AARP puts it personal interest ahead of its members

Boston Herald:

Why would the nation’s largest lobbying organization, sworn to protect the interests of senior citizens, watch silently as Congress plans to cut Medicare spending by $400 billion to pay for its health reform legislation? Could it be that the interests of seniors and AARP are not exactly aligned?

AARP takes in more than half of its $1.1 billion budget in royalty fees from health insurers and other vendors that market services with AARP’s name. “Medigap” plans make up the biggest share of this royalty revenue.

AARP has an interest in selling more Medigap plans, of course. But there’s a competitor on the block.

A growing number of seniors are enrolling in a new form of coverage - Medicare Advantage - where they don’t need Medigap.

These private plans compete by offering seniors lower premiums, better drug coverage, dental care and eyeglasses, and more comprehensive coverage for major medical expenses.

Congress’ health reform bills would cut spending for Medicare Advantage by at least $150 billion. President Barack Obama has singled out Medicare Advantage, saying it is a give-away to private companies. But virtually all of the extra money goes back to seniors in the form of better benefits.

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AARP has sold out to the evils of liberalism and its members are the ones who will pay the price. I dropped my membership about 10 years ago and have never had reason to regret it. This action should cause others to question their association with the group.