--Stopping insurance companies from denying affordable coverage based on pre-existing conditions or age, and ending caps on benefits.
--Making health insurance more affordable for all Americans.
--Making prescription drugs more affordable for everyone.
--Ensuring that no one comes between you and your doctor not the government or an insurance company.
--Ensuring seniors have access to their doctors by improving the way doctors are paid.
--Improving long-term care services so people can live independently in their homes and communities.
What will happen if nothing happens? Health care costs will take even bigger chunks out of Americans' personal budgets.
The AARP state office is willing to speak to groups about what health care reform means to you. Call 701-355-3653 (toll-free 866-554-5383) to arrange for a speaker. Or, watch for more information on community meetings being planned around the state in March and April on our Web page at (www.aarp.org/nd).
Lyle Halvorson of Bismarck is associate director of AARP?North Dakota.