Idaho's U.S. Representatives oppose HR 3962: AARP disappointed

The following is a statement by Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho:

This past Saturday, with the U.S. House passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3662) a significant stride was made towards tackling the health care woes facing people across the nation. In Idaho, hundreds of thousands of people struggle everyday as home values sink, savings dwindle, and health care costs continue to soar, yet this critical issue moved forward without the support of Representatives Minnick and Simpson.

AARP is disappointed Idaho's U.S. Representatives chose to oppose the legislation, ignoring the worsening health care crisis in their home state.

Idaho's unemployment rate continues to increase; people are losing their jobs and their health care. State part time employees are bracing for insurance increases estimated to be as great as ten times what they currently pay, while our State retirees are being forced to join Medicare as the promise of their health care has turned empty.

Currently, 88% of Idaho's 221,000 uninsured have jobs, but many can't afford the health care they need. Nearly 400,000 state residents spend over 10% of their household income on health care costs, roughly 100,000 spend upwards of a quarter of their income. Health insurance premiums are on track to double in the next few years which would devastate households and families across Idaho.

Couple this with the continual budget slashes to the programs and services that provided health care in the community to those in need, and it spells disaster for an ever increasing number of Idahoans.

This is a problem Idaho's members of Congress can no longer ignore. It's time for health care reform - AARP is urging our Congressional delegation to do what's right for the people of this state, set aside politics, and pass meaningful health care reform that provides relief for Idaho residents buckling under health care costs.

AARP sent the following letters to Representatives Minnick and Simpson:

Dear Representative,

AARP is disappointed that you did not vote for HR 3962. As you know, AARP endorsed the Affordable Health Care for American Act (HR 3962) and considered it to be a "key vote" which -- because of its great importance - we will highlight to our membership.

Since the latest debate over comprehensive health care reform began more than two years ago, AARP has been working to protect Medicare for seniors and future generations, and working for stable, affordable health care options for all Americans.

AARP believes the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) brings us one step closer to a stronger Medicare by making prescription drugs more affordable, adding free preventive benefits, boosting payments for primary care doctors and nurses, and cracking down on waste and fraud.

For all Americans - including our younger members who often struggle to find affordable insurance (an estimated 32,000 in Idaho between age 50 and 64 are uninsured and another 38,000 people in that age group buy coverage in the individual market) - the House plan makes coverage more affordable by strictly limiting how much more insurance companies can charge based on age. Americans will also no longer be denied coverage because of their health histories or discriminated against because of gender, and those who cannot afford insurance will receive help to purchase affordable coverage.

However, we know the debate isn't over. We want to continue to work with you and other members of the House and Senate to ensure any final health care reform bill meets the needs and priorities of older Americans.

Sincerely,

Peggy Munson, AARP State President

James E. Wordelman, AARP State Director