AARP Takes on Healthcare Debate

by Administrator 10. August 2009 12:32
By AARP.org - This week, AARP will launch the next phase of its Health Action Now campaign with a multimillion-dollar national advertising and grassroots push to ensure every American has a choice of doctor and dependable, affordable health insurance. The Association’s paid advertising—available online now—will run nationally on television, locally on radio, in print publications and online. AARP activists will also be in action in every state to ensure every member of Congress knows the 50-plus community wants action to fix what’s wrong with health care and preserve what’s right.

AARP’s advertising campaign will bust the myths some are spreading to frighten Americans, including false assertions that fixing the health care system will lead to rationed health care, a government takeover or even euthanasia.

“We won’t stand idle when opponents of health care reform attempt to scare or mislead the American people—and older Americans in particular—about what fixing the system really means,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “The truth is we need to fix health care, whether it’s ensuring affordable coverage for Americans age 50 to 64 or improving benefits for people in Medicare. It’s time for the public to get the real facts.”

AARP will combine this effort with grassroots action by millions of volunteers and activists. AARP members will visit their representatives and senators in their district offices and attend events in support of health care reform. The Association will also host more than 80 events across the country, including dozens of town hall meetings with legislators and community leaders.

LeaMond added: “The opponents of reform will stop at nothing to derail the process and protect their own vested interests—even if it means misleading older Americans. We’re here to make sure everyone knows the facts and not the myths.”

One of AARP’s new print ads reads: “Special interest groups are trying to block progress on health care reform using myths and scare tactics. Like the myth that health care reform will give the government the power to make life-and-death decisions for everyone. That’s simply false. The fact is, no one, including the government or your insurance company, will be given power to make life-and-death decisions for anyone regardless of their age. Those decisions will be made by you, your doctor and your family.”

This round of advertising is scheduled to run through mid-September in national outlets and in select local markets. Television advertisements will appear on networks including CBS, Fox News Channel, Lifetime and MSNBC, while online ads will appear on web sites including CNN.com and ABCNews.com, as well as social networking sites.

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Aging Highlights | Aging Successfully | Demographics & Aging | Finance | Gerontology / Geriatrics | Health & Medical | Retirement | Social Security / Medicare

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About the Author

John Rothbarth is the owner of the St. Louis Times, a media company focused on serving the informational needs of the St. Louis metro-area aging baby boomer/60+ population. The company publishes the St. Louis Times Resource Guide, St. Louis Times Express, and hosts St. Louis Times Funfest and St. Louis Times Geriatrics Symposium events. The company was founded in 1994 and has remained true to its original mission of 'doing some good for older adults and the professionals who work on their behalf.'

Since 1994 the company has won over 20 National Media Awards. He has participated on many local Boards of Directors, all of whom cater to the needs of our area’s aging population. For 2009 he is also President of Breakthrough Coalition, a consortium of over 250 aging-focused organizations and  professionals dedicated to serving the needs of older adults in the St. Louis / Illinois bi-state area.

John is a native St. Louisan, father of two sons, and graduate of the University of Missouri - Columbia with a BS degree in Business Administration. His interests include reading mysteries, jogging, motorcycling, and aviation - he is a pilot with instrument, multi-engine and seaplane ratings.

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