FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 22, 2013
CONTACT:
Allyson Funk
@allyfunk or @AARPmedia
202-434-2560 or media@aarp.org
AARP: Final Ruling on Age Rating Important Step Forward
Washington, D.C. - AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond today released the following statement reacting to the announced final rule from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that next year insurers will not be able to charge older Americans - specifically 50-to-64 year-olds - more than three times as much due to their age for health insurance:“This rule limiting how health insurers can vary premiums based on age is an important step forward in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act and in making health insurance affordable for all Americans.
“Implementing a limited use of age rating immediately thwarts what would have been a negative and disproportionate effect on Americans aged 50-64 if they could not obtain affordable health insurance at a time when they need it most.
“Ending the discriminatory practice of charging older Americans more for coverage based on their age is only one of a number of policy changes that will ensure access to affordable coverage and lead to insurance policies with greater value than those commonly purchased in the non-group market today.
“This rule is one more important step in the implementation of the Affordable Care Act that will lead to greater and more comprehensive coverage for all Americans, young and old."
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment security and retirement planning. We advocate for consumers in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP VIVA, a bilingual news source. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
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