CNSNews.com - GOP Congressman Questions AARP Endorsement of Pelosi Health-Care Bill as Possible Conflict of Interest: "(CNSNews.com) - AARP, the American Association of Retired Persons, which endorsed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) version of the health-care reform bill Thursday, is drawing fire from a member of Congress who questions the motives of the nation’s largest senior citizens’ lobbying group.
Rep. Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) told CNSNews.com that it is possible AARP could benefit financially from the passage of the bill, which includes $500 billion in cuts to Medicare and Medicare Advantage. According to Reichert, if the cuts to the programs result in reduced benefits, more seniors will have to purchase “Medigap” coverage, highly regulated private insurance that fills in holes in Medicare coverage.
UnitedHealth Group offers Medigap coverage branded with the AARP logo, on which AARP collects royalties.
“I just think there’s a conflict of interest here,” Reichert said. “You can’t support a-half-a-trillion dollar cut (without) recognizing that, as a result of that cut, it will result in additional revenues for AARP.”
Medicare Advantage is insurance, partially subsidized by Medicare, for services that are not available through typical Medicare providers.
In making its endorsement Thursday morning, AARP said the House version of health-care reform (H.R. 3962) would help make coverage more affordable."
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