AARP’s Health-Care Bill Ad Puts Pressure on Arizona’s Sen. Jeff Flake

AARP has launched a fresh advertising campaign in Arizona, targeting U.S. Senator Jeff Flake and addressing concerns regarding federal health reform. With the Senate holding a slight Republican majority of 52-48, the AARP’s messaging seeks to influence key lawmakers who may oppose the American Health Care Act of 2017 (AHCA).

The advertisement features a couple receiving unsettling news from a financial adviser at a firm humorously named “Ryan and Associates,” a nod to House Speaker Paul Ryan’s support for the AHCA. The adviser warns the couple that, due to their age, they are likely to face increased health insurance costs linked to what the ad describes as an “age tax.” The ad also highlights how the husband’s asthma condition could lead to insurers charging significantly more.

In response to the ad, Flake’s office emphasized that the AHCA is unlikely to be voted on in its current form in the Senate, where modifications to the legislation are being considered. Flake’s spokesman, Jason Samuels, stated that clarity on the bill’s impacts will be provided once the Senate’s own version is drafted and evaluated.

The advertisement began airing on May 23, targeting various television stations in Tucson and Phoenix and scheduled to continue until June 11. AARP aims to reach five specific senators, urging them to reject the healthcare bill. Aside from Flake, other targets include Senators Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Cory Gardner, and Dean Heller. AARP has invested a significant amount in this campaign.

While the term “age tax” does not appear in the AHCA’s official language, health policy expert Dr. Dan Derksen argues that the AARP’s claims are substantiated. He noted that the House version of the AHCA permits insurers to charge older enrollees five times more than younger individuals, a considerable increase compared to the three-fold margin allowed under the Affordable Care Act.

However, critiques of the advertisement have emerged. Critics argue that it presents a misleading narrative, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions. Tucson health insurance broker Ray Magnuson suggests that the ad makes unfounded assumptions about consumer behavior, stating that most individuals with pre-existing conditions are unlikely to let their coverage lapse. Naomi Lopez Bauman from the Goldwater Institute expressed skepticism about the ad’s educational value, asserting that the Senate intends to create its own legislation, potentially addressing the issues raised.

AARP’s communications director, Alez Juarez, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to keep Arizonans informed about proposed health reforms, reinforcing the ad’s intent to raise awareness and prompt voter engagement.