Offline 
My Badges
Create The Good
Background
Name: AARP
Location:
Louisville, Kentucky
United States
Louisville, Kentucky
United States
My Websites:
www.aarp.org/ky
www.aarp.org/kyjobs
www.aarp.org/community/groups/AARPKentuckyVolunteers
www.aarp.org/ky
www.aarp.org/kyjobs
www.aarp.org/community/groups/AARPKentuckyVolunteers
Quote:
"The challenge to live up to our better selves, to believe well of our fellow men and perhaps by doing so to help create the good, to experiment, to explore, to change and to grow." AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus
"The challenge to live up to our better selves, to believe well of our fellow men and perhaps by doing so to help create the good, to experiment, to explore, to change and to grow." AARP Founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus
AARP CEO A. Barry RandHouse Passes Health Reform Bill - Affordable Health Care for Americans Act
AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill
Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans
The United States House of Representatives passed (11-7-09) critical health care reform legislation (220-215) that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that price 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 ages 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.
VOTED YES ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Representative John Yarmuth (KY-3) - Yes
VOTED NO ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Representative Ben Chandler (KY- 6) - No
Representative Geoff Davis (KY – 4) - No
Representative Brett Guthrie (KY – 2) - No
Representative Hal Rogers (KY – 5) - No
Representative Ed Whitfield (KY – 1) - No
** 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 who supported this crucial legislation,” said Phil Peters, AARP Kentucky State Director. “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,” Peters added. “When millions of older Americans are struggling to afford quality insurance and millions of seniors must choose between their prescriptions and other necessities, we know this legislation must move forward. We hope they will reconsider their votes when a health care bill returns to the House for final approval.”
AARP notified the 111th 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,” Peters 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 an 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.
Oldermansthoughts says:
"Affordable" is a misleading word without a clear definition! Who is to determine what each of us is to pay for health care: the federal government? We each need to take responsibility for our own health. At present, too many of our citizens are overweight to obese, too many still smoke or consume too much alcohol, use illegal drugs or get no regular physical execise. We need to promote and practice healthy lifestyles!
Posted: November 12, 2009 10:11AM EST
