Reichert Rebukes AARP Endorsement of Bill with Drastic Medicare Cuts
Senior Organization Officially Announces Support for Pelosi’s Health Care Overhaul Bill
Washington, DC,
Nov 5 -
Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08) today released the following statement following AARP’s announcement of its official endorsement of Speaker Pelosi’s health care overhaul bill which includes $500 billion in drastic Medicare cuts:
“AARP today shows its true colors to the membership it claims to serve. This endorsement is an insult to seniors who depend on this organization to look out for their best interests. The bill AARP endorses today not only makes drastic cuts to Medicare, but it also could place burdensome taxes on wheelchairs, pacemakers, and hearing aids. How, in good conscience, could this be something AARP supports?
“I’m disappointed that while AARP endorses a bill that slashes benefits of its members, its representatives still refuse to honestly answer my questions about its profit motives and how it stands to financially benefit from this bill. I urge seniors everywhere to share their feelings with AARP on the organization’s disturbing announcement today.”
Background:
On September 21, Reichert asked AARP to explain its support for the health care overhaul bill that would cut Medicare benefits, affecting millions of seniors. In public statements and a July meeting with Congressman Reichert, AARP advocated for H.R. 3200, which contains nearly $500 billion in Medicare cuts. Hundreds of constituents have written Reichert expressing their concerns with the proposed Medicare cuts. AARP responded but did not adequately address Reichert’s inquiry.
The non-partisan Congressional Budget Office predicts that 3 million seniors will lose their Medicare health plan coverage and 3 million fewer seniors will enroll in such a plan if H.R. 3200 becomes law. CBO has also predicted the policies contained in H.R. 3200 “could lead many plans to limit the benefits they offer, raise their premiums, or withdraw from the program.”
On October 1, AARP responded to Reichert’s inquiry. Because their response failed to answer the questions in his letter, Reichert sent a second letter to clarify lingering questions. AARP's response was again inadequate, therefore Reichert agreed to meet with AARP representatives on November 17.
