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AARP Hosts Health Care Tele-Town Hall with Senator Shaheen

AARP Engages Over 7,000 in Health Reform Telephone Town Hall

with Senator Jeanne Shaheen

AARP New Hampshire hosted a live telephone town hall this morning with Senator Jeanne Shaheen to educate its members about health reform.

The tele-town hall held Thursday, November 19, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, engaged over 7,000 AARP New Hampshire members from across the state, allowing them to participate in the conversation led by AARP New Hampshire State President Ally McNair. Senator Shaheen answered numerous questions about health reform legislation and shared her views on various proposals that include strengthening Medicare, lowering the cost of prescription drugs, closing the Medicare Part D doughnut hole and improving affordability measures.

“We want our members to be informed on the work being done on health reform in our nation’s capitol,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “Giving them the venue to speak directly with their representatives in the US Congress provides the information they want and need.”

“Too many seniors are deciding whether they can get the treatment and medication they need based on whether they can afford it or not,” said Senator Shaheen. “This is not acceptable and we must do something to fix it. The Senate health care reform bill that was released yesterday is a good start in making health care more efficient, affordable and inclusive, and I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure we pass a bill that will help patients while also helping our economy.”

This telephone town hall with Senator Shaheen will be recorded and available on New Hampshire Public Television’s web site at www.nhptv.org/health.

AARP New Hampshire offered to host health reform telephone town halls with the entire Congressional delegation. Congresswoman Shea-Porter and Congressman Hodes held tele-town halls with AARP on August 19 and August 26, respectively. Scheduling discussions are in progress with Senator Gregg.

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Added: November 19, 2009
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Medicare Open Enrollment Runs Through December 31

With 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.

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Added: November 18, 2009
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AARP Members Back Provisions of Health Reform Legislation

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

A new poll of AARP members 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%).

“Despite an inflammatory debate on a very personal and important issue, AARP 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,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “This mirrors what we’ve been hearing from our members for a long time.”

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 margin (63%-30%). 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 (65%) and allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices (64%).

Added Clark: “The recently-passed House bill 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.

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%.

The complete survey is available on-line at http://www.aarp.org/research/surveys/care/health/hcreform/articles/hrhcr.html.

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Added: November 17, 2009
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AARP, Members Reach Out to Congress in Support of Health Reform

AARP, Members Reach Out to Congress in Support of Health Reform

After an historic vote in the House of Representatives this past Saturday, AARP and its nearly 40 million members remain hard at work, fighting for comprehensive health reform. As the health care reform debate moves to the Senate, AARP members are continuing to engage their friends and families in sending a message to Members of Congress that the time to fix the problems with our health care system is now.

“While we’re pleased with the vote in the House, there is still much work to be done to ensure that any final health care reform bill helps older Americans get the coverage they need,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “We’ll continue to work with our members and activists to tell senators that Americans age 50-plus need quality, affordable health coverage options, and to protect Medicare—not only for seniors, but also for future generations.”

In the coming weeks, AARP will renew its efforts to ensure that Senate health reform legislation includes provisions to strengthen Medicare by improving prescription drug benefits, making preventive benefits free, boosting payments for primary care doctors and nurses, and cracking down on waste and fraud. We will also be fighting to ensure that any final health reform bill makes coverage more affordable by strictly limiting how much more insurance companies can charge based on age and ensuring no Americans will be denied coverage because of their health history or discriminated against because of gender, and those who cannot afford insurance will receive help to purchase affordable coverage.

In addition, we will fight to ensure that older Americans and persons with disabilities have the support they need to live in their own homes and communities. Other AARP efforts will include:

* National ad buy, both print and television, to promote and support health care reform;

* Community briefings—hundreds of on-the-ground events and presentations to educate members on the specifics of what health care reform means to them;

* Tele-town hall meetings—40 direct conversations with AARP members and others to answer questions about the health care reform measures now being hammered out in Congress; and

* Emails to members with the facts about the legislation and how it meets AARP’s health care reform goals, and a call to action for supporters of health care reform to tell the Senate to vote for moving health reform forward.

After endorsing the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962), AARP sent nearly four million emails and made over one million calls to its members. “We provided our members with the facts about the legislation and the opportunity to contact their Member of Congress and request that they vote to improve the health care system,” added LeaMond. “Thousands of our members called Congress to make the point that the health care needs of older Americans cannot be ignored. We’re following up with anyone who made a call or sent an email to let them know which way their Member voted.”

