Rep. Suzan DelBene recently visited two senior centers and heard concerns about the health care repeal bill being considered in the senate that would increase the seniors’ health care costs and cut the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

Senate Republicans delayed a vote on the repeal bill this week due to a lack of votes and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has vowed to try again later this month.

DelBene listened to concerns regarding the bill from First District seniors at the Northshore Senior Center in Bothell and the Brookdale Senior Living Community in Monroe.

“It’s disappointing we’re even having a conversation about cuts and this bill proposed — the bill in the House and the bill in the Senate — would be devastating for folks using Medicare and devastating for Medicaid as well,” DelBene said.

According to a press release, DelBene strongly opposes this bill and the similar legislation already passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The press release highlights the increase in premiums for seniors, the $75 billion cut from Medicare and $750 billion cut from Medicaid as reasons for DelBene’s opposition.

“Instead of focusing on solutions to protect and strengthen Medicare,” the press release stated, “Republican leaders in Congress are proposing legislation that harms the program vital to seniors.”