What’s at Stake If We Do Nothing

AARP is already preparing for the upcoming debate on reforming the nation’s health care system. Even before President-elect Obama and a new Democratic Congress take office, details of competing health care reform plans from Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont.; Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass.; and Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif., are being revised and refined. And that’s before Obama previews his own plans.

AARP has prepared the backdrop for this ongoing debate with a new publication and discussion guide, “The Costs of Doing Nothing: What’s at Stake Without Health Care Reform.” “Doing nothing has a cost—both in terms of people’s pocketbooks and in their health and financial security,” said Sarah Thomas, director of AARP Public Policy Institute’s health team, which prepared the report. 

The report is designed to help stimulate a national discussion of problems and trends facing the health care system and to point toward possible solutions. Among the trends highlighted is the average total yearly premium paid for family coverage, which has grown from $6,438 to $12,680 since 2000. The publication also presents the parallel challenges facing small businesses: Premiums are too high, firms are too small. The booklet is being distributed to state AARP offices this month and is also available on AARP’s website.