Dear Editor:
Insurance company abuses are hurting people. It’s that simple and Congress must act now. AARP is continuing to fight against these insurance abuses including the denial of health care coverage based on age or the denial of health care coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Many insurance companies put a cap on their benefits as well so that someone with a catastrophic illness might be forced into choosing between life-saving treatments or keeping a roof over their heads. This state of affairs cannot continue and as part of health care reform, our House and Senate leaders must address these discriminatory practices.
“Age rating” clearly puts older adults at greater risk when it comes to losing their health care coverage. How age is used to set health insurance premiums has a very strong impact on the affordability of those premiums. Many Americans are loath to change their jobs because pre-existing conditions prevent them from acquiring adequate health care. Trying to balance the cost of good health against checkbooks causes tremendous problems for millions in the United States and this situation must come to an end.
Jim Dieterle
AARP New Jersey Senior State Director
Plainsboro