MoveOn Up OnLine » AARP and Seniors

Does AARP phone survey truly represent WA State Seniors?

Sandy — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:22:58 +0000

A news release from the WA state AARP group, dated November 16, 2009, reports that members across party and ideological lines, support health care reform legislation.

How would you answer this survery? Can a conclusion from the survey results clearly show that AARP members support AARP’s stand on health care reform? You can determine for yourself by reading their survey: “AARP Washginton State Survey on the Health Care Reform in the House of Representatives”.

According to Jason Erskin, representative from WA state AARP, “membership in our state is approximately 935,000 and close to 48% of our senior population have AARP memberships:.

Mr. Erskin notes in the press release:

“AARP Washington surveyed its members from October 30 to November 8, 2009 on key health care reform provisions supported by AARP, as well as other contentious issues being discussed in the debate. The survey of 423 members is representative of AARP members in the state of Washington and has a margin of error of +/- 4.8%”.

The full text of the press release from Jason Erskin can be found on the AARP website http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPWA/journals/Survey_finds_Washington_s/2234602.

During a phone interview on November 25th, I asked Mr. Erskin if the selection of survey members were broken down by area. According to Erskin, telephone survey calls were not geographical but chosen by random selection. He stated that the results of the poll is representative of WA states AARP membership.

And now for the rest of the story …

The survery was conducted between Octoer 30th to November 8, 2009 with a total of 423 members surveyed. There is a margin of error of +/- 4.8%. With that in mind, according to the 2008 US Census http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/53000.html :

Total estimated population in Washington state is 6,549,224
Persons 65 years old and over, percent for 2008 represents 12.0% total population
12% is approximately 78,506 people over age 65

After the results of the AARP poll was published on November 16th, the latest Rasmussen poll from November 23rd was released. Rasmussen shows that amongst the nation’s senior citizens there has been a drop in support of health care reform. Stastics have shifted with 34% in favor of the health care plan and 60% opposed.

There is still a great deal of controversy between senior citizens on their support of the health care reform. If you would like to participate by expressing your opinions about these issues, consider joining the AARP Forums. You will find 36 discussion groups on Insurance and Medicare, you can find a listing of groups here: http://www.aarp.org/community/groups/searchGroups.bt?categoryId=35 . Categories range from Medicare Part D , Medicare for all, Against Government Health care, Medicare Advantage and Healthcare Myths.

Before you can join a group, you need to register in order to subscribe to newsletters, comment on articles or participate in any of the discussion groups.To register:https://login.aarp.org/community/loginform.bt

Washington State has their own section on the AARP web site. For more information on issues relative to WA state senior citizen, your can find the WA state page using this url: http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPWA

One Voice Together Can Make a Difference!

AARP – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Sandy — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 17:29:53 +0000

Has AARP been given an unfair advantage by the Federal Government to corner the Senior Citizens market? Is there a conflict of interest between being a Non-Profit and a For-Profit, while lobbying for Seniors and at the same time for their own financial gain?

I received an email on September 26th, 2009, from Organizing for America, a project of the Democrat National Committee. The first sentence really hit home and in my opinion, says it all:

In many ways, the fight for health insurance reform comes down to a battle over information.

From the lips of the Democrats … It’s all about information and who controls what information we receive!!!

This statement, which came the same week that Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. launched an investigation of Humana Inc., for sending information to their Medicare Advantage policy holders telling them of the potential negative consequences of Baucus bill. After Baucus demanded an investigation, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid sent a notice to all companies that sell private Medicare coverage saying at least one insurer was misleading those customers about the proposed legislation, it told the companies “to immediately discontinue all such mailings to beneficiaries and to remove any related materials directed to Medicare enrollees from your Web sites.”

Baucus was upset because Humana told the truth! Here in part is what Humana sent in their letter to seniors:

“If the proposed funding cut levels [in the current health care legislation] become law, millions of seniors and disabled individuals could lose many of the important benefits and services that make Medicare Advantage health plans so valuable.”

Is the President, Senate and Congress misleading us and withholding information? According to the Congressional Chief Budget Officer, the information Humana sent out was pretty accurate.

As reported at googlenews.com, in part:

“WASHINGTON — Congress’ chief budget officer is contradicting President Barack Obama’s oft-stated claim that seniors wouldn’t see their Medicare benefits cut under a health care overhaul.

“The head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, Douglas Elmendorf, told senators Tuesday that seniors in Medicare’s managed care plans would see reduced benefits under a bill in the Finance Committee.

“The bill would cut payments to the Medicare Advantage plans by more than $100 billion over 10 years.

“Elmendorf said the changes would reduce the extra benefits that would be made available to beneficiaries.

There appears to be a nice cozy relationship between Baucus and Mr. Blum … According to an article in the Wall Street Journal:

“Mr. Blum has also banned all Advantage contractors from telling their customers what Mr. Elmendorf has just told Congress. Mr. Blum happens to be a former senior aide to Mr. Baucus and a health adviser on the Obama transition team.”

