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AARP Applauds Passage the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act

WASHINGTON —AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement applauding the House on its passage of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009:

“We applaud the House for ensuring that millions of people in Medicare will have the peace of mind of knowing that they will be able to keep access to the physician of their choice. The Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act will fix the flawed Medicare physician payment formula and eliminate a looming 21 percent cut to reimbursement rates. With today’s vote, the House has taken a major step towards reforming the physician payment system so doctors will not only continue to treat existing Medicare patients, but also accept new patients.

“We urge the Senate to act promptly on behalf of older Americans and the physicians who care for them and ensure that an unwarranted physician pay cut does not threaten access to care. With only weeks to go before the cuts go into effect, the time to act is now.”

Added: November 20, 2009
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AARP Supports Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009

WASHINGTON—AARP Senior Vice President David Sloane released the following statement in support of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009:

“H.R. 3961 will make certain that millions of Americans in Medicare will be able to keep their access to and choice of physicians, and that’s why we support it. We recognize that if the Congress acts, as it has repeatedly in the past, on physician payment reform, then Part B premiums may rise. But it’s important to consider the changes proposed in H.R. 3961 together with proposed changes in H.R. 3962 that would improve efficiency in the Medicare program and reduce beneficiary premiums. According to CBO, on net these premium increases will account for less than 2 percent of Medicare Part B premium collections over the next ten years.

“Absent Congressional action, physicians will face a 21 percent reduction in reimbursement rates next year and may stop taking Medicare patients, undermining the ability of millions of Medicare beneficiaries to get the care that they need and stay healthy.

“At the end of the day, ensuring access to one’s doctor continues to be a high priority for Medicare beneficiaries—and for AARP. We believe that H.R. 3961 meets this goal by permanently fixing the current flawed payment formula and replacing it with a new payment system which protects access to physicians by paying them fairly and better rewarding them for providing primary care and preventive services.”

Added: November 19, 2009
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AARP Releases Member Survey on Health Care Reform

Survey Finds AARP Members Back Critical Provisions of Health Care Reform Legislation

Topeka—A new poll of AARP members released today finds strong support across party and ideological lines for elements of health care reform included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives. The bill, which strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age and closes the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole, was endorsed by AARP.

Among AARP members, strong majorities reported that many of the bill’s key provisions were convincing reasons to support the legislation. These include strictly limiting insurers from charging much higher premiums because of age (68%), closing the gap in Medicare’s prescription drug coverage known as the doughnut hole (69%) and improving coverage for critical preventive services like cancer screenings (77%).

“This survey demonstrates what we’ve been hearing from our members for a long time,” said AARP Kansas State Director Maren Turner. “Despite an inflammatory debate on a very personal and important issue, our members—across party and ideological lines—support health care reform that protects Medicare, lowers the price of prescription drugs, increases their access to coverage and protects their choice of doctors.”

While a partisan divide was evident when respondents were asked about the current plan in Congress, AARP members supported the legislation by more than a 2-1 (63%-30%) margin. More than half of self-described independents indicated support for the plan.

Other reform elements with high levels of support among AARP members included ensuring Americans can see the doctor of their choice (76%), stopping insurance companies from denying coverage because of a person’s health history (75%) and ensuring Americans can keep their current coverage (78%). Majorities of self-identified Republicans supported most of the reform elements presented, including stopping discrimination because of pre-existing conditions (66%), covering routine preventive care (64%) and allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices (64%).

Turner added: “The bill recently passed by the House incorporates the reforms that our members care most about. We’ll continue the fight for these critical elements as the Senate takes up its own legislation in the coming weeks. Our members, and all older Americans, are counting on lawmakers to reform the health care system this year.”

Starting on Tuesday, November 17th, AARP will launch a new national television ad on a mix of news, lifestyle, cable and sports channels. The ad, entitled “HELP,” demonstrates that people from all walks of life are feeling stranded by the current health care system. It calls attention to the need for the kind of health care reform AARP has been fighting for: reform that will put patients first, protect Medicare, bring down drug costs and ensure that no one can be denied affordable health care because of their age or health history.

