The AARP has officially endorsed the House Democratic health care bill. It gives a major boost to the legislation two days before a historic vote.

AARP Senior Policy Adviser John Rother says the measure closes the coverage gap in Medicare prescription benefits, puts strict limits on what health insurers can charge older workers too young for Medicare and creates a voluntary, long-term care insurance program.

AARP South Dakota State Director Sarah Jennings says more than 14,000 South Dakotans who are ages 50 to 64 are now priced out of the health insurance market.  She says that's unacceptable.  Jennings says the bill is a "critical step" in providing affordable health care choices for all South Dakotans.

AARP has about 40 million members nationwide. Officials with the seniors lobby said the organization lost 150,000 members since July 1 because of the group's support for health overhaul. But in that time, it also registered 2.7 million new members and renewals.  Officials said they were confident their members would see the bill's benefits.