The Year of Healthcare Reform

Tihisha Rawlins

President Obama, Congressional leaders and every major national health advocacy group are all saying this is the year that something is going to happen on national health care. While details are not fully agreed upon, there does seem to be growing consensus that our health care system costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and gives us back too little value for our money. Congress and the White House are talking about ways to reform the system. Do you know what's being proposed? 

On behalf of our 491,841 members, AARP Kentucky is working to educate our members and the general public about the debates going on in Washington. We believe Congress must pass health care reform that provides all Americans with affordable health care choices.

We believe any health care reform bill must address the following six priorities:

1. Guaranteeing access to affordable coverage for Americans age 50 to 64
   
   
2. Closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap or "doughnut hole"
   
   
3. Approving generic versions of biologic drugs used to treat cancer and other serious diseases to reduce the price of these costly treatments
   
   
4. Preventing costly hospital readmissions by creating a follow-up care benefit in Medicare to help people safely transition home after a hospital stay
   
   
5. Increasing federal funding and eligibility for home- and community-based services through Medicaid so older Americans can remain in their homes and avoid more costly institutions as they age
   
   
6. Improving programs that help low-income Americans in Medicare afford the health care and prescription drugs they need.

To find out more about the health care discussion or to schedule a speaker for your group, contact AARP Kentucky at (866) 295-7275.