AARP 'Troubled' By Senate's Vote To Block Medicare Improvements - Baucus-Snowe Bill Would Have Protected Premiums, Boosted Benefits

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 13 Jun 2008 - 4:00 PST

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AARP issued a statement in response to today's vote to block necessary Medicare legislation in the U.S. Senate.  The statement, from AARP CEO Bill Novelli, follows:

"Partisanship and inaction continued to grip the Senate today, derailing a bipartisan bill to improve Medicare for millions of older Americans.  While we thank those Senators from both sides of the aisle who supported this critical bill, we are troubled that people in Medicare will once again see negative consequences because of partisan gridlock.

"Older Americans understand they will face higher premiums each year, just like everyone else.  But the bill blocked today would have improved the program's low-income, preventive and mental health benefits without drastic increases in Medicare premiums.  It also would have started to move our doctors' offices and pharmacies into the 21st century by championing electronic prescribing.

"Eight in ten older Americans are concerned about their health care bills; even more are worried about what those bills will be in the coming years.  It's unfortunate that some senators voted to block debate on real, positive changes to our health care system."

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole.  AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates.  We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org.  AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors.  We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

http://www.aarp.org