AARP surveyed its members on key health care reform provisions supported by AARP, as well as other contentious issues being discussed in the debate. The telephone survey, fielded October 30 to November 8, 2009, was conducted with randomly selected members of AARP. The nationally representative sample of 803 AARP members has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.

Added: November 16, 2009
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Medicare Open Enrollment Begins November 15

Open enrollment period is the best opportunity to choose Medicare drug and health plans for 2010

WASHINGTON — With Sunday, November 15, marking the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period, AARP is reminding its members and all older Americans to compare their current Medicare drug and health plans with others that are available and choose the one that best fits their needs. People in Medicare have until December 31 to add, drop or change prescription drug and health care plans for 2010. Each year, AARP encourages its members and everyone in Medicare to carefully consider their options for the coming year.

AARP suggests that seniors pay particular attention to changes in the cost of Part D drug coverage. A new AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) analysis of 2010 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans finds a majority of the most popular national plans have increased premiums and cost-sharing for next year.

The report finds that more plans will require copayments of close to $100 for some brand name drugs. Other plans will require enrollees to pay a percentage of their drugs’ prices—instead of fixed copayments—for all medicines except generics. One popular national plan will charge different amounts depending on which pharmacies its customers use.

“Even those seniors who are happy with their current drug coverage should watch carefully for changes to their plans in 2010,” said AARP Senior Vice President Cheryl Matheis. “Each year the rising costs of prescription drugs help push premiums and cost-sharing even higher. Now is the time to talk with your doctor about lower-cost medicines that may be right for you. Then, take a close look at your coverage options and find a plan that best fits your needs and your budget.”

AARP encourages older Americans shopping for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage to use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov. This online tool finds plans based on a person’s location and current medications. After receiving a list of available plans, AARP recommends considering the “Four C’s”:

Costs , including the monthly premium, the annual deductible and cost-sharing.
Coverage for as many of your drugs as possible, which could save a person from paying more out of pocket.
Convenience of participating pharmacy locations or access to mail-order pharmacies.
Customer Service . Check Medicare.gov, which includes quality ratings for plans. Ask you doctors, pharmacist and friends about their experiences.

The open enrollment period is also an opportunity for people in Medicare to shop for Medicare Advantage plans, which generally combine traditional Medicare benefits with prescription drug coverage and some supplemental benefits. People in Medicare can compare Medicare Advantage plans head-to-head by using the health plan finder at www.medicare.gov. Seniors who need help finding a prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan can also contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

“Whether you’re looking to move up to a more comprehensive plan, or just looking for the best price, now is the time to shop,” Matheis added. “Making a smart decision now can pay off big next year.”

The December edition of AARP Bulletin looks at trends in Medicare drug plan costs for 2010. Its web site also provides a step-by-step guide to comparing drug plans and finding the best plan for you. The guide is available at http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/quick_route_through_the_medicare_drug_plan_finder_2010.html.

AARP’s fact sheet on 2010 Part D plans is available at http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/health-care/medicare/articles/fs161-medicare.html.

Added: November 12, 2009
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AARP Kansas Key Vote News Alert

ATTENTION NEWS DESKS: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 111^th Congress, and informing its nearly 40 million members of the results of these key votes.

AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans

SUMMARY: Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed critical health care reform legislation that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that prices millions of Americans out of affordable health coverage.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) makes prescription drugs more affordable for seniors by closing the dangerous gap in Medicare drug coverage and allowing the program to negotiate lower drug prices. It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits. In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender. For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

Kansas	VOTED YES ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Moore, Dennis	X
Jenkins, Lynn		X
Moran, Jerry		X
Tiahrt, Todd		X

*Did not vote

** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.

“We applaud those members of the House, including Congressman Dennis Moore, who supported this crucial legislation,” said AARP State Director Maren Turner. “This bill will help millions of older Americans get the health coverage they need, while strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations. We look forward to working with these lawmakers to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act this year.”

“It’s disappointing that some lawmakers voted against this bill and the opportunity to fix our health care system,” Turner added. “We hope they will reconsider their votes when a health care bill returns to the House for final approval.”

