AARP To Make 'Major Announcement' On Health Care Tomorrow, Won't Confirm Rumors Of House Bill Endorsement

The AARP is planning a major announcement on health care tomorrow, an official told TPMDC tonight. But the group won't confirm today's AP story that AARP is ready to endorse the health care reform bill presented by House Democrats this week.

AARP's announcement will come at a press conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m. at the group's D.C. headquarters, the official said. Should it be the subject of the briefing, an AARP endorsement of the House bill would be a big victory for supporters of the Democratic reform package. AARP is second to none when it comes to influence on policies related to seniors, and the backing would give the bill a stamp of approval from one of the most powerful non-partisan groups in the country.

In 2003, AARP's endorsement of a Republican plan to provide prescription drugs coverage in Medicare was seen as instrumental in securing final passage of what is now known as the Medicare Part D program. And it was the AARP's rejection of President George W. Bush's plan to privatize Social Security in 2005 that many at the time said helped to kill the idea.

Anticipating the power the AARP could wield in the health care debate, the GOP attacked the group last week, saying AARP has a conflict of interest in the debate because it earns millions every year in royalties from private health insurance plans that bear its name. The AARP dismissed the accusations, claiming that the GOP attacks were "predictable" and simply political posturing.