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AARP Members Strongly Support Health Reform

November 16, 2009

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

LINCOLN--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 State President Sunny Andrews. “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%).

Andrews 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%.

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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, 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.

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Added: November 16, 2009
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AARP Sets the Record Straight on Medicare Statements

For release Nov. 13, 2009

Town hall meetings miss the mark on impact of

health reform on Medicare, health care affordability

LINCOLN—AARP Nebraska expressed disappointment today with misinformation about the impact of proposed health reforms on Medicare beneficiaries that continues to occur during town hall meetings across the state. In statements and information distributed at these events, assertions continue to be made that current proposals would undermine Medicare and make health care more expensive for Nebraskans -- especially taking aim at the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) passed by the House of Representatives last week with AARP’s endorsement.

“We are dismayed that information we have seen at events held by Sen. Mike Johanns mischaracterize Medicare savings in the bill as ‘cuts’ that will harm seniors and threaten their benefits. That is flatly untrue,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin.

“In reality, the House bill would strengthen traditional Medicare benefits for today’s seniors and future generations of retirees. By cracking down on waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency in the Medicare program, H.R. 3962 extends the solvency of Medicare by five years and reinvests savings to protect and improve health benefits for seniors,” she said.

H.R. 3962 makes prescription drugs more affordable for Nebraska 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 while eliminating billions in bloated subsidies to private insurance companies.

For all Nebraskans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—the House 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 obtain insurance.

The House health care reform legislation would improve health care for older Nebraskans by:

Taking immediate steps to help lower drug costs by eliminating the Medicare Part D doughnut hole entirely by 2019, starting with an additional $500 of coverage in 2010 and a 50 percent discount for brand name drugs in the coverage gap. This could amount to savings of over $2,000 next year for Nebraskans with high drug spending, and eventually savings of thousands more per year once the doughnut hole is closed. In 2007, 33 percent of Medicare beneficiaries in Nebraska fell into the doughnut hole, which meant they had to pay the entire cost of their medication and their premiums.

Preventing a 21 percent cut in physician payments and improving payments for primary careso that the 270,000 Nebraskans in Medicare can keep their doctor or more easily find a doctor if they don’t have one.

Holding insurance companies accountable and removing barriers to high-quality, affordable care. Insurance plans will no longer be able to deny coverage for pre-existing conditions and will not be able to drop coverage when people get sick.

Limiting how much insurance companies can charge older people for coverage in the individual market. The House bill limits this practice by preventing insurers from charging no more than twice what younger people pay for the same health insurance.

Providing subsidies to help make premiums affordable for as many as 140,000 Nebraskans age 50-64. Nebraska has 30,000 people age 50-64 who are uninsured and another 35,000 who buy coverage in the individual market. Low-income Nebraskans would qualify for even more protection from unaffordable health care costs.

Increasing access to long-term services and supports at home through a new, voluntary public insurance program. As many as 29,440 Nebraskans currently have a disability and need greater access to long-term services and supports to stay in their homes and communities.

“We started this debate more than two years ago with the twin goals of making coverage affordable to our younger members and protecting Medicare for seniors,” Benjamin said. “We have read the legislation and can say with confidence that the Affordable Health Care for America Act meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage.”

Contact: Mark Intermill, 402-323-5424, 402-304-2338 cell or Devorah Lanner, 402-323-5425, 402-304-6172 cell.

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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, 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.

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Added: November 13, 2009
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AARP Praises Passage of House Health Reform Bill

AARP NEBRASKA 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.

Nebraska	VOTED YES ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Fortenberry, Jeff		X
Terry, Lee		X
Smith, Adrian		X

** 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.

“It’s disappointing that Nebraska’s thrre House members voted against this bill and the opportunity to fix our health care system,” said AARP State Director Connie Benjamin. “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 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,” Benjamin said.

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.

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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, 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.

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Added: November 9, 2009
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AARP Endorses Legislation to Combat Age Discrimination

AARP Exec. VP Nancy LeaMond Cites Sen. Harkin, Rep. Miller Companion Bills as “Important First Step” in Remedy to “Misguided” Court Decision

Washington, DC – AARP has joined key congressional leaders to endorse Senate and House legislation introduced Oct. 6 to defend the civil rights of older workers in the workplace. The legislation offers a remedy for the Supreme Court’s age discrimination decision last June in the case of Jack Gross v. FBL Financial Services, Inc.

AARP endorsed the “Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act” at a Capitol Hill press conference today with chief sponsor of the legislation Chairman Tom Harkin of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee; lead co-sponsor Chairman Patrick Leahy of the Senate Judiciary Committee; and Chairman George Miller of the House Education and Labor Committee. The bill is in response to the 5-4 Supreme Court ruling in Gross that older workers bringing employment discrimination claims must meet a higher standard to prove their claims of illegal bias than others who have been subject to unfair discrimination at work, such as discrimination based on race or sex. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) bars discrimination against workers 40 years of age or older.