AARP notified the 111^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its nearly 40 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “When Americans understand the issues and where their lawmakers stand, they can make smart decisions. AARP will be there to give our members, as well as all Americans, the most accurate information we can,” Turner concluded.

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch. AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus. A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

Added: November 8, 2009
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AARP Applauds Extension of Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Relief Coming Soon for Millions of Older Workers Unable to Find Employment in

Tough Economy

Washington, DC – AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond offered the following statement in support of House and Senate passage of legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits to millions of Americans in light of the highest unemployment rate in recent history.

“AARP strongly supports the extension of unemployment benefits to assist millions of workers who are struggling to find a job in this tough economy. Today, there are nearly 2 million people age 55 and over who have a particularly difficult time gaining employment. These workers wait an average of 33 weeks or longer before finding another job, higher than most age groups.

“Extending unemployment benefits will assist nearly half a million workers age 65 and over who want to work but cannot get a job, which threatens not only their current financial health, but their long-term retirement security.

“Many older workers stay on the job as the best way to compensate for low savings, plummeting housing values, and declining retirement portfolios in this economy. The relief passed by Congress today is an important first step to address the financial security of millions of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet, and we urge the President to sign this relief into law immediately.”

Added: November 6, 2009
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Older Drivers: Don't Get Caught in the Dark

AARP Offers Driving Tips for Night Driving; November Proclaimed Driver

Safety Month

The end of Daylight Savings time on Nov. 1 doesn’t just mean you’re getting an extra hour of sleep. Setting clocks back one hour also means an extra hour of night driving, which can be problematic for everyone, particularly older drivers.

Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the time change. AARP urges all drivers to consider the link between night visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions and make sure you’re driving when you feel most comfortable.

To focus attention on roadway safety, AARP is proclaiming this November Driver Safety Month. Since folks will be driving more at night, AARP offers the following tips:

· See and be seen. Get your headlights checked, and turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.

· Stay alert on the road. With reduced visibility, it’s important to reduce your speed, be extra alert, and maintain a three-second following distance.

· Recognize and prevent drowsiness. The change in time can throw off our internal clock and may cause drowsiness, so run errands in the morning when you are fresher and more alert.

· Avoid sun glare. You may need to adjust to early morning or late afternoon sun glare that can cause reflections off car windows and hoods and decrease your visibility.

Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants nationwide seeking to refresh their driving skills. The no-test course updates drivers’ knowledge about relevant laws and offers strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect driving ability.

The course also includes a section on assessing driving abilities, and since November is also National Caregiver Month, now may be a good time to have a “family conversation” about driving to help ensure your loved one stays safe on the road.

Depending on insurance providers and state regulations, graduates of the AARP Driver Safety Program courses – both classroom and online – may be eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. All participants should check with their provider for further details.

Find information on local courses, via telephone 1-888-227-7669 or online at www.driver-training.org or www.aarp.org/drive. Find more information about AARP’s online course at www.aarp.org/drive/online

Added: November 2, 2009
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AARP Kansas Disappointed in Senate Medicare Vote

AARP Disappointed by Senate’s Vote to Block Protection of Access to Medicare Doctors

S. 1776 would have preserved access by replacing flawed payment system

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009,the U.S. Senate blocked critical legislation to protect access to doctors for the 44 million Americans who rely on Medicare. The Medicare Physician Fairness Act (S. 1776) would have replaced today’s broken doctor payment system, which calls for a 21.5 percent cut in physician pay in January. The bill failed to pass a key procedural vote in the Senate today.

“We are disappointed that Kansas Senators Roberts and Brownback both voted to block this important Medicare bill from open debate and an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor,” said AARP Kansas State Director Maren Turner. “This bill would permanently replace the broken Medicare physician payment system so people in the program could continue to see their doctor.”

AARP strongly supports the Medicare Physician Fairness Act, introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). This legislation permanently repeals Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) physician payment formula, which has required repeated Congressional action to prevent unwarranted cuts that could harm access to doctors for people in Medicare. Repealing the SGR will stop an unprecedented 21.5 percent pay cut that otherwise will occur in January 2010, and additional cuts in future years.

