AARP isn't after financial gain
A job-seeker (top) hands his resume to Candice Perkins, a representatvie of Workforce1, at an AARP-sponsored event in January aimed at older unemployed people. Credit: GETTY IMAGES/Chris Hondros
A recent story, "GOP questions AARP role" [News, March 31], is based on a report by three members of Congress, offers a slanted picture of AARP and ignores the real reasons for our advocacy.
AARP has engaged in difficult policy battles since our founding 53 years ago, and we've received praise and criticism from both ends of the political spectrum throughout. We supported the health care law because it strengthens Medicare for the long term, closes the dreaded prescription drug doughnut hole and offers our younger members new options to get affordable health insurance.
We consistently champion policies opposed by insurance companies and which, using the report's logic, would reduce our own bottom line, whether it's limiting what insurers can charge based on a person's age, creating a new voluntary long-term care insurance program or paying private Medicare Advantage plans based on the quality of their care.
We fought for these policies for decades because they will improve health care for older Americans, and we would give up our revenue to ensure every American has the health and financial security he or she needs.
Lee Hammond
Washington
Editor's note: The writer is president of AARP.
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