AARP Statement on H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act of 2009

Press Release

Thursday, November 19, 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.”

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.”

You can now follow AARP New Jersey's activities via FaceBook and Twitter. Search for "AARP New Jersey" and become a fan! www.facebook.com

Please click on this link to see AARP New Jersey's Marilyn Askin on New Jersey Now on WWOR/My9 Television discussing AARP's position on health care reform. The show aired on 11/15/09 at noon:

(http://www.my9tv.com/dpp/wildcard_13/My9_New_Jersey_Now_11_15)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/16/09

Contact

Doug Johnston, Advocacy Manager

(609) 865-3761/djohnston@aarp.org

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

PLAINSBORO—A new poll of AARP members including New Jerseyans 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. 
• Strong majorities reported many of the House bill’s key provisions were convincing reasons to support the legislation:
  • Limiting insurers from charging much higher premiums because of age (68%)
  • Closing the Medicare doughnut hole (69%)
  • Improving coverage for critical preventive services like cancer screenings (77%)
• 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%)
  • Allowing Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices (64%)

“This survey demonstrates what we’ve been hearing from our members for a long time,” said Jim Dieterle, AARP New Jersey Senior State Director.  “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.

Dieterle 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 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2009

Contact
AARP Media Relations, media@aarp.org
202-434-2560

AARP Reminds Americans Medicare Open Enrollment Begins Next Week
Open enrollment period is the best opportunity to choose Medicare drug and health plans for 2010

WASHINGTON—With Sunday 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.

Matheis and other AARP experts are available for national media interviews regarding the Medicare open enrollment period. To schedule an interview, please contact AARP Media Relations at media@aarp.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

11/07/09

CONTACT

Jane Margesson

609-571-0526 or jmargesson@aarp.org

AARP NEW JERSEY KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans

SUMMARY: Today 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.

** 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 Sy Larson, AARP New Jersey State President.  “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.”

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,” Larson 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.

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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Important brochures on Rx Registry and Identity theft in both English and in Spanish:

http://assets-d.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/identity_theft_english_2009.pdf> use: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/identity_theft_english_2009.pdf

identity_theft_spanish_2009.pdf <

http://assets-d.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/identity_theft_spanish_2009.pdf> use: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/identity_theft_spanish_2009.pdf

rx_registry_english_2009.pdf <

http://assets-d.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/rx_registry_english_2009.pdf> use: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/rx_registry_english_2009.pdf

rx_registry_spanish_2009.pdf <

http://assets-d.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/rx_registry_spanish_2009.pdf> use: http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/rx_registry_spanish_2009.pdf

Keep Your Family and NJ’s Waterways Safe – Participate in “Grandma’s Stash” on November 14th

You can safely remove unused, unwanted and expired medications from your medicine cabinet with the help of Operation Medicine Cabinet's “Grandma’s Stash” campaign.   The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey and 250 local New Jersey Police Departments will conduct a statewide day of prescription drug disposal, on November 14th.  New Jersey Police Departments will ensure that medications are destroyed in a way that does not contaminate New Jersey waterways.  For more information, please visit www.operationmedicinecabinetnj.com.  Local collection sites and contact information will be updated daily as new communities become part of this initiative.

 

Do you know where the gubernatorial candidates stand? Now you can read their answers to questions from AARP before you vote on Tuesday, November 3rd.

Just click on or cute and paste the following link to view our voter guide:

http://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp_media_library/states/new_jersey/Gubernatorial_Voter_Guide_2009/64144.pdf