AARP is in the news with its tax-exempt status being questioned in Congress. AARP's role in lobbying for the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and its potential profits from selling healthcare insurance is the issue. The question: Will AARP benefit as current Medicare Advantage beneficiaries move to Medigap plans that may be sponsored by AARP? And does this benefit violate their tax-exempt status? I know these pages will keep us informed as congressional hearings proceed.
But I believe there is a broader issue at stake. Lobbying and insurance policy sales should not be the principal focus of AARP's health agenda. AARP must come to realize that it is squandering its own immense resources that could be utilized to improve the quality of life for people of all ages in our country. Never has one national organization faced such a golden opportunity that melds with its vision and mission statements. AARP can improve the lives of millions of seniors, give younger Americans the tools to become healthy seniors and save the nation and individuals hundreds of billions of dollars. The cost to AARP? Hardly anything!
Let's step back a minute. America's healthcare bill is too big and growing. Our nation's debt is huge and growing. Yet, there is pressure for more entitlements including long-term care, free drugs and more programs to assist elderly, children and others. AARP's 2009-2010 Policy Book calls for dramatic expansion of government programs for almost everyone, not just AARP members.
Let's accept the fact that “right now” is the wrong time to be pushing for more government programs, entitlements and social interventions. We cannot spend more to improve life for anyone without negatively impacting the life of someone else or the nation's economy. Can we find ways to improve lives without spending and taxing more? To borrow a phrase: Yes, we can! And yes, AARP can!
AARP, through its publications, communicates to more than 40 million citizens, most over 50 years of age. This group uses an enormous amount of healthcare services. A constant mantra declares that this group needs more services and more protection. Unbelievably, far too little is said about what this group can do for itself at little to no cost. We need to be told, “Get with a plan of healthy lifestyle changes to improve your quality of life and reduce the use of healthcare services.” This goal is achievable. Even AARP The Magazine pointed out that “people 50 years and older who exercised for at least 30 minutes three or more days a week actually saved $2,200 a year on medical bills” (July and August 2006). Multiply this by just one-half of AARP's estimated membership (20 million), and you come up with $44 billion in savings. In 2010, the savings would have exceeded $50 billion. In 10 years, this would amount to more than $500 billion. Interestingly, that is the amount of savings in Medicare costs built into Obamacare. It is also the amount of new taxes included in Obamacare.
The savings cannot be ignored by AARP, the best organization in the nation to tackle the education of older and soon-to-be senior citizens. Improved quality of life means more days with no problems “getting around.” Obesity would decrease, and fewer chronic illnesses would develop. People would avoid moving to assisted-living or nursing homes too soon in their lives. And the list goes on.
What can AARP do? AARP can mount a multifaceted campaign that might be called, “Enhancing the quality of life for all individuals and moving toward a society in which everyone lives their life with dignity and purpose.” Underscoring this campaign would be the realization that individuals are the most important part of the program. Individual lifestyle decisions make possible the achievement of the goals of this campaign. This is where AARP plays the critical role. Communication is the key.
AARP publications, consistently delivering the message, can change behaviors. A substantial portion of every magazine and information in all other communications and its website will reach and influence more people than possible with any other organization. AARP would become a fixture in quality-of-life discussions. Researchers would be attracted to looking at the outcome of this incredible contribution to the health of individuals and the nation. AARP's role in society would be viewed as a godsend in improving life and reducing healthcare costs.
AARP health insurance programs such as Medicare gap policies need to be revised to provide discounts for those practicing a healthy lifestyle. Such discounts are very successful in the private industry. If roadblocks exist with government regulations, AARP must lobby for law changes. Rewarding individuals for positive behaviors is a must.
It is time to hold off asking government for more. Put personal responsibility on the table. AARP can be the leader.
Stuart Wesbury Jr. was president of the American College of Healthcare Executives from 1979 to 1991.
