AARP backs House Dem health bill

Posted: Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:23 AM by Mark Murray
Filed Under: Congress

From NBC's Joel Seidman
AARP, the 40-million member group representing seniors, has endorsed the House Democrat's health-care overhaul bill, which is headed for a floor vote Saturday.

"We started this debate more than two years ago with the twin goals of making coverage affordable to our younger member and protecting Medicare for Seniors," said AARP CEO Barry Rand in a written statement. "We've read the Affordable Health Care for America Act and we can say with confidence that it meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage."

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Comments

Apparently they found a way to sell the death panel to granny! Welcome aboard, AARP! We've been expecting you!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:30 AM)

It is important for the public to understand that AARP contituency is straddling the fence of two extremes on this healthcare debate. An aged population NOT eligible for Medicare (50-64.99) and those already receiving socialized benefits.

I just hope they don't end up with too many splinters.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:31 AM)

AARP AND OBIE

This is the main reason people are leaving AARP by
the thousands.

ANYONE or any business that supports Obama will be targeted. Plain and simple enough.

Sexy Sadie
Auggie Doggie
Wave of the Future ... and the rest.

The Chihuahua Gang (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:34 AM)

Who says the seniors don't like a 'good' Socialist program when they see one... lol lol lol

They know which side their bread is buttered on!

Chalk up another FAILURE for the GEENOPEE! The seniors citizens are smarter than you expected! Nice to see not everyone's STUCK on STUPID! All your ranting & scare tactics didn't WORK!

They saw right through your tea bags & white sheets!

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:35 AM)

Good news for democrats in Congress; more proof that it is a good piece of legislation. Now, how will the GOP spin the fact that AARP says the democratic bill will help seniors. Let's see, they'll go after the public option again, they'll say it is a tax increase, and Boehner will tell us he has yet to meet a single person who supports it.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:38 AM)

"We've read the Affordable Health Care for America Act and we can say with confidence that it meets those goals with improved benefits for people in Medicare and needed health insurance market reforms to help ensure every American can purchase affordable health coverage." AS LONG AS YOU YOUNG PUNKS PAY FOR IT! RICH YUPPIES LIKE OBAMA. WHERE IS MY HANDOUT! AARP REPS WANT MORE MORE, MORE, MORE!, ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! Thanks. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ! More morphine. ZZZZZZZZZZZ!

"Time for your Thorazine injection." Dr. Dye

Dr. Ali Hurryup N. Dye. M.D. (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:39 AM)

Chicagoland

Go bless the dweebs that live there. And die there.

Red Rider (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:39 AM)

I'm guessing that the administrative costs of having 40 million members were too high for the membership fees.

In order to cut costs, you cull the membership. 10,000 to 15,000 members should be about right.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:43 AM)

I will never be involved with AARP again !!

Gene Hardman (66) Roswell NM (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:45 AM)

The AARP has made a very large mistake, they will regret their acts, also I recieved their responses to why they were going to back the demo plan, they lied!I will leave the AARP.

jim sarber,okc/ok (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:49 AM)

Bill Fairfax: Thanks for the comments. Keep posting as well. Your comments are read.

I suspect the Colts will have their record blimished by either the Patriots or the Ravens. No predictions from ol' Ron on those games...Too close to call.

It's about time the AARP endorses a HCR plan. I guess the AARP has a bunch of old Republicans and they didn't want to offend.

Ron Indiana (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:49 AM)

It is a pleasure to have the Administration owning something good or bad. The last one only wanted to own what they percieved as good and the bad was someone else's to deal with.
eagle1776 (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 9:54 AM)

Then why does he keep blaming Bush for everything?

The liar keeps lying (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:50 AM)

Us seniors as well as USA's youth have been sold out by AARP. The 1 cost trillion plus cost will be paid by our youth for eternity and us seniors now and down the road with reduced benefits and government rationing.

John in Fort Worth (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:52 AM)

Apparently the AARP has not been to the website dontkillgrandma.com - real web site by "real" Americans - LOL

Saint Dick, Dallas, TX (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:58 AM)

I thought the era of catering to the big lobbies in Washington was over. I guess as long as the big lobbies agree with your plans, they're okay.

Just sayin' (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:01 PM)

I will never be involved with AARP again !!
Gene Hardman (66) Roswell NM (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:45 AM)

The AARP has made a very large mistake, they will regret their acts, also I recieved their responses to why they were going to back the demo plan, they lied!I will leave the AARP.
jim sarber,okc/ok (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:49 AM)
_____________

Oh Boy! Here we go again!

