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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Oh, dear Lord. Get over yourselves.
So AARP lost 150,000 members out of 40,000,000 because of "health care reform."
Do you realized that is statistically insignificant and that they probably have that many members pass away every year?
Do some math and join reality.
AARP gains, according to the 2,000,000 a year figure, 167,000 new members a month. That is enough new members, in one month, to eclipse the number that they supposedly lost.
150,000/ 40,000,000=0.00375 X100= .375%. The percentage of 150K to 40million is .375%.
I read claims here in these post stating any where from 1- 15%. Just wanted to get something straight here. .375% sounds like a bunch of whining babies.
I am one of those that renewed my AARPmembership. The free market isn't going to fix anything. All they will do is rape the American people the same as Wall Street. If they were going to fix healthcare they should have already done so. They've had pleanty of opportunity. Now all they see is lost profit if they can't stop it. The insurance companies and bankers can both that a flying leap.
Many people that disagree that the government should not be affiliating with private companies especially AARP are the people that are ruining the value of a nations dollar and putting ourselves further in an economic crisis then we already are. The hardworking americans who have worked for 50 plus years and did not plan for life after 65 because they were prepared to have the government take care of everything for them obviously did not plan for the future. Life and frankly in this economy, working life does not end once you hit 65 (what psychotic world do you live in if you think it does end? Im under 30 and know this). I think also that if we didnt help so many people who refuse to get a job and want to live off the government the people that worked 50 plus years wouldnt have the anger and frustrations with companies that are supporting the health care reform. It is the blood sucking welfare population of this country that is ruining it for the hard working americans who need to pay for health care insurance and still possibly can't afford to go because deductibles are too high, or out-of pocket expenses are hard. But the people that are on medical assistance and some people on medicare don't understand the cost of health care. They have been given the golden ticket to Health Care, to use whenever and whereever they please without the price attached. And, if AARP can make an extra dollar off of the reform why the heck not.. Everyone is out for making money, and if you say otherwise you are lying to yourself.
I have never in my life gone on line to blog. But I can't resist. I don't get why it is a story when an organization loses less than .5% membership-especially when it gains another 5%? I have watched CNN for years and now I find myself yelling at the TV every morning as I watch "news" story after "news" story of worthless hype. I think that I am going to skip the morning dribble on CNN and go on line to read the Daily Beast or Politico.com.
Harold... I bet if you add up all the FICA taxes you've paid during your working years...you are reaping more in benefits. so you may not give a rats ass but you should be thankful your fellow man cares enough to pay for you.................
This is really pathetic.. Timmy–you think all the Medicare and Social Security recipients are not first in line to get their "handouts" ...do you really think they have each paid in all that they are getting out-they have not. Those 2 "entiltements" are based in part on what I have been paying in FICA taxes for 30 years . I got my AARP invite several years back, so I am not a disgrunteld "youngster" just a frustated middel aged mom. All of us should have access to health care that congress gets or the Earopean and Canandians. What is so wrong with that. Now insurance and drug companies should be ashamed of themselves sticking it to us while other countries get the same for less. Doctors make a lot but because we are such a litigious society they gave to make enough to cover themselvese for their ins. premiums....again ... ins. companies are in the equation. Thereis no easy answer but doing nothing and the idea that "I have mine so who cares about the next person" has got to stop...that next person could be you or your children ... To say you will get it if you work hard enough is bogus... my premiums went up so much in 2010 that I make less that a year ago... That is very common
To further show how out of touch AARP is with its membership, the AARP Magazine constantly features Hollywood actors and portrays their contributions and opinions as mainstream.
These people have as much in common with the average senior as my English bulldog.
They recently ran a very supportive and complimentary featured article about Cat Stevens, a Muslim who has yet to acknowledge that the (9/11 attacks were acts of terror.
This is the constant liberal drumbeat we get from this organization. they do not represent me or anyone I know that is retired.
HELLO!!!!!!! Medicare is government run..... is it that hard to figure out people!!!!!!!
I have always been suspicious of AARP since joining them decades ago – which means I am an octogenerian. Being from the insurance industry, I know it is all about the profit and perpetuity of their business. Unfortunately, not all of their employees not share in the largess they reap. I favor strict, fair control of insurance industries to keep them honest and truly performing a useful service to the public they are supposed to protect. Too often, they only search for ways to avoid paying honest claims made by policyholders in desperate straits. I have not been foolish enough to buy AARP insurance. I, too, have been cancelled by The Hartford because they would not do business in a state. OK, I don't need them if they don't need me. Insurance companies are selective of the states they operate in as well as those they insure. Who needs an unreliable insurer? That attitude is pervasive throughout the insurance industry no matter wat kind of insurance they offer the public. On the other hand, I do not expect them to pay losses when the loss potential is unreasonable. They do not tallk straight which is despicable and cloaked with legalities in the policies they give you. So, the word is 'caveat emptor' at all times. They should be barred from lobbying State and Federal Government for special advantages which takes money or service under their contracts from their policyholders.
AARP isn't representing it's members interest. They received 18 Million in Stimulus money from the federal government. The Democratic party leaders knew this money would create no jobs but it did buy them an endorsement from a self-serving organization.
