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AARP Takes a Stand on the Affordable Health Care for American Act

Since we began our latest battle for comprehensive health care reform more than two years ago, AARP has fought for a health care bill that provides quality, affordable health coverage options for all Americans and protects Medicare for seniors and for future generations.

We have read the House of Representatives’ Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) and the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act (H.R. 3961), and we can say with confidence that they meet our priorities for protecting Medicare and reforming our health care system.

For the more than 45 million Americans in Medicare – nearly 140,000 in Delaware – the House plan completely closes the dangerous gap in prescription drug coverage known as the doughnut hole, adds cost-free preventive benefits like cancer screenings, cracks down on waste and fraud and protects the traditional Medicare benefits people in the program rely on.

For all Americans—including our younger members who often struggle to find affordable insurance (nearly 18,000 in Delaware between the ages of 50 to 64 are uninsured) — the House plan makes coverage more affordable by strictly limiting how much more insurance companies charge based on age. Americans will also no longer be denied coverage based on health history or discriminated against because of gender, and those who still cannot afford insurance on their own will receive help to purchase affordable coverage.

In addition, the House plan begins to repair the country’s outdated system of long-term care with new provisions to help people prepare for their long-term care needs and live in their own homes as they grow older.

While AARP is pleased to see that H.R. 3962/H.R. 3961 include many of the proposals that are most critical to protecting Medicare and ensuring Americans age 50+ have access to stable, affordable health care, we know the fight isn’t over. That’s why we’re going to keep working with members of the House and Senate to ensure our priorities are included in any final health care reform bill.

And, as the legislative process moves forward, we’ve let Congress and the Administration know that we will fight with the strength of our nearly 40 million members against any proposal that would hurt rather than help Medicare and older Americans’ access to affordable, quality health care.

We will continue to provide the information you need to decide for yourself what the health reform will mean to you. For information on the latest developments, go to www.aarp.org/getthefacts.

Added: November 5, 2009
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The Road Ahead: Aging in Place in Delaware

AARP believes that every American deserves the opportunity to age with dignity and independence in a comfortable environment of their choice. This concept, often referred to as aging-in-place, is one of the many cornerstones of the American dream. Most would agree that the idea of remaining in one’s own home and community as they age is desirable and preferable to being placed in institutionalized care. AARP is working to ensure that people have a variety of options available to meet their needs at every life stage.

Delaware’s aging population is growing at a striking rate. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the Delaware over 50 population will grow by 130,000 people by 2030. Delaware will benefit from the wisdom, volunteerism, and civic engagement of an older generation. However, Delaware must also react to the needs and preferences of individuals who desire to remain independent and productive as they age. The time for all of us to begin thinking about this is now. We must ensure a successful environment to accommodate our future needs.

In support of making Delaware more livable for the aging population, AARP in Delaware launched TheRoad Ahead: Aging in Place in Delaware, a survey of Delawareans on their views pertaining to housing, transportation and long-term care within our communities. The study is invaluable in helping to make a case for better services to allow us all to age in place.

The Views of Delaware’s Fastest-Changing Market Segment

The results of The Road Ahead were compelling and consistent with similar research nationwide. The survey shows that nearly 90% of the over-50 population wants to stay in their homes and communities as they age and as they need long-term care. Their homes and communities are where they have their social networks and a sense of familiarity. Respondents expressed the importance of having home-based care delivered by family, friends and personal care aides. Only three percent responded that they would prefer to receive care in a nursing home, and half of those surveyed are not confident that they would be able to pay for necessary long-term care services in their own homes.

AARP believes that one should age into their home, not out of it. More than half of the survey respondents believe that a lack of affordable housing is a problem. Almost one in five respondents reported needing to make major repairs, modifications or changes to their homes to stay in them as they age, yet many did not know what to ask for or how to ask for specific home repairs and modifications for an age-friendly home. About 26 percent of baby boomer generation households expect to move from their current home as they age; with more than half claiming they want single-level homes that are more comfortable or convenient.

Transportation options allow the aging population to stay engaged in social networks that allow for optimal independence and a high quality of life.

When asked about transportation, a majority reported that they drive a car as a primary way to access the services they need (shopping, doctors) but would prefer to take public transportation if it were more convenient and available. The survey revealed that limited transportation options are among the top community concerns for older Delawareans.