All the keyboard warriors and their empty threats… Fact of the matter is there isn’t a senior citizen out there that would give up a DISCOUNT on anything!

Gene/Jim: While you’re at it… WHY don’t you return those 'Socialized' Social Security checks you receive EVERY month and your Medicare card AS WELL???

Man up & walk the walk there boyz…

Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:08 PM)

Thank you AARP. To the 66 year old from NM on an earlier post: How's medicare? That is socialized medicine. What makes you better than anyone else? Is it just because you got old.

To The Chihuahua Gang: Just go away. You really don't have anything constructive to say except put downs and hate. How about some suggestions on how to make things better? I guess that isn't in your capability.

To jim sarber,okc/ok: Please leave the AARP. Members like you are not worthwhile anyhow. Members who bolt the minute they don't get their way. Members who can't take the good with the bad. Members who can't accept that sometimes the majority does need to be listened to. Wow, what a concept.

Dave, IL (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:10 PM)

Go USA. This is progress. This will help our small businesses become more competitive.

"Then why does he keep blaming Bush for everything?"
- that is really in ur head if u stick to Fox and talk show. Its like an alternative universe. Bush is blamed for a lot of things he is to blame for - like Afganistan - of course he started that war and then pulled out partially and moved to Iraq with the war unfinished. But Obama has also given credit b4 on some issues such as faith-based initiatives, preparations for flu, HIV initiatives. Its clear that we experiencing near depression level economy after Bush the worst since the 30s even though he started the year budget surplus from his predecessor, there's a lot to blame him for unless if we choose to develop an 8-year amnesia.

I went to Fox yesterday and it was filled with how the MSM was denying the GOP wins and focusing on NY-23 just because one or two folks somewhere and on CBS said it was not a referendum on Obama. In the real world, the polls (Statistics) showed the case could not be made and several GOPers said the same as did several MSM pundits said it was. But Fox viewers continue to play the victim on this and every other issue based on the gunk they are fed.

J. Richter (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:12 PM)

This is the main reason people are leaving AARP by
the thousands.

ANYONE or any business that supports Obama will be targeted. Plain and simple enough.

Sexy Sadie
Auggie Doggie
Wave of the Future ... and the rest.

The Chihuahua Gang (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:34 AM)

Another moon monkey lie. Member ship is up for AARP this year. Nobodies buying your lies any more moon monkey.

Mo (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:15 PM)

I will never be involved with AARP again !!

Gene Hardman (66) Roswell NM (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:50 AM)
*******************************************
It's your lost!
**********************************************
Now don't be that way.
Just because you can't handle the truth no need to get your shorts all caught up in an atomic wedgie.
Full Moon
The Chihuahua Gang (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 10:26 A
*****************************************************
Full Moon
Your pants are full of sh!t

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:17 PM)

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't Hawaii have a public health system, everyone is covered? Is it funded by taxes based on income? Can people buy private insurance if they choose?

justobserveID (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:17 PM)

Gene Hardman (66) Roswell NM (: '...I will never be involved with AARP again !! ...'

somehow, I think they'll survive
The AARP is concerned with the health and well being of seniors.....

Unlike the Republican Party
I don't think the Boner, Mitch McConJob, Sarah Palin, Newt Gingrich or Dick Armey and his Dick Army are concerned with senior welfare

jim sarber,okc/ok: '...The AARP has made a very large mistake, they will regret their acts, also I recieved their responses to why they were going to back the demo plan, they lied!I will leave the AARP.

.... and join the Klan ??

Please stay, jim

MSierra, SF (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:18 PM)

Gene Hardmen (66)-Give up the Medicare card you are walking around and see what your precious GOP comes up w/ because obviously you want no hlthcare reform. From an early baby boomer I actually would like to HAVE SOME HLTHCARE REFORM DONE before I turn your age in 17 years.

Juan, Ft lauderdale, Fl (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:18 PM)

Wonder how AARP's endorsement is playing with their health insurance provider, United Health Group?

Did FR cut off First Thoughts Posts early today?
Enjoyed reading the ones there, most of them anyway.

Nice job on the tally of snark about Pelosi. Reading those yesterday I decided that a few of the usual suspects were rapid firing one snarky comment after another using alias names. Funny, how the right complains when the left takes a swat at Palin but my, oh my, they can sure dish it out. Another part of GOP DNA, can't stand criticism. My opinion, many elected republicans cannot stand strong women, least of all the thought that one is 3rd in line to the presidency. Their votes on women's issues prove that many are stuck in a subconscioius pre-women's rights mode.