Right now Medicare pays only 80% of Part B /Medical Insurance, visits to your doctor, outpatient care, home health services, and other medical services. The insurance premium is about $96 monthly. Yet AARP advertises that you must have a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan that takes care of the 20% which is not covered by Medicare. And guess who is the health care insurance provider: UNITED HEALTH CARE INSURANCE COMPANY and AARP only lends its name to the insurance plan...for a fee of course. You end up paying $300 or $500 plus for only 20% of insurance coverage or even more for the A thru J or so plans available. Don't you think that something is wrong with this 80 to 20 percentage coverage, and something needs to be done to remedy the ripoff from these health care insurance providers?
aarp is ALL about royalties. iam canceling my membership today. i had questions about aarp when i needed to purchase flowers for a funeral. i noticed that the supposed discount price for buying through aarp was the same price i paid retail when purchasing direct from florist. it was the same picture posted on both websites. im sure the blather from aarp would be: we use these "discount" prices to obtain royalties to help aarp members in other ways. Or to say it in another way: we screw the other guy and pass the savings on to you. ive experienced personally the double talk of politicians to appear as tho their motives are honorable and honest. i have the same gut feeling about aarp.
yadew-- Has some pretty foolish things to say for someone at age 50! You are so much closer to achieving the Medicare age group than you seem to realize. You just never know what tomorrow will bring. Are you financially solvent, enough so that if you had a horrible accident that left you permanently crippled, you'd be able to support yourself and cover all of your medical expenses?
"Whiny Medicare recipients. They are SELFISH, greedy and hypocritical...At 50, I have to compete with those on SS, pay there SS & Medicare, and pay exhorbitant health insurance costs." (learn to spell!) What you view as being whiny is most likely FEAR. I almost wish something bad would happen to you that would force you to eat your horrible, nasty words! It is YADEW who is SELFISH and worst of all a SELF-CENTERED _____! (descriptive expletives inferred)
Yes, what a self-centered, hypocritical fool YOU ARE! Everyone pays into Medicare and SS so that (in theory) it will be there in the future when we need it. SS is in big trouble mainly because our government keeps 'borrowing' from it and never pays it back! And take a good look at the filthy rich who partake in the SS payments! John McCain's income tax revealed $25,000 from SS income! Does he really NEED this money?! NO he does not, but like everyone else, he figures he paid into SS so he deserves to get it. This is so sick!!!
And Medicare is NOT FREE! In addition to the payments taken from our paychecks over the years, there are also monthly premiums and since this doesn't come close to covering everything, a supplement of some kind is necessary.
What AARP needs to know is that their new CEO, A. Barry Rand is the Chairman of the Board at Howard University which now has a 42 million dollar deficit under his watch. If he doesn't care about the faculty, students and staff of HU as Chairman of the Board, why would he care about the members of AARP?
We seniors don’t give a rats ass about our kids and our so called fellow man, we worked hard for what we have, they should be doing the same thing.
AARP has sold out – period. Seniors will be totally screwed undere Obamacare.
The Tile of this should be "Misguided Seniors take on AARP."
The Republican Party – sure did pull a number on these guys, again!
Fool me once and again….
How can people be so gullible.
"Angela from "socialist" Canada, Let's look at some facts:"
All very true, your data comes from the CIA World Fact Book. Another Fact from the Book is that the USA has 10 times the total population as Canada.
Canada: 33,487,208 (# 37)
United States: 307,212,123 (# 3)
Canada's system may actually work, with 33 million. How well would Canada fair if it suddenly had to handle 300 million? Or 400 million, as the US might reach by 2050?
How well would Canada fair with 300 million citizens to take care of on top of playing (and paying) a global role of policeman? How long could Canada maintain its standard of living, its role in the world, and its promise to citizens before things start to give? How long could Canada continue to hold the top spot in global aid, as the US does now? (The US gives the most in terms of raw dollars, although not in terms of % of GDP).
To the socialist countries, I say scale up your populations, scale up your commitments to the world, scale up your diversity, and see how well your systems run.
I dropped AARP the first year I joined once I saw that its main thrust seemed to be marketing insurance. I am surprised only 1% dropped it for this issue, but half of the remainder are probably senile and the rest are used to being treated like sheep.
When Barry Rand took over AARP with the backing of Obama I knew the organization was doomed. In the 80's and 90's the organization had a Board balanced between R's and D's and looked after the interests of the retired. In the late 90's through today that has changed and it has become nothing more than an arm of the Democratic Party and makes it's money selling insurance.
This whole bill is about insurance companies making money and the government wasting money. Explain to me again why we bailed out the insurance industry with taxpayers money again? Oh yeah so a year later the gov. could mandate everyone carry insurance. Insurance is just a shadowy unregulated form of banking. The only thing new or different here is the year.
I'm beginning to wonder about AARP's 'true motivation' more and more. Not too long ago I got a quote for auto insurance from AARP's Hartford url leadin, and the result was an utterly pathetic joke.
The price Hartford came back with was so far above what I had paid with State Farm and now NC Farm Bureau as to be outright unbelievable. I even called the Hartford Customer (Dis)Service (No)Help line to confirm the ridiculous numbers I had received, and they said "Yep, that's with your AARP discount". Thank you very little.
The Rep made some remark about the rates in Charlotte, NC being "a bit higher". Maybe the definition of "a bit" has changed dramatically with them – but obviously not with all insurance companies.
Bottom line – I'll certainly examine any offering AARP has with double (or triple) the scrutiny I might have employed in the past.
I'm an AARP member, but I felt they would have served me better if they had taken a neutral stance so I could feel they are trying to inform their members of all the issues, pros and cons. Instead, I feel they are trying to influence us as members. They could have provided a forum for their members. The problem with the current proposals is that they focus mainly on the costs and coverage of insurance programs. Health care reform as it stands does not deal with the huge mark up in medical charges by hospitals, etc., which naturally force insurance premiums higher. My hospital charges are high so as to cover indigents, self-employed persons who don't want to buy insurance, etc, costs which should be paid by endowments, not by paying patients. Nor do reform proposals deal with lawyers charges for malpractice insurance which forces doctors to charge more. Until the current proposals tackle all the issues, it cannot really succeed. But will the politicians who have their own lifetime coverages have the stuff to do what is best for all the rest of us?
