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Does AARP Have a Hidden Agenda in Health Care Reform?
Staff Writer
AARP’s
endorsement of a proposed health care overhaul that may result in
nearly $500 billion in funding cuts to Medicare has drawn fire from
lawmakers and senior advocates who contend that the organization
is more interested in lining its own pockets rather than representing
the interests of older Americans.
AARP is considered one of the most powerful organizations on the American political
scene, and it is widely known for addressing issues affecting older Americans
through a multitude of initiatives including lobbying efforts at the state and
national governmental level, an activity permitted by its tax exempt status.
AARP claims to be nonpartisan and says it does not support, oppose or give money
to any candidates or political parties.
According to the National Journal’s “Under the Influence – An
Inside View of the Lobbying and Advocacy Industry,” AARP spent approximately
$9.4 million on lobbying activities during the first half of 2009 not including
AARP expenditures through various coalitions such as Divided We Fail and the
National Coalition on Health Care.
AARP has come under fire in recent years for its support of positions which opponents
contend are in direct opposition to its stated position as an advocate for older
Americans.
AARP’s unexpected last-minute support of the 2003 Medicare Prescription
Drug Modernization Act set off howls of protest from critics who contend the
organization stands to make substantial profits from its move.
AARP has also drawn fire for using its influence in the debate over privatization
of Social Security because it had substantial financial issues at stake.
The AARP decision to support the hotly-debated health care reform proposal has
led to questions about the group’s motives.
“This endorsement is an insult to seniors who depend on this organization
to look out for their best interests,” opined Congressman Dave Reichert,
R-Wash. “The bill AARP endorses today not only makes drastic cuts to Medicare,
but it also could place burdensome taxes on wheelchairs, pacemakers and hearing
aids.”
“How, in good conscience, could this be something AARP supports?” questioned
Reichert.
According to information from Reichert’s office, as many as three million
seniors will lose their Medicare health plan coverage, and three million fewer
seniors will enroll in such a plan if the proposed health care changes become
law.
Reichert has repeatedly questioned AARP leadership about their support of health
care reform and has been unsatisfied with the answers received.
“I’m disappointed that while AARP endorses a bill that slashes benefits
of its members, its representatives still refuse to honestly answer my questions
about its profit motives and how it stands to financially benefit from this bill,” Reichert
said.
Reichert has agreed to a mid-November meeting with AARP representatives in an
attempt to resolve the issue.
AARP’s support of health care reform also led to a sharp rebuke from the
grass roots senior advocacy organization, RetireSafe.
In a statement released November 5, RetireSafe President Thair Phillips called
AARP’s endorsement of the House health care bill the greatest fraud against
seniors in the 21st century.
“AARP, easily the most influential seniors lobby, is using their clout
to get a bill passed that will slash Medicare and ration the health care of seniors,” Philips
fumed. “AARP gets the major amount of its revenue from selling insurance,
and they do have a dog in this fight.”
Phillips believes that backing the House health care reform bill is a deceptive
move for AARP, and its endorsement in today’s highly-politicized atmosphere
will anger many of its members.
“Instead of protecting their insurance coffers, AARP should be protecting
the health of seniors — the very ones they are supposed to help,” Phillips
suggested.
AARP has said that it supports the legislation because it contains critical components
that AARP has been fighting for on behalf of its members and all older Americans
to improve health care for them and their families.
“This legislation protects Medicare and ensures that it will be there for
today’s seniors and for the future generations,” said AARP CEO A.
Barry Rand in a statement issued by the organization.
“For all Americans, especially those ages 50 to 64 who often struggle to
find affordable insurance, this plan strictly limits how much more insurance
companies can charge based on age and stops insurers from denying coverage based
on a person’s health history or gender,” Rand continued. “For
those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers
help so they can purchase insurance.”
This page and its contents ©2009
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
