![]() ![]() Research and development budgets would quickly shrink. Specifically, the price caps would slash drug company revenue, dismantling their business model in one fell swoop. And they could have a devastating impact on seniors. Unfortunately, though, the drug pricing measures in the bill are not designed to actually save money for patients. It would also save insurers billions of dollars - both by making medicines cheaper for those that sponsor Medicare drug plans and by giving the companies more leverage to demand lower drug prices for their other plans as well. One such change would allow the government to impose price controls on prescription drugs - a move that’s expected to save the federal government about $160 billion over a decade. The bill would make a host of sweeping changes to Medicare, the federal health insurance program which serves some 60 million seniors. This may account for the organization’s support of the $2 trillion Build Back Better Act. That means AARP has a vested interest in insurance companies getting their way in policy debates, regardless of the outcome for seniors. More than 10 million seniors hold health plans just through AARP’s partnership with insurance giant UnitedHealthcare, according to a recent report from the Center for Medicine in the Public Interest. Millions of Americans trust the AARP name, making these insurance plans highly popular. AARP gets paid every time one of its members signs up for one of these branded policies. About 45% - $752 million - came from deals between the organization and insurance companies to sell AARP-branded plans. This potential for conflict of interest has become starkly visible in recent months, as Congress seeks to pass drug pricing measures that would hurt seniors - and help insurers.ĪARP earned $1.7 billion in revenue last year. ![]() And while sometimes the interests of insurance companies and seniors align, at times they don’t. The problem is that the organization is dependent on revenue from insurance companies. When it comes to one of AARP’s signature products, though, it may not always be putting its members first. From lobbying for better conditions in nursing homes to getting travel discounts for members, the organization has done much to help retired people over the years. It has aboutģ8 million members - more than 11% of the U.S. Contact the plan for more information.AARP is the nation’s biggest and most influential advocacy group for seniors. This information is not a complete description of benefits. You do not need to be an AARP member to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Prescription Drug plan. Enrollment in these plans depends on the plan's contract renewal with Medicare. Plans are insured through UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or one of its affiliated companies, a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription Drug plans FOR COSTS AND COMPLETE DETAILS (INCLUDING OUTLINES OF COVERAGE), CALL A LICENSED INSURANCE AGENT/PRODUCER AT THE TOLL-FREE NUMBER ABOVE. THESE PLANS HAVE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS, EXCLUSIONS AND LIMITATIONS. A licensed insurance agent/producer may contact you. Government or the federal Medicare program. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. In some states, plans may be available to persons under age 65 who are eligible for Medicare by reason of disability or End-Stage Renal Disease. You must be an AARP member to enroll in an AARP Medicare Supplement Plan. Each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products. Please note that each insurer has sole financial responsibility for its products.ĪARP endorses the AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by UnitedHealthcare.ĪARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans are insured by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company, Hartford, CT or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of America, Schaumburg, IL (for ND residents) or UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of New York, Islandia, NY (for NY residents). AARP does not employ or endorse agents, brokers or producers.ĪARP encourages you to consider your needs when selecting products and does not make product recommendations for individuals. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company pays royalty fees to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |