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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

AARP: Busting The "Myths" On Health Care Reform

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009   

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Talk of "socialized medicine," of "rationing" of health care, and of "death panels" - all scare tactics, according to AARP California. The organization's state president, Jeannine English, says those are some of the "myths" about health care reform legislation now pending in Congress.

In California, there are more than one million people between the ages of 50 and 64 who are uninsured, with many more under-insured. English says that's why Washington needs to take action for all Americans.

"Health care in this country just really costs way too much, it wastes way too much money, and it makes too many mistakes and returns too little value. And that's why it's crucial that we have health care reform."

English also disputes claims of a so-called "death panel" in the legislation.

"There's nothing in the legislation that provides for anything like that. What it does provide is funding so that you can consult with your doctor about end-of-life choices."

Another "myth," according to English, is that Congress would cut Medicare benefits or increase out-of-pocket costs.

English says AARP would never support legislation that would weaken current health benefits, and that the final health care reform package must include ideas from both parties.

This week, the AARP Health Action Now van is going on the road to help Californians understand the health care reform proposals.

Opponents cite concerns about cost and say the plans being considered do nothing to control rising medical expenses.

There's more information at www.healthactionnow.org


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