American Morning
Lobbying for Your Health: 150,000 seniors in revolt
Editor's Note: Lobbyists have spent hundreds of millions of dollars trying to influence the health care debate in this country. By some counts, there were six health care lobbyists for every member of Congress. In part three of the American Morning original series, "Lobbying for Your Health," Carol Costello looks at the AARP's contentious role in the debate.
By Bob Ruff and Carol Costello
November 5, 2009. That's the day the AARP endorsed the House health care bill. With nearly 40 million members, it's not surprising that the president quickly came before cameras in the White House to thank the AARP for its endorsement.
That AARP endorsement wasn't universally applauded by all of the organization's millions of members. The organization admits it has lost 150,000 members since the endorsement but says that's been offset by more than 2-million new or renewed memberships.
Some, like Robert Tice, feel the AARP is out of touch with its members by focusing so much on selling insurance. He says he will let his AARP membership lapse without renewal because he doesn't like what they're up to.
"The letters don't mean American Association of Retired Persons," he told CNN's Carol Costello. "It just means AARP. It's just a name. ... The AARP is about insurance. People need to know that. AARP is not out there to help you."
In fact, the AARP brands several types of insurance, including health policies with United Healthcare. By endorsing so many insurance policies the organization brought in around $650 million dollars last year in premiums. That's almost three times what it took in from membership dues.
Republicans say the AARP's endorsement of the House health bill is more about supporting its insurance business than anything else. They point to the organization's acquiescence to billions of dollars in cuts to the Medicare Advantage Plans, which AARP and other insurers offer as private alternatives to Medicare that often includes extra medical coverage like dental and vision care.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, some suggested cuts in the program might make it so unattractive that millions of Americans could be forced out because the plan's benefits would shrink. It is also possible that some insurance companies would stop offering Medicare Advantage policies altogether because it would be far less profitable.
So, why would the AARP support cuts to Medicare Advantage? Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA) thinks he knows what the AARP is up to. Gingrey says the organization hopes that millions of seniors will move from Medicare Advantage to AARP's branded Medigap plan, which has far higher profit margins.
"The fewer people, seniors, that are on Medicare Advantage and back into Medicare fee for service (Medigap)," Gingrey says, "the more opportunity AARP has to get royalty from the sale of Medigap policies." The AARP, says Gingrey, is the market leader in selling Medigap policies.
Carol Costello asked the AARP if any of this is true. The AARP's director of legislative policy, David Certner, says "it's not an issue we have lobbied on at all."
Certner says his organization supported cuts to Medicare Advantage to "trim the fat" so Medicare itself survives. "We understand there are financial issues with Medicare, and we need to save money for the Medicare program."
He adds that the AARP has fought to make sure the health care bill closes the gap in Medicare drug coverage, known as the "donut hole," an important issue for many seniors. But Robert Tice isn't convinced that the AARP won't put making profits ahead of its members.
"The AARP has a moral responsibility," he says, "to be more clear that they are an insurance broker primarily, and that's where they make the majority of their money."
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As long as health care is a for profit proposition nothing will change. Everybody needs to understand that. The only solution is a government run public plan like Medicare. We don't need insurance companies for health care. What we do need health are care professionals. This whole debate got off track when it was tagged as health care reform. What we need is insurance reform. I've never had a problem with Medicare so this notion about a dysfunctional government is hogwash. When I was in the military there wasn't any choice but government doctors – is there a difference between that an HMO staff doctors who work for Kaiser or some similar company?
I noticed where some AARP members are keeping their membership until it expires. Why not call AARP and drop out NOW. This will send an immediate message. Also, ask for a refund on the balance of your membership. This will hurt their bottom line a little. If their "40 million" customers did this they would be out of business.
If you quit AARP, do not allow your membership to run 'til completion of term. Demand immediate return of unused membership fee. Don't settle for less. They must know that there are unhappy campers out there who refuse to be taken in by their insurance lobbying and for-profit tactics. I opted out several years ago when AARP pushed for the Medicare Plan D for Rx coverage. The result of that? - Higher costs for meds, dizzying coverage plans by an overabundance of insurance companies, and ever so many people either cutting back of their meds or not taking meds at all. This used to be called mal-practice. Indigent and/or low income people have no chance of obtaining their meds in light of what AARP accomplished with their bullish practices.
I will NOT quit AARP!! Most people who are against the Health Care Reform are die hard Republicans who are saying "no" to anything that the current administration is attempting to make an improvement for ALL American citizens – just because they have to oppose the Democratic initiatives. We absolutely need the reform and in time it can be improved as we see how it works. Doing nothing now is repeating the many years of ignoring the need – so I have to say to all the objections – get over it and forget your partisan politics! Be more compassionate for others who do not have the benefits you have enjoyed! For those who complain about the AARP yearly cost increases, just check out any health insurance premium and try to identify one that had not increased far more than AARP. All have!!
To those who think the French system is the way to go: The French healthcare system is BILLIONS of dollars in debt and France is the size of just one of our states. That healthcare system would kill us, financial. If you can't live withing your means then get a better job or go without. No one has the right to steal from others because they can't budget their money! Dump AARP and all of congree ASAP!
