West Health: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act May Put Vulnerable Seniors at Risk
Healthcare organization West Health has expressed its concerns about the proposals for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act put forward by House Republicans. Despite the organization’s favorable attitude towards tax reform, West Health has said that the short-term and long-term repercussions of the legislation have not been clarified. The changes that have been detailed, such as the elimination of medical expense deduction, could lead to undesirable outcomes such as tax increases for older Americans with serious disabilities, who would be forced to pay for long-term services and support services with their own funds. West Health has also expressed concern that the proposed tax cuts may affect “critical” programs such as Medicare and Medicaid, which presently rely on tax revenues for funding. The organization has called for further analysis and debate on the proposed cuts before changes are made for shorter-term tax relief. West Health was established by Gary and Mary West, two philanthropists, and includes the non-profit, nonpartisan Gary and Mary West Health Institute and Gary and Mary West Foundation. The organization aims to provide seniors with opportunities to age in place, as well as have access to affordable, higher-quality health and support services.

West Health: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act May Put Vulnerable Seniors at Risk

SAN DIEGO AND WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 6, 2017 – Dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services, West Health has concerns about the proposed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act unveiled last week by House Republicans.

“While we believe tax reform is needed, both the short- and long-term implications of this proposed legislation on older adults are far from clear. However, there are provisions that raise concerns,” said Shelley Lyford, president and CEO of West Health. “For example, the plan calls for the elimination of the medical expense deduction, which could actually mean a tax increase for older Americans with significant disabilities paying the high costs of essential long-term services and supports from their own resources. This would be unfortunate. How can Congress increase the burden for some of the oldest and most frail and vulnerable who often struggle to afford the many expenses associated with long-term care?”

“We also have concerns that a tax cut of the size proposed in the legislation may eventually impact critical programs including Medicare and Medicaid, which rely on tax revenue for their stability and funding. We must not rush through this legislation for the sake of short-term tax relief. We must have rigorous debate and analysis, and understand as fully as possible what the tax changes we are considering today would mean for tomorrow,” Lyford said.

###

About the West Health Institute and West Health

Solely funded by philanthropists Gary and Mary West, West Health includes the nonprofit and nonpartisan Gary and Mary West Health Institute and Gary and Mary West Foundation in San Diego, and the Gary and Mary West Health Policy Center in Washington, D.C. These organizations are working together toward a shared mission dedicated to enabling seniors to successfully age in place with access to high-quality, affordable health and support services that preserve and protect their dignity, quality of life and independence. For more information, visit westhealth.org and follow @westhealth.

Press contact:

Tim Ingersoll

tpingersoll@westhealth.org

(858) 412-8727 or (619) 871-3769 (cell)