AARP will profit from health reform

I'm surprised more people haven't come forward with complaints about AARP's endorsement of the health reform proposal. AARP started out as a trusted advocate for the 50-plus group, then became an endorser for various insurance companies before jumping into the political arena. The bill they supported cuts over $400 from Medicare and virtually eliminates Medicare Advantage plans by cutting out all funding.

They hardly seem like advocates anymore, do they? According to their financial statements, AARP took in over $773 million in ads and royalties from private insurance companies in 2008. With Medicare Advantage plans all but dead, 12 million seniors will have to enroll in Medicare. Along with that, they'll likely take out Medigap insurance.

Since Medicare will cover less, Medicap insurance rates will rise in order to pick up the slack. And, guess who endorses the largest Medicap insurer? AARP. They will make a bundle from the additional royalties.

If you feel that this is a full blown sellout, drop AARP. There are 2 other organizations for seniors - American Seniors Association and Generation America. Both have Web sites.

Harvey J. Jacobson

Buffalo Grove