Calls for
commonsense solutions,
not cuts to critical program
not cuts to critical program
(Peoria, AZ) -- Today,
AARP released the first in a “commonsense solutions” series of new videos on
the 48th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing Medicare into law on
July 30, 1965.
Arizona has over 791,000 residents who rely on Medicare
for their health care coverage, on average spending about 9% of their income
on out-of pocket income on their health care costs.
AARP’s Executive Vice President Nancy
LeaMond released the following statement with the video which can be viewed
at:
“As Medicare continues to provide access
to health care for millions of seniors and those with disabilities, AARP is
celebrating its 48 successful years and advocating for responsible,
commonsense solutions that will strengthen the program by lowering drug costs,
improving care coordination and cracking down on over-testing, waste and
fraud. Nearly 50 million
Americans—15 percent of the nation’s population, and growing—depend on
Medicare for health security which is why AARP will continue
our work to ensure that it is there for current and future
generations.
“Medicare does face financial
challenges, which is why AARP is calling for responsible, commonsense
solutions that would help ensure Medicare’s continued success, including
fair prescription drug prices and ridding Medicare of waste, fraud, and abuse.
For example, AARP supports two bipartisan bills
that would prevent drug companies from agreeing to delay consumers’ access to
lower cost medications. AARP also supports bipartisan legislation that
would crack down on fraud by targeting improper billing and increasing
penalties for identity theft.
“Unfortunately, some in Washington are
considering harmful proposals, including raising the Medicare age, adding new
copays to lab test and home health service, and increasing deductibles.
Americans deserve solutions that will reduce costs throughout the health care
system, not cut benefits or force seniors to pay more.
“Recent
changes in the new health law have improved Medicare by closing the coverage
gap in the drug benefit, adding cost-free preventive benefits, and adding
additional protections to curb fraud and abuse and extend the life of the
Medicare Trust Fund. Seniors already have saved almost $4 billion in
prescription drug discount savings.
“Medicare is
a promise—a promise of health security for all Americans. For years, AARP has
fought to protect and strengthen Medicare, and through You’ve Earned a
Say, we’ll continue to make certain every American has an opportunity to
amplify their voices. The promise of affordable, guaranteed access to health
care that Medicare holds for millions of Americans is one that must be
kept.”
AARP is a nonprofit,
nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that
helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens
communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as
healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable
utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in
the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value
to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide
range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle
tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the
world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and
AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs
of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make
contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The 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. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of
Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.
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