Although I don't support AARP in many of their endorsements, for example, their endorsement of the 2006 prescription drug plan legislation which prohibited the federal government from negotiating drug prices with the pharmaceutical companies, I do support their current position on health care reform. I worked for Humana, one of the largest Medicare Advantage providers in the nation. The current proposals would cut reimbursement to these companies because of their overspending. The GAO has estimated that these companies receive about 12% more than it would cost Medicare if the same medical service were provided through Medicare. From my personal experience, I know that Humana, who receives 70% of its net profit through federal reimbursement spends lavishly on expense accounts, employee perks, travel and salaries rather then health benefits!
often a critic of CNN my congrats on a fair and well reported story-
B
In every group you could name from AARP to the right-wing extremists now controlling the Republican Party, you can find dissolusioned, senile people who haven't a clue what they are mad about other than to listen to the constant lies told by one group or another. Remember those dreaded "Death Panels" the lie by good ole Sarah Palin?
"Some, like Robert Tice, feel the AARP is out of touch with its members by focusing so much on selling insurance. He says he will let his AARP membership lapse without renewal because he doesn't like what they're up to."
Good ole Robert Tice should go read another good fiction novel and forget his lapse of intelligence.
150,000....is a lie...AARP lies they told me for a month straight they weren't endorsing Obama health care plan and until i heard it from the president and AARP on TV myself I believed them...they LIE...They claim they added or renewed about 2 million people with only 150,000 ....it's a lie...it sounds a lot like the same BS spouted by the president and his Socialist about making or saving millions of jobs...
In every group you couls name from AAR"P to the right-wing extremist Party now controlling the Republican Party, you can find dissolusioned senile people who haven't a clue what they are mad about other than to listen to the constant lies told by one group or another. Remember those dreaded "Death Panels" the lie by good ole Sarah Palin.
"Some, like Robert Tice, feel the AARP is out of touch with its members by focusing so much on selling insurance. He says he will let his AARP membership lapse without renewal because he doesn't like what they're up to." Good ole Robert Tice should go read another good fiction novel and forget his lapse of intelligence.
How DARE AARP or ANY of it's "officers" think that they are REPRESENTING Seniors!
SHAME on AARP for NOT understanding that this health care "bill" is anything but a way to make EVERYONE a WELFARE RECIPIENT!
That's the Democrat plan... make sure ALL but THEY are on the dole so they can have their cake and eat it too...
The question that still hasn't been answered FROM THE BEGINNING is:
WHY aren't YOU (Congress) going to opt for the "new" health care plan??? ANSWER THE QUESTION!
I (and millions of others) KNOW the answer to the question – they don't HAVE the deductibles and HORRID costs we do. I am NOT for the health care "bill" – there's nothing about the two "bills" that will "help" anyone but the people who WANT everyone, EVERYONE to be on WELFARE, MEDICARE, and MEDICAID!
I, too, am letting my membership lapse...I think AARP is now in for the money....supporting the President's health plan so they can capitalize on it and sell more health insurance supplements....I think they have lost the entire reason for supporting the retired people of America. They are in for the MONEY, not the support of the retired people.
I'm quitting also; in the first place, you receive no special benefits from belonging. They have moved so far to the left on everything, that my conscience won't go along with it. Also, the dues have risen dramatically, and for what??? so the officers can have their parties in Tahiti, or some expensive place.
My membership will also lapse due to the endorsement!
@Timmy
Gas prices will always go up. It's a finite resource. Look up Peak Oil.
Please don't call Fox News a news outlet. It is nothing more than watching infotainment. Even their so called news anchors editorialize every story with their opinions (as if we care) so that any ideas put forth by Democrats and other enlightened people is twisted into narrow minded fact distortions and anti-government rantings. Why didn't they use the same techniques when the Bush administration was lying to us about Iraq and the weapons of mass destruction so they could go to war. Republicans love war and they feel something is missing in their lives if they can't be attacking somebody or country. They are truly the party of NO and the Fox"news" plays to that audience. The American Taliban is amongst us and they are Republicans.
I was shocked to hear that aarp sold out
the elderiy that had faith in there assc.
I have not resigned yet.I along with a group of
friends will not be renewing membership.
Many people I have talked with they also will
not renew.
To Chris: Those who claim that Canada's socialize medical plans are better ignore that Canada sends many of its patients to the USA for treatment due to a lack of doctors there and due to the lengthy waits for appointments and treatment. Ask any Canadian heart patient whether or not they're referred to doctors in Seattle, Detroit or elsewhere. The answer is a big YES.
They did the same thing with the Medicare Part D. Sold out seniors for govenment support.
I have been a member of AARP in the past, but no more. They have sold out!
Elections are coming up, Give these Dems their pink slip.
I am not right-winged nor a tea bagger and I left AARP not due to the healthcare reform issue (I want the public option), but merely because for years I felt they were not for the Senior Citizen.
Also, I am not yet Medicare age; however, AARP jacked it's prices up from $29 for 3 years to twice that....why? The magazine alone is filled with fillers to make it feel and look thicker than it actually is in reality, and most of the magazine is advertising anyway.....
S.c.r.e.w. the AARP....I'll make it on my own just as I have for 3 score plus.
I'm fast approaching the age where I have to think about things like this, – but I will never join AARP as long as they keep fighting against the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.
Sorry, but that's my personal hot-button topic – and I don't believe that AARP should be involved in politicking of *any* kind.