How Can Business Play A Role?

As the baby boomer population ages in Delaware and around the nation, policies and services will need to reflect the desire for older adults to have more long-term care options. This aging demographic is also expected to live longer. A 2007 report published by the Delaware State Treasurer’s office found that between 1983 and 2003, the average lifespan in our state increased from 74 to 76 years. With this group living longer, health care spending for them will increase significantly by 2030 – perhaps by as much as 65 percent.

AARP has already taken strides to create an environment where each of us can age independently and with freedom to choose. Locally, AARP and other collaborators championed the formation of Delaware’s Long-Term Care Task Force. On the federal level, AARP submitted testimony to the Senate Special Committee on Aging to express support for Health Care Reform, including issues surrounding aging-in- place.

The Road Ahead offers some key recommendations for business, government and the community to accommodate and prepare for our rapidly changing aging population:

Better access to long-term care insurance.
More options for smaller, affordable single family and group housing.
Age-friendly construction of homes outfitted with grab-bars, wide hallways, etc.
Infrastructure to reflect changing transportation needs for greater public transportation and better roadways.
Readily-available and accurate information about the services available to Delawareans to help them identify long-term care options.

Current government programs are not accessible to everyone, and may not be available indefinitely. For many, aging-in-place is more appealing than going to a nursing home or assisted living setting, and much less costly. Devoting additional resources to home and community-based services will ensure that residents can stay in their homes as they age and will make long-term care more affordable for Delawareans. These issues will affect each and every one of us, and they must be addressed. The quality of life in our communities will depend on it.

Added: September 14, 2009
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AARP DELAWARE NAMES NEW STATE PRESIDENT

The nation’s largest membership organization, AARP, today appointed Jeanne Nutter, Ph.D, as AARP State President for Delaware, succeeding Rita M. Landgraf who served for two years before being appointed as Secretary of Health and Social Services by Governor Markell. Nutter has been a volunteer with AARP Delaware for three years and brings a wealth of skills and experience to her new role.

Nutter, a professor of communications at Bloomfield College and an oral historian, has more than 22 years of varied experience in education, training and administration.

Since 1991 she has been a college professor at William Paterson University and Bloomfield College. For two years she worked as Special Assistant to Mayor James H. Sills, Jr. During those years she coordinated all of the international activities of the mayor including the African/Caribbean Summit and the Fulda Germany/Wilmington Sisters City Exchange.

“Jeanne’s record of achievement and her passion to improve the lives of people 50+ fits perfectly with our mission at AARP,” said Lucretia Young, AARP State Director. “In addition to her international experience, she also has an excellent focus on local issues that affect our members in the First State.”

Nutter was Director of Training and Development for the Association of Junior Leagues International where she developed and coordinated national training conferences. At the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) she also coordinated training for SWAPO Chief Representatives in Lusaka, Zambia and developed guides on United Nations documentation and research and compiled a manual on international training institutions.

Working with Hagley Museum and Library she also has produced several documentary films including A Separate Place: The Schools P.S. DuPont Built whichwon an Honorable Mention in the 2003 Wilmington Film Festival. A half hour version of the film has been distributed to over 200 schools in the state. Other films include Littleton Mitchell: Human Rights Warrior; Conversation with Luther J. Porter; and Conversation with Jane E. Mitchell: African American Nurse; Conversation with Rev. Maurice J. Moyer: Civil Rights Activist and Dr. Eugene McGowan: School Psychiatrist. Her two published books are Growing Up Black in New Castle County and Black America Series: Delaware. In 2000 she received the Wilmington NAACP Award in Education and the Phi Delta Kappa Leadership Award. She was inducted in to the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame in 2002 and in 2004 received the DSEA’s Humanities and Civil Rights Award.

She has served on several boards including the Delaware Humanities Forum, Preservation Delaware, Opera Delaware, Christina Cultural Arts Center and the Oral History of the Mid Atlantic Region. She has also been a member of the Primo Lecture Series Advisory Board, and the Committee on Self Appointed Litigants before the Court (Family Court of Delaware). Nutter chaired the African American History and Tourism Working Group for the Wilmington Renaissance Corporation which produced a brochure highlighting African American Tourism in Wilmington. The brochure was awarded the 1999 Delaware Governor’s Cultural Heritage Tourism Award.

