AARP On Medicare Premium Announcement: Brief Relief For Struggling Americans, No Time To Rest For Washington

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 22 Sep 2008 - 13:00 PDT

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AARP issued a statement today in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announcement of the 2009 Medicare premiums.  The statement, from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond, follows:

"Millions of people in Medicare who called, e-mailed and walked the halls of Capitol Hill earlier this year can breathe a sigh of relief today.  For the first time since 2000, their Medicare premium will not rise.

"But lawmakers should not use today's announcement as an excuse to rest.  The average 73-year-old in Medicare has seen his or her premium double since joining the program.  Americans old and young continue to struggle with skyrocketing health care costs.  And the weakening economy is only making it harder for people-especially retirees on fixed incomes-to pay their health care bills.

"Leaders in Washington should pay attention today.  As they look ahead to a long overdue health care reform debate next year, they should also remember the million-plus emails and phone calls earlier this year from Americans who just can't afford any more delay in fixing our broken 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 40 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.

AARP