FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                   Contacts: David Irwin (312) 458-3621

Friday, April 3, 2009                                                  Gerardo Cardenas (312) 458-3609

AARP TO TAKE “ROLL CALL” ON ILLINOIS HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM BILL TO 1.8 MILLION MEMBERS

Accountability Vote Set for AARP-backed Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (HB 3923)

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – With an upcoming State House vote expected on the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act (House Bill 3923), legislation establishing key reforms on health insurance in Illinois, AARP released the following letter to State Legislators today alerting them that the Association will record roll call votes on the bill, and inform its 1.8 million members in Illinois how their legislator voted. 

According to exit polls, roughly 1 out of every 4 voters in the past election was a member of AARP.  Nearly 100 % of AARP members are registered to vote, while over 70 % vote in every local, state and federal election.

“Illinoisans need and deserve to know where their State Senators and Representatives stand on the issues, and AARP will ensure they have that information on issues such as health insurance reform,” said Robert Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director.

With record numbers of people losing their employer-based health insurance and now purchasing coverage in the private insurance market, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Representative Greg Harris, will establish several critical consumer protections.  The Senate’s vote on the legislation will also be tracked and reported as it happens.

The legislation will:

• Require insurance companies to spend at least 75% of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, and profits.
• Establish an Office of Consumer Health Insurance to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

AARP is urging all legislators to pass the measure, getting the bill signed into law is a top priority for the Association.

Following is the text of the letter sent by Gallo to State Legislators:

Dear Legislator:

On behalf of our nearly 2 million members in IllinoisState, I wanted to update you on some of AARP’s activities that will relate to our legislative agenda.

AARP members are looking to us to keep them informed about what issues are dominating the policy debates in Illinois, and where their elected officials stand on these issues.

Our members care deeply about fixing our broken health care system; including addressing the unfair and inconsistent practices in the private health insurance market.  They want to know both how AARP is representing their concerns and how the Illinois State Legislature is responding to our efforts.

They want more information and we are determined to meet this need.

We believe that people make the right choices when they understand the issues and the positions taken by their elected officials.  People need and deserve to know where their Representatives and Senators stand on the issues that matter most.

Therefore, AARP will be recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues, and informing our Illinois members of the results of these key votes – and how their elected officials voted.

AARP will track and report the upcoming House vote on House Bill 3923, the Health Insurance Consumer Protection Act, introduced by Representative Greg Harris.  With record numbers of people losing their employer-based health insurance and now purchasing coverage in the private insurance market, the legislation will establish several critical consumer protections. 

The legislation will require insurance companies to spend at least 75% of premium dollars on medical care; establish the Office of Consumer Health Insurance to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases; and simplify the application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application.

AARP strongly urges you to vote in favor of this legislation.

We will always provide advance notification of the votes that we will be recording, and fully inform you of AARP’s position on the issue.

Sincerely,

Robert A. Gallo

Sr. State Director

AARP Illinois

• Require insurance companies to spend at least 75% of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, and profits.
• Establish an Office of Consumer Health Insurance to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.
• Simplify the complicated application process for both individual and small group markets by creating a standard application, making it easier for them to get coverage.

**MEDIA ADVISORY**

GROUPS TAKING FIGHT AGAINST POLITICAL CORRUPTION TO STATE CAPITOL

Broad Coalition of Civic, Business, Non-Profit & Philanthropic Groups Call for Campaign Finance Reform

WHAT : As the General Assembly starts a 2-day hearing on the influence of money in Illinois state politics on Monday, CHANGE Illinois, a statewide coalition representing over 2.2 million members, is set to deliver a strong message: Clean up Illinois Politics!  The group will hold a press conference calling for campaign finance reform in Illinois, and several representatives from the coalition will deliver testimony to the Joint Committee on Government Reform hearings.

WHO :    Several members of the Change Illinois coalition, including:

PETER BENSINGER , former Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency

DEBORAH HARRINGTON , President, Woods Fund of Chicago

GEORGE A. RANNEY , President and CEO of Chicago Metropolis 2020

CYNTHIA CANARY , Director, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform

BOB GALLO , State Director, AARP Illinois

WHEN/      

WHERE :   11:30 a.m. Monday, March 16^th         

                Blue Room, State Capitol

                Springfield, IL

WHY :    Large campaign donors too often drown out the voice of the public during policy debates.   Campaign finance reforms will serve to level the political playing field.  As 61% of residents are extremely concerned about corruption in state politics, exceeding even concerns about the economy (50%) and jobs (45%) – CHANGE Illinois is pressing for action on the issue now.