Not only do we have the head of the Congressional Budget Office confirming the truth in Humama’s mailing, others are speaking out:

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich told Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren “that the cuts to Medicare Advantage, senior citizens would lose over 50 percent of their added value on Medicare under the Baucus plan.”

Why can AARP Talk and Humana is Gagged?

Cayenne — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:00:29 +0000

AARP is like a parrot for the government with ALL of the information they are presenting. Let me ask you, why are they allowed to give any information to Seniors? Why? Because we should have all the information but Humana and now the rest of the insurance industry (which is what AARP has become as well, an insurance company) have been put under a “Gag Order” by Max Baucus. You tell me why those companies that agree with Health Care Reform can write whatever they want but those that disagree are gagged? Another right being toss aside huh? Freedom of speech works both ways or nobody is free.

You will be able to keep your own doctor is another good one. How long do you wait now to get an appointment and wait to be seen? And now add another FIFTY MILLION patients and you believe the doctor is still going to see you all? Do you really believe that? Ask your doctor because I did mine and all three said”what a joke”!

Obama says from the left side of his mouth “illegals will not be giving health care” but does say from the other side of his mouth “illegal aliens” will be able to get health care? So those from Earth won’t get it if they are illegal but those from other what “Planets”will?

Your rights of choice are being torn from you and you allow yourself to be raped by those you are giving power to do so and others like me (and don’t assume I am Republican, right, left, liberal, conservative, etc.) will fight with every fiber of my being to stop that and I just do not understand why others blindly walk behind and don’t stand up for themselves?

Why if this is such a great plan has not one single Democrat signed the House Bill Introduced by the OK and LA Representatives ( Both of which are MD’s) commenting Government as well as the rest of us, to sign up for the same Health Care Plan, but not one, Zero, Zip, have put their name on it so you tell me why you would and why I should?

How will it bankrupt the country if it isn’t done RIGHT NOW? But it won’t bankrupt the country if it is done! It has been debated for a number of presidential terms and THE PEOPLE DON’T WANT IT BY CHOICE AND THEY DON’T WANT IT BY FORCED ON THEM EITHER.

How the bvottom line of Medicare, Medicare, SSI, Amtrak, USPS, etc,? Everything the government tries to “take care of” is breaking this country’s wallet and continues to make more cripples of those people that continue to want a free fish but not bother to learn how to fish. We are not making a way for those that can’t afford it be able to afford it, we are making is possible for more and more to pay more for less, so those with less get more! And that sounds like socialism, communism where a government has all the control and that’s nothing that I want for my country.

I will agree 1000% we must provide a way for those that are not able to care for their own needs not be forced to go without but to force the millions that do have a system that works for them (and most of them have it because they work) to change, is wrong. I don’t think that those that have made the choice to be a drug addict, a drunk, a criminal in prison, staggeringly obese, and others that care so little about themselves that they now can’t work and care for themselves but the rest of those that have not turned in this direction will have to carry that burden.

There are mentally ill people that live on the streets and CAN’T change their situation that can not get the help they need because we are paying for career criminals complete medical and dental work! Treating them for sexual transitioning, organ transplants for lifers! These things are true and are crazy but when it is “universal” how much larger will it be? If it is available to criminals now, how will it not be available to very person that wants it?

More on MUST READ from AARP

Sandy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:35:10 +0000

AARP FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.

Our staff has read all of the legislation circulating in Congress and there are no provisions in these bills that would ration care for our members. None. If any ever did, we would vigorously fight to stop that legislation.²

Does this make sense? The government keeps telling us that social security and medicare are going broke, the President says he is going to cut 400 billion from Medicare and in just a couple more years baby boomers will be hitting the medicare system. So, with medicare having less money, more people on medicare and the Congressional Budget Office says that the current medicare system is not sustainable … does there need to be a mandate? If they run out of money and it becomes an “emergency” …. then somebody is going to be making decisions about what health care seniors are going to have available to them.

AARP FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.

The rumors out there are flat out lies. Right now Medicare does not cover counseling for end-of-life care. The portion of the bill in question would simply provide coverage for optional end-of-life consultations with doctors, so that the patient can be aware of all of the treatment options on the table. It is not mandatory and it has nothing to do with euthanasia.³

OF course there is no legislation promoting euthanasia … however in this state (Washington) we did pass the right to die law. Perhaps in 10 years when I hit 75 and oh, lets say maybe I break a hip … and medicare has limited funds, if any, is there going to be a government appointed panel (oh yea, Obama is already working on that panel) that will decide if it’s cost effect to repair an old ladies hip? Well, I would have my dog put down so if the government decided that it wasn’t cost effective and I had the choice to just live with a broken hip or be put to sleep … guess which one I would choose? And in this state, it would be my choice not the government telling me I had to choose euthanasia. However, it would be nice if the government would at least pay for it!

AARP FACT #4: We have not endorsed President Obama’s plan.

