AARP - Major Medicare insurer ... and major lobbyist
Hmmm… very interesting. On Monday, AARP announced it would offer a suite of products for those age 50 to 64 years old such as a high deductible insurance policy, a managed care plan, and other products… in addition to being the "largest provider of private insurance to Medicare recipients" when coverage becomes available next year.
Considering that a) "revenues and royalties from the sale of goods and services have, for many years, accounted for a substantial part of AARP's income," b) AARP is (possibly the largest and most powerful) lobbyist for older Americans and c) it is "perceived as the most important voice for older people", wouldn't this be considered a conflict of interest?
We think so.
And so do others.
According to the director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, "AARP will not be perceived as a truly independent advocate on Medicare if it's making hefty profits by selling insurance products that provide Medicare coverage." For instance, a topic that has been hotly debated between the two political parties is whether the role of private insurers be limited? AARP would instantly side with the Republicans opposing the limitation of private insurers. (And why not? They are a private insurer themselves and they are receiving a windfall.) However, is this the best choice for Medicare beneficiaries?
What do you think? Is there a conflict?
Considering that a) "revenues and royalties from the sale of goods and services have, for many years, accounted for a substantial part of AARP's income," b) AARP is (possibly the largest and most powerful) lobbyist for older Americans and c) it is "perceived as the most important voice for older people", wouldn't this be considered a conflict of interest?
We think so.
And so do others.
According to the director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy, "AARP will not be perceived as a truly independent advocate on Medicare if it's making hefty profits by selling insurance products that provide Medicare coverage." For instance, a topic that has been hotly debated between the two political parties is whether the role of private insurers be limited? AARP would instantly side with the Republicans opposing the limitation of private insurers. (And why not? They are a private insurer themselves and they are receiving a windfall.) However, is this the best choice for Medicare beneficiaries?
What do you think? Is there a conflict?
posted by CareTALKGals(tm) at 4/18/2007 09:58:00 PM
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