Press Center: News Releases
Senate Does the Right Thing on Medicare Bill Second Time Around
News Release
July 9, 2008
Bill Novelli, AARP’s Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement on today’s vote by the Senate to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
“They say that life doesn’t give you second chances. The Senate got a big one this week, and AARP applauds the bipartisan majority of Senators who voted to pass a bill that would protect and improve Medicare for the 44 million Americans who depend on it. This bill would allow people in Medicare to maintain access to their doctors, improve benefits for low-income, prevention, and mental health programs, and boost quality through national e-prescribing.
“Today’s vote – which came less than two weeks after a similar effort fell one vote short – mirrored the broad support with which the House of Representatives earlier passed this bill. This shows what can happen when leaders in Washington break through partisan gridlock.
“We hope the President recognizes the overwhelming bipartisan support that passed this bill in both chambers of Congress and signs it into law.”
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 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to daily news source for AARP's 39 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.