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AARP Comments on Health Care Reform and Older Americans report

August 27, 2009

WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President John Rother released this statement in response to today’s report by the Department of Health and Human Services, “America’s Seniors and Health Insurance Reform: Protecting Coverage and Strengthening Medicare.”

“Older Americans are keenly aware of the high cost and inefficiencies of our current health care system. As today’s report notes, a couple today needs to save $300,000 just to cover their health care bills in retirement.

“Too often, people age 50 to 64 find themselves unable to purchase affordable insurance because of a preexisting condition, or simply because of their age, making them the fastest growing group of uninsured Americans. And each year, millions of people in Medicare fall into the doughnut hole—a costly gap in their prescription drug coverage—or struggle to find a doctor willing to take new Medicare patients.

“Health care proposals pending in Congress would guarantee every American has a choice of affordable, dependable health coverage, close the Medicare doughnut hole, pay doctors in Medicare fairly and take major steps to combat the skyrocketing costs of health care.

“We look forward to working with the Administration in the coming weeks to create a health care system that strengthens Medicare, protects patients and makes insurance fair for everyone.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia , Puerto Rico , and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: August 27, 2009
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AARP Reacts to Presidential Health Care Townhall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 11, 2009

AARP Reacts to President’s Health Care Townhall

WASHINGTON – AARP Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson issued this statement following remarks by the President at a townhall event in New Hampshire on health care reform.

“AARP has been working with Democrats and Republicans to fix our broken health care system.

“While the President was correct that AARP will not endorse a health care reform bill that would reduce Medicare benefits, indications that we have endorsed any of the major health care reform bills currently under consideration in Congress are inaccurate.

“AARP supports specific measures that would help older Americans and their families – including bipartisan proposals to create a new follow-up care benefit in Medicare that would help prevent hospital re-admissions, as well as to address the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the ‘doughnut hole.’ We also support the need for lawmakers and the Administration to act this year to fix what doesn’t work in the health care system.

“We share the President’s commitment to act this year, and our members appreciate his insistence that any final reform package will not reduce Medicare benefits for the millions of people that literally depend on that program as a lifeline.

“We look forward to working with leaders of both parties, including the President, to build a final package we could endorse that addresses the concerns of the 50-plus population and brings quality, affordable health care choices to every American.”

For more information about AARP’s Health Action Now campaign, please visit www.healthactionnow.org.

Added: August 11, 2009
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First 2009 Wyoming West Nile Virus Cases Reported

August 6, 2009

The state’s first human West Nile virus (WNV) cases have been reported to the Wyoming Department of Health and identified through lab testing in an adult female from Converse County and an adult male from Platte County.

“While case counts have varied widely, there has been West Nile activity each year since the virus arrived in Wyoming so these newly reported cases are no surprise,” said Dr. Tracy Murphy, state epidemiologist with the Wyoming Department of Health.

“Wyoming residents really should take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” Murphy said. WNV is spread by mosquitoes after they feed on infected birds and then bite people, other birds and animals.

The “5 D’s” of WNV prevention are:

1) DAWN and 2) DUSK - Most mosquito species prefer to feed at dawn or dusk, so avoid spending time outdoors during these times.

3) DRESS - Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when spending time outdoors or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials.

4) DRAIN - Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property because mosquitoes breed in shallow, stagnant water.

5) DEET - Use an insect repellent containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide). Spray clothing with repellents containing permethrin or DEET because mosquitoes can bite through thin clothing. Permethrin should not be used on bare skin. Another insect repellent, Picaridin (KBR 3023), is also highly effective.

Most people infected with WNV never develop symptoms. Among those who become ill, symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. A very small percentage of infected persons develop West Nile neuroinvasive disease (i.e. meningitis or encephalitis) with symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis.

The Wyoming Public Health Laboratory offers free WNV testing for healthcare providers with suspected cases in their patients.

In Wyoming last year there were 10 human West Nile virus cases with no deaths reported. There were 185 human cases with 2 deaths in 2007; 65 human cases with 2 deaths in 2006; 12 human cases with 2 deaths in 2005; 10 human cases with no deaths in 2004; 393 human cases with 9 deaths in 2003; and 2 human cases with no deaths in 2002.

More information about WNV is available online www.badskeeter.org or by calling 1-877-WYO-BITE.

Added: August 6, 2009
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Medicare offers help paying for prescription medications

For years you did your part by paying into Medicare. Now it’s your turn to get the most out of the benefits you’ve earned.

If you have limited income and resources, there’s a Medicare program where you pay no more than $2.40 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug.

If you qualify, this program helps pay your prescription copayments plus your other drug costs like monthly premiums and annual deductibles.

Many people qualify and don’t even know it. Individuals who make less than $16,245 and married couples who make less than $21,855 may qualify to have lower Medicare prescription drug premiums, copayments, and deductibles. To qualify, these individuals’ resources must also be limited to $12,510 or $25,010 for married couples. Resources include things like bank accounts, stocks and bonds, but not your house or car.

Applying for this program is free. Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs. All information provided in the application is confidential.

If you have a limited income, you know that sometimes making ends meet means making tough decisions. That shouldn’t mean going without your medications. Apply now to make sure you have the prescription drugs you need to stay healthy and keep doing what you love.

To learn more about Medicare prescription drug plans and when you can join, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit www.medicare.gov on the web.

This information prepared by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Added: August 5, 2009
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Tax refund for 65+ and disabled residents' deadline is Aug. 31

August 5, 2009

The Wyoming Department of Health is reminding elderly and disabled Wyoming residents who may be eligible to receive state tax refunds to submit applications before the end of August.

“Many older and disabled Wyoming residents could use a little extra financial help as everyday bills and expenses can add up throughout the year,” said Donna DiNino, program manger for the Elderly and Disabled Tax Refund Program.

The Tax Refund for Elderly and Disabled Program provides an allowance to help cover sales and use taxes, property taxes and utility and energy costs paid by qualified state residents in 2008.

Refund amounts are based on actual income with the maximum benefit set at up to $800 for a qualified single person and $900 for qualified married couples.

To be eligible, applicants must be age 65 or older, or be totally (100 percent) disabled and age 18 or older, with a 2008 income of less than $17,500 for single persons or $28,500 for married persons.

New applications are needed each year for the program. Applications must be postmarked by August 31. Eligibility is determined by the Wyoming Department of Health and checks are mailed beginning in mid December.

Local senior centers have applications and details about the refund. More information is also available from the Wyoming Department of Healthonline at www.health.wyo.gov or by calling 1-866-989-8901.

Added: August 5, 2009
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AARP to Congress: Don't Make Medicare More Expensive

July 30, 2009

Association fighting proposals that would unfairly burden people in Medicare

WASHINGTON—AARP CEO Barry Rand today wrote to House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman, urging Congress to find ways to pay for comprehensive health care reforms beyond the Medicare savings already announced that will improve the program’s efficiency. In a letter to Chairman Waxman, Rand applauded the committee’s reported compromise agreement for “hold[ing] the line on additional Medicare savings.” Rand emphasized that AARP members would not support legislation that finances reform through higher out-of-pocket costs or reduced benefits for people in Medicare.

“AARP cannot support any efforts to target Medicare beneficiaries for increased cost-sharing or other benefit cuts,” Rand wrote. “In addition, we cannot support backdoor attempts to finance health care reform through increases in beneficiary costs or reductions in benefits, for example, through use of commissions or other process mechanisms.”

Rand noted that people in Medicare today already spend, on average, nearly 30 percent of their income on out-of-pocket health care costs, restating the Association’s fight against proposals that would unfairly burden people in Medicare.

Rand added: “We know you share the position, expressed by the President in his July 22 press conference—and reiterated this week in AARP’s own tele-town hall—that health reform will not result in less generous Medicare benefits.”

AARP has reassured its members that proposals it has reviewed so far to save money in Medicare will not raise their out-of-pocket costs or reduce access to care. AARP has urged Congress to find smart Medicare savings, such as reducing payments to private insurers in Medicare, lowering drug costs and preventing avoidable hospital readmissions.

In the letter, Rand applauded the Energy and Commerce Committee’s compromise agreement, which reportedly retains many of the key priorities of AARP’s members, including closing the Part D doughnut hole, strictly limiting age-rating and creating subsidies to help more Americans purchase their choice of coverage.

“We are pleased the House bill retains a stricter 2 to 1 limit on how much more insurers can charge older Americans for premiums,” Rand wrote. “In addition, we are pleased that the House Energy and Commerce bill still provides sliding-scale subsidies up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. These subsidies are essential to making certain our members can afford coverage and not pay an unfair percentage of their incomes for health care expenses.”

For more information about AARP’s Health Action Now campaign, please visit www.healthactionnow.org.

Added: August 3, 2009
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Cut through the noise about health reform and get to the facts

Throughout the debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system, AARP pledges to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions about health care reform. Check out AARP’s blog this week, which is highlighting some of the most common myths being spread about health care reform and the facts that prove them wrong.