Let us retired people drop our memberships from AARP, and see how powerful the excetives of this shamed organization could become.
Timmy, you're an idiot. Lots of us work very hard but have no health care unless we buy it privately (f we can get it) because we're self employed/freelance. I paid more than half my income last year on medical costs, and I'm very healthy. I paid far more than you and youir wife on what I'm sure was a much lower income.
As for going without – do you mean without insurance? I have done that, and so had conditions worsen and require more expensive treatment later for lack of care. I also risk losing my house, etc. If you mean going without treatment or medical care, I've done that, too. It costs me more later and threatens my health.
We in the U.S. pay far more for far less effective care than people in many other countries. You would pay far less if we had national health.
My Father paid AARP (United Health Care) for long term disability insurance for over 15 years. He had Dementia, and upon his hospitalization missed one (yes, one) premium payment. I made that payment and the remainder of the year's payments. Within two weeks I received notification that his policy was terminated. United Health Care dropped him like a hot potato. AARP went even further, and offered no help, no assistance, no guidance.
At that time I did not know where to turn to for help and guidance. I thought that AARP would be there to assist elderly people and by extension their families with advice, guidance, etc.. They were rude and unprofessional. I actually had an associate hang up on me.
The last two years of his life were difficult, but every day I thank the care givers, nurses and doctors who brought his journey to an end with respect and dignity. I also appriciate what I learned concerning elder law, how insurance works, and how to position yourself and your family so that you as a parent can be cared for as well as positioning your family to provide you with the best care possible.
AARP is in no form, way or intent interested in your (or your parents) well being. They are only interested in selling insurance.
As for AARP's endorsement of health care reform, my opinion of that is that they are suspect, and are only out for their own financial advancement. Regardless of whether you are for or against heath care reform, the very last influence you want involved in that decision is a financially biased insurance company.
They should be an advocacy partner for seniors. AARP is not a citizen friendly company. And sadly, they promote and communicate themselves that way. And i can see where many seniors begin to trust them because health care insurance is complicated for them. Hey , it was complicated for me! It took me about three months to spin up to the level where i finally understood the "insurance landscape".
This insurance "stuff" is not easy. Companies like AARP who take dues from seniors should be there to support, educate and guide them through this "stuff". But they are just a rip off. A very morally poor company.
Support your older parents, or if you are seniors ask your family members, religious advocy groups, local senior center or even your local bank for information. But for your own well being, do not trust AARP.
I dropped AARP a while back when I did not like the direction it was going. I now live in an area where there are 3 elderly housing apartments with about 250 people living in them. I have become quite friendly with a lot of them and they are telling me what is going on with them regarding Obamas health care bill. So far, there are 161 residents who will not be renewing their dues when they come due. Many are dropping out of other AARP "services" To put it bluntly, they are darn sick of what the AARP people are doing to them. It is outrageous. When over 60% of the nation are against this bill, it is outright stupid for AARP to back it. What is the matter with them? Did Obama promise to line their pockets like he did some senators? The bet around here is Yes!!!!!!
Timmy has it wrong: the super rich do owe those with less because its those with less that have made them so wealthy. Name one wealthy person that obtained their money without anyone else. Gates has tens of thousand of employees making his billions so does Buffet. CEOs, bank presidents, etc. may be smart and deserve a little more, but certainly nothing excessive. The American dream is about the freedom to live in a tolerant, healthy community not to make the most money. Don't get me wrong I love my money, but I'm willing to share.
We need health care reform, there are too many people out there without insurance. Insurance companies are playing god with people. If you have a medical condition they won't insure you. If it costs too much they won't approve it. It's about time they get it shoved up their rears.
I have always wondered what the AARP pays in taxes? I am a member but I an sure that they are looking out for theselves. Lets get a look at the top salarays & benfits the top executives get.
What is the legal interpertation of there tax exempt status?
Please follow this through and get down to ALL THE FACTS.
tHANK YOU & CONTINUE YOUR GOOD WORK
aLVIN fRIEDMAN, sAN dIEGO, ca
A few years ago I joined AARP as a 30-something as a joke. I didn't lie about my age. A valid credit card number means more to them than age or retirement status. They sold out long ago.
*** "Our health care system is FAR SUPERIOR to yours. By ANY measure." ***
Wow, what ignorance. Here are a few "measures" for you, brainiac:
Infant mortality rate: (deaths per 1000 live births):
Canada: 4.8, U.S. 6.3
(U.S. is five spots below Cuba in world rankings)
Life expectancy at birth:
Canada 80.7, U.S. 78.2
%GDP spent on healthcare, in US dollars:
Canada $3,687, U.S. $6,714
The U.S. spends not only far more per capita on healthcare than Canada, but more than any other nation on earth. And gets less for it. These are the facts.
Can you count? 40,000,000 members and 150,000 leave, 2,000,000 join = net gain in membership of 5%. This article doesn't make any sense unless you are attempting to rabble rouse for the sake of rabble rousing. It is clear from the numbers that AARP does represent the majority of it's members!
Got my Medicare card the other day; I'll turn 65 in March. Been bombarded with insurance "opportunities" for months. Very difficult to make a decision. Will be spending this weekend invertigating my options and pray I make the right choice. Scary. Any suggestions from those of you who have been thru the process?
Timmy, right you are my friend!
