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LAKELAND — An overflow crowd forced the AARP to move its forum on health care reform from a meeting room to the sanctuary at Faith Lutheran Church in Lakeland on Wednesday.
The 150 or so people who attended were rowdy and opinionated, but the forum was free from the disruptions and scuffling that catapulted a similar gathering in Tampa last week to the national spotlight.
Crowd members, though, did accuse the AARP of helping President Barack Obama advance health care reform proposals even though the organization has not officially endorsed any bills now on the table.
"Somehow I don't feel good about AARP right now," said 69-year-old Jennings Byrd of Lakeland to a loud round of applause. "I don't feel like you're going to be representing us."
Most questioners at the forum argued that the current proposals will drive the country into a financial crisis that will ultimately require rationing of medical care.
"What more does the AARP need to hear or see about the proposed legislation to say that's not what we want?" asked Tim Curtis, 52, who lives in Tampa.
Lori Parham, director of AARP Florida, repeatedly told the crowd that the organization has not endorsed any reform bills.
The group is holding forums throughout Florida. And this week, the organization launched an advertising campaign in Florida that, according to a news release, is intended to "bust the myths some are spreading to frighten Americans, including falsehoods that fixing the health-care system will lead to rationed health care, a government takeover or even euthanasia."
In response to a question about whether the bill provides coverage to illegal immigrants, Parham said: "I guess we just read it differently. I see nothing in the proposal that opens up health care to illegal immigrants."
Many speakers referred to specific pages, sections and lines in the bill put forward by the U.S. House of Representatives.
David Scrimshaw, 55, from Winter Haven, said he objects to a portion of the bill that requires end-of-life counseling be provided to seniors every five years. Some people have suggested such counseling is intended to push people to end their lives.
"Sir, I'm sorry. It's just not true," Parham responded.
She said what the bill does is simply encourage doctors to talk to their patients about end-of-life issues by compensating them for the sessions.
In answer to questions about rationing care, Parham said this: "Insurance companies ration now, and often you don't hear about it until it's too late."
The House bill would require coverage for pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, well-baby care and other services, she said.
Parham pointed out that many forum attendees receive Medicare and most people are happy with the program, even though it can be expensive.
Jan Smith, 61, an AARP member from Leesburg, pressed Parham to point out one provision the AARP doesn't like in the bill.
"I can't give you a definitive answer on that," Parham said.
But she said there are things the AARP would like to see included in it, such as offering coverage for generic medications and long-term care, and making medications more affordable for Medicare recipients.
The AARP's next forum on health care reform is scheduled for Tuesday in Brevard County. Another is set for Aug. 21 at 9:30 a.m. at the CARES Rao Musunuru, M.D. Enrichment Center in Hudson.
Janet Zink can be reached at jzink@sptimes.com or (813) 226-3401.
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