AARP Encouraged by Newly Announced Health Care Delivery and Payment Reforms

AARP  CEO  Jo Ann Jenkins highlights “…[T]he real possibility of staying healthier and reducing costs, while also strengthening Medicare.”

WASHINGTON, DC – AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins issued the following statement regarding the announcement by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of new reform initiatives on health care delivery and payment. Jenkins joined HHS Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell and leaders from many of the country’s leading health care stakeholder organizations – including those representing doctors, hospitals, and health insurers – at an event to announce the new efforts.

“AARP is encouraged by these new initiatives for two very important reasons. First, people in Medicare will benefit from a system that is built around them as individuals, instead of the current system that rewards a higher quantity of services more than a higher quality of care. Health care should focus on patient-centered care, with physicians and other providers working together on behalf of the patient.

“Also, while there are those in Washington who focus their attention on ways to cut Medicare spending, we believe that these reforms can lead to improving the quality and lowering the cost of care throughout the health care system. The ultimate goal should be to start paying for healthy results and not just the number of services that are provided.

“We look forward to working with the Administration, Congress, and other stakeholders in advancing these reforms to better serve people in Medicare today and Americans of all ages. Together, we can help Americans achieve the real possibility of staying healthier and reducing costs, while also strengthening Medicare and other lifeline programs for years to come.”

For more information, visit www.aarp.org.