AARP did not support this reform until they were assured of getting a piece of the pie! Another member not renewing my membership!!
Conflict of interest for sure. AARP has no Ethics!!
The facts are quite telling. 150,000 defections vs. 2 Million renewals and new members.
The healthcare reform is badly needed. And it shows.
Thank you AARP for standing up for America.
Don't let a noisy bunch of extremists hijack the issue.
My girlfriend in NH and I were on the phone one afternoon and she commented that she had cancelled her AARP membership. The next day, when I called AARP to cancel my membership, I spoke with a young lady with a Hispanic accent... You would think they would at least hire seniors! Yes, my membership has been cancelled and I encourage every AARP member to cancel their membership today!
Kathleen Bills
McCook, NE
AARP was started with good intentions and has turned into nothing more than a group of lobbyist on Capital Hill. Follow the money trail! AARP insurance plans are underwritten by United Healthcare. I would be interested in knowing just how much money United Healthcare is "donating" to AARP on an annual basis. What a sweet deal for United Healthcare! AARP uses their marketing dollars, rather members dollars, to pay for ads on TV for United Healthcare. Brilliant! If they really had the senior population's best interest at heart AARP would never have supported this bill. The bill cuts Medicare reimbursement to doctors by another 20%! This is, in part, how the Democrats plan on paying for this "reform". And in the process, we loose more primary care doctors who will elect not to participate with Medicare. What were they thinking?
This health care reform is the most underhanded slap in the face of hard working Americans yet. Polls show they don't want it and believe it has way too much fat in it. Now with Obama hiding everything behind closed doors he is turning this administration into the worst ever, even beyond Bush. What a bunch of morons we have in office once again. Stop the lies and listen to what the people want for a change.
I too will not renew my membership. AARP is making decisions for the benefit of the insurance companies, not it's members. AARP is the largest lobbying contributor, more and all the insurance, pharmaceutical, unions and others. Bet the insurance companies pay a big hunk of the lobbying by AARP!
Today's seniors had decades of opportunity to fix health care but did not. Why? They didn't want to pay more. Now they are being edged out by the up and coming generations. Whoops!
Let's look at some facts:
1. Infant mortality rates/1000 live births in 2009: Canada: 5.04
USA: 6.26
2. Maternal mortality rates: Canada 1 in 11,000
USA 1 in 4,800
3. Life Expectancy 2009: Canada 81.23 years (8th on list)
USA 78.11 years (50th on list just above
Albania)
Sure we wait longer for elective procedures....big deal. If a Canadian has money to burn, they can venture down to the USA, pay a large sum of money and get to the front of the line.Having worked in an intensive care unit for over 20 years in Canada, I know that first-class, state-of-the-art and immediate healthcare is administered to any Canadian who requires it. I see it every day I go to work.
I really wish people would stop using the word rape to describe things like gas prices and health care costs. That in no way compares to what has actually happened to countless women and men too.
The 150,000 number came after their endorsement! How many, like myself, left AARP earlier in the year when it became obvious that they were in the bag for this harebrained socialist scheme of Obama's? AARP is a fraud and America's seniors are seeing them for what they are.
CNN you've only scratched the surface here. Follow the money and expose these crooks!!!
now see here ,i agree with y'all about aaarp pimping fo the ins co,s, unfortunetly i save 2/3rds on my auto ins by belonging to them. if i quit,then ,my car ins triples in cost .ands i insures 4 cars on liability only,,a lincoln,a,cadilac ,a ford bronco and a mercury topaz,and i had previously the cheapest possible ins ,,and found by taking the hartford co, through aaarp ,it cut my ins by 2/3rds.what does we do?
I will never understand why people vote or are against their best interests. This is exactly what those against providing us with another choice for health care coverage are doing. If you like the coverage you have, keep it; but do so only after you have looked at all the options available. What Mr. Obama & Congress are trying to do is give us ONE more choice. What can be so wrong with more choices (other than HMOs having to reduce their rates & provide better coverage to keep their customers)? That's free enterprise, my friends!
In addition I don't know of any company in business to lose money, not an endorsement just being factual about company business.
I am also an AARP member and agree that AARP is for the insurance companies and not for the members. As I found out, AARP is the largest contributor amongst all the lobbyist. Bet the insurance companies are paying most of it. AARP is dependent on insurance companies and wil do whatever the insurance companies want. I too will not renew my membership!
Upon reading these comments it is clear to me that Dems continue to use this issue to blame GOP. Nice try. As an idependant I must again tell you peawits that you are in power and can do whatever you want. Bush is gone. I didn't vote for him. I voted for change and what did you give me. Certainly not a health care solution that is fair and will do the job. So blame yourselves. I get to vote again very soon.
I worked for General Motors until they closed the assembly division i worked in, In the process I've lost dental and vision coverage and now pay supplement to maintain health-care. Been a member of AARP for some years and appreciate the money they've saved me since losing my job, I switched to their homeowner/auto insurance plan and saved more than 65% percent total yearly, I'll stay put, for now, but am heeding the cautions. As for the price of gasoline, during the last half of 2008 gas prices were nearing $4.50 per gallon, I don't know about you but I'll find some use for the money I save at the pump as gasoline is now about $2.60 per gallon
It's always interesting to me how the media prefers to spin things into a problem when they really aren't. My Dad used to say "those folks are in the business of making mountains out of mole hills", and he was right! Using figures from within this article itself I was able to do a simple bit of math you'd think would have occurred to the writer... According to the article, 150,000 seniors are "in revolt" against the AARP. Also according to the article, the AARP has 40,000,000 (40 million) members. So, we're really only talking about 1/3rd of 1 percent of AARP's membership that's upset about this. But you wouldn't make much grist by publishing an article that was entitled, "Only 1/3rd of 1% of AARP Members Upset over Health Bill" or "99+% of AARP Members Seem Satisfied with Health Bill"....