CONTACT : Jim Bray (217) 793-8416         

For Immediate Release :                                                           Contacts: David Irwin (312) 206-6755

Wednesday, March 4, 2009                                                                Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228

ILLINOIS ADVOCATES TAKE ON HEALTH INSURANCE INDUSTRY

Coalition of Health and Consumer Advocates Launch Statewide Campaign Aimed at Tackling Unfair Industry Practices & Soaring Costs

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois – As the economy worsens, soaring health insurance rates and unfair industry practices are leaving a growing number of individuals and businesses struggling when it comes to health care.  Today, advocate groups from across the state converged on the State Capitol, joining with legislators, business owners and people who told of their own health insurance horror stories to launch a statewide grassroots effort to clean up the industry in Illinois.

Nearly 30 groups, including AARP, Illinois PIRG, AIDS Foundation, and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, are calling on the General Assembly to pass the Individual Health Insurance Fairness Act (House Bill 3923), sponsored by Representative Greg Harris.   

“We’re launching a statewide campaign to address a statewide problem – the insurance industry has a stranglehold on businesses, families and those who are dealing with the loss of a job,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois. “AARP commends Representative Harris for taking a stand on the critical issue of health insurance reform.”

The grassroots efforts launched by the groups will include community forums and town halls held across the state, on-line advocacy efforts, a statewide petition drive, and a new 800 number, the Health Insurance Reform Hotline (1-800-664-9903), to help connect people directly with their legislators to urge support for the legislation.

“We need to be sure that the law here in Illinois protects our families, children and small businesses, and is not there solely to help insurance companies as they deny people coverage and pad their bottom line,” said Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago).  “It's a disgrace when our State laws help deny health insurance to families who need it most.”

The Individual Health Insurance Fairness Act would guarantee access to coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions; prevent insurers from charging more based on health status or gender and establish Office of Patient Protection to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.  The Act also requires insurers to spend at least 85% of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, and profits and would create new guidelines allowing small businesses and self-employed individuals better access to affordable policies.

“Under my employer’s insurance, the out-of-pocket costs for my medication were so high, that I had to choose between the medication and food,” said Terre Taylor, an HIV/AIDS advocate. “This bill would make insurance more affordable and ensure that no one else would have to be in this situation.”

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“Illinoisans are tired of paying more and getting less in the health care marketplace,” said Brian Imus, State Director for Illinois PIRG. “The reforms announced today will ensure the transparency and accountability needed in the health insurance industry so consumers can afford adequate and dependable coverage for their families.”

“This Act will help bring more equity to the private insurance market, especially for women, by getting rid of discriminatory practices that allow insurance companies to charge women higher premiums and consider pregnancy a pre-existing condition,” said Kathy Chan, Policy Director with the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition.

Since the start of the recession, nearly 4 million people have lost their health care, with a national average of 14,000 losing their health insurance everyday.  In Illinois it’s estimated that 650 residents lose their jobs daily – with many also losing health coverage. In the private market, an average annual premium for a family of four has risen to nearly $5,500, while an individual premium costs $2,500 in Illinois.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                   Contacts: David Irwin (312) 206-6755

Thursday, February 26, 2009                                                  Gerardo Cardenas (312) 351-0228                        

ILLINOIS LEGISLATION LOOKS TO REFORM HEALTH INSURANCE INDUSTRY

Rep. Harris Takes Aim at Soaring Insurance Costs & Unfair Industry Practices – AARP Strongly Supports Bill

SPRINGFIELD , Illinois-- Job losses are leaving soaring numbers of people struggling to find health insurance on their own, joining small businesses and the self-employed in facing unaffordable policies and coverage denials due to pre-existing conditions.  Legislation introduced today by State Representative Greg Harris (D-Chicago), is taking aim at the problem and cleaning up the insurance industry’s practices.

“Illinois residents who’ve suffered a job loss now have to navigate the private health insurance maze, only to find an industry that is too costly, inconsistent and whose policies are unfair,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois.  “AARP commends Representative Harris for standing up to a powerful industry that too often denies people the health care they and their families need – getting this legislation passed is a top priority for AARP.”

