Cheapest route isn't always best

The article ("AARP's Stealth Fees," 12/4) by Bloomberg News did readers a disservice through selective fact checking, biased reporting, and expressing opinion as fact. The article's presumption that the cheapest product is the best is problematic, rarely accurate and potentially dangerous.

AARP has been working on behalf of older Americans for 50 years through our advocacy efforts and in every state legislature and by licensing our name to providers offering quality products and services tailored to the needs of people 50 and older.

Millions have benefited from the value of AARP branded products, which earn revenue to help us achieve our mission of helping people live better lives through advocacy, education, information and other community services. They may not always be the cheapest products - just some of the best for the best reasons.

The authors failed to recognize that AARP-branded products typically go above and beyond the industry standard - from our auto insurance which includes 12-month rate protection (double the industry norm) and flexible payment options to our Medicare supplement policies from United HealthCare which are among the most competitively priced.

While other companies refuse to offer coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and base rates on age and other factors, AARP plans accept 99 percent of applicants and ensure rates don't go up just because you age.

The claim that AARP's support for legislation creating a drug plan in Medicare was inappropriate is simply wrong. AARP fought for drug coverage in Medicare with the goal of ensuring access to affordable prescription drugs for all Americans (80 percent are happy with the program-and saving money).

The authors believe that 'cheapest' means 'best.' Millions of satisfied AARP members, who count on AARP branded products to deliver value they cannot find anywhere else, disagree.

Robert Gallo Sr.

State Director

AARP Illinois