For over 50 years, AARP has been committed to improving the quality of life for all Americans as we age. Access to affordable health care is an integral part of this equation.
For the last two years, we have been working with members of both parties in Congress for health-care reform that gives quality, stable and affordable health-care options for all Americans, and protects Medicare for adults over 65 and for future generations.
After careful study of the House's Affordable Health Care for America Act and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, AARP believes that they meet our priorities for protecting Medicare and stopping insurance companies from denying people affordable coverage because of their age.
The House plan makes prescription drugs more affordable by closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the 'doughnut hole' -- a top priority for more than 45 million Americans in Medicare, including 1.5 million Illinoisans.
The bill also adds preventive benefits like free cancer screenings; cracks down on waste and fraud; protects traditional benefits Medicare recipients rely on, and ensures seniors get access to the doctor of their choice.
The legislation also makes coverage more affordable for millions of Americans ages 50 to 64 who struggle to find insurance. This includes 2.2 million Illinoisans in that age group who are uninsured.
The House plan ensures Americans will no longer be treated unfairly or denied coverage because of age, health history or gender. And it begins updating our nation's outdated system of long-term care, by creating a voluntary insurance program aimed at helping people prepare for their long-term care needs and age independently and with dignity in their own homes.
AARP is proud to endorse H.R. 3962 and H.R. 3961. We urge members of the House to pass this critical plan this year and finally fix our broken health-care system.
Bob Gallo is senior state director of the Illinois AARP.