“America is closer than it has ever been to fixing what’s wrong with our health care system,” LeaMond said. “AARP will continue to work with lawmakers to address the needs of older Americans as health care reform takes one more step towards becoming reality.”

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Added: November 11, 2009
Views: 29 | Comments: 1 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Endorses Affordable Health Care for America Act

AARP Endorses Affordable Health Care for America Act

Support follows nearly two years of work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle

Today AARP announced its endorsement of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) and the accompanying Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (HR 3961). The Association’s support follows nearly two years of work with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to craft a health reform plan that meets the needs of AARP’s nearly 40 million members – and nearly 240,000 in New Hampshire – and all older Americans. Among those needs are reforms that strictly curb insurance companies’ discrimination against older Americans and Medicare improvements that strengthen benefits while protecting the program for future generations.

“AARP began this debate more than two years ago with the twin goals of making coverage affordable to our younger members and protecting Medicare for seniors,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “We believe the Affordable Health Care for America Act meets these goals and brings improved benefits to people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage.”

Today’s endorsement marks the first time in this legislative battle that AARP has put its full weight behind a comprehensive health reform package. In the coming days, AARP will be educating its members about the health reform package through its publications, paid advertising and more than five million calls and e-mails to its grassroots activists.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act contain critical components AARP has been fighting for on behalf of its members and all older Americans to improve health care for them and their families. They include:

§ Protecting and strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations of retirees;

§ Ensuring seniors can see the doctor of their choice or find a doctor if they need one by improving Medicare’s payments to doctors;

§ Lowering drug costs for seniors by closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole” and allowing the government to negotiate with drug makers for lower drug prices;

§ Taking steps to reduce waste, fraud, abuse and inefficiency in the Medicare program;

§ Requiring Medicare and insurance companies to provide for important preventive services like screenings for diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis free of charge;

§ Stopping insurance companies from denying you affordable coverage because of your age;

§ Preventing insurance companies from denying you coverage if you have a pre-existing condition or dropping your coverage if you get sick;

§ Limiting how much your insurance company can make you pay out-of-pocket;

§ Providing affordable health insurance options for those who don’t have insurance; and

§ Providing 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.

Clark added: “We cannot continue to let insurers price older Americans out of the market, just as we cannot stand idle while millions of seniors are forced to choose between their groceries and their prescriptions. To help fix our broken health care system, AARP urges members of the House to pass in the coming days the Affordable Health Care for America Act and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act.”

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Added: November 5, 2009
Views: 39 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

Driving Tips for Night Driving

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. www.aarp.org/drive. Find more information about AARP’s online course. www.aarp.org/drive/online.

Added: October 30, 2009
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AARP Applauds House for Moving Health Reform Forward

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond issued this statement following today’s introduction of the Affordable Health Care for America Act in the House of Representatives:

“Today, the House brings us one step closer to a decades-long goal of repairing America’s broken health care system. AARP commends the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and the committee chairs for making progress on an issue that has ended in failure too many times before.

“The Affordable Health Care for America Act will strictly limit insurance companies from discriminating against older Americans because of their age, while making other critical reforms that will make insurance available to every American, regardless of gender or medical history. At the same time, this bill brings improvements to the Medicare program by closing the dreaded prescription drug doughnut hole and adding new benefits to make preventive care more affordable.

“In the coming days, AARP will carefully review this comprehensive bill to determine precisely how it will affect the health care of all older Americans. The urgency for health reform continues to grow, and we cannot afford to delay action.

“We look forward to continuing our work with members of the House and Senate to pass a health care bill this year that protects and improves Medicare and makes quality health coverage available to Americans of all ages.”

For more information on AARP’s health care reform effort, please visit http://www.aarp.org/health/articles/health_reform_get_the_facts.html .

Added: October 29, 2009
Views: 24 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Senate Votes to Block Protection of Access to Medicare Doctors

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

SUMMARY: Last week, the US 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.

New Hampshire	VOTED YES TO MOVE DOCTOR ACCESS BILL TO DEBATE AND VOTE	VOTED TO BLOCK DEBATE ON DOCTOR ACCESS BILL
Gregg, Judd		X
Shaheen, Jeanne	X

“While we are disappointed by today’s outcome, we applaud Senator Shaheen for voting to preserve access to doctors in Medicare and bring this bill to the floor for an up-or-down vote,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “This critical legislation would have helped the millions of older Americans in Medicare have access to the doctor of their choice by replacing the flawed doctor payment system. We look forward to continuing to work with Senator Shaheen and her colleagues to pass health care reform that protects Medicare and ensures older Americans can afford quality health care.”