Obama, his cronies, the left and the Hollywood elite are destroying middle-class America. They've already turned us into the largest socialist culture in history and are forcing hard-working Americans, most of whom came from nothing but worked nite and day to achieve the American dream, to lose that dream by compelling us (as if we're a dictatorship) to work even harder (!) but not for ourselves, but for those who are lazy and want not opportunites but handouts; this is what we've become.
Just think, Timmy, how multiple generations of our ancestors worked, fought and died to build this great nation. What, for THIS? They must be turning over in their graves!
I've said it here before: there is a seething anger amongst average middle-class Americans (that's WORKING Americans!) that is forming the foundation for a 2nd American Revolution.
All we need are a handful of courageous leaders to start it.
We can only hope.
After reading the complaints of all of the old people on this news story I only wish there were death panels. We could clean out some of these old whiners.
To all the phonies to oppose health care reform – put your money where your mouth is – give up your insurance, refuse government run health care > Medicare, VA. Don't be a hypocrite you want ypur healthcare and to hell with everyone else.
It's amazing to read people's thoughts about the costs of healthcare. How can Timmy and the rest be so sure that their costs will go up? Without reform, costs will continue to rise at an alarming rate. This country NEEDS a public option. The more you all support the Health Insurance industry....the more you will pay. You have been sold a bill of goods by the people who simply want to fleece you for more.
My wife and I didn't renew our membership in October because AARP was promoting this new, expensive, useless healt plan. And as an added bonus – I no longer receive 6 or 7 health, life, and disability insurance information letters in the mail every month.
Anyone who ever thought that AARP existed for its membership is living on another planet. It exists to fatten the pockets of its executives and the insurance industry that it feeds. It is a sham that misleads its membership of sheep into thinking it represents their interests when it only uses that as a cover for is real purpose, to sell seniors things under the guise that they "recommend" the products so they must be favorable. The healthcare debate has exposed AARP for what it is- a fraud on seniors. And instead of universal healthcare we will now get forced into becoming unwilling customers for insurers with all of it subsidized by our tax money just like medicare Part D. What an outrage!
People are slowly starting to understand what Congress is trying to do. Unfortunately I fear they aren't going to catch on quick enough to stop it. By handing out free money (in this case in the form of health care), they will buy the votes of the least fortunate – giving themselves perpetual power. If you think this sounds a bit extremist, take a look at how Reade bought Nebraska's vote – it's a case study for their larger agenda. I also find it baffling that anyone (lease of all seniors who have greater experience with life) could think that having the government in charge of anything could either be effective or cheaper. Perhaps those folks should spend more time at the Post Office, the Dept of Motor Vehicles or watching the TSA incompetently scanning their luggage – and imagine the "simplified" medical forms that will required (think IRS). Margaret Thatcher said it best "the problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money". We have turned from a can-do nation into one where 51% of the population feels they are OWED a job, a home, free medical insurance, a discounted car, etc. It saddens me greatly and, unfortunately, the only options available to me are to be as politically active as I can and to scout property in other countries in case it isn't successful ... I'm doing both.
When time came to renew my car and home owner insurance, I called to see what AARP had to offer. The agent quoted me a price for the car insurance that was twice the price of my current insurance and the homeowner was over $300 more than the highest quote from other companies. At the end of the conversation the agent asked me if I received other quotes. I told him yes and his was by far the most expensive policy,
I have been an AARP member for almost 10 years,and I have never, and will never buy an insurance policy recommended by AARP. That includes health care.
*** Timmy: My wife and I work full time and pay over $500 per month for our employee based insurance. Its only going to go up with the advent of public health car in which these people will pay next to nothing and enjoy better health care to boot! ***
Earth to nutjob: there isn't going to be any public healthcare. In your case, you could use it though, assuming it covers psychiatric
*** The oil industry has as much to do with our everyday lives as health care does! Why do the American people have to put up with oil companies raping us? ***
Nobody is raping anyone, dimwit - it's called supply and demand. Take a basic economics course some time. The average person pays a little over $100 a month for gas, a TINY fraction of healthcare costs. So can the flatulence.
As a senior and a republican everyone needs to realize that the democrats gave us social security and medicare.If not for these programs most seniors would be destitute. So my recommendation to all seniors is to shut up and be thankful you do not have a republican in office. Let the working people have some insurance and quit being spoiled old idiots.
AARP is represented by United Health Care Insurance. If you go to Google and type in United Health Care penalties you will find a chart showing the millions of dollars that UHC has been fined in many states. Why does AARP continue to use such a scoundrel as UHC, which passes those fines on to its insured in its rates to them?
It sickens me to read what some of these posters are writing.
What it all comes down to is simple: You are selfish
You don't give a dang about people who have no insurance. You call them lazy and worthless and worse.
I doubt any of you have ever gone without insurance, so it is easy to make your sick comments about those who don't have health care.
I hope someday you can experience life without insurance. I have it, by the way, but I know many hard-working people who don't.
Shame on you!
Paul Donelson, define "less fortunate," please. It is normally a Liberal buzzword for those unwilling to learn, work, take risks, and amount to something. Such people are NOT entitled to the resources of those who do the above in order to become secure. do away with the rewards system and go Socialist, and you immediately embrace mediocrity. This has been proven in so many countries already, and it is NOT happening here.
Thank goodness for people like Robert Tice. Thank you for being the voice for millions of senior citizens, including myself. When I heard AARP was supporting the Health Care Bill, I called them immediately and told them to take my name off of their recruiting/advertising list. I do not have AARP insurance and because of them supporting this bill I would never consider getting it either. Any senior citizen I come into contact with I will definitely share with them that AARP is supporting the Health Care Bill and that without a doubt, do not have any interest in supporting seniors. Even though I don’t have AARP I still feel as though they betrayed us. I have hope that many more millions of seniors will follow Robert Tices’ lead and they too will not renew their policy with them.