Currently in Illinois, insurance companies can refuse to cover people with pre-existing conditions all together.  Even if those with pre-existing conditions are offered policies, those conditions are often excluded from coverage, leaving the person without access to health care. Other industry tactics are used to charge higher premiums based on a person’s age and where they live.

“It’s about time in Illinois that health insurance works for families, not to line the insurance company pockets,” said Representative Greg Harris.

The AARP-backed Health Insurance Fairness Act, House Bill 3923, would implement several key reforms that would:

• Guarantee access to health insurance regardless of pre-existing conditions.
• Prevent insurance companies from charging more based on health status or gender.
• Establish an Office of Patient Protection to conduct external independent reviews of denied claims and rate increases.
• Create new guidelines to allow small businesses and self-employed individuals better access to affordable policies.
• Require insurance companies to spend at least 85% of premium dollars on medical care rather than on executives’ salaries, marketing, and profits.

“This legislation is critical to ensuring access to insurance for people under 65 who do not have job-based coverage and are not eligible for Medicaid or Medicare,” added Gallo.  “AARP is urging the Illinois General Assembly to act on this important issue this year.”  

Nationally, nearly 4 million people have lost their health care since the recession began, while roughly 17 million purchase their own coverage, in many cases, without the ability to negotiate lower rates. AARP is committed to improving access to private coverage by reforming the practices of health insurers and private health care plans, including self-insured employer plans.

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For Immediate Release                                              Contacts:

February 18, 2009                                                       David Irwin               312-458-3621

                                                                                    Gerardo Cardenas      312-458-3609

AARP Illinois Launches Toll Free Help Line To Aid Consumers During DTV Transition

Chicago – Today, many Illinoisans may find that some of their TV stations are no long available as they switch from analog to digital signals. To help educate older Americans and their families about the steps they must take to prepare for the transition, AARP is now operating a national DTV call center individuals may call for personal assistance.

“AARP is committed to providing relevant and important information to our members and their families to make this transition as easy and affordable as possible,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP in Illinois. “This toll free help line will provide trained operators to help folks get the information they need, as they prepare for the transition in their homes.”  

Many older Americans depend on television for critical news and safety information, and may face significant challenges when television signals become exclusively digital. In conjunction with an ongoing education campaign, AARP has established a toll-free phone number consumers can call.

• Individuals can call 1-877-698-8068 to speak with a trained operator who can answer their DTV questions.
• Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.
• Spanish-language operators are available as well.
• The national DTV call center will be in operation through March 31, 2009.

Illinois TV stations that have already started broadcasting in digital signals include:

STATION                              AFFILIATE              TOWN

WGEM-TV                             NBC                            Quincy

WQRF-TV                              FOX                            Rockford

WREX-TV                              NBC                            Rockford

WTVO                                                ABC                            Rockford

For more information about AARP and the DTV transition please visit: www.aarp.org/dtv .

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                              Contacts: David Irwin (312) 206-6755

February 16, 2009                                                                              Gerardo Cardenas  (312) 351-0228                         

CANDIDATES FOR 5^TH CONGRESSIONAL SEAT SQUARE OFF IN CHICAGO

Crowded Field Draws 14 Vying for Emanuel’s House Seat – Voters Get the Facts on Health Care & Economy

CHICAGO, Illinois – President’s Day found 14 candidates for Chicago’s hotly contested 5^th Congressional House seat squaring off on the economy and health care.  Marking the first day of early voting in the special election to determine who will replace Rahm Emanuel, voters gathered to get the facts on where the crowded field of candidates stand on several key issues before hitting the polls in the primary on March 3^rd.  

The debate, hosted by AARP, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the Illinois Public Interest Research Group, and the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition, focused on the deepening recession and what the candidates would do to help individuals and families and how they would address soaring health costs.  The candidates were also asked what their priorities would be if elected and how they would break through gridlock in Washington. The event was moderated by Merri Dee, State President for AARP Illinois.

 The economy, joblessness and health care are issues weighing heavily on voters minds in upcoming elections.  A nationwide AARP survey recently found that, in the current economic crisis, over half of people 45 and older are having difficulty paying for the basics, such as medicine and utilities, and almost a third fear losing their jobs and health care in 2009.  While 31% are worried about losing their jobs in the coming year, 55% are concerned they won’t be able to afford health care.

“These are unprecedented times, as the economy worsens many people are struggling to afford the basics, like health care - people are looking for answers from the candidates before they vote,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois.  “AARP has a simple message for voters: get the facts, use the power and vote.”

