Urges Congressmen Minnick and Simpson to Vote in Favor of the Bill & Help Tackle the State's Growing Health Care Crisis
Hundreds of thousands of Idahoans unable to afford health care or struggling to pay soaring health care costs are watching Congress and hoping for relief. With a final showdown looming on health insurance reform legislation in Washington, D.C., AARP announced this morning it will back the bill containing key reform provisions, improving health care for older Americans and their families. AARP is urging Congressmen Walt Minnick and Mike Simpson to support the bill and help deliver relief to Idahoans.
"Too many Idahoans are forced to go without health insurance or prescription drugs because they are simply too expensive; this legislation brings us closer to helping them get quality, affordable health care," said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho. "AARP is calling on Congressmen Minnick and Simpson to vote in favor of this bill and address Idaho's worsening health care crisis."
Idaho's health care crisis by Congressional District:
Rep. Minnick (District 1): 138,000 uninsured constituents; 11,600 older residents hit the Medicare Part D coverage gap ('doughnut hole'); many had to pay 100% of the cost for their prescription drugs and were forced to stop taking them due to cost; 1,500 health care related bankruptcies; and $95 million in uncompensated health care provided to people who lacked health insurance or couldn't afford to pay for it.
Rep. Simpson (District 2): 126,000 uninsured constituents; 9,400 older residents hit the Medicare 'doughnut hole'; 1,100 health care related bankruptcies; and $198 million in uncompensated care.
Idaho's statewide health care crisis: