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Mar 31, 2020
AARP Statement Against Rationing in the Distribution of and Access to Health Care

En español | WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy & Engagement Officer Nancy A. LeaMond issued the following statement in response to news reports around the country about potential rationing in the distribution of and access to health care, services and equipment:

“This virus doesn’t discriminate, and neither should those entrusted with deciding who gets access to health care to treat it. Using age or disability to categorically exclude people from accessing treatment would be discriminatory, and AARP opposes it.

“Policymakers must take action now to avoid putting patients, families and health care professionals in the untenable position of having to ration health care.

“AARP has called for increased capacity in the health care system and the speedy deployment of medical equipment, protective gear and services to those on the front lines of this crisis. In addition, each one of us must take the preventive measures outlined by the CDC and state and local public health agencies to forestall the spread of this virus. Those entrusted with making care decisions should be guided by current science and the prognosis and clinical needs of individual patients. They must be open and transparent with how decisions are being made and they should consider issues like health disparities to ensure low-income and minority populations are not disproportionately harmed.

“We are stronger and more effective when we are working together, not creating divisions. It is a time for all of us to be our best selves and pull together to defeat this common enemy.”

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About AARP
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

For further information: AARP External Relations, Media@aarp.org, 202-434-2560, @AARPmedia