WASHINGTON, DC — AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins issued the following statement regarding today’s 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.

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About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

CONTACT:
Greg Philips or Jim Dau, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org