GOP introduces seniors' "bill of rights"

Washington -- The Republican Party has singled out older Americans as a group that could be the most harmed by the health system reform changes being pushed by the Obama administration.

The six principles outlined by the Republican National Committee as part of its "Seniors' Health Care Bill of Rights" include opposition to the way the pending congressional measure would handle end-of-life care discussions and make changes to how Medicare Advantage functions. The RNC released the bill of rights Aug. 24, and Chair Michael Steele wrote an op-ed published in the Washington Post the same day proclaiming that "senior citizens will pay a steeper price and will have their treatment options reduced or rationed" under the Democratic plan.

In an Aug. 24 statement, AARP countered that "nothing in the bills that have been proposed would bring about the scenarios the RNC is concerned about." The Obama administration answered the GOP document with an Aug. 27 report from the Dept. of Health and Human Services highlighting the problems seniors could face if health reform is not enacted.

"Senior citizens have seen their premiums and out-of-pocket drug costs rise, and without reform, many seniors on Medicare could lose access to the doctor they know and trust," HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said. "Health insurance reform will protect the coverage seniors depend on, improve the quality of care and help make Medicare strong."

HHS also noted that due to the flawed system for paying doctors, Medicare is scheduled to reduce its physician fees next year by 21.5% unless Congress intervenes with an adjustment. The department cited a survey from the American Medical Association stating that if Medicare payments are cut by even half that amount, 60% of physicians say they will have to reduce the number of new Medicare patients they treat.

The AMA has thrown its support behind a House Democratic national health system reform measure -- America's Affordable Health Choices Act -- that congressional leaders hope to bring before the full House soon after it returns from recess Sept. 8. AARP has not yet officially endorsed a bill.