Recommended Heath Care Reform Websites to Monitor

• Health Action Now : the campaign action center, has timely messages and action appeals directed toward the public.

• Government Watch on AARP.org covers all of our issues, but is particularly rich with health reform content at the moment.

• President Obama's Health Reform Site is a must visit for activists.  See the official report of the White House Forum on Health Reform (March 2009), which includes detailed records of participants’ comments in breakout sessions and identifies policymakers and stakeholders by name

AARP Applauds President Obama for Signing Serve America Act Into Law

AARP applauds President Barack Obama for enacting a volunteer service bill that he called for during his candidacy and throughout the beginning of his term. AARP CEO Barry Rand, present at the signing ceremony, released the following statement:

“At a time when many communities are in great need, AARP applauds President Obama for signing the bi-partisan Serve America Act into law. This is important legislation that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.

“We know boomers and older Americans stand ready to, as AARP’s founder said, ‘create the good.’ In a survey conducted for AARP last year, millions of boomers and older Americans said that in the next five years, they want to increase their volunteer service to improve their communities and our world.

“The Serve America Act will expand opportunities for people to serve at every stage of life by using service opportunities to meet specific national challenges. We are particularly pleased that the legislation will create more opportunities for people 50+.  AARP’s network of volunteers and activists stands millions strong, ready to lead this new era of service.

“Fifty years ago, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded AARP with the motto, ‘To serve, not be served.’ This important legislation is powered by the self-reliance and self-determination of the American people. The same spirit is at the root of AARP. We look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to build this spirit of service across the country – and across generations – and to help tackle America’s most pressing problems with its greatest resource: the American people.”

An Answer to Hospital Readmissions -

More Care is Not Always “Better” Care

News that Medicare wastes billions of dollars a year on avoidable hospital readmissions points to a visible and  compelling reason for health reform: We not only can improve patients’ lives, but we can contain skyrocketing costs for both individuals and our country’s taxpayers in the process.

Fresh evidence that our increasingly unaffordable health care system is failing many of the most vulnerable patients comes in a new report in the New England Journal of Medicine. Researchers found that up to one in five Medicare patients sent home from the hospital were forced to return within a month.

Many of these patients had chronic illnesses, yet did not recall instructions about what to do if a problem emerged after they left the hospital. As we all know, the ability to learn and understand instructions in the environment of a busy hospital room is not the “ideal learning setting”. Once discharged, many are essentially left adrift, lacking meaningful – if any – communication with health care professionals, whose guidance and follow-through might have made a huge difference.  

We should have no tolerance for re-admissions that are avoidable.  The cost of these unplanned readmissions was $17.4 billion in 2004. Keeping people healthy and out of the hospital saves money for everyone.

Fortunately, there is at least one clear, cost effective solution to this problem: Medicare could provide “transitional” care designed to help people who leave the hospital stay out of the hospital.

From AARP’s own research on chronic conditions, we know that a patient’s transition from one setting to another, such as from hospital to home or a rehabilitation facility, can be a hazardous time. Too often, poor communication and lack of timely guidance can lead to dangerous medical errors, adverse medication reactions, and inappropriate care during that very vulnerable period of location change.

According to recent research by AARP’s Public Policy Institute, one in five patients surveyed felt their health had suffered as a result of poor communication among physicians. Nearly one in four said they had experienced a medical error, often due to uncoordinated care.

Two out of three caregivers also expressed concerns about poor communication among clinicians, lack of timely clinician visits after hospital stays, and patients who did not understand medical advice or had received conflicting information.

The lack of guidance often leaves patients in the dark about local services that could help them thrive at home and decrease the burden on family caregivers, who already provide an estimated $375 billion worth of care a year.

A 79-year-old woman in Pennsylvania who cares for her 84-year-old husband recently described the uphill quest for information: “Here you are, two dummies...What do you do? Where do you go? You make a million phone calls. You do a lot of things that are stupid, and nothing gets done.”

We simply must do a better job of helping individuals with chronic health problems. Eleven million older adults now live with five or more such conditions, and the number is increasing. Three out of every four dollars spent by Medicare goes to this category of patients, who on average see an assortment of 14 doctors a year in various settings. Further, it has been found that some of these same people end up taking as many as 50 prescriptions a year.  If care and medications aren’t reviewed and coordinated, the result often translates to a hospitalization.

A new benefit for transitional care would help people in Medicare navigate this maze. Nurse-led teams of medical specialists would coordinate transitions, meeting patients before discharge and developing plans for follow-up and coordinated care as they move from different care delivery sites

Nurse managers would provide needed follow-through to help ensure that services are delivered, instructions followed, and medications are taken as prescribed. People would stop falling through the cracks of our disjointed system, and costly readmissions would be reduced.

