Sep 16, 2009 7:00 pm US/Central
Reality Check: AARP Health Care Ad
(WCCO)
The leading U.S. Senate Democrat on health care on Wednesday brought out a much-awaited version of a health care overhaul but it still has no visible Republican backing.
And even before the bill begins its rough ride through the Senate, special interest groups on both sides are spending millions of dollars to counter what they say are unfounded claims from the other side.
One
ad from the American Association of Retired People, known as AARP, shows an ambulance, lights flashing and sirens.
The ambulance rushing to an emergency is impeded deliberately by automobiles symbolizing
special interest groups.
"Reform won't ration care," says the ad. "You and your doctor will always decide the best treatment for you."
That's TRUE.
There's nothing in the bill that rations health care, especially based on age. But insurance companies already ration care based on cost. And it's certainly possible
ineffective or multiple treatments won't be covered.
Nevertheless critics are launching an effort aimed at seniors, including
an ad from the Republican National Committee/
"For starters, no cuts to Medicare to pay for another program. Zero," says the RNC ad. "Make it illegal to ration health care based on age. Prevent any government role in end-of-life care."
This
Republican National committee ad is mostly FALSE when it claims the reform bill
rations senior care.
And also when it revives
bogus claims about government life and death decisions, like death panels.
And what about those claims your Medicare will be cut?
That's MISLEADING.
There are changes proposed for Medicare Advantage. That's a program for seniors who buy extra Medicare coverage through private insurance.
The president says there's
no "advantage" over regular Medicare. He's proposing to cut back those taxpayer subsidies.
That's Reality Check.
To check the resources for this Reality Check, click on the links below.
AARP Health Action Now Ambulance Ad
FactCheck.org: Doctor's Orders?
AARP: Health Action Now! Myths vs. Facts
Seniors' Bill of Rights Ad
RNC Ad Calls For 'Seniors' Bill of Rights'
Health Care Reform: A Simple Explanation
RNC's "Bill of Rights"
Medicare Advantage Not All That Advantageous For Seniors, Government
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