Fiscal Tax Blog

AARP

Ralph Nader: Wake Up AARP! A Message to Seniors: Medicare “Disadvantage” Is a Corporate Trap

While the Democratic presidential candidates are debating full Medicare for All, giant insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare are advertising to the elderly in an attempt to lure them from Traditional Medicare (TM) to the so-called Medicare Advantage (MA)—a corporate plan that UnitedHealthcare promotes to turn a profit at the expense of enrollees. Almost one third of all elderly over 65 are enrolled in these numerous, complex MA policies the government pays so much for monthly…

AARP

Gerard Gianoli: AARP’s Interests Diverge From Its Members’

Ten thousand American baby boomers will turn 65 each day for the next 10 years. This is one of the biggest demographic transitions in U.S. history, and the resulting shifts in health-care spending will require intelligent policy. But a significant conflict of interest has led AARP, senior citizens’ strongest lobby, to put their well-being aside.

AARP

Mark Gibbons: Why is the AARP missing in action on ‘step therapy?’

Why is the largest consumer advocacy organization sitting on the sidelines as new federal rules make it harder for patients to get the vital medicines they need? That’s the question every senior should be asking AARP, and the organization’s lucrative business interests help shed light on a likely answer.

AARP

Tom Greene: Is AARP representing seniors or insurers on drug costs?

From skyrocketing health insurance premiums, massive deductibles, high drug prices and other unexpected out of pocket costs, affordable health care is becoming increasingly out of reach for far too many Iowa patients and families. Add other calamities such as UnitedHealthcare’s recent walkout on hundreds of thousands of Iowa Medicaid recipients and the situation is even more troubling.

AARP

Patricia Barnes: Once Again, Is AARP Advocating For Older Americans Or For Itself?

In 1996, the New York Times said the AARP’s credibility would be at stake if it proceeded with efforts to license its name to managed care plans for a fee because “the policies that might be best for the elderly are not always the policies that are best for the bank account of the A.A.R.P.” Undaunted, the AARP charged full speed ahead. Since then, the AARP’s for-profit financial juggernaut, AARP Services, Inc., has earned so many…

AARP

Jazz Shaw: Why Is AARP Opposing Trump’s Efforts To Lower Prescription Drug Prices?

What is the AARP up to these days? One of the bigger disasters coming from the more general disaster of Obamacare was the abject failure of the program to rein in rising costs for prescription drugs. In fact, as we’ve discussed here in the past, price increases accelerated after the program went into effect.

AARP

Erika Williams: AARP Must Face Challenge to Medicare Gap Policies

A federal judge in the nation’s capital ruled that senior citizen advocacy group AARP must face class-action claims that it defrauded consumers who bought insurance plans to supplement Medicare coverage. Lead plaintiff Helen Krukas, a Florida resident who brought a federal class action against the nonprofit group last year, claims AARP fooled consumers into paying an undisclosed 4.95 percent commission that was hidden in their monthly “Medigap” insurance premiums.

AARP

Curtis Ellis: AARP: Leftist, Deep State scam

Reach into your mailbox after turning 65 and you’ll find a fistful of glossy mail. “You’re eligible for Medicare!” the face of a smiling senior citizen cheerily informs those entering their golden years. That means it’s time to buy insurance to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage.