The National Retiree Legislative Network (NRLN) will host three meetings Sept. 7 to form a chapter in The Villages.
NRLN is a 14-year-old advocacy organization that lobbies Congress on behalf of retirees from more than 200 corporations, representing more than 2 million retirees in groups such as the American Airlines Retirees Committee and Ekra-Kodak Retirees. The organization has supporters in all 50 states and 75 percent of the nation’s congressional districts.
The hour-long meetings will be held at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. in the Lakeside Lounge Room of the Waterfront Inn, 1105 Lake Shore Drive, in The Villages.
People were asked to respond by Sept. 2, indicating which meeting they want to attend, by filling out a form at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/villmeet.
NRLN president Bill Kadereit said it is acceptable for people without email access to show up at any of the meetings.
NRLN recently became concerned about a decision by The Villages Health to no longer accept patients with Original Medicare and supplemental plans, also known as Medigap, effective Jan. 1. To continue treatment at one of its six clinics, patients need to switch their coverage to The Villages Medicare Advantage plans offered through United Health Care.
The retiree organization conducted a Villages survey and found that more than 90 percent of the respondents said they would keep their Original Medicare plans and find new doctors instead of switching to the Medicare Advantage plans.
Kadereit said the meetings will be more than just an introduction to NRLN.
“In addition to explaining the role of an NRLN chapter, I will also report on my Washington, D.C., meetings with Health and Human Services and congressional staffs about The Villages Health announcement,” he said. Those meetings will be held this week.
Kadereit also said a Villages survey is planned for late September to determine local priorities and the key issues identified in the survey will be discussed at an October meeting.
NRLN tries to secure legislation to protect retirement income security, reduce the cost of health care and keep Social Security and Medicare strong. The organization also works to protect pension plans, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and advocate for reforms to corporate bankruptcy laws.
Each year, NRLN prepares a legislative agenda based on feedback from its member organizations and individuals. The organization also maintains a report card that measures the level of support of its issues by members of Congress.
