Democrats hit AARP ties to insurers, GOP

AP | 11/20/03 | MARK SHERMAN

[kattracks]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats stung by AARP's endorsement of a GOP-backed Medicare prescription drug bill are lashing out at their longtime ally, claiming the seniors' group is too closely tied to the insurance industry, and more to the point, Republicans.

AARP said this week it would throw the support of its 35 million members behind what it called "not a perfect bill, but a good first step" in giving seniors insurance for their prescription drugs. It is running a massive television ad campaign to that effect in dozens of cities.

Familiar with AARP's clout, Democrats had been trying to forestall an endorsement, which would give a boost to President Bush and Republican lawmakers. When they failed Monday, they reacted with anger that showed no signs of abating two days later.

At a rally Wednesday with seniors to oppose the legislation, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi noted that AARP chief executive William Novelli wrote the preface to a recent book on health care by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga.

"AARP's leadership has been in the pocket not only of the Republican leadership in the House, but they helped write Newt Gingrich's book on how to destroy Medicare," Pelosi said.

Pelosi and Senate Democratic leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota expressed their criticism in a letter to Novelli. They asked him "to dispel any perception of a possible conflict of interest" over AARP's relationship with insurers, who would be allowed to compete for Medicare business under the pending legislation, and other companies that market to AARP members health and life insurance policies and mail-order pharmacy service.

Royalties from such arrangements — including deals with United HealthCare Insurance Co., Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. and Advance PCS pharmacy benefit manager — accounted for more than a third of AARP's $636 million in revenues last year, according AARP's 2002 annual report.

Spokesman Steve Hahn denied any conflict, noting that the mail-order pharmacy business probably would suffer if many AARP members were to opt instead for a drug benefit under Medicare.

Eighty-five Democrats over the age of 50 told Novelli in another letter that those who were AARP members were quitting and those who didn't belong would never join.

Outside of AARP headquarters on Wednesday, a couple dozen people gathered to cut their membership cards in protest of the organization's endorsement of the Medicare plan.

"I'm here to let AARP know that we want them to reconsider, to change some of the things that they've settled for," said Gloria Chestnut, 62, who rode with other senior citizens on a bus from New York City.

Six of the nine Democratic presidential candidates this week criticized AARP for supporting the bill, saying it was a giveaway to private insurers that will undermine the federal health program for the elderly.

Some Republicans chuckled at the reversal of roles, recalling that Democrats only recently held AARP in the highest esteem. "Democrats have been down the street burning their AARP cards this afternoon," Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., said. "A month ago, I was told by my colleagues on the other side that AARP was the gold standard of senior lobbying organizations."

GOP leaders tentatively set a vote for Friday on the bill, the product of months of negotiations among House and Senate Republicans, the Bush administration and Democratic Sens. John Breaux of Louisiana and Max Baucus of Montana.

But Pelosi said Democratic opposition to the bill was "a party position," signaling an aggressive effort to unite the rank and file, scuttle the bill and claim credit with voters.

Told by congressional budget experts that the bill would cost less than the $400 billion Republicans have allocated, officials reviewed steps to make the drug plan more attractive and said the leading option would reduce the projected deductible from $275 to $250.

The legislation would make the most far-reaching changes in Medicare since the federal health care insurance program for the elderly and disabled was created in 1965. It would add a prescription drug benefit, with federal subsidies for lower-income beneficiaries. In addition, it would encourage private companies to create new preferred provider organizations, in hopes that seniors would select them over the traditional health care system they have known.

Supporters argue the private plans will deliver better health care more cheaply, curtailing the cost of Medicare over time. Critics worry that the legislation will begin to undermine the foundation of Medicare — a standard benefit at a uniform price.

[McGavin999]

They turned on the Jews, they're not turning on the seniors, who will they turn on next?

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Oh I love it.

The Democrats go after the AARP. I don't know who to cheer for.

[jazzlite]

They support "gay" marriage and now, they are against the well-being of seniors. They are strictly about self-centeredness and personal power. What happens to the common people out here is not their concern. They want words but no action. Their declarations of morality are a mirage. They do not like President Bush or conservatives because they actually do what they say they will do. Actions speak louder than words and the Democrats do not like those who back up words with actions with a willingness to take responsibility for the same. They also seem to support the judicial branch making our laws which is the responsibility and the duty of our legislative branch. These ideas are my opinion and are the reason I left the Democratic party.

