AARP "Troubled" by Senate’s Vote to Block Medicare Improvements

June 12, 2008 -- AARP issued a statement in response to today’s vote to block necessary Medicare legislation in the U.S. Senate. The statement, from AARP CEO Bill Novelli, follows:

“Partisanship and inaction continued to grip the Senate today, derailing a bipartisan bill to improve Medicare for millions of older Americans. While we thank those Senators from both sides of the aisle who supported this critical bill, we are troubled that people in Medicare will once again see negative consequences because of partisan gridlock.

“Older Americans understand they will face higher premiums each year, just like everyone else. But the bill blocked today would have improved the program’s low-income, preventive and mental health benefits without drastic increases in Medicare premiums. It also would have started to move our doctors’ offices and pharmacies into the 21st century by championing electronic prescribing.

“Eight in ten older Americans are concerned about their health care bills; even more are worried about what those bills will be in the coming years. It’s unfortunate that some senators voted to block debate on real, positive changes to our health care system.”

Source: AARP