Dear Zach,
You said: Of course AARP members don't like it, they already get 'free' health care so don't have to worry about how to pay their medical bills like the rest of the country. Why would they support health care reform when they already have all of their medical needs paid for by the rest of the tax payers?
My reply: How dare you make comments like that! Didn't your parents teach you to respect your elders? FYI Zach, seniors don't get everything for FREE, and they DO have to worry about how to pay for their medical bills, you little snot! We pay PLENTY of out of pocket expenses for our healthcare, and don't you forget it!!!! And under obamacare, we will be paying a heck of a lot more!!!!!!
This man must be a republican who doesn't think the little people need healthcare. The republicans are in bed with the insurance companies. They don't want anything to change – they are fine and they don't care about the people who are struggling without. They will fight any healthcare change and get it to be modified until it is unrecognizable. People are stupid to believe the rhetoric and hop on the bandwagon without looking at the facts on their own.
I am glad the AARP offers affordable healthcare at group rates instead of continuing with my employer at $700/month and it would be double if I had a spouse. My sister-in-law got the healthcare through AARP (barely over $100/month) just in time and had a major heart attack and was airlifted to a major hospital where she was operated on. With her Medicare and the insurance through AARP she did not have to pay anything. And she wasn't cancelled after because she had a yeast infection 20 years ago and didn't tell them! Yes that is just a glimpse of what is going on in this country. People with cancer and other catostrophic illnesses getting canceled for nothing just because the insurance companies can get away with it thanks to the republicans.
People need to look at all these various groups and invididuals and ask themselves:
Why are they supporting this version of healthcare reform?
If you do enough research the answer to that question will come be the same across the board. Each fo this individuals or organizations will be making money off of this piece of legislation. From the AARP to the AMA to the presidents own lobbyist group Organizing for America Now to the Labor Unions to the individuals who want their insurance subsidized........
The answer is the same. This is not healthcare reform. This is a redistribution of assets in this country. Plain and simple. Everyone that supports this bill will get some sort of profit from it in one form or another.
Looks like a story written by an actual reporter, not a government official. How refreshing!
Never mind about AARP.
Our Senators and Congressm have now made us all 2nd Class citizens.
HOW? We will not have the coverage that they voted for themselves
(Fat Chance).
The Congress and the Senate raid the Social Security account every
year to help in their Budget and the pay back process is just a trickle
of what it should be. They have not raised the percentage rate over the
years since they first started taking Social Security funds.
They also raid the Medicre account when ever they can at the same time.
They can't pay back Soc. Security, but they can finance a WAR which
kills our Daughers and Sons and give out big Dollars to Companies that SQUANDER all their and our funds.
Example: The Soc,Security checks that are recieved on the 3rd of the month for Retiree's are actually for the Prior month and Uncle Sam wants them back if you have become deceased. The returned checks do not go back into the Soc. Security account from whence it came, but back into the general fund. The little guy is being run into the ground financially(Literalllyand Actually).
Do you know there are Tax-Payers and Companies that owe the IRS BILLIONS of dollars and are getting away with it? It's called "Hire a Lawyer and stall the Government".
The banks and Credit card companies are "Freekin Thieves" from the
GET-GO.
If Washington does not clean up their act and work for "The People of the United States" and not Big interests that line their pockets with cash,
then there will be a day when the "Ordinary People" will revolt some way and some how. The best way is to never vote for the incumbent.
That would shake the boots off every single one of those Turkey's in Washington.
THEY NEED A RUDE AWAKENING
There should be a Recall process available in every state, so it would be possible to remove Senators and Congressman from office almost Immediately.
We have a Congressman from MASS. and He sucks big time. Never visits His constituents personnaly,(Just does Town Meetings(Health Care) only) but sends His GOONS instead. Joe Moakley is probably rolling over in His grave.
"No I say go without [healthcare] like many of us have had to do at some point!"
-----
Ah yes the Republican asnwer to health care. Meanwhile the rest of the civilized Western world has realized that universal healthcare is just as important as spending money on defense, education, roads and a number of other things that protect a populace.
This article is right on target...but doesn't mention AARP's edorsement of HR6331 which was passed by the last Congress over the veto of President Bush. This legislation essentially eliminated Medicare Advantage altogether in rural areas of the country which has no HMO or PPO alternatives, and was primarily supported by Democrats who banded together to overide Bush's veto. AARP was obviously a big beneficiary of this, knowing that rural seniors would be forced to opt for a medigap (which many can't afford) or rely only on original medicare. That is a cryin' shame, don't you agree? How many in Congress received payolla from the insurance industry? A lot, I bet!