FR forgot to add to Bachman's "whites of their eyes" tea party demonstration that the bus rides are paid for by big insurance lobbying groups fronting as "concerned" freedom watchers. How sad, the very people who would benefit from democratic, pro-middle class policies, duped by the groups who are only interested in lining their own pockets with dollars; and they sell it as freedom.

Jody, Iowa (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:19 PM)

AARP should only endorse a health care bill that includes congress, the president and all government workers under the same bill.

pab Herring, The Villages, Fl (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:19 PM)

WHAT is Obama doing to support HCR ?
Is he talking to Blue Dogs ?
Is he support the Public Option ?

WHY is he holding back ?

MSierra, SF (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:19 PM)

Gene/Jim: While you’re at it… WHY don’t you return those 'Socialized' Social Security checks you receive EVERY month and your Medicare card AS WELL???

Man up & walk the walk there boyz…
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:08 PM)

This nutjob forgets that I am only getting back what I have paid in Medicare taxes all of my working life. It is not a handout.

The geezer (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:20 PM)

Let the rants from the right begin in 3...2...1... on how the CBO isn't a credible agency (well it is only when it meats their needs) lol lol lol

Don't let the English language stand in the way of a good rant though...
Feisty Redhead Roselle, IL (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:33

There goes feisty showing off her counting skills again. In your next kindergarten class, exactly what knid of MEAT will they be serving for lunch

Spellchecker (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:22 PM)

Then why does he keep blaming Bush for everything?

The liar keeps lying

Are you blind, deaf, or dumb.
this is because of people like you that want to forget the last 8 years, at the same time blame the current administration for all our problems. No, the past administration dropped the ball, on so many things that are bitting us in the ass as we speak. untill people like you and other so called republican who talk about how fiscal responsible they are, and how great they are at foreign policy don't own up to the past, how can we look to the future.
i was just thinking about that great republican president ronald reagan, when unemployment was as high as it is now, he did nothen to help the little guy. our president is helping the little guy like it or not.
so like i have said before, untill people on this blog, stop this hatred for the president, we will never move foward. i don't like to bring up fact from the past, but when nuckle heads talk there tall crap, we, who have faith in our president will always bring up the past, and there is alot to bring up.
so if you want us to stop blaming Bush, stop blasting Obama.
I think that fair!!!!
as bad as thing were in 1932 i don't think roosevelt took as much heat as president Obama is taking Now.

Jeff Evanston IL. (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:31 PM)

This is such a conspiracy against the American people. The Republicans are right that this is a direction towards a socialist society. NOT! These jokers do not realize that this is a civilized approach to health care reform. When this bill passes, it will place the republican/conservative movement behind for serveral decades. Where was all this anger during the Bush era? You made less money, less health care, education is a mess, unemployment was rising, and lives being loss abroad. This boils down to pure hypocrisy between these unrealistic zealots to the right.

Harry M., Charlotte, NC (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:32 PM)

"If you are a cancer patient and have cancer now, you can't wait six months to go into a plan because your condition can go from bad to death," said Stephen Finan, a policy expert with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. He called the waiting

Looks like the libby plan is “to die quickly”

Alan Grayson (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:32 PM)

AARP, that's 40 million seniors telling the GOP, "you lie".

It really does suck being a republican.

Mark Foley(R) (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:34 PM)

Gene Hardman (66) Roswell NM (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 11:45 AM)

you make my point for me, thanks!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:38 PM)

amnesia or are you just not that bright? These are facts; Bush did all of those things. It took him 8 yrs, but the employment imploded as did the economy. We fought 2 wars without either one being in the budget. The majority of the deficit I hear you talk about now was Bushes’. The TARP Bailout was sent to Congress while Bush was in office and passed while Bush was in office. It took eight years of him doing nothing to leave a mess, not only here in the USA but the effects were felt around the world and you say you are tired of hearing it, why? We all lived it and are still in the nightmare. You were without a job before Obama came into the picture. 500,000, 750,000, or more jobs were lost monthly BEFORE Obama took office. For 8 years we went along with anything Mr. Rich Oil Man and his Butch VP wanted with no question. We weren't Patriots if we disagreed with the Bushmaster. No that his slimy ass is out of office and we have an intelligent being in the WH you want to blame him for every job that you loose. NOT!!!!!!!! The more intelligent people that listen to the real news and know how to search for truthful information know better. You gave the town idiot free reins for 8 yrs and I am going to give him credit for all the turmoil he caused and then I'm going to give my President time to hopefully pull us out of this ditch we have been steered into. Whew!!!!

