AARP Hearing Center
David G. Reichert
8th District, Washington
Committee On Ways And Means
Subcommittee on Trade
Subcommittee on Oversight
Subcommittee on Social Security
Washington Office:
1730 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515-4708
Telephone: (202) 225-7761
Fax: (202) 225-4282
District Office
2737 78th Avenue SE, Suite 202
Mercer Island, WA 98040
Telephone: (206) 275-3438
Toll Free: (877) 920-9208
Fax: (206) 375-3437
www.house.gov/reichert
Congress of the United States
House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515-4708
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September 21, 2009
A. Barry Rand
Chief Executive Officer
AARP
601 E Street NW
Washington, DC 20049
Dear Mr. Rand:
As the House of Representatives continues to debate health care reform, I am working to gather as much information as possible to best serve my constituents and seniors. I am surprised by your vocal support for legislation that severely cuts Medicare and limits many seniors’ choice of health benefits at a time in their life when they need more support and options, not less. I hope you can provide me with answers regarding what appears to be a direct conflict of interest in your advocacy for legislation that cuts the Medicare Advantage program in which 14 million seniors participate.
Historically, AARP’s mission has been to enhance the quality of life for older Americans by delivering value to members through advocacy and service. However, I believe that it does a disservice to the millions of seniors you represent to support massive cuts to their Medicare Advantage health plans without disclosing the potential monetary benefit to AARP of seniors’ lost coverage resulting in the purchase of AARP-sponsored Medigap plans.
For these reasons, I am seeking answers to the following questions, and request that you respond to my inquiry, in writing, by October 1:
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. Should you have any questions, you may contact Beth Nelson in my office (beth.nelson@mail.house.gov or 202-225-7761).
Sincerely,
David G. Reichert
Member of Congress
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