“AARP commends Chairmen Harkin, Leahy and Miller for their critical work to put an end to age discrimination in the workplace,” AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond said today. “Their bill will protect older workers from being relegated to second class status when they try to vindicate their rights under the ADEA. Unless Congress passes this bill, too many older workers who have been victims of arbitrary age discrimination will be denied their day in court.”

The legislation addresses a June court decision that changed proof standards in place for decades, and has left many victims of age bias without a remedy. For instance, workers with valid claims of bias on grounds of age and race, or age and sex, have had to give up their claims of age bias in order to pursue other claims.

The Gross decision came in the midst of difficult economic conditions for older workers facing special obstacles. The unemployment rate for persons aged 55 and over is now well above what is has been for most of the past six decades. According to the most recent statistics, the average duration of unemployment for older workers was more than 12 weeks longer than it was when the recession started in 2007.

At the same time, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has reported a significant uptick in the number of age discrimination complaints. For the 2008 fiscal year, 29 percent more age discrimination charges were filed than in the previous fiscal year.

An AARP survey announced last year found that 60 percent of those surveyed aged 45 to 74 said that they had personally faced or observed age discrimination in the workplace.

“We urge Congress to quickly approve this bill as an important first step in a concerted effort to restore protections under our age discrimination laws, and to correct a misguided court decision that has jeopardized the rights of all older workers to be judged fairly on their abilities, not their age,” LeaMond said.

For more information, please visit www.aarp.org.

Added: October 7, 2009
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AARP Supports $250 Emergency Relief for Older Americans

Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Immediately to Address

Lack of Social Security COLA

Washington, DC –With an expected announcement of no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010, AARP CEO Barry Rand called on House and Senate leaders to provide $250 in emergency relief to millions of older Americans who are struggling in this economic climate. AARP will work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to urge quick passage of legislation that will help combat rising health care and prescription drug costs that consume an increasing amount of seniors’ income each year.

Excerpts from Rand’s letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA), House Minority Leader John Boehner (OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) follow:

“On behalf of our 40 million members nationwide, AARP would like to express our strong support for providing America's seniors with $250 in emergency relief as the appropriate legislative response to the projected lack of a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2010.”

“Seniors spend a disproportionate share of their income (about 30 percent on average) on health care costs, which continue to increase well above the rate of overall inflation. The combination of higher health care costs, including prescription drug prices, and a stagnant Social Security benefit is particularly troubling and will result in lower net Social Security payments to millions of America’s seniors in January 2010.”

“Many senior citizens have lost a significant portion of their retirement savings due to the recent downturn in the U.S. economy. Unlike younger Americans, however, retirees have less time to make up substantial stock market and 401(k) account losses. The decline in housing prices in many parts of the country may also cause severe difficulties for those seniors who need to tap the equity in their homes in order to fund their retirement.”

“We urge you to pass legislation as soon as possible to provide relief to millions of Americans who will not receive a COLA next year.”

Added: October 1, 2009
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AARP Applauds Nebraska House Members for Medicare Vote

All three members voted ‘yes’ to hold Medicare premiums steady

AARP State President Sunny Andrews issued this statement applauding Nebraska’s three members in the House of Representatives for voting in support of the “Medicare Premium Fairness Act” (H.R. 3631). The measure passed on Sept. 24 by a vote of 406 to 18.

“AARP applauds Representatives Jeff Fortenberry, Lee Terry and Adrian Smith for supporting this important legislation. By holding Medicare premiums steady for all beneficiaries for the next year—premiums that have doubled since 2000—this bill will help ensure that health care is more affordable for tens of thousands of Nebraskans in Medicare—without burdening taxpayers or future generations with new spending.

“As health care costs continue to soar despite lower inflation throughout the economy, older Nebraskans are hit particularly hard. Retirees have seen their savings wiped away by market losses while their health care bills continue to climb. People in Medicare today spend nearly a third of their income on health care. H.R. 3631 provides some relief from rising health care costs and the lack of a cost of living update in Social Security.”

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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, 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.

Added: September 30, 2009
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Where AARP Stands on Health Care

There's been a lot of confusion about what's involved in health care reform, and even more confusion about who is supporting what. At AARP, our core goal remains the same. We are fighting for our members today, just as we've fought for them for the last 50 years. Today, that means we're fighting to protect the Medicare benefits you’ve earned. To guarantee that you’ll never be denied coverage because of your health or age. To prevent anyone from coming between you and your doctor. And to make sure patients don’t take a backseat to insurance companies.