Thank you again Robert Tice. I have the greatest amount of respect for you. Please keep up the wonderful work you are doing.
"Timmy" does have it right. Those who do not plan ahead, take risks, and WORK for security do not have a right to the resources of those who do. Socialism has failed in so many countries; why is the Left still even a viable political force? Oh that's right, they manipulate hoards of undereducated elderly and minority voters, scaring them with tales of the greedy white boogeyman sitting in the backroom of every business. REALITY CHECK- Business owners are not what the Dems lead you to believe. They are hard working, risk-taking, job-creating patriots! The big-gov. Liberals are your enemy, yet too many keep kissing up to them politically. Wake up before this nonsense leads to civil war, folks. It is getting out of hand.
i suspect many AARP members are just like me. we will not renew when the time comes to do so. the loss of 150,000 is only the tip of the iceberg. AARP should be renamed RIP for this boneheaded backing.
Kevin, bud- need to reread that. They did not gain 1.85 Million. They said they have had 2.0 Million new members OR RENEWALS- which is a sham statistic designed to mask and cover any real change in their membership. At no point does the story give any indication, directly or indirectly, that membership has increased. It cannot be read as support for health care reform, regardless of your political position on the matter. I'm not even weighing in on health care here- just letting you know you need to read more carefully if you are going to contribute to the discussion.
As long as there's message boards like this out there (here) in cyberspace, these problems will get all worked out. People are really listening thoughtfully. The only reason I came back was to see my name.
Joseph for President.
Surfdog for Congress (Health Czar?).
What we really need is a super rich hypermilitarized superpower with no manufacturing base to come in here and show us how to build a democracy.
Do you people know why Europe is not "lawsuit happy" like America? Because if Europeans do get severely injured, they're not freaked out about losing all their material possessions to medical bills. So, if you think that there are too many lawsuits in America or that trial lawyers are a bunch of "ambulance chasers", then a fully insured population would help further your ideals.
AARP does nothing for seniors. The AARP TV ads for medicare insurance touts that it may cost seniors nothing. But that is NOT true. Medicare eligible seniors MUST STLL PAY for Medicare Parts A and B and sign over medicare benefits to AARP when they sign up. AARP then is the insurer billed my health care professionals. What the AARP policy adds is preventive exams and drug coverage which are NOT covered by Medicare. Well, my Aetna insurance plans works just like that, costs me nothing (and adds vison care too!) and I don't have to pay AARP's dues so they can pay thier lobbyists.
Incidentally, my medical insurance costs through my employer was zero (true, high deductibles) even after retiring. Now that I'm 65 I have to pay Medicare A&B and the deductibles aren't much less.
Well I agree with some comments but my thought is that there is a big gap in this country .You are either fairly well off or very poor.If you are very poor there is no way you can afford health insurance. Which also may mean that a lot of people wait until they get very sick before they go to a doctor & when they do they have to go to the emergency room
which costs the system more . Also I see another significat problem .
So many people sue their doctors in this country & many itmes get huge monetary rewards. It causes a shortage in many specialities like obstetetrics because of the huge malpactice insurance that doctors have to carry.Also it causes doctors to order many tests that they wqouldn't usually in case they are sued.There should be huge changes in malpractice setltlements
Are you kidding? There is no American Dream. You think the people who received all the big bonuses because they went under and were saved were not on a welfare program? Get a clue. Only the theives win. Are you one?
It's time to get insurance companies out of the health care business. Nobody should be making money by turning down people for healthcare, but that's exactly what the insurance companies do. We're long overdue for a single payer plan. Just today 2 people at work told me stories of our employer-sponserd plan, for which we pay huge premiums and ever-increasing deductibles and copays, and my colleagues still have to fight the insurance company from their sickbeds following emergency surgery. I am eligible to join AARP but will not do so as long as they front for United Health non-care.
Mary in toronto, are you serious. I have been across the globe in the last 5 years and that has to be the most unintelligent drivel I've heard
You all should drop AARP. everything they offer is higher priced.
AARP is interested in their bottom line...not seniors best interest.
It's a private organization. If you're a member and you no longer support the organization's goals, then it's time to quit. It's easier than pie. One could form a competing lobbying group that tries to hurt the best interests of America's seniors and retirees.
If AARP lost 150,000 members and gained 2,000,000, why is the loss the story? A better story is why they gained so many members.
I had dropped membership several years ago, I forget the reason but basically I didn't see anything in it for me. I rejoined last year when they backed health care reform, and believe they represent most of their membership in this.
I get cheap health insurance through Medicare, under $200 for both Part B and a good Advantage plan. I'm 66 and healthy. Why should my kids or others younger and less affluent be denied insurance or not be able to afford it?
People don't seem to know that seniors pay for Medicare and it is not cheap. I am in my second year with it and I pay $125 for the basic obligatory premium, plus $35 penalty for not taking it as early as I could have, plus $195 for the Part A premium in the form of an Advantage program with Blue Shield. That last bit went up from $99 a month last year in anticipation of the government paying less for medicare patients. So my monthly outgoing for Medicare is $355. And I don't have drug coverage. Why does everybody think Medicare is free?
I'm glad I'm a member of AARP. They are one of the very few organizations who have stood up for health care for all of America's citizens, especially the elderly. Unfortunately, there will always be those who are ignorant and selfish when it comes to sharing the responsibility of caring for the less fortunate. The facts are clear that health care reform will help lower the costs of health care for everybody, including those who have "Cadillac" health insurance programs.
