R. Livingston: Politicians must listen

On July 29, the Sun Journal printed a guest column by Don Berry, president of the Maine Alliance for Retired Americans. Titled "Medicare, Medicaid funding at risk," the column made the point that cutting either or both Medicare or Medicaid would have dire consequences for those who rely upon these programs, both now and in the future.

AARP agrees. With more than 267,000 Medicare beneficiaries and almost 300,000 Social Security beneficiaries in Maine alone, politicians must begin to listen to their constituents.

That's why AARP has launched "You've Earned a Say" — a national conversation focused on strengthening health and retirement security so today’s seniors and future generations receive the benefits they have earned. AARP is hosting local town halls, debates and informational forums throughout Maine and across the nation. In Maine, AARP has already engaged more than 20,000 residents in the discussion.

Don't let Washington decide the future of these programs without hearing from all of us.

Rich Livingston, Auburn

Member, AARP of Maine executive council

In order to make comments, you must verify your account.

In order to comment on SunJournal.com, you must use your real name and include the town in which you live in your profile. A member of our staff will call you to verify this information. To join in, fill out your user profile completely and check the box "please verify my status." We'll get back to you within one business day to verify your account.

Login or create an account here.

Our policy prohibits comments that are:

  • Defamatory, abusive, obscene, racist, or otherwise hateful
  • Excessively foul and/or vulgar
  • Inappropriately sexual
  • Baseless personal attacks or otherwise threatening
  • Contain illegal material, or material that infringes on the rights of others
  • Commercial postings attempting to sell a product/item
If you violate this policy, your comment will be removed and your account may be banned.

Advertisement

Comments

Frostproof's picture
verified

AARP can make even more money ...

... by cooking up a "gap" policy for ObamaCare. There will be a lot more customers when people (as Madame Pelosi put it) see what's in it. Heck, AARP can expand into the younger-than-50 crowd and they'll be rolling in dough.

What we really need is an AAP. When the dust settles, it won't be just R hurting.

Pirate's picture
verified

They'll deny it, but AARP has

They'll deny it, but AARP has become the left arm of the democrat party.

mgr's picture
verified

Perhaps it has something to

Perhaps it has something to do with AARP making tons of money off selling gap insurance for Medicare and Medicaid.

Let’s be honest, AARP has its self interest in mind – period.

Lil's picture
verified

no sense

Makes no sense at all. Wouldn't they stand to make more money if the demand for the insurance they sell is increased due to cuts in Medicare?

Frostproof's picture
verified

Perfect sense.

AARP does not sell comprehensive health insurance, only gap policies - euphemistically known as "advantage" policies here in Maine. If Medicare is cut, AARP sells fewer policies, and they go howling to their buddies in DC: Take care of us, or we'll reduce our contributions to Democrats.

Jason's picture
verified

Corrections.

AARP doesn't sell ANY insurance. United Healthcare does. AARP just licensed the AARP name to them. United Healthcare sells Advantage plans and Gap plans under the AARP moniker.

Advantage plans are funded by CMS, but replace the medicare plan in managing the costs. Gap works with your Medicare plan to supplement.

Pirate's picture
verified

Smarty....parrot.

Smarty....parrot.

mgr's picture
verified

Thanks for the overview. My

Thanks for the overview. My key point is that there is a monetary advantage for AARP. A non-profit business is a business nonetheless - more revenue, higher salaries.

Not that there is anything wrong with that, you just need to be aware of it for their motives may or may not be in line with your best interests.

Lil's picture
verified

right

Now I get it. They will sell fewer gap policies when the gap is even larger. Please be patient with me, I'm still struggling with the up is down method of reasoning.

mgr's picture
verified

You’re assuming that Medicare

You’re assuming that Medicare cuts will only manifest themselves as larger coverage gaps. That may be true to some extent, cuts may also mean less people qualify for Medicare.

AARP supported the Medicare expansion provision under ACA. More people on Medicare more gap policies. More money for AARP. Don't forget that AARP is a business, and well run business only cares about profits.

Not that their is anyting wrong with that, just don't allude yourself that they have your best interest in mind says the frog to the scorpion.

Lil's picture
verified

Medicare

How do people "qualify" for Medicare? They turn 65. How do fewer people qualify for Medicare? Do you prevent them from turning 65? "AARP supported the Medicare expansion provision under ACA." Of course they did. Where would their membership be if they did not advocate for the interests of their members - people near or over 65? AARP is a non-profit that rents out their membership database to UnitedHealthCare, the actual insurer.

Advertisement

Stay informed — Get the news delivered for free in your inbox.

I'm interested in ...