Beyond her impressive professional accomplishments, Jeanne Nutter also was the caregiver for her mother and uncle during the last years of their lives, fueling her passion for the issues that have long been the centerpiece of AARP’s agenda.

“I didn’t want my relatives to have to move into an institutionalized setting, ,” she reminisces. “After careful planning, I discovered a way to pool both my mother’s and uncle’s resources, move them into a shared apartment, and hire care for them at home. It was a perfect situation.“When my uncle died and my mother’s money ran out she had to move to a nursing home. But it shouldn’t be that difficult. Everyone deserves to age with dignity and with the highest quality of life possible. I believe we can make this happen.”

Jeanne Nutter is a native Delawarean and holds a Ph.D. from Howard University.

Added: June 25, 2009
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Health Insurance Crisis is Hitting 50-64 Age Group Hard

AARP has made guaranteeing access to affordable health coverage for people aged 50-64 an essential element of health reform. Why? Americans aged 50-64

-- who make up nearly half of AARP’s 40 million members -- are taking a hard hit in these times of shrinking employer-sponsored health coverage. They have become the fastest growing group of uninsured. The rate at which they have been losing coverage is really alarming -- 36 percent between 2000 and 2009. And, now, in today’s turbulent economy, as more working men and women in this age group are losing jobs with employer-sponsored health care, they are finding it more and more difficult – if not impossible -- to get affordable individual coverage. This is -- in large part -- because health insurers consider age and pre-existing conditions when setting their rates. Seven of every ten Americans in this age group have at least one -- if not several – such chronic health conditions as diabetes and heart disease. Insurance industry data show that insurers reject between 17 and 28 percent of all applications from people aged 50-64.And those “lucky”enough to find individual coverage must pay, on average, premiums that average three times higher than premiums for those of the same age who have employer coverage. And their out-of-pocket spending for health care is more than twice that of those with employer coverage -- despite less generous benefits. This problem is becoming more serious because, thanks to the aging of the baby boomers, our 50-64 population is growing rapidly. Nearly one of every five Americans will be 50-64 by 2015. So, AARP is pressing Congress to find a common-sense solution to the coverage gap for 50-64-year-olds. For information on AARP’s efforts to help people in this age group – and on ways you can help – please check out our new web page for health reform – www.healthactionnow.org.

Added: May 12, 2009
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AARP Delaware Thanks Senator Carper

It’s good to be first, or so says much of Delaware’s tourism materials. We reside in the First State, and are known for leading the way with great arts, culture, shopping and nature.

However, AARP would like to propose we are first in something else – the first state to ensure that everyone has access to affordable health care. This was the topic of conversation at an AARP listening session with Senator Carper on April 7. On behalf of all our members, I want to say thank you to the Senator for listening. Opening up to hear about the most pressing issues for older Delawareans is certainly a step in the right direction.

AARP members nationwide believe that health care reform is urgent and must be the nation’s top priority. Change to make affordable coverage options available to all is especially urgent for AARP’s 50- to 64- year old population. They are especially vulnerable as the fastest-growing part of the uninsured population in America – and Delaware is no exception.

The fact that Senator Carper is willing to listen gives our members a sense of hope for the future. Thank you again, Senator.

Added: April 8, 2009
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Delaware Health Care: Challenge and Change

By Lucretia Young

AARP State Director

AARP believes that affordable, high quality health care should be available to all Americans. In an effort to address this issue, AARP launched Divided We Fail to raise awareness of America’s most pressing issues – health care access and lifetime financial security. The movement has spread throughout the nation, resulting in grassroots action and influence with policymakers nationwide.

Americans can and should get far better value for our health care dollars spent. It is disconcerting to know that adequate health care has become nearly unobtainable for many struggling families, individuals, and workers of all ages and in all industries. Too many have gone into serious debt or bankruptcy and have skipped necessary treatments, tests or prescriptions.