If the government runs healthcare and gives it to everybody, do you really think it will be the great healthcare that we have come to know? No. The government has never ever done anything right. It wastes far too much money, has no real oversight, and eventually ruins whatever it touches. If you don't believe me, look at social security. They take your money and then THEY get to decide when you get it, how much you get, and they tack on all kinds of exceptions and exclusions so you don't get back all of the money you put in. Actually, you are living off of money being put into the system by those who are working now. Your money is long gone, given not only to seniors, but to other government programs that needed a little extra cash. The government fails in my opinion. It should never touch healthcare.
@Timmy: the current health care monopoly is what is ruining this Country. Ever since health care was made a "for profit" business (under R. Nixon with HMOs), our "used to be the best care in the world" has deteriorated dramatically. Due to the HMO's needs to make unrealistic 20%+/year profits for their shareholders (& their execs' ridiculously exorbitant salaries), we have all suffered under their wrath- coverage cost is the major reason for the 45Million uninsured and all companies (especially small companies) are cutting benefits to save money.
YOU are very lucky indeed that your company still pays for part of your insurance. As a small-business owner since the 1990s, I provided health insurance for all employees with mostly no out-of-pocket on their part; however, over a 10 year period, unfortunately, I have had to cut expenses and passed more and more of the health costs on to my employees, as well as cutting benefits (all cost cutting measures). This is not what I wanted to do, but it's what I had to do for business survival. All the uninsured/under-insured are not looking for a hand-out; they are forced to utilized our most expensive "emergency room" services for common maladies, often times only after their malady grows more severe. All this is costing YOU & ME; these services are not free. Your answer is to just let these people die in the streets. Sorry, that's not the USA that I know and love. Health care reform has been needed for over 4 decades. It’s about time we make at least baby steps (albeit somewhat disappointing) towards truly meaningful health reform in our Country!
this is what happens when the system is corrupt, everybody loses
The loss in membership may be 'off-set' by renewals, but they can't keep this up. I'm one AARP member who has not renewed and I by-passed signing up for the AARP Health Care Options Suppliment insurance....
I may not make THE difference, but I will make A difference... AARP should have asked members if they wanted ObamaScare, first.
Another question: If ObamaScare comes to pass and the revolution doesn't stop it, what can the AARP gain from it? We need to find how much bribe money was passed to them in this...
Virgil Cottongim
AARP products are truly AWFUL. I compared their life insurance and auto insurance with other companies. AARP was much more expensive and offered much less than their competitors. Anyone dumb enough to purchase anything from AARP deserves to be spending more than necessary for an inferior product – just don't be whining to the rest of us that you need a handout!
This is so typical of Fox and the Republican right. As soon as they determine their next perceived enemy (AARP) they jump on them like crazed lunatics. The AARP's terrific commercials in support of health care reform have put the Rethugs panties in a bind. Who cares if 150 thousand Rethug / tea baggers resign from AARP. We're still an organization of 40 million and counting. That's a few more folks than tune in to Rush!! Thanks AARP for your support of healthcare reform.
Months ago it was brought to our attention that those companies supporting the health care bill would make out financially and that was their only reason for the support.
The American citizens better get it thru their head that we are on our way to being dumped on. Remember what rolls down hill?
We already know about all the lies that have come to light.
To me, this is a really scary time for America. And there's more to come.......
I bailed out of AARP when they refused to support Social Security reform. Now they are supporting cuts in Medicare. Like many labor unions, AARP supports its own agenda rather than that of its members. Do they think we senior citizens can't read? Well, I not only can read but I can write, and I'm doing it right now!
Dear 'Note to Timmy'
You sound like a big kool-aid drinker to me. You say 'no one will be getting a handout' – wow, where do you get your news from?!? WE will be subsidizing low-income people to get insurance. But get this, under obamacare my employer will be dropping their insurance coverage, then my family will no longer be able to afford the coverage we currently have, because we make a little over the limit to be eligible for a government subsidy. So me and my husband will be taxed to give subsidies to others to get insurance coverage, while we have to scale back our coverage. And to add insult to injury, under the CBO estimates, I will be FORCED to pay, UNDER THREAT OF IMPRISONMENT, AT LEAST $2,000 more than I pay now, for obamacare's bare-boned coverage!!
And AARP is nothing more than an extension of SEIU and the DNC, who happens to sell insurance. Oh, and by the way, under those 'insurance exchanges' that will be part of obamacare, guess who will be there selling insurance? Yep, AARP!!
I cancelled my membership months ago and I encourage others to do the same!!!
So .... less than 0.4% of AARP members quit because they don't understand health care reform ... That's news?!
I wonder how many of the 48 million uninsured have big screen TVs, cell phones, and nice cars?
It's all in setting priorities. Is the health of your family worth more than these luxuries?
Health care needs a tuneup as far as allowing folks to shop for insurance over state lines, fixing the pre-existing condition clauses, and TORT reform. We do not need to start from scratch.
The present administration is creating a nation of dependents. The Constitution is still the best road map. "Promote the general welfare" doesn't mean creating a welfare state.
I've seen the AARP turn from an advocacy group, to a monster. No more of it for me.
I regularly receive AARP invitations to join their organization which I refuse. Perhaps because I do not use their services I do not see any nefarious connection between their endorsement of health care legislation and selling out.
What about the SEIU which one commenter brought up? For close to a century labor organization have fought for better working and living conditions for all Americans, even those who were not members of their unions. We all have benefited from the 40 hr work week, overtime pay, legal representation and arbitration
Why is it a sellout to endorse or support legislation that begins to address our crazy patchwork of faulty health care policies?
