House Republicans take aim at AARP

Oct 28 2009

The Wall Street Journal: "Republicans in Congress are taking aim at AARP's financial ties to the health-insurance industry just as the advocacy group is taking a more prominent role supporting an overhaul of the nation's health-care system." House Republican Conference talking points have been circulated to lawmakers and staffers "saying AARP wants an overhaul because its business arm would benefit from legislation in both the House and the Senate." On Friday, three Republicans from the House Ways and Means Committee sent a letter to AARP Chief Executive A. Barry Rand, expressing "deep concern" that "AARP is not being forthright with seniors about the consequences of health care legislation." The letter also said "the group's support for proposed cuts in the overhaul bills to Medicare Advantage plans would lead to benefit cuts for seniors" (Zhang, 10/27).

CQ Politics: "By attacking AARP, the Republicans are wagering that seniors who fear that proposed changes to Medicare will hurt them can be turned into a potent force against an overhaul — even if their biggest advocacy group is friendly to many of the Democrats' ideas." House Republican Conference Chairman Mike Pence of Indiana said that "AARP has won preferential treatment in the Senate health care overhaul legislation that he said would limit executive compensation for health insurers. Pence noted a 'carve out,' or exemption, for AARP and other groups that have cooperated with Democrats on the bill" (Epstein, 10/27).