May 5, 2019
Why is the American Association of Retired
Persons supporting a company that wants to keep its financial boot on the
throats of AARP members? Universal health care for all Americans makes sense. A
government program for all Americans would distribute the cost of claims to
many, rather than a few. It would lower costs by collecting a small premium
from many, and it would eliminate profit, which is inherent to private
insurers. So, government could deliver quality health care at minimal expense.
Some Democratic candidates for president
support Medicare for All, or universal health care. If implemented, private
insurers would lose billions of dollars in profit. So it is no surprise that
proponents of universal health care face stiff resistance from health insurance
companies. Among those desiring to torpedo universal healthcare is Steve Nelson, CEO
of UnitedHealthcare, a major player in the private medical insurance industry
that garnered $226 billion in business last year. In a leaked video from a
company meeting in April, Nelson bragged about United’s efforts to defeat
Democratic legislative efforts to implement Medicare for All. They include
contributions to Democratic lawmakers to secure their vote against Medicare for
All.
Implementation of Medicare for All is certain
to lower the cost of medical insurance for older adults. Currently, Medicare
provides health care coverage to older Americans, many of whom get additional
coverage via a Medicare supplement sold by UnitedHealthcare. AARP offers
Medicare supplement insurance provided by UnitedHealthcare. Why is AARP
supporting a company that wants to keep its financial boot on the throats of
AARP members?
Michael K. Broughton • Green Park
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