CORTLAND (AP) -- Senior citizens and activists are gathering to protest plans to reduce the federal deficit by cutting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

A "Don't make us work 'til we die" rally is planned at noon Wednesday in Cortland. Activists will gather outside the Post Office on Main Street and march to Rep. Richard Hanna's office. Similar rallies are planned in other states.

The Republican plan to fundamentally restructure Medicare and cut social safety net programs like food stamps and Medicaid has brought loud protests as supporters meet with their constituents back home. The GOP plan passed by the House this month envisions cutting government deficits by a total of $6.2 trillion over the next decade.

One of the most contentious provisions would transform Medicare into a voucher-like system using private insurance plans.

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