AARP launches campaign for health care reform

AARP's national CEO William (Bill) Novelli was joined by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger this morning at the Pasadena Convention Center for the first of a series of AARP forums on California health care reform.

At the event, Novelli announced the launch of a statewide campaign in California, which will last throughout the legislative session. The campaign will include television, radio, online, and print advertising as well as grass roots advocacy. To view the television spot, go to www.aarp.org/ca .

Health care security is a top priority for AARP, which has more than 3 million members in California (38 million nationally). Governor Schwarzenegger's stated desire to "make a difference in people's lives" with California health care reform dovetails with AARP's goal of achieving real reform in California this year.

"Having access to affordable, quality health care is a basic need that all Americans share," Novelli told the audience of AARP members. "It is the foundation for future generations. It is an issue that transcends politics, that transcends socio-economic status, and that transcends age. It's an issue that defines what kind of society we want to live in."

During the forum Governor Schwarzenegger and Novelli heard stories from several Californians who have suffered directly because of an expensive and dysfunctional health care system. More and more responsible, hard-working Californians are learning that they are just one pink slip or one major illness away from losing their health insurance or going bankrupt.

"We don't intend to tackle this alone," Novelli said. "We're working with many committed organizations, with the Governor, legislators and other state officials. We're also involving our members and volunteers who will reach out to their friends and neighbors and their political leaders to help make reform a reality."

Novelli concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of California in achieving health care reform nationwide: "We believe that if California is successful in reforming health care, it can become a model for national health care reform. This is a critical time. The stakes are high. And working together, we can succeed."