I hope the 150,000 becomes 15 million then they will listen, and stop BS the American people in this case the seniors one.
So many blind sheep on this website. Do you really think that secret meetings are being held for your benefit? Our own leader has lied to us over and over again about transparency and bipartisanship. As I write this, our president is pointing fingers at others for mistakes made in our government during his presidency. He never takes reposnsibility, but claims that "he will find out who is responsible". He's beginning to sound like OJ Simpson.
These meetings will lead to fewer choices and lower quality healthcare for most and increased profits for those who provide health care benefits.
AARP sould not be selling or endorsing insurance policies or companies...period. AARP should be an advocacy organization.
I am tired of whiney Medicare recipients. They are SELFISH, greedy and hypocritical. Like your single payer government plan sponsered by middle class taxes?
At 50, I have to compete with those on SS, pay there SS & Medicare, and pay exhorbitant health insurance costs.
Lets get it right the republicans voted against Medicare originally. Bush wanted to "privatize" SS & Medicare. Thats what Med. Advantage is. It is breaking the bank. Why do insurance companies need to be a middle man for Medicare? Fire them.
If you want the libertarian view. Lets abolish Medicare & SS. Keep whining, I am sick of your generation.
Healtcare reform is first and formost not about alleviating the ills of the poor on the backs of the healthy. it's about controlling the costs of healthcare so that it doesnt break us all in the near future.
it's not about welfare for the unhealthy, and going without healthcare is not acceptable. I dont care how hard you have struggled "we all have," it's about not having to continue to struggle.Fair is not giving everyone everything the other has, but giving everyone what they need, and no more than that. Everyone needs quality healthcare, just as everyone needs to drink water and eat, you may have to eat less if you have less, and you may only get to see a doctor a few times vs every time you sniffle, cest la vie. But not being able to get to a doctor is unacceptable.
The fear of not being treated well is what leads people to do very desperate things. I for one am sick of bearing the desperation of the less fourtunate in the manner we are now.
Like any other supposedly socially responsible organization, AARP is driven by the American manta-it's all about the money–.The question I have is why should AARP be expected to be different?
Gees god I will be so mad if my taxes get raised by a couple of dollars just so some little baby who should have been aborted to begin with is given enough health care so it can grow up to become a crack addict. What kind of lousy country stands for such stuff?
About 15 years ago, my wife had deep brain stimulation surgery for her Parkinson's Disease. Medicare payed for some of it; we had the AARP supplementary insurance and submitted a bill to them. They paid zero, nada, zilch. We dropped the insurance immediately along with our AARP memberships.
We've never regretted it. As a bonus, we no longer have to look at that terrible magazine they put out.
Mary in Toronto says
"The States is like a third world country when it comes to health care for its people and all the socialist countries feel sorry for you."
You go ahead and feel sorry for us. We by far get better quality healthcare than any of you socialized medicine countries. I don't have to be put on a wait list for a surgery. Why is it that Canadians flock to the US for procedures? I feel sorry for you and now for myself because my awesome healthcare is now going to suck and cost me 100x more.
Sanjay if Frances health care is so great why is it Bankrupting there country? I found several articles in regards to this from 2004 to current. Yes they do offer the best health care to its citizens but they are in bad financial shape and its politicians have regretfully admitted that drastic measures are needed in order to fix it and sacrifices will be made. Sanjay take the bleeding heart taht you have and substitute it with some common sense. It seems most liberals lack any common sense at all. Maybe you might want to look at the numbers from past to present and then revise your comment. While I admit we definitely have problems ( I do not have insurance age 38 ) we need not try and pull another crazy scheme to fix what only needs mending. Bush and Obama both wasted
Years ago, shortly after AARP suported the new medical insurance premiums bill initiated and approved by Bush Administration which includeded the "Donat," I wrote to AARP and requested them to remove my name from their mailing list. AARP is not there for the retired people but to make as much money as possible for themselves with insurance and prescription drugs business. I urge each retiree to cut any connection with AARP!
OK, exactly what did Republicans say when AARP endorsed their Medicare Part D bill?A reminder: that bill was totally unfunded and projected to cost $600 Billion over the first ten years and is actually costing much more! Let's get rid of any sitting Republican that suported that bill.
Don't be fooled. The AARP hasn't had the best interest of American seniors for years. They have one of the strongest Lobbies in DC and they flex it all the time. Why do you think that Social Security as troubled as it is hasn't been revised? Any politician that suggests SS reform in a serious manner goes against an AARP backed candidate (i.e. big $) the next election and they are not heard from again. Sad but true. The AARP is one of the biggest issues for anyone under the age of 50! Everyone can recognize the need for change, but that threatens the AARP and their precious revenue stream! Until more and more people leave or don’t join them at all, they will continue their evil money grubbing ways!
I have never joined the AARP insurance company. I saw through them a long time ago. As with any business its about profit.
I woke up to this on the news and have been in a foul mood since. My AARP membership is coming to and end too. They let you join when you're 50 but won't sell you a Medicare supplement plan until age 65. At 55, I'm disabled and it's very hard to find any supplement I can afford on a fixed income. As much as I loathe my Advantage Plan, it's the only option I can afford. I'm scared to death with worry over what I'll do if/when this bill from hell passes!
I for one wish this whole "Reform" nightmare would fall off a cliff somewhere and never reach the light of day ever again! Everything they started with that was 'good' has been completely lost: the insurance companies keep their antitrust exemption; no public option; nothing whatsoever to rein in these horrid monopolies. The ONLY winners in this so-called 'Reform; are the insurance companies and big old PHARMA! All the public will get is higher premiums and higher co-pays!
