The health care reform debate continues to heat up even as the U.S. House and Senate are gearing down for the August recess. Proponents of reform say the current system is not working, it’s broken and much too expensive. AARP State Director Jane Wiley says while her organization has not endorsed any of bills that have moved out of Congressional committees, the organization does see the need for those on Medicare and those who struggling to make ends meet in this uncertain economic climate.

“If you’re on Medicare and you’re receiving this Part D prescription drug coverage those savings alone would be very beneficial. Also if you lose your job, and in these uncertain times that could be a likelihood for many folks unfortunately, you would have a public plan you could go until you’re employed again or you become eligible for Medicare,” she says.

Wiley says individuals, businesses, health professionals, and government all have a stake in improving access to affordable, high quality health care.

Wiley says she heard the charges from opponents that the voices for health care reform coming out of Washington are actually beating the drum for socialized medicine. Wiley says for decades millions of persons have been the beneficiaries of government Subsidized health care. [Read more...]