The time for action on health reform is now!

Right now, our health care system costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and gives us back too little value for money. There is vast room for improvement—and now is the time for real reform. AARP New Hampshire, on behalf of our 240,000 members, understands that health care reform offers the opportunity to help reduce financial and health risks currently faced by many. With skyrocketing health care costs forcing millions of Americans to choose between paying for food, housing and other necessities, or their health, AARP is calling on legislators to work on a bipartisan basis to reach common-sense solutions this year that will provide affordable health care choices to all Americans; strengthen Medicare; and improve long-term care.

Health Action Now

AARP’s believes any health reform bill must address these six areas:

• Guaranteeing that Americans age 50-64 have access to affordable coverage;
• Closing the Medicare Part D coverage cap or “doughnut hole”;
• Approving generic versions of biologic drugs used to treat cancer and other serious diseases to reduce the price of these costly treatments;
• Preventing costly hospital readmissions by creating a follow-up care benefit in Medicare to help people safely transition home after a hospital stay;
• Increasing federal funding and eligibility for home- and community-based services through Medicaid so older Americans can remain in their homes and avoid more costly institutions as they age; and,
• Improving programs that help low income Americans in Medicare afford the health care and prescription drugs they need.

Stay In the Know

There is no question lowering health care costs and improving patient care is going to be challenging. There are many opponents who are driven to derail health care reform. Many will try to scare Americans with myths about legitimate proposals to lower health care costs—myths they believe will block changes to our current health system. This is why AARP New Hampshire is providing you with information to not only dispel the myths, but also take action for real health care reform. You can learn more today by taking advantage of the multiple resources AARP New Hampshire has to offer on these crucial goals.

Sign 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? Fill out this form to request periodic e-alerts from AARP New Hampshire about health care-related issues. Also, to volunteer, please contact Deborah Sprague at 603-621-1011 or dsprague@aarp.org.

Visit Our Health Care Reform Online Community: Visit our Health Care Reform Online Community today to read the latest news on health-related issues AARP New Hampshire has to offer, participate in Calls to Action, and research various opportunities to make a difference in your community.

Join Health Action Now: Join the Health Action Now movement and tell Congress that NOW is the time for health reform! Send a message to your congressional delegation today!

Learn More About Long-Term Care: Improving long-term care options is a crucial component to the overarching goal of health care reform. Learn more about AARP New Hampshire’s Long-Term Care efforts in the state, in addition to how you can get involved.

Create the Good in Your Community: Health care reform may never be possible if we don’t attack the epidemic of misuse of prescription drugs which often leads to wasteful spending and poor outcomes. Using the tools AARP New Hampshire provides, you can effectively manage your medications in addition to helping your family, friends, neighbors and children do the same. Whether you have five minutes or five hours, take a moment to visit our Create the Good New Hampshire Online Community to help yourself and others stay healthy, and save money at the same time!