More specifically, AARP is fighting to:

Protect Medicare Benefits.Medicare is a sacred promise that was made to seniors – because no one should be left to struggle with medical bills after a lifetime of hard work. We must protect the Medicare benefits seniors have earned and strengthen the program for future generations. We’re also working to fill in gaps in today’s benefit package, such as closing the Part D prescription drug coverage gap (the so-called “doughnut hole.”) and eliminate out-of-pocket costs for important preventive care like cancer screenings and diabetes tests.

Eliminate Waste: We must reduce waste in Medicare so we can ensure today’s seniors continue to get the benefits they’ve been promised. Currently, Medicare hands out billions in subsidies to private insurance companies. These are tax dollars that should be going to seniors’ care not insurance company subsidies. By eliminating this waste, we can protect senior benefits and fill in some of the gaps in Medicare.

Preserve Your Choice of Doctor: AARP is fighting to ensure doctors get paid fairly so seniors will have the freedom to choose the doctors they need. Without health reform, Medicare doctors will be forced to take a 21 percent pay cut.

Protect Your Right to Make Medical Decisions: AARP is fighting to ensure that all health decisions are made by you and your doctor, not your insurance company or the government. No matter what your age, your care should be your choice.

Prevent Discrimination. Health reform must end insurance abuses, such as denials of coverage due to a person’s health history, or using age as an excuse to charge sky-high premiums. Such discrimination has become a serious problem for Americans age 50-plus who need insurance, and AARP is fighting to make sure needed protections are in a final health reform plan.

Protect Consumers: AARP is fighting to stop the high prices charged by drug companies by: enabling drug price negotiation; allowing safe, legal importation of lower-priced prescription drugs from abroad; and permitting the sale of generic versions of biologic drugs – costly medications for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.

AARP will continue to scrutinize health reform proposals, to determine whether they make sense for our members and their families. We are watching this process closely and will continue to work to make sure all Americans have the health coverage they need.

Stay informed. Read the latest news on how AARP is fighting for you. http://www.aarp.org/getthefacts

Added: September 22, 2009
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No COLA Increase Hurts Social Security Recipients

Anticipated No Increase To Hit Nation’s Most Vulnerable The Hardest

Washington , DC – On the heels of AARP Public Policy Institute’s Solutions Forum addressing the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010, AARP released the following statistics today which highlight the impact of the economic recession on Social Security recipients. Data shows that medical prices have risen during 2009, and Medicare beneficiaries with higher than average health care costs are hardest hit by not having a COLA next year.

Higher Medicare deductibles and premiums for Part D prescription drug coverage will be announced soon, adding to the health care cost burden. Moreover, because Medicare Part B and Part D prescription drug premiums are often deducted from Social Security checks, millions of Social Security recipients could see their benefit checks reduced in 2010, while they are still suffering from reduced retirement savings and a stagnant housing and employment market.

“Seniors face rising costs, but today have fewer resources to pay for them,” John Rother, AARP’s Executive Vice President for Public Policy and Strategy, said. “We urge Congress to address this issue quickly, so that seniors will not face reductions in their Social Security checks, or at least be compensated for increasing medical costs so vital to their well being.”

As advocates for older Americans examine the potential impact of a first-time no COLA for Social Security recipients, AARP has raised specific concerns regarding the rising costs of health care and significant losses in retirement savings.

AARP has compiled the following data to further the discussion taking place among advocates and lawmakers:

Stimulus

As part of the 2009 economic stimulus package, workers received a tax credit of up to $400 ($800 for couples), for 2009 and 2010. Social Security beneficiaries (and certain other retirees and disabled persons) received a one-time payment of $250 for 2009 only.

In addition, older households are more likely than younger households to spend any additional income that they receive, and this spurs economic recovery. (Source: Did the 2008 Tax Rebates Stimulate Spending? Matthew D. Shapiro and Joel Slemrod, University of Michigan and NBER, December 27, 2008.)

Retirement Savings

While the economy is recovering, household net worth is still about 17 percent lower than it was at the end of 2007 (and nearly 20 percent lower in inflation-adjusted terms). (Source, AARP Public Policy Institute calculations from Federal Reserve Board, Flow of Funds Account, Balance Sheet of Households and Nonprofit Organizations, September 17, 2009.)

Interest rates paid on savings account deposits have now also dropped to very low levels, leaving even conservative savers in a pinch. The average annual interest rate on a 6-month CD is less than half a percent today (0.44 percent in August 2009), down from 4.85 percent at the end of 2007. (Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Release H.15, September 21, 2009.)

Employment

Many older workers now plan to work longer in order to rebuild their retirement savings in the wake of the recession. But some have already lost employment, and many will be unable to continue working. When older workers lose their jobs, it takes them longer to find a new one, and some of them instead opt to drop out of the labor force altogether, turning to Social Security and retirement savings.

