I hate articles like this one posted on the AARP website: ‘If I’d Had to Wait Until 67 for Medicare, I’d Be Dead’.
AARP – A Rant
In fairness, I am not a huge fan of AARP. They bill themselves as an organization that exists to protect the interests of seniors and, while they do focus on topics that are important to seniors, they mostly exist to sell products and services to seniors, enriching AARP management.
I hate articles like this one posted on the AARP website: ‘If I’d Had to Wait Until 67 for Medicare, I’d Be Dead’.
AARP – A Rant
In fairness, I am not a huge fan of AARP. They bill themselves as an organization that exists to protect the interests of seniors and, while they do focus on topics that are important to seniors, they mostly exist to sell products and services to seniors, enriching AARP management.
Even worse, in my cynical view, they care nothing at all about the long term health of either American seniors or the country as a whole. They are perfectly willing to sacrifice the long-term well being of seniors and the country to demand unreasonable or at least unaffordable benefits for seniors. What I am not sure of, is whether they truly, philosophically believe we should cannibalize the country for short-term gains or are simply posturing because it gets people to read their website and buy products and services.
If I’d Had to Wait . . . .
This article is a perfect example of that kind of self-serving, and ultimately destructive, advocacy. It is an emotionally charged argument that does not look at the big picture. The fundamental proposition of the article is that the government owes us, no matter what. If AARP and other advocates are going to be consistent here are some additional actions they should be advocating:
- That the Medicare age actually be reduced not increased. If this man would have died, if the age was at 67, it has to mean that we would save lives if the age was set at 63 or perhaps it should be 61 or 59. It doesn’t matter where the age is set, you will always be able to make the argument that lowering the age will save someone’s life.
- If they are really serious about saving the lives of seniors, they should also be demanding much stricter drivers licenses for those over age 50 (when AARP membership starts). Imagine, the lives we would save by demanding yearly driving tests and health certifications from physicians.
- We should restrict the speed limit to 45 mph. We would likely save ten or fifteen thousand lives a year.
- How about mandatory annual obesity screening?
- Banning the sale of alcohol and tobacco could potentially solve the entire health care crisis.
Given time, I could create a list of 50 or more items that would protect people but it begs two questions:
- How are we going to pay for it?
- Is that the kind of world we want to live in?
One more thought . . .
I wish I could ask the employers and individuals who are bemoaning the potential costs, where they think the money that supports Medicare comes from. In 1970, 5 years into the program, Medicare cost about $7 Billion, or 3.5 percent of federal spending. By 2010 it had grown to $524 Billion, and 15 percent of spending. That money is not falling from the sky: we are all paying for it one way or another. Life has risks and the government can’t and shouldn’t pay for everything. What say you? Steve Moran
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Finally: If you know anyone who is looking at emergency call systems I would appreciate the opportunity to talk with them about Vigil Health Solutions.
You’re on to something, Steve. Political thinking is too short term to be effective in managing the social insurance programs on which our nation has come to depend. When the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, affectionately known as ObamaCare, was under consideration, the AARP insisted that the law specify that premiums for older Americans can be no more than three times the rates for younger Americans even though the healthcare costs of the elderly are roughly seven times those of the young. That means that the young will have to support the old because that was the price that AARP extracted from Congress as the cost for its support of the law.
In his Second Inaugural Address President Obama opined that we are all in this together but we aren’t together when we force one group to subsidize another and when we have social insurance programs that our Federal system is incapable of managing effectively. We can do better as a nation. The question is whether the will is there or whether pandering and posturing are to continue to take the place of reasoned dialogue, discussion and deliberation.
Here, here and well said Steve. AARP has proven themselves to be nothing more than a Super PAC, a self serving one at best. Using scare tactics and preying on one of the most vulnerable populations in our country in order to further their own agenda.
Ugh! Medicare, Social Security, Federal Government and AARP! Organizations that we allow to dictate how we live. No one ever asked us if we want to contribute to government programs – there were better options, but for me – too late. I concur with Jack, “we aren’t together when we force one group to subsidize another and when we have social insurance programs that our Federal system is incapable of managing effectively.” We need to be in control of our own destiny.
The costs of Medicare is crazy! As a nation, we have learned to pass our health responsibility off to drug companies, doctors, and the medical system – not to mention the feds. Like Steve, come on folks, we’ve got to take care of our health! You really think smoking that cigarette is good for you? Obviously, you are not thinking at all. What about the foods you stuff down your throat? Not to mention “moderation” – ever heard of it? We think a pill will take care of our senseless habits – wake up folks – in the end, they up the taxes you pay!
I agree with you! I’ve recently wondered why Medicare can’t have a “co-pay”…if you can afford it. I know quite a few folks on Medicare that can absolutely afford a copay ….I really don’t understand the “entitlement” mind set. When people take better care of themselves (ie: quit smoking, eating healthier, exercising, etc) and begin to take responsibility, I think a lot of the fraud I see on a day to day basis will go down. I know a lot of seniors who abuse the system because “it is FREE”.
You have hit the nail o n the head, not just for AARP, but for many organizations calling for more entitlement.
I agree Steve. The government owes us mentality is crippling. Tomorrow’s money is gone yet the government keeps spending. Everyone’s standard of living will be reduced (already happening), especially seniors who rely on these programs. Now with nationalized healthcare, I can’t imagine the increase in bureaucracy, increase in costs, and drop in quality of care. Thinking about how it will all play out makes me sick.
From LinkedIn Groups
Positive messages are always more effective.
By Peter Hazen
From LinkedIn Groups
Steve,
This is a hot topic. I’m sure we’ll get a difference of opinion on this issue. Thanks for the posting.
My opinion is that the system will have to be adjusted in some fashion or it will ultimately fail. That’s just economics.
By Lorie Ebe
I agree about your comments. I have just started In-Home Care Services. My business is private pay. I have been on the fence about completing the Medicare/Medicaid programs fee for service provider contracts. Why my concern? Well in short -like the saying, you can keep putting bandages on the cracks in the dam wall but eventually??? AARP for individuals to join maybe cheap for those thinking they are getting some kind special membership, savings & services, but we all know its just a place for selling Seniors something not helping them. As a Social Worker of 20 yrs and being in the core of assiting all ages, diverse populations, assiting those seeking assistance through the Medicare/Medicaid programs/Social Security; I too have watch this cookie crumble. I have express some of the same facts you have expressed to other past collegues that all of us are paying for this out of our pockets. As you may be aware this kind of thinking or opinion is frowned upon in my Profession.