[shteebo]

Critics worry that the legislation will begin to undermine the foundation of Medicare — a standard benefit at a uniform price.

Who cares if its "standard" and "uniform"? We want efficient and effective. Bring on the competition.

[mass55th]

The Dems are so transparent in their opposition. It isn't that the Bill is bad, it's the fact that it's the GOP's Bill. Had the Dems introduced it, they'd be bragging about it.

[NoControllingLegalAuthority]

I find myself cheering against the passage of this socialist monster. The bill is a back-breaking expense for future generations. It will contribute to our country spending most of its GDP to keep older people medicated and in the doctors' offices while the young are flat broke from the tax burden of it.

The GOP has become an embarrassment to those of us wanting to SHRINK government.

[dawn53]

Eighty-five Democrats over the age of 50 told Novelli in another letter that those who were AARP members were quitting and those who didn't belong would never join

Wow, I've got something in common with the Democratic legislators.

[areafiftyone]

When the AARP endorsed this bill, the DUers and democreeps flooded the AARP website forum and wrote their congressmen. Apparently they would let their seniors suffer for political purposes. Sickening! But I have seen the AARP commercial supporting the Bill and its playing every day on tv.

[putupon]

they are against the well-being of seniors.

The 'Rats are just POed that Dubya and RINOs have plagarized the HillaryCare Socialized Medicine Manual and had enough sense to bring it in incrementally.

There will be a snowball effect after this happens. Everyone else will be demanding the someone else pay for their pills too,and after that, all other aspects of medical care.

The U.S. will have downgraded it's health care system to the level of Canada's by the end of Comrade Bush's second term.

Just hope you can make it through the 6-14 month waiting period for that bypass operation.

The kind of government that is strong enough to give you everything
you need is also strong enough to take away everything that you have.
— President Ronald Reagan (1911-

[Parawan]

You don't suppose the soaring cost of health care, since 1965, has anything to do with government interference with the market? Not only will the taxburden on our children be backbreaking but the cost of first class care will be so expensive that most citizens will relegated to shoddy second class care at clinics. But if perscription drugs are free everybody may be so sedated they don't notice or care.

IMHO we need a safety net, not a tent.

[gulfcoast6]

The democracts are like a pet rattlesnake, turn on you in a minute.

[CheneyChick]

But I have seen the AARP commercial supporting the Bill and its playing every day on tv.

Yep - that is a pretty good ad.

[af_vet_1981]

Democrats stung by AARP's endorsement of a GOP-backed Medicare prescription drug bill are lashing out at their longtime ally, claiming the seniors' group is too closely tied to the insurance industry, and more to the point, Republicans.

I know they are sometimes referred to as the stupid party but really, how stupid can they be ?

I find it incredible they would seek to inflame the AARP at any time and this is before a presidential election ...

[autoresponder]

Changing Partners?

dim/libs against black and hispanic judges



Now dim/libs against the seasoned citizens

What a gay party they have!

[putupon]

Yep - that is a pretty good ad.

Except that all those gezzers in it that want me to pay for their pills look healthy and leading a life of leisure in better houses than mine.

[vollmond]

But I have seen the AARP commercial supporting the Bill and its playing every day on tv.

I saw it last night during the West Wing. Ironic, don't ya think?

[CheneyChick]

So, you'd rather see an ad where they are hooked up to oxygen tanks and living in the slums? Wouldn't that communicate manipulative message?

[William McKinley]

Disagree. This bill introduces the concepts of 'competition' and 'choices' into the socialist Medicare monster. The short term costs are overwhelmed by the fact that the competitive trials in the bill will prove so successful that the Democrats won't be able to prevent more competition from being introduced in the future.

The Democrats realize this, which is why they are apoplectic about it.

[putupon]

I don't care what kind of propoganda they run, I was just just trying to point out the irony that people in good health, with more money than me, who don't have to go to work every day, and got to collect their Social Security 2 1/2 years earlier than I will (so far), want the government to force me to pay for their pills.

I have no problem buying pills for people with no money and in poor health (which I already do).

Socialized medicine has been a bad idea everywhere it's been tried, I haven't a clue why the RepublicRATs want to go down that road, especially after fighting the 'Beast's attempt at it was cause for the Republican Revolution.