At AARP, we view this idea as a common-sense strategy to help patients stay as healthy as possible, while managing chronic conditions, easing pressure on their caregivers, and saving money both for the individual and for taxpayers. Shouldn’t that be what health reform is all about?

Looking to Save on Drugs?  Go Generic!

AARP report: patients taking three brand name prescriptions saw average cost climb $550 last year

Consumers looking to save in today’s tough economy should start by talking to their doctors about their prescription drugs, according to a new report by AARP.  The latest AARP “Rx Watchdog Report” finds that manufacturer prices for widely used brand name prescription drugs jumped by nearly nine percent in 2008, marking the largest average annual increase in six years and far exceeding the general inflation rate of just 3.8 percent.

“A person taking three brand name prescription drugs could see his or her annual costs climb by more than $550 in just one year,” said AARP Public Policy Director John Rother.  “Switching to generic drugs whenever possible is one of the quickest and easiest ways to drastically reduce your health care bills.”

In contrast, the study by AARP’s Public Policy Institute found that the manufacturer prices of widely used generic drugs continued to decrease in 2008, falling by an average of 10.6 percent.  The vast majority of generics (83 percent) did not change in price in 2008, despite an increase in general inflation.  Many of the generics that did drop in price saw drastic decreases.  While the manufacturer price for the brand name antidepressant Zoloft (50 and 100 mg tablets) increased by 12.3 percent in 2008, the manufacturer price for generic sertraline made by Teva Pharmaceuticals decreased by 45.1 percent.

Even for those with prescription drug coverage, switching to generics can mean substantial savings.  Cost sharing for generics remains dramatically lower than for many brand name drugs.  In 2007, generic drug copayments averaged less than $8, while average copayments for “preferred” and “non-preferred” brand name drugs were $19 and $28 according to a report by Express Scripts.

AARP’s report also examined the manufacturer prices of widely used specialty prescription drugs, which treat serious illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.  These drugs had even larger price increases than traditional brand name drugs, rising an average of 9.3 percent in the last year.  The average annual increase in the cost of therapy for a specialty drug grew from $2,297 to $2,860 between 2007 and 2008.  Thirty-one of the widely used specialty drugs were biologic drugs, which are made from living organisms.  There currently is no FDA pathway for the approval of less expensive generic versions of biologic drugs, leaving manufacturers free to continue charging the same or even higher prices.

Rother added, “Specialty drugs are already expensive because of their development costs, so it doesn’t help that many are biologic drugs that don’t face generic competition.  That’s why we need health reform now.  Bringing generic biologic drugs to the market can dramatically lower costs for the millions of Americans who can’t afford the life-saving drugs they need.”

As a part of its health reform campaign, AARP is urging Congress to address the rising cost of prescription drugs, particularly through policies that will bring more generic competition to the marketplace.  Cost saving measures include allowing Medicare to negotiate directly with drug makers, closing loopholes that allow brand name drug makers to pay off generic drug producers, allowing for the legal importation of safe prescription drugs from abroad, and creating a pathway for the approval of generic versions of biologic drugs.

The list of prescription drugs analyzed in the AARP “Rx Watchdog Report” is based on the drugs most widely prescribed to Medicare Part D beneficiaries.  Price changes are measured using changes in the wholesale acquisition cost (WAC) as published by the Medi-Span Price-Chek PC database.

The complete AARP “Rx Watchdog Report” is available at http://www.aarp.org/research/health/drugs/rx_watchdog.html .

Click here to see the video of Cheryl Matheis, AARP's Senior Vice President for Health Strategy on WMUR's New Hampshire's Business hosted by Fred Kocher.

In a recent speech, AARP Policy Director John Rother addresses the seven deadly myths of health care reform, dispelling the key fallacies these myths present. Click here to read Rother's Statement

Also, on Tuesday, April 14, at 12:45 p.m. ET, click here for a live chat with an AARP health expert. AARP Policy Director John Rother will take your questions and discuss the state of health reform.

On Tuesday, April 7th, about 50,000 Americans joined an AARP national tele-town hall meeting to hear Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office for Health Reform, address their questions and concerns about the future of United States health care.

If you were unable to join AARP for this tele-town hall, please

click here to read excerpts of DeParle's answers to questions from participants.

For Immediate Release

April 8, 2009                                       Contact:          Jamie Bulen, 603 621 1003

AARP New Hampshire Urges Bipartisan Health Reform This Year

Highlights health reform priorities at April 8 New Hampshire Forum on the Future

Bedford – Today, AARP participated in a New Hampshire Forum on the Future, presenting national health reform priorities currently in discussion and how reform will affect New Hampshire residents and businesses.  Today’s Forum, titled The Future of Health Care in New Hampshire, focused on possible solutions to our current health care crisis. 

