Biologics in Perspective: The Case for Generic Biologic Drugs
Biologics are quickly becoming a common treatment option. Many of the new indications are for conditions that primarily affect older populations, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. However, given the substantial out-of-pocket costs that can be associated with using biologic drugs, many patients will face impeded access until generic biologic drugs become available.
Health Action Now
HealthActionNow.org is an effort by AARP to urge Congress and the Obama Administration to work together to pass meaningful health reform - now!
With the rising cost of medical care taking a toll on millions of Americans already struggling in this economic crisis, the reality is that we cannot truly fix our economy until we fix health care. Click here to learn more about why we need Health Action Now.
The Public Policy Institute’s Health Team conducts research and policy analysis, and brings together thought leaders to develop and advance AARP’s public policy agenda on health care.
The team examines critical public policy issues that affect access to health care services, quality and safety, cost of care and public health. Our goal is to foster sound and creative solutions that meet the health care challenges of an aging society and to inform state and national policymakers, opinion leaders, researchers, program planners, and administrators.
How age is used to set health insurance premiums has an strong impact on affordability of premiums. Age rating has been an important issue in the ongoing health care reform debate. This Insight on the Issues was prepared for AARP’s Public Policy Institute by Linda Blumberg, Matthew Buettgens, and Bowen Garrett of the Urban Institute. It compares the implications of setting premiums for older adults at three times those for younger adults, at two times those for younger adults, and if no age variation is allowed. The analysis updates earlier analysis by the authors that analyzed the implications if older adults have rates five times those of younger adults.
The AARP Public Policy Institute contracted with Health Management Associates (HMA) to explore the experience of state Medicaid programs that have contracted with dual eligible SNPs. HMA conducted in-depth telephone interviews in late 2008 and early 2009 with state Medicaid officials in three states—Minnesota, New Mexico, and New York—that currently contract with dual eligible SNPs to promote integration of Medicare and Medicaid services. Each of these states offers at least one SNP product that includes Medicaid long-term care as part of the benefit package. Telephone interviews were also conducted with officials in Alabama and Washington to explore relevant experience in these states with contracting with Medicare SNPs for Medicaid dual eligibles.
Click below for reports on major topics. For a precise search, use the PPI search box in the upper left hand corner of this page.
Seventeen states have programs that use unemployment funds to keep workers on the job with reduced hours. Learn how federal and state policy can better promote these work-sharing programs--and how several European nations have implemented work-sharing.
Experts from the US and abroad discussed how an Auto-IRA can improve retirement security; lessons from similar programs in New Zealand and the UK; and how the Auto-IRA can work well for workers, small business and the financial industry.
How fraud impacts financial security, especially for older Americans—and discussion of policy options for combating mortgage, auto sales and investment scams. Luncheon speaker SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro discussed the Commission’s priorities on financial fraud.
This forum featured release of new research on preserving subsidized housing near transit and discussion of how to coordinate housing, transportation and land use policy to develop livable communities.
Why no COLA is expected for 2010 and how this affects individuals and the states. Panelists include experts from the Social Security Administration, AARP, the National Governors Association and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
PPI released a series of new reports offering a fresh look at financial decisions related to retirement. Experts examined why many people make poor choices and explore how to improve the options available to retirees.
National experts discussed problems facing millions of Americans with multiple chronic conditions, and explored potential solutions highlighted in a new PPI publication, Chronic Care: a Call to Action for Health Reform and in a new video Faces of Chronic Care.
Learn about the policy development process at AARP. For a complete guide to AARP's positions on public issues, see The Policy Book, AARP Public Policies 2009-2010.
The Center to Champion Nursing in America seeks to ensure Americans have the highly skilled nurses we need to provide affordable, quality health care. The Center serves as a consumer-driven, national force to increase the nation’s capacity to educate and retain nurses.