FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 24, 2010
Contact
AARP Media Relations, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org
AARP: “While this latest patch offers some hope, it is far from the permanent solution older Americans deserve”
WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released this statement following tonight’s passage of a temporary six month patch that would reverse the drastic 21 percent cut to Medicare payments to doctors:
“The short-term band-aid passed tonight gives little reassurance to the 46 million Americans in Medicare who need reliable access to their doctors. The time for Congress to find a long-term physician payment solution is far past due. With the drastic 21 percent cut in effect for nearly a month, seniors in Medicare are already facing more difficulty finding a doctor. While this latest patch offers some hope, it is far from the permanent solution older Americans deserve.
“We urge members from both chambers and both sides of the aisle to come together now to solve this crisis and stop putting the health of older Americans in jeopardy.”
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.7 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. 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. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
