In a move that will bolster the Democratic coalition in the Senate and the need to hold on to 60 votes, the AARP announced their support today for the reform plan that includes massive reductions to Medicare. AARP says that the cuts will be paid for in reduced waste and fraud, improved efficiencies and elimination of duplicative benefits.

The support of AARP is a huge boost for Democrats that have been struggling to keep the 60 votes needed to prevent a filibuster that would kill the legislation. The AARP is a trusted source for many seniors, and this endorsement may ease fears that proposed cuts would have a negative impact on seniors already struggling to pay for the costs of health care.

The ultimate outcome of the reform legislation is still up in the air, but one thing has become certain—when the AARP supports cutting almost half a trillion dollars out of Medicare it becomes that much more certain it will happen.

To read more about AARP’s support for the Senate bill, click here.

Senate Democrats prevent measure to take Medicare cuts out of healthcare reform bill, click here.