I am having a severe case of "Buyer's Remorse" after voting for Obama but with him and McCain being on the same side of Immigration Reform, what choices were really left? The reason Obama is talking tongue-in-cheek about whether or not to exclude the illegal immigrants is he knows Immigration Reform is the next agenda to be fought and he plans (just as McCain) to pass an amnesty bill, making their insurance coverage a non-issue.
So lighten up on all of the political stabbing back and forth. IMHO, there's more than enough to blast each part with. This country always ends up in a major mess when EITHER party holds a monopoly. When only one party holds total control we have much the same as a dictatorship.
Mr. Tice, may I suggest that maybe it's you and a tiny percentage of AARP members who are out of touch, and unable to see the big picture. I'm glad to know that by signing up with AARP I negated the political statement of a malcontent such as yourself. Good luck.
Health insurance and health care as a national interest is a complex puzzle. The issues have been deliberately obfuscated, if not coldly misrepresented to serve personal, corporate, and political interests. It has become so messy that I can’t even sort out what will be in my own best interest, much less identify what might be equitable compromises.
Regrettably it appears that there is no one that is knowledgeable and can be trusted to make an objective assessment and presentation of the issues. I suspect that is the reason that some polls show marginal popular support for any alternative right now. That is awkward for everyone, including politicians that seek to represent their constituencies honorably and equitably in a decision making process.
Is there any such person or organization? The AARP might have been able to provide that service, at least for my age group, but the conflict of interest issue with insurance marketing is very disturbing. Public trust is a very scarce commodity right now where business interests and “incentive” are involved; and marketing is all about “incentive”.
Those may be some of the reasons that some polls show marginal popular support for any alternative right now. That is awkward for everyone, including politicians that seek to represent their constituencies honorably and equitably in a decision making process.
The smartest move may be to try to buy some time to allow the American people to get a grip on the issues.
this entire health care reform that's being done in secret is not about reform at all. It's a powergrab/economic annexation of 20% of US GDP industry. Lets face it, the democrats are about spending money they don't have. To spin it, i will save you money by taking over healthcare. More like taking over their profits. Why do you think tv stations were forced from analog to digital? to take control over a resource.
soon the cyber security act of 2009 will give 1 man, 1 person, sole control of the internet. The bill stipulates in case of a cyber emergency, which is not stated what a cyber emergency is in the bill, the president, who is obama, will have control to shut down and seize control of cyber (which is defined as internet, communcations, networks, private networks, etc).. SEIZE CONTROL...
i mean come on, the gov at it's highest level are constantly being attacked day and night foreign nations, if that's not already a cyber emergency and the internet already should be shut down every day, then what is a true cyber emergency??
I speculate, he wants to shut down all commerce, foreign and domestic.. once you shut down the internet, u cannot access your bank accounts, your money, neither can foreign nations do business with the united states shutting them down as well. Shut down cell phones, so you become more fearful and cannot communcate with each other. AT THAT POINT he can force you to do whatever he wants. At that point marshal law will be declared because everyone will be panicing. AND FOR YOUR **SAFETY** due to the riots that will be caused by the seize and control of all "cyber" you will be forced to be implanted with ANALOG monitoring devices, OR you cannot buy nor sell (book of revelations) if you refuse the mark of the beast.
The AARP is killing the middle class with support of Democrat terrorism in health care. Our premiums for drugs and other coverage will sky rocket. It is time to declare the Democrat Party a Taliban Terrorist Cell and be done it.
I had not even thought aboutn the AARP tie in until just now. Funny thing is, I first became eligible to join AARP right about the time AARP endorsed Bush's Insurance plan-which I thought was a sell-out to the Pharnaceutical companies (no price negotiating). But I am in favor of the Healthcare reform act, I understand that since I am already insured through my employer, I do not have as much to gain as some-but once insurers can no longer not cover pre-existing conditions, it will mean that I can change plans-or get muy own policy when I retire. People who say that this bill will increase premiums have just not thought about it. So now, I have to go join AARP-and send them a nice e-mail to make up for all the mean e-mails I sent them when they backed the guy I did not like. Timmy-this one is for you.
Fred
It's interesting to me that many seniors posting here are self-centered to the point that what they WANT is more important than the NEEDS of young adults and children in the US who have no health insurance. When did the we become a nation of entitlements for bitter, mean, old people who hate the future? Do these people really think the world revolves around them? They've already mucked up the environment, the education system, and the economy. What will satisfy their insatiable greed for more, more, more? Blood sacrifice?
Who cares about AARP? I want health care reform for my students and children.
You sort of wonder where the senior outrage was when their grandchildren were being maimed and killed in two botched wars, with billions squandered, and huge tax cuts to the rich.
When it comes to Health Insurance Obama is a fraud. AARP is a fraud.
When Obama said you can keep your Doctor and your insurance, he lied. He's eliminating the Medicare Advantage plans, therefore how can you keep your insurance. AARP is a fraud, they don't sell Medicare Advantage plans because they are affordable but they sell the the supplement to medicare plans because they are expensive. This way AARP cam make money. I get letters once a week from AARP to get me to buy their insurance.
I hope the senoirs get smart and realize that they are being had.
What a joke this Obama is. I want the same insurance plan that Obama has. The irony of this is that I and all the taxpayers are paying for his plan and all the congressmen's plans.
Wake up seniors.
I'm glad some people are becoming educated about
AARP and its huge conflict of interest. Endorsing?
