Troy Schuster, state director of AARP Virgin Islands met with Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett April 29 to discuss protecting Social Security and Medicaid for Virgin Islanders.
Schuster raised concerns about the proposed FY26 and its potential impact on Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, and Community Living Programs (i.e., Legal services, electricity payment programs, SNAP, and Meals on Wheels), and he requested Plastkett’s continued active engagement and working across the aisle in protecting these programs. He also proposed a collaboration on outreach efforts for the 90th Anniversary of Social Security in August 2025.
“Many Virgin Islanders are deeply concerned about economic issues, with inflation, healthcare costs, and the threat to programs. Many of them want to ensure that their concerns are heard in Washington,” stated Schuster. He went on to note that over 22,000 Virgin Islanders currently depend on Social Security for themselves and their families.
“Changes to the program could cripple families here in the territory and jeopardize their health and wellbeing. AARP is urging Congress to reach a bipartisan solution to protect Social Security for generations to come,” Schuster added.
Congresswoman Plaskett confirmed that she is ready to join AARP in the fight to preserve Social Security and Medicaid. She expressed concerns of the potential destabilization of Social Security.
About 4,000 Virgin Islands residents are dual-eligible for Medicare and Medicaid – including aged, blind, and disabled population. AARP opposes any proposals that would cut services, restrict eligibility, shift costs to states, or burden older Americans with additional red tape or reporting requirements. “We know so many seniors, especially living in retirement homes rely on Medicaid. Cuts to this program would affect children, veterans, and seniors,” Congresswoman Plaskett noted.
August 2025 marks the 90th Anniversary of Social Security. AARP proposed partnering with Rep. Plaskett’s office on community outreach activities to help educate, celebrate, and mobilize Virgin Islanders to protect Social Security for future generations. Congresswoman Plaskett enthusiastically agreed to join AARP in celebration of this historic anniversary.
“By working together, we can protect what generations of Virgin Islanders have earned through a lifetime of work, we can ensure that Social Security and Medicaid remain strong pillars for economic security and health in our community — for our community today and for generations to come.”
