AARP to Alert 38 Million Members How Their Members of Congress Vote on Health Bill

[flamingdem]

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aarp-to-alert-38-million-members-how-their-members-of-congress-vote-on-health-bill-300425482.html

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement today in response to the pending vote on the House bill that would create an "Age Tax," weaken Medicare's solvency, put at risk seniors' ability to live independently as they age, and give sweetheart deals to big drug and insurance companies. In a letter sent to all 435 members of the House of Representatives, AARP maintained its strong opposition to this harmful bill and urged each Representative to vote 'No' on the proposed legislation. AARP believes this legislation will have a significant negative impact on the health of millions of older Americans ages 50 to 64, as well as other vulnerable groups, including poor seniors and disabled children and adults.

"AARP recognizes the magnitude of the upcoming vote on this harmful legislation that creates an Age Tax, cuts the life of Medicare, and gives sweetheart deals to big drug and insurance companies while doing nothing to lower the cost of health care or prescriptions. We intend on letting all 38 million of our members know exactly how their Representative voted. Our members care deeply about their health care and have told us repeatedly that they want to know where their elected officials stand. We will communicate the results of the House vote to our members and the public through The Bulletin, a print publication that goes to all of our members, as well as through emails, social media, and other communications channels.

"This bill, if passed in its current form, will disproportionately hurt older adults between the ages of 50 and 64 by dramatically increasing insurance premiums to unaffordable rates. Allowing insurance companies to charge older adults an Age Tax 5 times or more than others for health insurance, and reducing tax credits to help pay for it, is quite simply unfair.

"AARP is also concerned that this bill weakens the fiscal sustainability of Medicare, reduces cost-sharing help for out-of-pocket costs for 50- to 64-year-olds purchasing coverage on the individual insurance market, increases the number of uninsured Americans, and puts at risk the health and well-being of millions of poor seniors and disabled adults and children by capping funding for much needed services that allow individuals to live independently in their homes and communities.

"We are also profoundly disappointed that the big drug and insurance companies were given sweetheart deals while nothing was done to lower the cost of health care or prescriptions. Congress must do more to bring down the unsustainably high health care and prescription drug costs for consumers and taxpayers."

[herding cats]

1. Good on them!

I'm glad they're standing firm against this horrible piece of legislation!

[ProfessorGAC]

2. Good

I know some here are anti-AARP, but i'm both supportive of their efforts in health care and a member. I can live with the criticisms of those who think i should not be a member. They're free to criticize. I'm a big boy and i can take it.

But, reading their monthly mag and other email notices, there is a clear advocacy for the aging sector of the population and i applaud this effort.

[flamingdem]

4. We need them to advocate for us

In this case they're crucial. Like it or not we all get old and Aarp has the info and the clout.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. Where I'm At, Too!

Some folks think they're only a mouthpiece for the insurance industry. I don't agree with that description.

[peacebuzzard]

14. I have to make immediate decisions this year

At age 64 I have to really look at the life changing event this year. Been hard to concentrate with so many dire milestone events piling up personally and politically. I always thought I would be well prepared for this page flipping age but I admit I am ill prepared. I will be joining AARP however.

[ProfessorGAC]

19. I'm retiring in 22 months

But, age 62. So I need to bridge 3 years to Medicare. The idiotic new plan must be stopped
I'm counting on AARP to help kill it

[beachbum bob]

3. karma is a bitch, too many seniors voted for trump and its all going to get much worse

[Johnny2X2X]

6. SSI and Medicare will be gone

Their goal is to end these programs all together. They don't even dance around that.

I told my Trump loving 74 year old mother she should probably start looking for a job because Trump intends to stop the checks from coming.

[beachbum bob]

10. true conservatives wish to end social security, medicare and let old people do what they are suppose

to do...die off

what they want vs what they get is a huge difference but we must never back down from the discussion on what seperates the intent of conservatives vs the intend of the rest of us

[peacebuzzard]

16. With the "treat the symptoms" med care as 1st defense

I truly believe in certain cases more harm is done. Overuse of pharmaceuticals can injure more in an older and more fragile adult. I am in a deep philosophical examination of what I am personally consuming nutrition wise and the prescribed meds I take.

[OldHippieChick]

7. Though I am not a member of AARP I

did buy life insurance thru them, so they alert me along w/ all their members. I am glad. This also means there are more than 38 million who will be alerted. This has to be something that the R's in Congress will feel - very soon.

[Zambero]

8. Feet to the fire

Those members of Congress who support this punitive legislation will be charter members of the "Trumpcare Ownership Club" and will wear it around their necks like a lead weight. Come election time they will get to test the waters.

[SHRED]

9. The AARP will win this showdown

They are powerful.

[dalton99a]

11. Kick.

[silverweb]

12. Just renewed my membership.

[font color="navy" face="Verdana"]Thanks, AARP. Keep up the good work!

[BumRushDaShow]

13. Literally listening to an AARP ad on the radio right now.

"Not the change you voted for".

[Achilleaze]

15. why do republican comrades HATE America's elders?

deplorable

[flamingdem]

17. Good question, especially when they get most votes from them

Some kind of psychopathy I believe, they all need to be locked up in mental hospitals

[AgadorSparticus]

18. KNR