It would be revealing to see the real costs of covering the uninsured health if, like our auto insurance policies, our health plans had an explicit costs for uninsured Americans like we have for uninsured motorists.
You don't have a right to not face the consequences of your life. You don't have a right to force other people to pay for your life. Unless, of course, you're like so many posting here that believe everyone else on the planet owes them for the fact that they breathe. If you support socialized medical welfare (it's not health care, it's medical welfare, just like food welfare) which forces everyone to pay a tax on the fact that they exist, then you believe everyone else owes you and you're willing to use the government's guns to get that money. You don't even have the decency to come rob me yourself. If you support this sham, you're a thief, a looter. You should be ashamed of your self-righteous theft.
When government runs everything it's called socialism or communism. It was never intended for the US to be a socialist society or a communist one. Just because the rest of the world wants to jump on the socialist bandwagon, doesn't mean we should. America has always been different and should stay that way. Who wants to be like the rest of the crazies in those other countries anyway? Does that mean we don't need some kind of reform? Of course not, but to put it into the government's hands where the guys at the top make a bunch of money, forget it. Socialism is nothing more than power to a few individuals who want nothing more than to tell you what you can and can't do. Socialism is about taking away your choices and your right to choose. It is about government doing everything for you, thereby making you dependent upon it, which then gives it more power. You find yourself at the mercy of this all important government. That, my friends, is un-American.
"The AARP has a moral responsibility,...."
That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.
OMG! Jack said it most succinctly & what I've been touting forever ( it seems): VOTE the B******* out of office! In the final analysis, it's the ONLY power the people have.
I'm 79 (nearly 80) years of age&senility...
When I was MUCH younger, my long ago deceased Mother thought she would PAY FOR a LIFE Membership in AARP for me.... SHE liked and TRUSTED AARP *very much*...
Then one day, after she had gone to her eternal rest, I was notified by AARP that MY LIFE (Membership) had "expired too"!
In other words, my LIFE Membership NO LONGER EXISTED... .
I must have died too as far as AARP cared!!
Well, I have NEWS for AARP! I had NOT Deceased, thank you...
I will eventually, but not yet...
It was, however, a VERY CLEAR SIGNAL to me that GREED had overtaken AARP...
and I have NEVER rejoined AARP, and I will not...(PERIOD)...
The GOOD, old, original, AARP was\IS THE deceased Party!!
Unfortunately, there is NO SHORTAGE of GREED in this World: Witness ENRON, ..., and MADOFF...! and then add AARP to the List....
AARP RIP!
What Mike Maz won't tell you is that Canadian doctors come to the United States so they can practice real medicine. I actually know this statement to be true. Give it a few more years and you won't be tooting that universal healthcare horn, Mike. You'll be wishing you had your old plan back. Especially when you see how much you will NOT be getting in your paycheck so you can pay for all of those well intentioned guys at the top who need your money to run their great big billion dollar universal health care program. And, they'll all be democrats! Getting rich off your money while pretending they actually care about healthcare. It is Mike that is living in a dream world.
Another BOGUS cnn headline. Less than 1/2 of 1% dropped their membership out of 44 MILLION people and you call that a revolt. You guys are a poof excuse for reporters. KTBA
What congress is putting into law is not health care reform. It is a
series of special deals made by democratic senators and congressmen with a new health care entitlement that will be paid for by the middle class with higher taxes . As for the youth of this nation
who can't afford health care now, wait till they see how much higher the health care premiuns will be after this bill is passed. How our congress can add a new entitlement for health care when social security is going bankrupt and the deficit is 13 trillion dollars is crazy.
All you people who support this bill will be the first to complain when
there are no jobs because everyone, including our goverments , will be bankrupt. I look forward to the near future when I can say I told you so.
I have a place to put the teabaggers. I think the skinheads infiltrated the group. I just paid my dues for another year .I am behind the AARP 100.%Go Obama stick it to the money grubbing republicans , that only take care of big business.
Healthcare reform is a scam – this so-called reform doesnt help the vast majority of people who already have coverage; in fact the CBO estimates it may cost MORE than if nothing is done. The 'reform' is just 'expansion' intended to lessen the # of uninsured so obama can use it as a sound bite for re-election
I am no longer a member of AARP. They do not speak for me nor to they represent me anymore. I'm retired and cannot afford all the taxes that will come from this "Obama change"
AARP has a built in conflict of interest with their profit making insurance arm. This has to be split off. What makes Consumer Reports so reliable is their policy of being totally independent and unbiased.
AARP is watching over the seniors. As one of the boomers that has reached this age I have found that AARP feels that the health care reform is needed. The package is not perfect but it allows us some protection from the corporate greed that the insurance companies have leveled on us over the years. WE NEED THE PROTECTION NOW ! The folks that are against this bill are either blind of the problems we have, or have been mislead by the mass media blitz against health care reform or on the payroll of the insurance companies !
150,000 members quit. 2 million members either renewed or were added to their roles. So what. That means there are two million people who haven't paid attention to what AARP is doing to them. They are sheep. They're just following the wrong leader! PAY ATTENTION, 2 MILLION! You should be following the 150,000! My God, this country is in for such a rude awakening, and soon. All of you Obamanites will rue the day you sat and listened to and believed the crap that Obama, Reid and Pelosi are feeding you. I don't think I've ever been so frustrated in my life. To watch what they are doing and to hear people actually praise them for it is just too much!
