It’s time people separate fact from fiction in the debate around health care reform. As Kirkland residents in the 1st Congressional District, our U.S. Rep. is Jay Inslee. I attended his health care discussion on Aug. 31, where he attempted to dispel some of the myths swirling around about the debate – including the outrageous claim that health care reform will get rid of Medicare. As Rep. Inslee made clear, for people in Medicare, health care reform must protect your choice of doctor, keep your premiums fair, hold down your health care and prescription drug costs, eliminate waste, fraud and abuse, and improve the care you receive.

Inslee’s explanation of the reform efforts on which he is working reassures me that he agrees with many of the health care principals AARP has identified as must-haves in any final reform package, not only to protect the health of older adults, but Americans of all ages.

Our health care system costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and gives us back too little value for our money. AARP is committed to making sure health care reform will strengthen and improve Medicare, protect peoples health care choices, protect those with medical conditions and those who are older from discrimination by insurance companies, and guarantee stable, affordable coverage for all Americans.

To get the facts about what health care reform means for you and your families, go to HealthActionNow.org.

John Barnett, President, AARP Washington State, Kirkland