Janet, Graham NC (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:39 PM)

Many more have signed up for AARP than have left. Thanks AARP I'm sure your actions will cause many more "forward-thinking" Americans to sign up.

mike stas, latrobe, pa (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:43 PM)

The geezer (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:20 PM) While that is 'theoretically' true, it isn't actually true. The first recipient of Medicare lived until she was about 94 and withdrew 2,000 times what she had paid in. It is socialized by those of us paying premiums now. I'll find you a link when I get a minute; but do continue with your simplistic view of the world.

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:43 PM)

This nutjob forgets that I am only getting back what I have paid in Medicare taxes all of my working life. It is not a handout.

The geezer (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:20 PM)

Bingo geezer, did a light bulb just go on in your head? HCR is not a handout, you'll only get back what you pay in premiums get it.

Mo (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:49 PM)

There goes feisty showing off her counting skills again. In your next kindergarten class, exactly what knid of MEAT will they be serving for lunch

Spellchecker (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:22 PM)

that's pretty good for someone who didn't make it through Kindergarten.

Mo (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:50 PM)

MSIERRA

Our ace in the hole. The acehole.

Republican Skills (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:52 PM)

Big disconnect here. A great majority of seniors oppose the plan, yet AARP endorses it. AARP must be getting something out of this because there is no doubt that they will lose thousands of members.

DG, Houston, TX (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 12:59 PM)

In considering AARP's motivations with regard to health care reform, does it help -- or hurt -- to know that AARP's Medicare supplement plan is provided by United Health Care?

You know, the outfit that pays its CEO $57,000 per hour.

And one of the insurance companies that is sure to benefit if a public option is adopted that requires low-income workers to purchase health insurance.

Anna Molly (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:00 PM)

DAVID ... WAKE UP, DUDE.

You stupid idiot. Really now.

Things were fine until the Kenya Socialist came in and rolled all you dopes up and sold you to those who would smoke you and flick you away like the simpletons you are.

The problem has been Obie and that's why we complain, dumba$$. Wake up before you find yourself following some gnu over a cliff.

Full Moon
Palomino
Pagan Baby ... and the rest.

The Chihuahua Gang (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:00 PM)

How many here have read either the house or senate bills? How many here have read a synopsis of the house and senate bills. How many here have read the CBO estimates of the house bill? (senate bill is not yet scored)

http://docs.house.gov/rules/health/111_ahcaa.pdf

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.1796:

Bing Censored? (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:00 PM)

Should read "AARP Leadership". Thae rank and file AARP'ers hate the bill. Also, the AARP membership has been reduced by half with people quitting becasue of the AARP's leadership ineptness.

Casey Steele (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:11 PM)

Forty million seniors who vote....hmmmm. That should send a clear message how this senior citizen advocasy group feels and how Congress should support the Dem. bill. How many more seniors are not members of AARP and also support the bill? I'll bet it is many millions more. AARP is a provider of supplimental insurance for senior citizens. An insurance company that goes along with the Democratic proposal. Little by little they will come around. Might as well get on the band wagon before it leaves town it might be too late once it's gone and you'll miss out or be hurt for not having gotten aboard.

eagle1776 (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:14 PM)

I take it the Republicians haven't read the bill they are writing .. it in no way lowers the monthly insurance rates.. nor does it cover pre-existing conditions. They are also bought and paid for by the insurance companys . We need a 3rd party next election
who shouldn't be allowed to take any donations from ANY BUSINESS PEOPLE and NO donations over 100 dollars for a total of 100,000.oo anything over that should go to a public fund so everyone can have insurance ..these crooks the sen/house need to be stopped in their tracks...we are being raked over the coals as these crooks get richer every year

AA PalmSprings Calif (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:26 PM)

A great majority of seniors oppose the plan, yet AARP endorses it. AARP must be getting something out of this because there is no doubt that they will lose thousands of members. - DJ

-----

Maybe they are really standing up for hte best interst of their members (some of who have been decieved by the FoxNews gunk) and know that in the end the truth will prevail and the members will be satisfied and more will join and some will return.

J. Richter (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:28 PM)

Also, the AARP membership has been reduced by half with people quitting becasue of the AARP's leadership ineptness. - Casey

--

Interpretation: I like my conservative thinking and how I fear everything and hate changes. I will now proceed to pluck some made up statistics from my rear orifice.

J. Richter (Sent Thursday, November 05, 2009 1:31 PM)

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