“Our current health care system costs too much, wastes too much, and is jeopardizing New Hampshire businesses’ ability to compete,” said AARP Senior Vice President for Health Strategy Cheryl Matheis, a participant in the Forum.  “The health and well being of Granite State families are at risk.  Many are just one medical emergency away from bankruptcy and financial ruin.”

“Our members are telling us that health care reform is urgent and should be our top priority,” added AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark.  “We cannot fix our broken economy unless we fix our broken health care system.  With so many people facing the prospect of losing their coverage or having their health care premiums double over the next 10 years, the time for action on health reform is now.  We are calling on Congress and the President to work in a bipartisan fashion to reach common-sense solutions to health reform this year.”

AARP – with 40+ million members nationwide and nearly 243,000 in New Hampshire – believes bipartisan health reform legislation in 2009 should:

·         Offer affordable health care coverage choices to everyone regardless of age or health, including those between 50 and 64, the fastest growing group of uninsured;

·         Keep Medicare affordable by rewarding doctors and hospitals for quality rather than quantity of care;

·         Promote prevention and healthy behaviors;

·         Eliminate fraud, waste and abuse; and

·         Improve care coordination for people with chronic conditions which helps keep them in their homes and out of institutions.

Matheis emphasized that health reform for those on Medicare is urgently needed.  Since 2000, Medicare premiums have doubled and out-of-pocket costs have skyrocketed.  “Runaway inflation is driving up the costs of Medicare, not aging baby boomers,” said Matheis.  “We need reforms to bring costs down, make sure everyone has access to affordable coverage, and improve the quality of care.  Doing nothing is not an option.”

Other participants in today’s Forum on the Future, held at CR Sparks in Bedford, included Dr. James Squires, President, Endowment for Health; Nick Toumpas, Commissioner, NH Department of Health and Human Services; Bruce King, President, NH Hospital Association; and Dr. Charles Blitzer, President, NH Medical Society.  Fred Kocher, President of New Hampshire High Tech Council, moderated the discussion.

The New Hampshire Forum on the Future brings together leaders in higher education, business and public policy to explore challenges and opportunities facing the Granite State. 

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 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP’s 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual US 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 US Virgin Islands.

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AARP Nationwide Town Hall

Health Action Now

Tuesday April 7th, 1:30pm-3:30pm ET

     The President and members of Congress are saying they want to bring about health reform this year.  Want to learn more about AARP's role in the health reform debate, what we're working for, and how we're representing YOU?  Sign up to be part of AARP's First nationwide town hall event and enter your own question for the AARP leaders and expert panelists to answer during the call.

     The question you submit could be addressed during a nationwide health reform discussion where you will also learn what AARP is doing and how we're preparing to participate in this historic debate.

     By clicking here and signing up today, you will have priority registration to receive the call from us to connect you to the town hall.  You'll be one of the first people we call as we dial out to a million people!   ust fillout the form below with the number we should call and you will hear from us on April 7th!

The Future of Healthcare in New Hampshire

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009

8:00am-9:30am

The Event Center at CR Sparks, Bedford, NH

Speakers:

• Dr. James Squires, President, Endowment for Health
• Nicholas Toumpas, Commissioner, New Hampshire Department of Health and HUman Services
• Bruce King, President, New Hampshire Hospital Association
• Dr. Charles Blitzer, President, New Hampshire Medical Society
• Cheryal Matheis, Senior Vice President for Health Strategy, AARP

From the State House to the White house to Congress to health care providers themselves - changes to the health care system that we know are being proposed and could be decided in the next couple of years.  Personal health care consumes 18% of New Hampshire's economy or 18 cents of every dollar, totaling $10.6 billion in 2007.  Twenty years ago, spending on personal health care was less than 10% of New Hampshire's economy.  Twenty years from now, health care is projected to reach nearly 20% to 25% of New Hampshire economic activity (New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies)

Registration

To register and pay online, click here!   Make $20.00 payable to NHCUC, mail check to NCUC, 2 Barrell Court, Suite 100, Concord, NH 03301.

Volunteer/Advocate Meeting

Healthcare Reform Strategy and Tips

With Cheryl Matheis, Senior Vice President for Health Strategy, AARP

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009 - 11:30am-2:00pm

Meeting will be held at the AARP New Hampshire State office located at 900 Elm Street, Manchester, NH 03101.  Lunch will be served at 11:30, meeting to begin at noon.  To RSVP, e-mail Mary Callahan at mcallahan@aarp.org.

Sign Me Up to Stay in the Know

Do you want to know more about health-related issues that AARP is tracking on the state and federal level?  Sign up to stay in the know!  Fill out the form below to request periodic e-alerts from AARP New Hampshire about health care-related issues.