Clark added: “We are disappointed that Senator Gregg voted to block this important Medicare bill from open debate and an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. 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 Senator 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,” Clark concluded.

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Added: October 27, 2009
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Andrus Award for Community Service Presented to Harvey Epstein

AARP New Hampshire Honored Harvey Epstein at

Andrus Award Ceremony

Lee resident presented with AARP’s most prestigious volunteer award

AARP New Hampshire honored nearly 120 volunteers at a celebratory luncheon held Thursday, October 22nd at the Manchester Country Club. The most prestigious volunteer award, the Andrus Award for Community Service, was presented to Harvey Epstein, a dedicated AARP volunteer and community leader. Others honored were Andrus Award finalists; Tax-Aide, Driver Safety and Information Center Volunteers of the Year; Retired Educator of the Year; and Community Partner of the Year.

The Andrus Award for Community Service, named after AARP’s founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes outstanding AARP volunteers who are making a powerful difference in their communities in ways that are consistent with AARP’s mission, vision and strategic direction.

“We’re thrilled to bestow upon Harvey Epstein the most celebrated volunteer award given by AARP,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “Harvey has spent an incredible amount of time and energy helping people and is very deserving of this award.”

As AARP’s Tax-Aide State Coordinator, Harvey’s efforts have impacted the lives of thousands here in the Granite State, leading a team of volunteers that provide free tax counseling, preparation and filing services. Last year alone, the AARP Tax-Aide program assisted 16,000 people and filed 10,000 returns, saving low- and middle-income tax payers nearly $2 million in tax preparation fees.

“Taking the anxiety out of tax time is no small feat,” stated AARP New Hampshire State President Ally McNair. “The fact that such a large program runs so smoothly is a tribute to Harvey’s dedication, leadership and hard work.”

Harvey’s community involvement doesn’t end with Tax-Aide. He also finds time to volunteer for Service Link, helping clients get state property tax relief and advising them on Medicare-related issues. But there’s more. Harvey also serves on the Lee Public Library Technology Committee, putting his professional background to good use as he has worked for big-name companies like AT&T, Raytheon Corporation and Lucent Technologies.

Others honored at the premier volunteer recognition event were:

Andrus Award finalists: Ramona Brooks, Concord; Peter Desautels, Nashua; Eileen Eroszonak, Claremont; Marcia Hazen-Cheever, Milford; Ruth Morgan, Mont Vernon; Les Scammon, Concord; and Jean Stefanik, Manchester

Driver Safety Volunteer of the Year: **** Finer, Bow

Tax-Aide Volunteer of the Year: Rita Murphy, Manchester

Community Partner of the Year: Cheryl Abel, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (resident of Bow)

Information Center Volunteer of the Year: John Genest, Concord

Retired Educator of the Year: Peter Desautels, Nashua

Special guest Dr. Bill Thomas, internationally-acclaimed geriatrician and expert on aging, made a “house call” to the group, outlining the keys to healthy aging. “As a physician, I want to tell you the key to living a long and healthy life goes well beyond eating well, exercising and not smoking,” stated Thomas. “There’s another key element called civic engagement and every one of you, through your volunteer service to communities across the state, is meeting the real needs of people.”

Civic engagement was a hot topic this week when AARP joined the Entertainment Industry Foundation to mobilize 50+ Americans around the ground-breaking, multi-year iParticipate campaign. The campaign promotes a new way of thinking about service and seeks to persuade millions more Americans to volunteer regularly.

Right here in New Hampshire, a cadre of nonprofit organizations, led by AARP New Hampshire’s Create the Good, developed iParticipateNH, bringing the theme of volunteerism to the forefront. Joining this collaboration is Governor John Lynch who declared October 19-25 iParticipateNH Week and encouraged all to get involved and participate in a volunteer opportunity that enhances their lives and the lives of those around them. In his proclamation, Lynch reminds us that “in these tough economic times, volunteers are needed more than ever and iParticipateNH can play a role in keeping New Hampshire a top state in which to work, live and play.”

New Hampshire residents can find a volunteer opportunity at www.iparticipate.org and follow iParticipateNH at www.iparticipatenh.wordpress.com.

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Added: October 23, 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: October 16, 2009
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