AARP, Other Leading Organizations Push for Health Parity for Puerto Rico

Congress set to take up national health care reform next week

As lawmakers in Washington begin to formally debate national health care
reform, AARP is joining with top state and Puerto Rican officials to pledge
"Health Parity for Puerto Rico." The U.S. is home to some 8 million Puerto
Ricans, with approximately 4 million on the mainland. Of this total, nearly
800,000 reside in the five boroughs, representing nearly 10% of the city's
total population.

Puerto Rico participates in all federal programs that are at the core of
health reform, including Medicaid and Medicare. However, there are
significant differences in funding that affect the quality of care for Puerto
Ricans forcing many to come to the mainland to get the care they need. For
instance, Medicaid support in the U.S. approximates $330 per patient per month
compared to $20 per patient in Puerto Rico. Hospitals in Puerto Rico receive
Medicare reimbursements at 75% the national average.

AARP and other leading organizations want Congress to know that in order to
achieve equal access to quality affordable health care for all, parity for
Puerto Rico in federal funding for programs like Medicaid and Medicare is an
essential first step.

WHAT: Health Parity for Puerto Rico Press Conference

WHO: Carl McCall, AARP NY Economic Security Chair and former NY Comptroller
Lorraine Cortez Vasquez, New York's Secretary of State
Luis M. Balzac, Regional Director, Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
Lillian Rodriguez Lopez, President, Hispanic Federation
AARP members concerned about loved ones in Puerto Rico

WHEN: Wednesday, June 17
11:00 a.m.

WHERE: Puerto Rico Federal Affairs Administration
135 W 50th St, 22nd Floor (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
New York, NY

/PRNewswire-USNewswire -- June 16/
SOURCE AARP

Luci de Haan of AARP, +1-212-407-3718, or +1-917-655-6255