The AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) perspective

To summarize, five areas have been targeted by the AARP for improvement: Market and price stability Geriatric training for medical and support staff Emphasis on preventive care and maintenance programs Integration of health care services with social services Provision of useful consumer information on quality of care as a marketing tool AARP is concerned about the universe of health care problems facing this nation. I do not for an instant suggest that these issues will be easily resolved or resolved quickly. We are all anxious to find solutions that work. One of the most promising solutions is with you, in your experience, commitment and willingness to forge new ground. HMOs and Social HMOs serving this older population are leaders in the health care industry. Many of you have demonstrated that HMOs can provide quality medical care for elderly patients. It is AARP's hope that working together we can create an environment in which HMOs adopt policies and practices that ensure comprehensive quality health for the elderly.