or even more — than everyone else. On top of that, it reduces tax credits. Together, these changes could cost you tens of thousands of dollars more a year.

• Would strip away Medicaid coverage from more than half a million New Jerseyans and leave our seniors at risk of not getting the care they need.

• Would let states waive protections for those with a pre-existing condition like cancer, diabetes or asthma.

• Would cut funding for Medicare — leaving the door open to benefit cuts and Medicare vouchers.

AARP will hold all 100 United States Senators accountable to our members. In New Jersey, we urge Senators Menendez and Booker to continue to oppose the Senate bill and stand with Garden State residents.

Stephanie Hunsinger

State Director AARP New Jersey