As a longstanding volunteer for AARP, I am troubled that progress on health care reform has stalled. With skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs, we must come together to providemeaningful relief to the millions of people who can’t afford life-saving prescription drugs or are denied affordable care by insurance companies because of their age or a medical condition.
I want to let Congress and the president know that while circumstances in Washington, D.C., may have changed, AARP’s commitment to older Americans and their families has not. AARP is still fighting to protect guaranteed Medicare benefits; lower drug costs by closing the “doughnut hole” in Medicare prescription coverage; stop insurance companies from denying anyone affordable coverage based on their age or pre-existing condition; and increase access to home and community based services so older Americans can live in their homes longer and avoid costly institutions.
We have come too far in the past year to let Washington gridlock stall everything we’ve accomplished. AARP is counting on Congress and the White House to come together and deliver a reform package this year that will ensure older Americans and their families get the care they need and deserve.
Betty Griffin
AARP State Office Volunteer
Somerset