(When the American Association of Retired Persons announced its endorsement of the Democratic health reform bills in Congress, several AARP members in Southeast Missouri expressed their opposition, saying the AARP doesn't speak for many of its members on this issue. Here is a respons from the national president of the AARP.)

AARP recommends to our members that they support the health care reform bills introduced in the Congress by House Majority Leader Richard Gephardt and Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. Although neither bill is perfect, after careful review, we conclude that they provide the foundation for comprehensive health care for all Americans.

AARP has been a constant voice calling for comprehensive reform of the nation's health care system. Throughout this long and often confusing debate over how to accomplish health care reform, AARP has not endorsed any proposal, but has held steadfastly to our basic reform goals that would provide: universal coverage; long-term care coverage; prescription drug benefits; provisions to protect and strengthen Medicare; controls that rein in skyrocketing health care costs; and a fully-funded health care system that is affordable to every American.

In the almost three decades since Medicare was enacted, two other Presidents -- Nixon and Carter -- proposed major reforms, but Congress did not act. The time for proposals without action has passed. We are now dealing with specific legislation that demands difficult choices but offers the hope of real reform.

Trade-offs will be required of each of us, regardless of age or income. For AARP members, cuts in Medicare must be balanced by new home and community-based long-term care and prescription drug benefits. AARP will continue to fight to protect Medicare and to make sure that older Americans are always able to get the doctor and hospital care they need.

Ultimately, the choice must be between health care reform and the current health care system. We all know the problems with the current system. The Mitchell and Gephardt bills are about protecting American families. They offer an historic opportunity to provide each of us with affordable, high-quality health and long-term care. If either bill is defeated, health care reform will be dead for years to come.

This is why we are asking our members to support the Mitchell and Gephardt bills. AARP pledges to our members that we will continue to fight for our goals until they are fully achieved. By supporting these bills, we can all make health care reform a reality, not only for ourselves, but for our children, our grandchildren and the generations to follow.