I love your company. I have been a member a long time. Thank you for the work you do for us. If some people want to leave is okay. you have a lot more who need you. Keep up the great work.
Since joining AARP 2 1/2 years ago, I've received a steady stream of unwanted solicitations to purchase various AARP insurance products. I've received nothing from AARP soliciting my views on social/political issues. AARP is clearly in business to get my money, not to represent my interests. AARP masterfully and deceitfully misrepresents their business purpose. AARP is another slick and shiny example of corporate greed. They quickly became a major irritant to me. There will be no renewal – but I'll bet the solicitations will keep on coming.
I will remain with the AARP. They do a good job of advocating for the older set. I happen to be a member of that set. It was a hard fight against the GOP to get Medicare passed all those years ago. It is an excellent program for health insurance, if your older, and not rich. Most of us can't qualify, or afford to pay the premiums out there in the open market. What company would take me? It is a good government program. Basic care for very little money.
These folks quitting AARP are against everything, but when you ask..... they will tell you to simply "go to the emergency room" for treatment. Interesting, concept but we still pay for it. And it is NOT health care. It simply does NOT make any sense. I am glad this Health Care package is making its way through Congress.
The only thing I've found to be good about the AARP is their monthly news magazine... great articles. I will not be renewing.
* Is it not time to cover every citizen and allow for all to access the excellent healthcare available in the U.S.
Oh but thats to easy.. That means equality..That means giving up the thousands of Dollars their sucking out of mid-class and those they want to keep below their stradards. Not to mention keeping people in the poor house .
I am still an AARP member, and I am not part of the 150K that have left. I am part of the 35M that will not renew. Bye AARP.
Whichever side you are on, the health care bill, at it's best, is merely treating the symptons of the exorbitant cost of health care.
No health care "reform" can be complete without the examination and overhaul of the predatrory pricing of the drug companies and hospitals.
Eliminate the 3000% mark-up of certain drugs, and a similar money grab by the majority of hospitals woud go a long way toward finding a viable solution to this mess.
Another good way is to force Congressmen to live with the same insurance coverage the rest of us have to. Maybe then they will see the problem.
Dale, Ohio
I have to agree whole heartedly with Retired, Ohio.
Even as an Independent, I get mail all the time from the Republican Party asking me to contribute money, and I tell them I will when I see some action on their part. I'm disppointed that the Republican Party has provided so much negativity since they think this is helping their cause, and it may be, but at the expense of the US citizens.
I really think the Republican politicians are basking in this renewed source of income from Insurance and Drug companies to the point where they don't want it to stop. By the way, I suspect most of the Democratic politicians are also doing pretty well at the trough as well.
Shame on you CNN for not reporting on all sides of this story, but only posting views of one republican congressman and a few disgruntled AARP members, none of whom supported or assisted in the efforts to reform healthcare in this country. 150,000 people may sound like a lot, but it is 0.3% of the AARP membership. 40 million is a far more impressive number to me. How about interviewing some of the 40 million members of AARP on why they are remaining members of AARP?
I turned 50 last year and due to the barrage of mailings from AARP, I joined. For $16/yr, thought I would see what they're about. Discounts are nice, but I really don't find they (AARP in general) have any relevance to me. I fully employed, have health coverage, retirement plan. I think they are more directed to "senior" aged individuals. But what I don't get is this fuss about health care. Look at the health statistics for Canada, Germany, France, Japan, Austrailia, Switzerland....all countries w/national health care and with far less infant mortality rates, better life expectancy, better preventatve care...et al. Why wouldn't the citizens of this country want to provide every equal access to health care? Too many times news articles feature people w/catrastophic issues and the inability to pay or refusal by insurance companies. I for one, appreicate the effort to give access to us all. It's not about you specifically. It's about us as a nation, and to not have a country were health/medical treatment is available to all is a travesty.
I am retired and as a former state employee I have health insurance. There are millions of American citizens who have no health insurance and many who have been removed from coverage or who can't get coverage because of pre-existing conditions. Health Care reform will ensure that millions will have coverage. There will have to be some sacrifices that we as Americans should make for our fellow Americans. Do I want to suffer? NO! But I'm in a position where I can manage. I will manage so that others who for whatever reasons don't have health insurance can have their basic needs met. I will be calling, texting, emailing, and otherwise fighting to let my reps know that the final bill should ensure we don't continue to get exploited by the insurance companies. But I'm not going to oppose something that is good for many more people.
I did not vote for Obama. But something needed to be done with our health insurance and health care. In health care we are a 3rd world country. THAT'S IS!!
AARP made $650 million last year in marketing UHC health care supplement plans and other insurance. This money, supposedly to a non-profit organization, is a kick-back money from overpriced insurance policies. Now AARP supports Obamacare because it eliminates MedicareAdvantage as a competitor, (except in Florida as a payoff for Sen. Nelson's vote). I'm over 50 and have never joined AARP and never will. In reality they are a corrupt communist front organization that exists solely for the benefit of its management, just like unions.
AARP did not represent me or many of the other "seniors" when they endorsed the health care bill. The bill is such a mess that no-one, even the members of congress know what they voted for-for their shame.
