AARP West Virginia endorses House health bill

Alison Knezevich

Nov. 6, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- AARP West Virginia joined its national organization Thursday in backing the health-care overhaul proposal that is pending in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The seniors group believes the bill will end insurer discrimination based on age and pre-existing conditions, help older Americans afford prescription drugs, and protect Medicare, said AARP senior state director Gaylene Miller.

"By far and away, the Affordable Health Care for America Act meets those priorities," Miller said at news conference at the group's Charleston offices.

The state organization announced its endorsement as AARP held a news conference in Washington, D.C., where CEO Barry Rand said the sweeping measure would ensure that access to health care "will never again be based on your luck or your wealth."

The bill, which would cover 96 percent of Americans, could be voted on as soon as Saturday. Democratic House leaders said Thursday they believe they have the 218 votes needed for passage.

AARP West Virginia plans to encourage its 300,000 members to contact members of Congress to support the bill and pass a final health-care overhaul by the end of the year.

The organization has traveled the state to speak with seniors about their biggest health-care worries, which include drug costs and coverage for those who aren't old enough to qualify for Medicare, Miller said.

Several AARP members joined the Charleston news conference to talk about their personal health care battles.

Jackie Henry, 69, of Charleston, said she tried to save money last year by taking only one puff daily of her inhaler -- instead of the two her doctor had prescribed.

"I ended up in the hospital," Henry said. "My lungs were hemorrhaging."

Her husband had retired as a salesman, she said. But medical bills from a heart problem have sent him back to work at age 73, this time as a bus driver.

Another AARP member, Pam Lowry, said she hasn't visited a doctor or taken medicine for two years. The 60-year-old retired secretary has multiple health problems and couldn't afford insurance on her $1,700 monthly pension. The plans she saw cost $850 to $1,200 a month.

About 52,000 West Virginians between the ages of 50 and 64 are uninsured, Miller added. Half are working and still don't have access to insurance.

Critics of the House bill have pointed to Medicare spending cuts, which would lower payments to providers and trim Medicare Advantage, the program where private companies run Medicare-approved plans.

But supporters say the plan would strengthen the program by ending Medicare Advantage overpayments, reducing waste and inefficiency and fighting fraud.

The bill also would let the government negotiate with drug companies to lower prescription prices, and help close the Medicare Part D prescription coverage gap known as the "donut hole".

It also would require Medicare and insurance companies to provide preventive services such as free screenings for diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis.

AARP's backing was not the only major endorsement the House bill won Thursday. The American Medical Association also offered its support, though AMA president Dr. James Rohack said the legislation is not perfect. He said it's critical that Congress also pass another bill that would prevent a 20 percent cut in fees to doctors.

AARP also supports that legislation.

President Obama said he was "extraordinarily pleased and grateful" for the endorsements.

Across the country, AARP members who disagree with AARP's stance on health reform have reportedly canceled their memberships.

Miller said AARP West Virginia has had "ups and downs in memberships" based on health-care issues in general.

"We've had some losses and some gains," she said after the news conference. "We haven't seen anything directly as a result of the endorsement."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Reach Alison Knezevich at alisonk@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1240.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0226-39503092