Endorsing doesn't mean doing research that shows the best
policies for seniors. It means pushing
policies for money, and this story has many points that should
receive wider attention. I cancelled over this many months
ago, told AARP so, and consider their website very "one sided," to be polite. I'm hoping the New York Times considers looking into this.
Seniors need "unbiased" factual consumer advice, not a
veiled sales pitch.
Hey Mary in Canada..
Explain to me then why so many people in Canada come over here to use our healthcare system? Why do important people from other countries choose to come here for treatment and not Canada?
hah, surprise everybody, the AARP is a political interest group...with POLITICAL INTERESTS. THAT'S WHAT IT IS.
We dropped our "Advantage Plans" because Mayo Clinic would not accept it. They will take Medicare. Because my wife is under 65 on SSI and no other companies offer Medigap insurance in our state for people under 65, except AARP, we bought their policy. We'll see in couple of years if we stay with them.
Now, why am I reminded of what "our" government did "for" us when it decided to make illegal the use of purchasing our drugs across our northern border for about half the cost???
CNN cut my comment out.. Looks like CNN is just like our Government.. Just a bunch of Socialist ... So much for freedom of Speach
my father had been a member and used united health care and low and behold he had no medical bills to pay. he was diabetic and passed on, but no bills BECAUSE it was paid by AARP health insurance.
thank you
AARP cannot be for the consumer when it encourages and
informs seniors to "Revere their Mortgage." We have enough
people who have lost their houses, we don't need the same thing
to happen to seniors. A house is not a bank. Seniors are not to
go to their house to get money. Your house is where you live. You
do not do anything to sacrifice your house for instant money.
I helped my elderly parents decide on their medicare related insurance last month. My dad had received his medigap and part-D insurance through his retiree benefits of his prior employer. This year, the company cancelled the medigap option and forced everyone to sign up for a humana medicare advantage plan which included part-D drug coverage. This plan's premiums cost much more, didn't cover many things that was covered under their 2009medigap policy (home oxygen, physical therapy, etc), didn't cover many of my mother's meds, and required very expensive copays for every doctor visit, hospital visit, dialysis visit, and prescription drugs.
After looking into alternatives, my parents dropped out of the retiree benefits and instead signed up the the AARP medigap and part-D plans. They covered EVERYTHING that Medicare covers, covered ALL of my parents' medications, had NO copays for doctors and hospital coverage. And the premiums cost 20% less than the HUMANA ADVANTAGE plan.
I personally am very grateful that AARP offers such full coverage medigap and part-D insurance plans at such a low cost (expensive but much lower cost than the Humana Advantage plan). By negotiating with UHC and endorsing their plans, seniors have a good option. In addition, every time that I"ve called to discuss a problem to with a question, the telephone support staff for the AARP insurance plans are polite, patient, and ALWAYS resolve the problem/question promptly. I get better support from the parents AARP plan than I do for my employer sponsored health insurance company.
Without the AARP medigap and Part-D plans, my parents wouldn't be able to pay for their health care (both are very ill)
While I am in favor of the uninsured getting medical care, I am not certain how I feel about the current proposals and in particular government backed health care. I have friends who are German citizens and while they have "free" medical care, and some of the best wages in Europe, they also pay + or – 50% of those wages in taxes. That is definately not the way I want to see the US go. Nor do I want to see higher costs or less coverage for my medicare. Someone, smarter than me, is out there with the right compromise. That person(s) needs to be found for all our sakes. This cannot be political, lives are at stake.
I think it's hilarious that the far right once again pulls out references to Adolf Hilter and Nazis in this circumstance. It just shows just how deep their ignorance is. It is truly odd that 150,000 people quit AARP and millions join and this story focuses on the people that are buying into the Republican fear mongering and quitting. Yeah. Perfect. That's exactly what you should do. Now you have NO representation at all, except for the likes of Steele, Bohner, and other lapdogs of big business. if those are my representatives, I'll take a pass, thanks. Steele was asked the other night if the Republican Party was ready to take back the majority. He couldn't give a straight answer. He's biased, but not stupid. The only thing the Republicans will get in the mid-term eletions is another kick in the pants. Americans have short memories, but not THAT short.
I also think it interesting that so many people are quoting statistics and costs of healthcare from other countries. First, healthcare isn't free. No one ever said it was. Second, the vast majority of the statistics provided by the conservatives and tea-baggers are incorrect. if you listen to Fox and the Republican Party, the only thing that is absolutely correct is the statement that their statistics are skewed. Do some calculations. Find out how much you and your employer pay for healthcare now (if you can even get it). Include social security and other current taxes like worker's comp and other mandatory paycheck deductions. You already pay a huge amount for healthcare. Even so, thousands of people die every year because insurance companies who ARE death panels, won't pay for basic medical services. It is appalling.
I would be happy to entertain new ideas from the conservative side of the house. So far, all I've heard is whining and name-calling. if that's the best you can do, I'll vote for someone that is at least trying to fix things. You can go find something to do that you're good at. No idea what that might be.
i am one whe joined aarp because of their stand on health care reform . i am 100% for it .of course they make a profit . this is a buisness for petes sake .its America where you dont get anything free.republicans had 8 years to work on this why didnt they do something for reform back then ,now all they want to do is complain and try and stop the reform from happening by scaring seniors. are you all trying to tell everyone that other insurance companies didnt have increases?.i couldnt even get insurance because of preexisting conditions . as for medicare cuts, boy do we need those . im tired of this poor pitiful seniors bit . it more like poor pitiful ignorant seniors.i m retired and a senior , i also dont let others do my thinking for me .