Long-term care in health care reform
Here is a story from the Wall Street Journal today that discusses the inclusion of a long-term care benefit in the House bill. It's a program that would pay cash to people who become disabled by way of premiums deducted from employee's paychecks - but of course, employees would have the option to opt out of the program. The provision is meant to help with the problem that not many people have long-term care insurance if they need home care or to be in a nursing home. Medicare does not include long-term care benefits.
AARP's John Rother is quoted in the article - he says the long-term care benefit would be "enough to pay for the kind of care most people need."
More Technology News...
We mentioned the article from the New York Times last week about seniors and technology, and on the Times' "Gadgetwise" blog, there was a follow up piece posted yesterday that caught even more technology options that seniors might find useful - including AARP's official cellular service provider, Consumer Cellular, which offers phones designed specifically for older folks - with features like bigger buttons and simpler displays.
Travel Much?
Ever wonder if travel insurance is something in which you should invest? Check out this story from the Chicago Tribune. It gives "seniors on the go" the low-down on the kinds of insurances that are available to them, and what is necessary for different types of trips. One big fact to note: Medicare doesn't cover you outside of the U.S.! Just something to keep in mind. Check out the article for more tips!
Comments
Wally Allison says:
What merits does AARP see in the current legislation for Health Care Reform? It is not possible to think you could support any of the current 5 proposed democrat pieces of legislation or any combined additional proposals.
While I support the need for reform, I do not want to change at increased cost, less services, and forced public option, which will run all private insuranbce out of business.
Virtually all company/industry proivate Retiree Insurance has forced thier retirees into Medicare. The same will happen with any public option.
Stop any and all support of current legislation, until you hear from a majority of your members.
11/04/09 8:02 PM
Anonymous says:
shades of solent green - enter and pick your favorite sences to slip away viewing - ho-rah
11/04/09 8:21 PM
Tom Norman says:
I head a news blurb this evening that tomorrow AARP is going to announce that they support the House Health Care Bill. Have they got their heads in the sand? If you try to find any information about health care on the AARP website, they refer you to their "myths" link, which reads like Speaker Pelosi wrote it.
I agree we need health care reform, but not the 1,900+ page plan the Democrats are trying to force on us. If it is so great, they need to include Congress and all federal employees in it too.
11/04/09 8:51 PM
Tom Norman says:
I head a news blurb this evening that tomorrow AARP is going to announce that they support the House Health Care Bill. Have they got their heads in the sand? If you try to find any information about health care on the AARP website, they refer you to their "myths" link, which reads like Speaker Pelosi wrote it.
I agree we need health care reform, but not the 1,900+ page plan the Democrats are trying to force on us. If it is so great, they need to include Congress and all federal employees in it too.
11/04/09 8:51 PM
Bruce Bodin says:
I strongly reject the AARP endorsement(?) of the health care bill? Are you serious? If you cannot side with the American people in this historical time, stand up against a government takeover of this industry then I will certainly not be able to join your lobby. I will however, promise to talk to as many people as I can in my community and in my travels for work. I will explain what AARP appears to stand for. Do you have any idea the rising frustration on the part of the electorate? You soon will, and won't it be nice that folks will link AARP along with others, to the names of Pelosi, Reid and Obama.
I will watch for the anouncement on Thursday, while I'm watching the millions of Americans show YOU their distain for this bill.
11/04/09 9:51 PM
s. chase says:
What is wrong with you people. Endorsing the health care joke now being debated in the House. This is not the first time you people have endorsed a program that will not only raise taxes but, also taking money from medicare and medicade to pay for it.
With the present administrations criminally reckless spending, this folly will destroy the economy even further, making everybodys, not only retirees, buying power shrink.
When I turned 50, I did join AARP but let my membership lapse when your organization endorsed another Congressional health care sham that would have never benefitted the people you are hired to represent.
This is why I haven't and will never renew my membership, and I applaud the 60000 members that have quit your organization, because it's apparent that you have no idea what the real world is like outside Washington.
11/04/09 11:01 PM
Patriot says:
I joined AARP several years ago because I was told it was an organization that supported and stood up for seniors. What I have found is an organization that supports a Socialistic president and a health reform bill that will eventually cost the taxpayers of this country trillions of dollars over the next 10 years or so. What a joke this organization has become. Get rid of your employees and dissolve this terrible facade. Even after top government official from England and Canada have told the public and other s that the gov. run health care does not work you still continue to support it! What a joke. What congressional commitee is buying you off? Stand up for the AMERICAN way and fight what is wrong.....
11/05/09 12:55 AM
Bill Holcombe says:
If you support the House or Senate version of healthcare reform, I'm terminating my membership in AARP! That is simple isn't it
11/05/09 7:11 AM
donald d. harkins says:
I Have complained before about AARP stating positions on public affairs without asurvey or inclusion of its members.
You have now endorsed the health care reform bill about to ve voted on Saturday without consulting me in any manner. You are not speaking for me. I terminate my membership.
11/06/09 1:05 PM
Jeff Matthews says:
I do not support the AARP's position on health care. The AARP is not representing its members rather it is supporting its insurance subsidiary. Shame on you!
I am terminating my membership as a result of your positions.
11/11/09 11:54 PM