I can't find an official endorsement from AARP for the public option, but the AARP certainly doesn't think the current plans are a threat to Medicare or seniors.
http://aarp.convio.net/site/PageNavigator/Myths_vs_Facts
That's a site built by the AARP to dispel myths about healthcare reform. Here's one pertaining to the question Obama was answering:
Myth: Health care reform will hurt Medicare.
Fact: None of the health care reform proposals being considered by Congress would cut Medicare benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare services.
Fact: Health care reform will lower prescription drug costs for people in the Medicare Part D coverage gap or "doughnut hole" so they can get better afford the drugs they need.
Fact: Health care reform will protect seniors' access to their doctors and reduce the cost of preventive services so patients stay healthier.
Fact: Health care reform will reduce costly, preventable hospital readmissions, saving patients and Medicare money.
Fact: Rather than weaken Medicare, health care reform will strengthen the financial status of the Medicare program.
Bottom Line: For people in Medicare, health care reform is about lowering prescription drug costs for people in the "doughnut hole", keeping the doctor of your choice, improving the quality of care, and eliminating billions in waste that is causing poor care and medical errors.
So while Obama was wrong about the endorsement, THE SUBSTANCE OF WHAT HE WAS SAYING ABOUT NOT CUTTING MEDICARE BENEFITS WAS 100 PERCENT ACCURATE ACCORDING TO THE AARP. About government killing old people:
Myth: Health care reform means the government can make life-and-death decisions for you.
Fact: Health care reform will NOT give the government the power to make life-and-death decisions for anyone regardless of their age. Those decisions will be made by individuals, their doctor and their family.
Fact: No one, including the government or your insurance company, will be given power to make life-and-death decisions for you.
Bottom Line: Health care reform isn't about putting the government in charge of difficult end of life decisions. It's about giving individuals and families the option to talk with their doctors in advance about difficult choices every family faces when loved ones near the end of their lives.
Clearly, the AARP knows you guys are full of shit.
