FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 9, 2010
CONTACT
AARP Media Relations, media@aarp.org, 202-434-2560
AARP Thanks House for Protecting People in Medicare
Year-long physician payment solution ensures continued access to doctors
WASHINGTON—AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released a statement following today’s passage of the Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 by the House of Representatives. The bill stops a scheduled payment cut to doctors in Medicare, ensuring seniors can continue to see their physicians for the next year. Rand’s statement follows:
“AARP thanks the House of Representatives for quickly passing this critical legislation to protect people in Medicare and ensure they can continue to see their doctors in 2011. We’re encouraged that lawmakers worked across the aisle to find this year-long, bipartisan solution, but their work cannot stop now.
“Seniors and the doctors who care for them deserve the stability of a Medicare system that does not require band-aid fixes each year. That’s why AARP fought for this year-long extension. Through teletown hall meetings, emails, direct mail and advertising, we reached thousands of our members and activists, educating them on the importance of a long-term solution that protects access for people in Medicare. In turn, Congress was contacted more than 100,000 times with a unified message-‘Prevent the payment cut that would threaten seniors’ access to the doctors that care for them.’
“When Congress reconvenes in January, our efforts will continue. Our members and people in Medicare expect their legislators to work together to find a long-term solution to the flawed payment system.
“We urge the President to sign this legislation so that everyone in Medicare can see their doctor when they need to. And we look forward to working with the new Congress next year to put an end to the annual patches and give seniors the peace of mind they deserve.”
For more information, visit www.aarp.org.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan social welfare organization with a membership 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 35.1 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.
