Supporters of health care reform at a vigil in New York. Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images

For months, it’s been a full-court press by AARP to get the facts about health care reform out to the public and work with Congress.

A packed schedule included 200 visits by volunteers to congressional offices, 60 tele-town hall meetings, 60 community events, 30 traditional town halls with members of Congress, a national ad campaign and 8.7 million pieces of mail sent post-Labor Day about health care and Medicare.

Most of the AARP forums were quiet, bipartisan events. In Penn Hills, Pa., for example, some 60 seniors posed questions to their three congressmen—Democratic Reps. Jason Altmire and Mike Doyle and Republican Tim Murphy.

AARP supports legislation reflecting its priorities: no denial of insurance based on age or preexisting condition; protection of Medicare; curbing insurance charges; ensuring no one comes between you and your doctor; and eliminating waste.

“AARP’s stand for judging any health care reform legislation is simple,” National Board Chair Bonnie Cramer said at a town hall with Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus, D-Mont. “Will this legislation improve health care? Will it provide peace of mind for our members and their families?” Get involved. Go to Health Action Now.