Ask Erik
AARP The Magazine
January - February 2008
Q: I'm pleased to see that AARP is so tuned in to what's happening with health care costs and the adverse effects that 47 million Americans without health insurance are having on our country. Would you give me a bit more detail about what AARP is planning around this issue?
A: AARP has many ideas about how to improve health care coverage, quality, and cost. We are pushing these at the federal and state levels, as well as working in partnership with others to improve our system. We believe every American deserves access to and coverage for guaranteed, affordable, quality care.
Several of the candidates for President have put forth their plans for health reform, and AARP is urging all of them to address the issue. We want to make this the subject of a vigorous national discussion, and the basis for a public mandate for action. We plan to hold those elected to their promises.
We launched Divided We Fail with our partners in business and labor to do just that. The campaign is a nonpartisan effort to force the candidates for office at all levels to address the related issues of health and economic security, and to get their promises that after the election they'll work in a bipartisan manner to enact meaningful reforms.
I know that these issues affect everyone. Health costs have doubled since 2000. The number of those without insurance is rising, and fewer employers are offering insurance coverage. There are serious problems with the quality of care. That's why we've sponsored presidential debates and forums, met with senators and representatives, and worked in state capitols.
It may be necessary to take a "building block" approach to needed changes, rather than trying to do everything at once. For example, we support adoption of health information technology that will improve the quality of care and make it more convenient. We have long championed a variety of ways to obtain less expensive prescription drugs. Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease account for most of health care spending, yet their care is often not as coordinated or effective as it could be. We should be taking steps to promote wellness and prevent disease now.
So, to answer your question, we are working with health providers, insurers, and employers to promote change. Most important, we are asking our leaders to put their ideas forward so that we can examine them prior to voting, and work with them after the election to implement reforms. We also have many constructive ideas and want to bring the public into the effort.
AARP is proud to be a leader in this effort. Remember, as Franklin Roosevelt said, "Together we cannot fail." Only if we are Divided We Fail.
Erik D. Olsen, President