I am disabled, and do not like it one bit. Seniors that I see in CVS pharmacy, seniors that built the country and maybe own a home, watching them shell out over 100.00 for their prescriptions is heartbreaking.
All day while watching t.v. I see AARP commercials trying to sell medigap insurance, with a disclaimer on the screen that they do not endorse or sell insurance. The commercial is for AARP medicare insurance by UNITED HEALTHCARE. This company is terrible and sells medigap insurance and everything else with the AARP name on it.
It is a shame that AARP has turned into a senior lobbiest group on the surface and a money making conglomerate behind the scenes.
At this point I sincerely could care less. They're gonna do what they want regardless....
I joined AARP last month to show my support for them. Way to stand up for all Americans and tell the greedy ones to chip in their fair share!
I have been an AARP for over ten years. I only recently, with the current Health Care Reform debate, have realized that AARP leadership does not have the interests of its senior citizen members at heart in this debate. I have written twice to the current AARP President, Jennie Chin Hansen, with my concerns regarding the bills currently being worked by Congress. She has not answered either of those messages. To me, that is a clear indication of the position of AARP regarding its members. I believe as many other members that AARP only has its insurance sales interests in its support of this reform. I would note that the AARP non-response parallels the lack of response to concerns I have written to the two Democratic Senators in my state. There seems to be a universal unwillingness on the part of AARP and Congressional House and Senate supporters of the House and Senate Bills to address serious concerns raised by seniors in this country regarding the Health Care Reform. I will be terminating my membership in AARP and demanding refund of the remaining 4 years of membership dues. I urge other AARP members to terminate thier memberships and to organize and take class legal action against AARP's stated position that it represents its membership in this debate. I salute those other members who have already terminated thier memberships in this dishonest bureaucratic organization. I will also be vigorously supporting future campaigns of those who would unseat Members of Congress who are pushing through this legislation.
All you get with AARP is a monthly mag filled with you need to buy this and your mail box spamed with AARP garbage. Oh and a wonderful letter telling you AARP has sold you out to the Obama Socialist Party.
i dont get it
why would aarp expext to make more money by supporting
a plan guts medicare advantage
most greedy insurance companies are opposed to this
thats why the govt must find cost savings there and it will be at
the expense of the insurance companies so aarp wouldnt
support reform if it was thinkin of its bottom line only
Medicare advantage plan is a private policy subsidized by the government. Newt Gigrich the great republican is on their payroll and is a leader among other republicans out there scaring peeople about Medicare cuts. The proposed cuts are to the subsidies provided by taxpayers to private insurance companies that sell the advantage plans. The profit goes to the companies. These companies promised to show us all how private healthcare could do it cheaper than the government run medicare program. They convinced Bush to set up subsidies for start-up of the programs.Of course the savings from private involvement never materialized but the programs kept on with tax-payer money. Now refomners want to cut back those subsidies and reduce the profit made by the advantage compnaies and their buddies in the government want to call it cuts for seniors and Socialism. This whole thing from the so-called death panels to the medicare cut bullcrap shows how low the industry and their friends in government will go to protect their big pay bonuses and company profits. Its a shame. I hope they lose and that hard working people are not fooled into thinking that this is about lazy people who want something for nothing.
only greed would make the aarp try to sell whole life insurance to a person 60 or 70 years of age.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
1. We have been living under a socialism for the wealthy system for years. More tax breaks, subsidies and grants go to the wealthy and large corporations then go to the working class.
2. The Bush administration made it expressly illegal for the secretary of Health and Human services to negotiate with drug companies for lower prices. Corporate welfare.
3. The government is fixated on insuring everyone. This only means more profits for insurance companies.
4. Health care is already rationed – by the insurance companies.
5. In Illinois, it is illegal to sue an insurance company for denying treatment that results in the death of teh patient.
6. If everyone who is screaming socialism would refuse their medicare and social security, these systems would be solvent.
7. To see what will happen if it becomes mandatory to buy health insurance, just look at what mandatory auto insurance did to rates, claimes and customer service.
AARP is evil. They are largely responsible for the transfer of wealth from the working generation to retirees. Why should money be taken away fom me so that wealthy old people can live in luxury and receive low-cost healthcare? Any kind of public assistance should means tested so the programs function as a "saftey net" as intended and not be an entitlement.
I would have liked to cancel my membership with the AARP because of their support for this ridiculous health bill. But, it seems that the AARP makes it almost an impossible challenge to get through to them. It's EASY to renew a membership, but just try to cancel. Also, how can they honestly state that they "represent" seniors when they also make it next to impossible to comment, contact them, or actually voice an opinion or concern? I haven't been able to cancel yet, but I will NOT be renewing. They could not continue to keep me as a member if it was free now.
AARP you dropped the ball big time on this one, and that's the truth.
AARP name sound like they represent majority of retired persons. Yes I am a member. AARP just like AMA has their own vested interest (money making) not the interest of its members. AMA do not represent most of the doctors ,(Yes I am a doctor).
AMA did not even fight for Tort Reform . ( I have been sued 3 times during my 30 plus years of practice. A lot of time and money was spent. I was dismissed from all 3).
Public need to know whome AMA and AARP represent. They represent their selfish interest. I guess that goes for Politicians ,Union Bosses and so on.