News RoundupsMcClatchy: Senate vote on stimulus delayed; battle looms “These older Americans spend 92 percent of their income — a greater proportionate share of income than all other adults. This spending pattern strongly suggests that rebates for these individuals will be spent entirely and quickly, helping to provide an immediate boost to the economy,” Bill Novelli, the AARP’s chief executive officer, wrote in a letter Thursday to all senators. CNN: Caring for Mom and Dad from afar So what do you …

News RoundupsWashington Post: Showdown Nears on Stimulus Bill After the Finance Committee vote, AARP launched a lobbying push to win passage of the Senate version. Advocates of the Senate bill said House-Senate talks should take a few days. Wall Street Journal: Senate Stimulus Plan Heads for Floor Showdown Of all the differences between the plans, Senate Democrats appear most attached to the rebates for older people, and they could have leverage in talks with the House, amid a grass-roots campaign by …

News RoundupsPolitico: Medicare revamp revived Still at the crux of the debate are efforts by the American Medical Association and AARP to raise Medicare reimbursement rates for doctors by supporting cuts to private Medicare Advantage plans. Wall Street Journal: Employers Explore Health-Care Options Other small and medium-size employers are also providing stipends to workers who buy their own coverage through similar defined contribution programs. Associated Press: House approves economic recovery plan The House, seizing a rare moment of bipartisanship to respond …

News RoundupsMarketwatch: Senate stimulus bill would include seniors, jobless The AARP applauded the inclusion of 20 million senior citizens who live on Social Security. “In addition to tax rebates, the Baucus stimulus proposal would help approximately 20 million older Americans who primarily depend on Social Security for retirement income,” said Bill Novelli, CEO for the group, which represents retired Americans. Wall Street Journal: Baucus Stimulus Plan May Spur Conflict The AARP, an advocacy group for retired people, has pushed for the …

News RoundupsAssociated Press: Senate Democrats ponders adding retirees to rebate plan, extending jobless benefits But it would leave out about 20 million senior citizens living chiefly on Social Security. They wouldn’t get rebate checks unless they have at least $3,000 earned income or pay income taxes based on other sources such as earnings, interest, investments or private pension plans. “Less than half of all Americans 65 and older would get it,” said AARP spokesman Jim Dau. Chicago Tribune: Seniors tapping homes …

News RoundupsWall Street Journal: Tempering Health-Care Goals Democrats backing universal health care long favored a single-payer system, with government replacing insurance companies and covering everyone. More recently, most have advocated a more modest — and politically feasible — system that provides universal coverage by building on the employer-based system. Los Angeles Times: Saving becomes a campaign issue A dawning reality that millions of workers face an income squeeze when they retire has elevated building a nest egg to the national political …