AARP notified the 111^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 40 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “We believe people make the right choices when they understand the issues and position taken by their elected officials. AARP intends to ensure that its members get that information,” Turner concluded.

Added: October 21, 2009
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AARP Joins EIF to Encourage Americans to Volunteer

Series of service-related activities to take place locally and nationally

WASHINGTON – AARP’s Create The Good today announced a series of activities taking place across the country in collaboration with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s iParticipate national initiative to promote volunteerism.

Create The Good is a network of people sharing tools and ideas to help make a difference in communities across the country. It is powered by AARP and the AARP Foundation’s more than nine million volunteers, donors and activists.

“We stand at an incredible moment in time,” said Thomas C. Nelson, AARP chief operating officer. “This week, government, the private sector, the non-profit world and people in communities across the country are coming together to give back. We encourage AARP members and people of all ages to serve, even if they only have five minutes. CreateTheGood.org has ideas for all sorts of activities they can do on their own or with a group.”

AARP service-related events happening nationally and locally this week include:

5-time GRAMMY® Award winner and EIF iParticipate ambassador Faith Hill appears in a new public service announcement (www.YouTube.com/CreateTheGood) that encourages Americans to volunteer their time to make America a better place. The spot is one of a series of PSAs to be launched this fall on all major broadcast networks to promote volunteerism through EIF’s iParticipate and Create The Good.
ESPN Deportes sportscaster and AARP’s Hispanic ambassador, Jorge Ramos, will appear in an announcement this week airing on Univision, Telemundo and V-Me, to encourage Hispanics and their families to volunteer. The ad will highlight examples of how people can do good, whether helping paint a local community center or helping a neighbor save on energy costs during the winter.
AARP volunteers in communities across the country are making a difference; highlights include:

In Michigan, AARP volunteers will gather gently-used books, musical instruments and sports equipment for Detroit Public Schools; help Okemos-area residents safely shred confidential documents; and help a Kalamazoo resident make much-needed repairs to her home.
AARP’s Virginia state office is hosting a statewide food drive with 100 different drop-off sites.
In New York, AARP volunteers will complete service projects in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester and Syracuse.
AARP’s North Carolina state office will host a tele-town-hall meeting on emergency preparedness.

CreateTheGood.org offers local volunteer opportunities as well as ideas for self-directed activities and How To videos for simple service projects people can organize on their own, like weatherizing homes, starting healthy walking groups, fighting fraud, preparing for a hurricane and other needs.

AARP has joined EIF, to support their ground-breaking campaign—iParticipate (iparticipate.org)—a multi-year campaign designed to motivate millions of Americans to volunteer regularly. As a centerpiece, beginning October 19, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and other broadcast networks will spotlight service on more than 90 shows through scripted programming, segments and PSAs during an unprecedented, week-long television event.

Added: October 19, 2009
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AARP Urges Swift Congressional Action to Provide $250 in Relief

Millions on Social Security to Receive No Increase for First Time Since 1975

Washington, DC – AARP Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson offered the following statement in reaction to the Social Security Administration’s announcement this morning that 41 million older Americans will not receive a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010. Since automatic Social Security adjustments went into effect in 1975, there has never been a year without a COLA.

“For over three decades, millions of Americans have counted on annual increases to help make ends meet. In this economy, having this protection is even more critical for the financial security of all older Americans.

“AARP applauds the President for urging Congress to extend for 2010 the $250 economic relief provided to older Americans this year. We also commend members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who have sponsored legislation to provide similar relief. The 65+ population is facing extreme financial hardship; older Americans are paying more out of pocket for medical care, have experienced a real decline in their retirement accounts and in housing values, face longer periods of unemployment for those who need to work, and low returns on interest bearing accounts. Without relief, millions of older Americans will be unable to afford skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs, as well as other basic necessities.

“Today’s news of no COLA gives Congress another reason to act quickly and pass legislation to provide needed assistance for older Americans whose benefits will be frozen next year. AARP will continue to work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to provide $250 in economic relief to millions of seniors who count on Social Security to pay their bills.”

Added: October 15, 2009
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