“Low-income seniors and people with disabilities, including HIV/AIDS, are worried that government-funded health programs won’t be there when they need them because of rising costs, and this forum gives the candidates an opportunity to address these issues,” said John Peller, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Director of Government Relations.  

“Voters need to know what these candidates will do to reign in abusive practices of insurance companies to keep costs low for consumers,” added Emily Miller, Staff Attorney with Illinois PIRG. 

“Individuals, families and businesses are all concerned about the rising cost of health insurance,” said Kathy Chan, Policy Director with the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition. “Tonight, voters heard what these candidates propose to do ensure affordable, accessible, guaranteed health care for all.”

According to AARP’s survey, an overwhelming majority of Americans are looking to their lawmakers for help; about 83% of those surveyed believed the government should help people protect health care coverage for those who have lost their jobs; and 80 percent demanded the government extend unemployment benefits, and tackle soaring health care costs.

The candidates’ forum focused on informing and educating voters, as well as encouraging them to vote in the primary on March 3^rd and the special election on April 7^th.      

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                      CONTACTS: David Irwin (312) 206-6755

Saturday, February 14, 2009                                  Gerardo Cardenas: (312) 351 - 0228

AARP Illinois: Stimulus Is First Step Toward Restoring

Long-Term Financial Security For Older Americans

AARP Tracks “Key Vote” on Government Watch For 40 Million Members

Washington, D.C. – In a historic and critical vote, Congress today passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Designated as a “key vote” by AARP on behalf of its 40 million members, the elected officials’ vote are posted on AARP’s Government Watch site (www.aarp.org/governmentwatch ) so that individuals across the nation can see how their elected official voted on this legislation.

“Unprecedented job loss, loss of savings and investments, and rising numbers of uninsured individuals have forced every American to take notice of this dire moment in history,” said Robert Gallo, State Director for AARP Illinois.  “The passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 is a critical moment for Americans young and old and a vital to helping our ailing economy.”

“While this landmark legislation is crucial to addressing our nation’s most pressing issues today, many critical issues remain, including bolstering and securing the housing market, protecting homeowners from foreclosure and jumpstarting the credit markets,” added Gallo.  “We are hopeful for bipartisan solutions to these issues as Congress and the new administration move forward.”

In a recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to House and Senate leadership outlines the most important issues for older Americans in this legislation:

The bill contains many provisions that we believe are paramount to promoting economic growth, assisting those most affected by the economic crisis, and providing the foundation for meeting critical needs, such as health care and the development of livable communities.   Among the provisions we agree are especially needed are:

·          A $250 economic recovery payment for older persons, veterans, and individuals with disabilities who are ineligible to receive a Make Work Pay credit.

·          A significant increase in Medicaid spending that will help to stimulate the economy as the current economic downturn causes caseloads to rise while revenues plummet.

·          Essential building blocks for health care reform, including support for health information technology that includes critical privacy protections, health care comparative effectiveness research, and nurse and primary care training.  These changes are critical because we cannot fix our economy if we do not address our broken health care system.

·          An increase in funding for the Social Security Administration at a time of significant caseload increases.

·          Affordable health insurance via subsidized COBRA for those who have lost health coverage along with jobs.

·          An extension and increase in unemployment benefits.  Over the past twelve months the number of unemployed aged 55 and older has risen by 65 percent.

·          An increase in Food Stamps and other nutrition support.  Fixed and low-income individuals face unacceptable choices as food costs increase along with the price of medicine and health care.

·          An increase in the Weatherization Assistance Program to help low-income and older couples reduce their energy costs.

·          A substantial increase in funding for transportation infrastructure projects that expand mobility options, including mass transit, rural and para-transit programs, and improved coordination of human services transportation programs.

·          An increase in the loan value limit for FHA-insured reverse equity mortgages that would allow greater numbers of older homeowners to safely tap the equity in their homes to refinance unaffordable mortgages, obtain more suitable housing, pay medical bills or just meet daily living costs.

ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION VOTES ON RECOVERY ACT:

SENATORS:

Roland Burris (D) – YEA

**** Durbin (D) – YEA

REPRESENTATIVES:

Melissa Bean (D) – YEA

Judy Biggert (R) – NAY

Jerry Costello (D) - YEA

Danny Davis (D) – YEA

Bill Foster (D) – YEA

Luis Gutierrez (D) - YEA

Debbie Halvorson (D) – YEA

Phil Hare (D) – YEA

Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D) – YEA

Timothy Johnson (R) – NAY

Mark Kirk (R) – NAY

Daniel Lipinski (D) - PRESENT

Donald Manzullo (R) – NAY

Peter Roskam (R) – NAY

Bobby Rush (D) - YEA

Janice Schakowsky (D) – YEA

Aaron Schock (R) – NAY

John Shimkus (R) – NAY

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For Immediate Release                                                        Contacts: David Irwin           312-458-3621

February 9, 2009                                                                              Gerardo Cardenas  312-458-3609         

AARP SURVEY FINDS MIDDLE-AGED & OLDER AMERICANS STRUGGLING IN ECONOMY

50% Cite Trouble Paying for the Basics, Fear Job & Health Insurance Loss in Coming Year – Fuels Need for Congress to Address Key Issues in Recovery Bill

CHICAGO , Illinois – While Congress debates an economic recovery bill, many middle-aged and older Americans are finding it difficult to stay above water. According to a recent AARP survey, over half of people 45 and older are having difficulty paying for the basics, such as medicine and utilities with many fearing losing their jobs and health care in 2009. Survey findings ring particularly true in Illinois, where unemployment rates have jumped to 7.6%, while the national average is the highest in decades.    

People are looking to their lawmakers for help, with 83% of those surveyed believing the government should help people protect health care coverage for those who have lost their jobs.   Eight out of 10 want the government to extend unemployment benefits, and tackle soaring health care costs.

“Across the nation and here in Illinois more people are struggling to pay for necessities and are very worried about what the future holds when it comes to employment and health care,” said Bob Gallo, State Director for AARP in Illinois. “People expect their lawmakers to step up and help deliver some relief to the crisis most families are experiencing.”

With the bill currently before the Senate, AARP is urging them to improve upon the House version of the recovery legislation by providing assistance to states to protect health care home and community based services for the most vulnerable people and to provide seniors who no longer work with additional economic relief.  AARP has worked to ensure the economic recovery legislation extends unemployment benefits and provides health care reforms aimed at bringing costs down and increasing access. 

The survey: A Year-End Look at the Economic Slowdown’s Impact on Middle-aged and Older Americans , provides an update to a survey conducted in April, 2008.   Key findings from the AARP survey include:

• 52% had trouble paying for food, gas, and medicine, while 45% had trouble paying for utilities
• 31% thought it was likely they would lose their job in 2009
• 55% are worried about being able to afford health care in 2009
• 31% percent feared losing their health insurance in 2009
• 9% had lost their jobs during the past 12 months (nearly double the rate from April 2008)

In Illinois, AARP is working to expand access to Medicaid to the 50-64 population – one of the most underserved groups when it comes to access to health care and reform the insurance industry, so no one is denied health coverage during what are already difficult times for many people.  

The full survey can be found online at: http://www.aarp.org/research/economy/trends/economic_slowdown_09.html

For Immediate Release                                                        Contacts: David Irwin 312-206-6755

January 29, 2009                                                                            Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

AARP CONGRATULATES QUINN ON APPOINTMENT TO ILLINOIS GOVERNOR

Statement by Bob Gallo

AARP Illinois State Director

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois – On behalf of AARP’s 1.8 million members in Illinois, we congratulate Pat Quinn on his appointment as Governor.  Quinn has a strong record of being a true advocate for the people of Illinois; protecting consumers through the creation of the Citizen’s Utility Board and working to increase access to health care for people in need.   

Governor Quinn’s leadership in establishing the Illinois Reform Commission is a good step toward changing the way the people’s business gets done and key to addressing the integrity of government in our state.  Ensuring matters are dealt with in an open and honest manner is critical to tackling the tough issues for the people of Illinois.   

In unprecedented times, Governor Quinn now faces the challenges of addressing the issues facing Illinois residents.  As the brunt of the economy continues to hammer households and families across the state, unemployment rates soar, while retirement savings and access to health care slip away. 

AARP is committed to working with Governor Quinn and the Illinois General Assembly to ensure that the people of Illinois have the access to affordable, quality health care and the financial security they need and deserve.  These are the kitchen table issues affecting people across the state and the ones our lawmakers have the responsibility and duty to work together to address.

In these difficult times for our nation and Illinois, the needs and concerns of the people must be placed above those of politics. Illinois lawmakers must work across party lines, set aside differences, and break through the gridlock that has in so many cases crippled progress.  

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