Added: August 3, 2009
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Flores to represent AARP Wyoming members on health reform in DC

Jackson resident selected to represent AARP Wyoming members in national health reform debate

July 28, 2009

CHEYENNE – Pam Flores will represent AARP Wyoming members in a meeting with Wyoming’s Congressional delegation Wednesday, July 29, in Washington, DC.

Flores was selected from a group of applicants who shared their struggles with the current health care system on the “Health Action Now!” Web site. Flores and others applied for the opportunity to meet with their members of Congress and represent the many voices of AARP’s 40 million members. The art gallery director posted the following:

“At age 62, I'm at a point where I can appreciate the plight of baby boomers and the elderly. I'm now paying over $1,000, a month for insurance and, even with a good job, am getting to a point where the insurance may have to go very soon,” Flores said. “I estimate that by the time I reach 65, my (monthly) premium will have reached close to $2,000.”

AARP Wyoming Director Tim Summers said Flores’ story is all too familiar.

“We hear from so many of our members that they are doing okay for now, but they know they are just one health care crisis away from a financial disaster,” Summers said. “Pam’s story represents the plight of other responsible small business people of Wyoming who work hard and have saved their money, but are faced with some very difficult decisions because of the cost of health care.”

Flores said, “Although I'm employed, I know I'll have to work well into my 70s, provided my health remains stable. I have a great job, one where age adds credence in my position, but what about those who aren't as fortunate. What about those who can't work -- who can barely collect enough money to eat, much less obtain health care and pay for utilities?”

As one of the AARP members from each of the 50 states, Flores will be at the Capitol Wednesday meeting with Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso and Representative Cynthia Lummis to discuss the need for action on health reform.

For more information on AARP’s six health reform priorities, visit HealthActionNow.org or call the AARP Wyoming office at 1-866-663-3290.

Added: July 28, 2009
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AARP: HELP Committee Bill Marks Critical Step Toward Health Care

July 15, 2009

WASHINGTON—AARP CEO Barry Rand released this statement following the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee’s passage of the Affordable Health Choices Act:

“Today’s vote brings us one big step closer to comprehensive health care reform that ensures every American has a choice of quality, affordable coverage. We are proud of the committee’s leadership on this issue and their commitment to passing legislation this year, but we remain concerned with some of the bill’s specifics.

“The bill passed today includes several smart provisions that will help Americans get affordable health care. By strictly limiting insurers’ discriminatory practices, the bill ensures Americans can purchase affordable health coverage, regardless of age or health status. It also helps struggling middle-class families by limiting premiums and out-of-pocket expenses, providing true relief from rising health costs.

“The bill’s long-term care provisions will put more people on track to get the health and long-term care services and supports they need throughout their lives and take some of the burden off of struggling Medicaid programs. The bill also takes needed steps to strengthen the health care workforce and prepare it to meet the needs of an aging population, particularly in the critical fields of primary care and nursing.

“However, we remain concerned about the bill’s unreasonable exclusivity period for brand name biologic drugs, which will keep less costly generic versions from the people who need them and result in billions of dollars of profit for the brand name drug industry.

“AARP thanks Chairman Kennedy, Senator Dodd and their colleagues for their strong commitment to health care reform. With their help, America is closer to finally achieving the goal of quality, affordable health care for all.”

Added: July 15, 2009
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House Health Care Bill Makes Important Strides

July 14, 2009

AARP CEO Barry Rand released the following statement after the introduction of health care reform legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives from Chairmen Charles Rangel, Henry Waxman and George Miller.

“We are pleased by the House TriCommittee’s health care reform bill, which makes important strides towards making sure that every American has access to affordable, quality health care choices.

“Those without access to employer sponsored plans face serious roadblocks that block affordable insurance choices based on their age and health status. Those of our members in Medicare pay close to 30% of their incomes on out-of-pocket expenses and they deserve relief, especially in the prescription drug doughnut hole, where they get no benefit while paying premiums.

“This bill would make great strides for all of our members and their families.

“It would help abolish those insurance market practices that keep people on the outside looking in based only on their age and health status. It recognizes that expanding coverage means little if a person can’t afford it, providing meaningful relief to those with modest incomes and capping out-of-pocket expenses for plans in the Exchange.

“The House TriCommittee bill would also close over time the Medicare prescription drug ‘doughnut hole’—a major concern for our members.

“We look forward to working with Chairmen Rangel, Waxman and Miller, as well as their colleagues in both parties and both chambers of Congress to build on current momentum and enact comprehensive health care reform in 2009.”

Added: July 15, 2009
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