Social Security claims are on the rise as the souring employment market forces older Americans out of the workforce and diminishes their personal savings. The number of applications for retirement benefits was nearly 9 percent greater than expected this fiscal year to date. (Source: Stephen C. Goss, Chief Actuary, Social Security Administration, May 28, 2009. Data are for October 2008 through May 2009.)

In August, the average duration of unemployment was over 30 weeks for jobseekers aged 55 and older, compared to about 20 weeks in December 2007 and 24 weeks for jobseekers under age 55. (Source: Sara Rix, AARP Public Policy Institute, analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. See in particular The Employment Situation: August 2009; tables in BLS’s Employment and Earnings, January 2008 and September 2009; and BLS’s Labor Force Statistics from the Current Population Survey.)

As Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has explained, while the economy is expected to grow in the coming year, “the economic recovery is likely to be relatively slow at first, with unemployment declining only gradually from high levels.” Thus, increasing numbers of older Americans will rely on Social Security because they can’t find a job for some time to come. (Source: Chairman Ben S. Bernanke, remarks delivered at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City's Annual Economic Symposium, August 21, 2009 and at the Brookings Institution, on September 15, 2009.)

Medical Costs

While overall inflation is low (or negative), medical costs continue to rise; and, older Americans spend more than others on health care.

Between August 2008 and August 2009 the cost of all goods and services other than medical care fell by 1.8 percent. In contrast, the cost of medical care rose by 3.3 percent. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index Summary, September 16, 2009, Table 1.)

Rising medical costs can be a disaster for retirees or anyone with unusually large expenses. On average, Medicare beneficiaries spend about 30 percent of their incomes on out-of-pocket medical expenses. (Source: AARP Public Policy Institute.)

To watch the webcast of the September 21st AARP Public Policy Institute’s Solutions Forum on the Social Security COLA, go to www.nextgenweb.org/aarp.

Added: September 22, 2009
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AARP Comments on Senate Finance Health Reform Bill

AARP Executive Vice President John Rother released this statement following today’s introduction of health care reform legislation in the Senate Finance Committee:

“Today’s legislation moves the process forward and we hope the Chairman and his colleagues on both sides of the aisle can continue to have a rational, informed debate about its provisions as the committee’s markup process begins.

“AARP is pleased that the bill focuses on keeping people healthy by eliminating out-of-pocket spending for important screenings and preventive services in Medicare, and by covering annual wellness visits for Medicare beneficiaries and their doctors to focus on prevention. Under the legislation, doctors would be rewarded for providing quality care instead of for the number of tests ordered—a critical step in ensuring patients receive the highest quality care.

“The bill also includes incentives to improve quality of care by providing bonuses to Medicare Advantage plans while reducing subsidies to MA plans, saving taxpayers billions in waste. It introduces a pilot program on follow-up care, an important component in reducing costly and preventable hospital readmissions. Finally, the bill eliminates yearly and lifetime limits on what insurance companies will pay and substantially fills the dreaded Medicare doughnut hole—a costly gap in prescription drug coverage.

“However, we continue to have concerns about provisions that would allow for large differences in premiums based on age that could leave millions of older Americans still unable to afford the coverage they need. We also are troubled by the lack of any provisions to improve benefits for people with limited incomes so they can afford Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, and by the inclusion of an added premium tax that would raise prescription drug premiums on many middle-income working people in Medicare Part D.

“We look forward to working with Chairman Baucus, Ranking Member Grassley and their colleagues in the coming weeks to pass a health care reform package that protects benefits for people in Medicare and works for every American.”

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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, 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.

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Added: September 16, 2009
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AARP Tax-Aide Seeks Lincoln Volunteers

AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service, is seeking volunteers to assist in tax preparation in the Lincoln area. Tax-Aide is in its 43rd year of serving low- and middle-income persons with their tax returns, especially those 60 and over. Last year the Tax-Aide program assisted more than two million Americans in filing their taxes.

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. You do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to volunteer. Computer-literate volunteers receive four days of free tax training and become IRS certified Counselors by passing the IRS exam. IRS and the AARP Foundation provide laptops and easy-to-use software for electronic filing. Client Facilitator volunteers don’t need to use computers or do taxes.

“It’s a great way to learn new skills, be involved in your community and help people in need one-on-one at tax sites,” said AARP Tax-Aide District Coordinator Allan Smith of Lincoln.

Leadership positions coordinate program delivery by volunteers at local sites. Although tax training and certification are encouraged, it is not required for all positions. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum commitment of 40 hours over the ten-week season. Expense reimbursement is provided for some program-related, out-of-pocket expenses. Training is planned for early December.

For more information about becoming a local AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, call or e-mail Allan Smith at: smith.allan.t@gmail.com by Oct 1.

AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501 (c)(3) nonpartisan charitable organization. The AARP Foundation administers publicly and privately funded programs, such as AARP Tax-Aide and the AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program.

Added: September 16, 2009
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