UP Ibalon Bicol: AARP loses 60,000 members in July-August 2009

AARP loses 60,000 members in July-August 2009

8/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

Parallel to the erosion of Pres. Barack Obama's approval rating, the Association of American Retired Persons (AARP) reported the withdrawal of 60,000 members from July to August 2009. Associated Press (AP,) disclosed USA's leading senior citizen organization attributes the attrition from the AARP’s position on the healthcare debate. Pres. Obama earlier said AARP supported some of the provisions of the reform bill, but was later debunked by AARP as inaccurate.

The organization of seniors supports the need for a healthcare revamp to rein on the expenses and make it more affordable. But its managers have not been keen in defending the sick nnd elderly from "rationing. high premiums, government intervetion, and “death panels”---things that worry the senior citizens. AARP instead helped the US president in claiming the association supports his proposed medical reform which mnny members rejected.

According to AARP, it is fighing for the following:

1.Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
2.Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
3.Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
4.Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices. Source: eCancerAwareness.com (08/06/09, Sacto, Eric )

A. Barry Rand, CEO of AARP underscored the need to stop the rise in healthcare expenses which accounts for 16% of the 2007 GDP. Deemed unsustainable, without healthcare reform, he said expenses is expected to climb to 25% and 49% of GDP in years 2025 and 2082 respectively. Yet, he didn't offer enough assurance that seniors will not be short-changed in medical services once the revamp is approved.

According to AARP spokesman Drew Nannis, with 40 million members, dropping from the AARP roll is expected. The group is watching how many members have opted to drop from the list because of their disapproval on how AARP represents them. (Photo Credit: boraeke) =0=

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Labels: 2009, AARP, debate, Health, healthcare reform, organization, senior citizen, Totie Mesia, universal healthcare

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AARP loses 60,000 members in July-August 2009

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