WASHINGTON (AP) _ The AARP has officially endorsed the House
Democratic health care bill, a major boost for the legislation two
days before a historic vote.
AARP Senior Policy Adviser John Rother said Thursday that the
40-million strong organization backs the House bill. He said the
measure closes the coverage gap in Medicare prescription benefits,
puts strict limits on what health insurers can charge older workers
too young for Medicare and creates a voluntary, long-term care
insurance program.
Officials with the seniors lobby said the organization lost 150,000
members since July 1 because of the group's support for health
overhaul. But in that time, it also registered 2.7 million new
members and renewals. Officials said they were confident their
members would see the bill's benefits.
