AARP On Health Care Scare Tactics: Health Research Investment Helps Doctors Give Best Possible Care To Patients

Main Category: Primary Care / General Practice
Article Date: 11 Feb 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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AARP CEO Bill Novelli released the following statement in response to false reports regarding health care provisions in the economic recovery package:

"They're at it again. Opponents of health reform are now using scare tactics in a misguided attempt to stop progress in its tracks, blocking attempts to fix the broken health care system that is hurting American families and our economy.

"The latest attacks revolve around a smart policy in the economic recovery package that would fund 'comparative effectiveness research' -a wonky term that just means giving doctors and patients the ability to compare different kinds of treatments to find out which one works best for which patient.

"Opponents-like some drug companies and medical device makers-don't want this research. They fear it will cut the profits they make on ineffective drugs and equipment.

"But they won't tell you that this research could save your life by giving your doctors better information so they can prescribe the best treatments available to you.

"This research is a common sense idea that is, unfortunately, not happening now. Some estimates say that only about half of all therapies that patients receive have been backed up by head-to-head comparisons with alternatives.

"While our country spends more than $2 trillion a year on health care, we spend less than 0.1 percent on evaluating how that care works compared to other options.

"AARP strongly opposes any attempts that would limit doctors and hospitals from providing the best possible care to their patients.

"And despite what opponents are saying, comparative effectiveness research funding was in the economic recovery package in both houses of Congress from the very beginning. That's because lawmakers understand the need to improve the quality and performance of our health system.

"The economic recovery bill before Congress will help stabilize our economy and take important steps toward reforming 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 34.5 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.

http://www.aarp.org