In fact, we haven’t endorsed any plan. We are supporting reform of our health care system, something that AARP has pushed for many years. We’re working closely with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to lower health care costs and to ensure quality affordable coverage for older Americans – and we want reform legislation passed and signed by the president this year.⁴

Why then do I keep getting emails and automated phone calls from AARP asking me to call/write/fax my Rep to ask them to pass the health care reform bill? Again, people keep asking WHAT’S THE HURRY? We do need health care reform, but why does AARP and the Politicians insist that he has to be done this year? Personally, I would like to see them FIRST fix medicare, medicaid and Veterans health care before they completely redo our entire health care system. They can’t even fix what we already have, why should I trust them to create even more health care programs?

This is pretty complicated and once done very difficult to undo! I also think I have a very legitimate concern since the House and Senate have been passing bills this year without reading them. Now that is truly scary!!! I tell my kids, never sign anything until you have completely read and understand what you are signing, should I expect less of the government who’s decisions will affect the lives of those I love?

“Debunked: Health Reform Means Rationed Care For Seniors,” AARP, August 4, 2009 http://blog.aarp.org/shaarpsession/2009/08/debunked_health_reform_means_r.html
“AARP Responds to Health Reform Scare Tactics,” AARP, July 24, 2009 http://www.aarp.org/aarp/presscenter/pressrelease/articles/mccaughey_statement.html
“Obama Vows No Cuts To Medicare Benefits,” AARP, July 29, 2009 http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/
obama_fields_tough_questions_on_health_care_reforms_at_aarp_tele_town_hall.html

Aug 5th email from AARP

Sandy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 04:09:53 +0000

From AARP email:

“Hi,

My inbox has been flooded with emails spreading crazy rumors about health reform so I wanted to share some facts from AARP about what’s really going on. Please join me in forwarding these facts to everyone you know. Print them out and pass them around at your social gatherings and other places where people are discussing the issues of the day.”

(According to AARP) FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.

Your services will not be ended, nor will your benefits be cut. AARP’s position on this could not be clearer. And we have sent this message loud and clear to Congress. While the current proposals include savings in Medicare by cutting out fraud, abuse, waste, and inefficiency, we’re standing up and making sure benefits for Medicare recipients are not only fully protected, but are improved.¹

How about a little common sense question about this statement. President Obama said they would be cutting about 4 BILLION dollars from Medicare. BUT we are supposed to believe not only will we receive the same level of care but it will also be improved? And for those of you that are not old enough to be on Medicare, perhaps you don’t realize that Medicare is already broken!

In the State of Washington – My family Doctor explained to me that a few years ago their practice (9 Doctors) were within 3 months of going bankrupt. The reason was because it was costing them $20 out of pocket, for each medicare visit. They had no choice other than to stop accepting Medicare patients, and existing patients were not grandfathered in. He told me that I could get a good Dr. at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center. So, how could they afford to take medicare patients when it was driving my Dr. out of business?

Well, here is where I had a real learning experience and I wonder how many people are aware of this. The Dr’s. that are with these groups are affiliated with the hospital, and it is a public hospital. The Dr’s. receive $120,000 a year stipence for taking medicare patients and that money comes from the taxpayers. My family practice Dr. is a private practice and recieves no such compensation from the government. He has no additional income to off set the expense of taking medicare payments.

Most people know about the Congressional Budget Office, bipartician. Lets assume they cut medicare by 400 billion dollars, and we already know that Dr’s. in private practice can no longer afford to take medicare patients … but we have the groups affiliated with public hospitals that recieve the $120,000 from taxpayers … what happens if they no longer receive that extra income? What Dr’s are left that can afford to run a practice and take medicare payments. Well, check the Congressional Budget Office Directors Blog, titled: Approaches for Giving the President Broad Authority to Change Medicare

You might also watch this Video: Obama Explains How His Health Care Plan Will ‘Eliminate’ Private Insurance

“AARP to Congress: Don’t Make Medicare More Expensive,” AARP, July 30, 2009 http://www.aarp.org/aarp/presscenter/pressrelease/articles/rand_medicare_statement.html

Does AARP Really Represent Seniors?

Sandy — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 02:46:19 +0000

AARP insists that they do not endorse any politician or the health care reform bill, yet I have been getting emails and automated phone calls from them. The automated call told me to call my Congressman and encourage him to vote for the health care reform, that the benefits to the senior citizens were:

1) Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole

2) Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions

That’s it … that was all they could point out as benefits to seniors.

August 5th, I received email from Barry Jackson, AARP and the subject line read ” MUST READ: Don’t believe them” … there are 2 parts to this email. Actually, I think this email is probably what people refer to when they say “Talking Points” ... The first part of the message is basically telling me that there are rumors, false allegations, fear-mongering and special interest groups twisting the truth to stop health reform.

So, he is going to tell me the TRUTH! Then there is the second part of the email, he asks you to post his truth on Twitter, facebook and send on to your friends. OH … but before you send the message you are asked to :

******Delete the text above and forward this message to friends and family ******

And once you delete that above information the message you are to forward starts out with “HI” as if it were coming directly from me. I’m going to address their “Fact” points in seperate posts.