The Republicans' scorched earth Affordable Care Act repeal obsession has veered into the truly stupid. In their zeal to paint the law as the result of nefarious deals struck by various organizations in the law's development, they've decided to attack the AARP, according to The Hill.
The Ways and Means health and oversight subcommittees are hauling in the seniors lobby's executives before the panel for an April 1 hearing on how the group stands to benefit from the law, among other topics. Republicans say AARP supported the law's $200 billion in cuts to the Medicare Advantage program because it stands to gain financially as seniors replace their MA plans with Medicare supplemental insurance — or Medigap — policies endorsed by the association.
The hearing will cover not only Medigap but "AARP’s organizational structure, management, and financial growth over the last decade."
The charge against AARP is being led by Reps. Wally Herger (CA) panel, and Dave Reichert (WA), who accuse the organization of being "a mouthpiece for this president at the expense of what is best for America's seniors," profiting from reform. According to Reichert, "AARP's support for healthcare reform 'just doesn't make sense' until 'you dig a little deeper and see that [a lot] of their revenues come from these royalties.'" Because there is no motivation other than the profit motive if you're a Republican. Maybe it honestly doesn't occur to them that the extension of health insurance to tens of millions of previously uncovered Americans is just something individuals and organizations could support because it's the right thing to do.
At any rate, go for it Republicans. Between this and the all-out assault on Social Security and Medicare, you're doing a bang-up job winning the hearts and minds of the most committed voting bloc in the country.