A recent AARP survey conducted in Delaware revealed some compelling findings on the issue of health care affordability. According to those who responded to the survey, there are a range of concerns about the future of the state’s health care system. The survey polled boomers statewide, ages 50-64, representing a wide range of income and education levels. A unique challenge exists among this demographic. While they are not yet eligible for Medicare, many of them struggle to cover health care costs due to disability, care-taking responsibilities or lack of work. The compelling results of the study speak for themselves:

94 percent believe health care in the First State is problematic.
Seven in ten are extremely worried about having to pay more for their health care
Four in ten who currently have health care coverage are not confident that they will be able to maintain their present level of health care coverage over the next five years.

About 87 percent of Delawareans have health insurance, according to recent data from the Delaware Health Care Commission. While this figure is better than the national average, it is unsettling that more than 105,000 Delawareans are uninsured, and the number is expected to increase as the boomer population approaches retirement.

Cost is the biggest problem people face in obtaining and maintaining health care coverage, especially for the boomer generation. Consider this: The average American 2-person household under age 65 spends $514 per year on health care costs. After age 65, that number jumps to $2308 – with decreased income – and this doesn’t include prescription drug costs. (Kaiser Foundation, www.kff.org.)

A Case for Change

Locally, two major trends in the first State will present challenges in the near future: an aging workforce and a shortage of qualified workers. Improved employee benefits will help attract the best new talent, and retain good workers with knowledge and experience.

According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, uninsured workers are often self-employed or employed by businesses with fewer than 10 employees. Additionally, many recent retirees are not yet eligible for Medicare and cannot afford health insurance.

Employees who have health care coverage put more focus on wellness and prevention. They generally have more efficient, better quality care with fewer medical errors. Comprehensive medical coverage, gives workers more personal responsibility for their health – resulting in less time off from work.

Medical Benefits, a journal for HR professionals, published findings showing that nearly 35% of unscheduled absences from work are due to personal illness. An estimated $74 billion is lost annually because of employee absenteeism. Another study, published in a Business Week article, broke it down by employee, finding that absenteeism costs companies $660 per employee per year². Assuming that healthy workers take less time off, the cost of subsidizing some portion of insurance coverage for employees is an investment worth making.

How Can Businesses Respond?

In 2007, as part of the Divided We Fail initiative, AARP forged an alliance with the Business Roundtable, SIEU, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) to address the challenges of health care coverage in this country. Since the original alliance began, more than 80 organizations have expressed support for Divided We Fail. These partners support AARP’s efforts to raise the national debate to a new level and get policymakers focused on providing solutions to address what has become a national crisis for America’s job creators.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has even taken a position on this compelling issue by recognizing that dealing with problems of the uninsured and access to affordable health care should be a top priority.

Added: April 6, 2009
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Rest Easy with Safer Roads

The roads in the First State will be a little safer thanks to the University of Delaware’s Delaware Senior Safety education campaign to raise awareness of the safety benefits of roadways modifications for older drivers.

The safety campaign is a collaborative effort between the University and the Roadway Safety Foundation. It aims to make effective roadway changes and signage improvements that will not only assist older drivers, but also make driving easier for the entire community.

“Safe driving makes our communities more livable for all, but especially for those 50+,” says Lucretia Young, AARP State Director. “For older Americans, driving is their way to stay connected to social networks. Communities should facilitate driving by older individuals and improve the travel environment, support driver education and promote safe driving throughout the life span.”

View a study, “Assessing the Needs of Delaware’s Older Drivers,” at http://dspace.udel.edu:8080/dspace/handle/19716/2849.

For more information on the Roadway Safety Foundation, visit www.roadwaysafety.org.

Added: April 6, 2009
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Delaware Nursing Homes Rate Among Best in Nation

Delawareans with a relative in a nursing home have another tool available to them to help evaluate nursing home quality. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ranked nursing homes across the nation for quality and care with one to five stars. Delaware had the largest percentage of five-star homes, 13 out of 45 or 29%; and topped other high-ranking states including Hawaii and New Hampshire.

“This new rating system is a nice addition for families searching for long term care living options”, says Brian Posey, Associate State Director of Advocacy for AARP. Families have asked for more choice in determining where their loved ones will live as they get older, and those who are considering nursing home care should find the rankings helpful.”

In addition to nursing home rankings, AARP suggests that families considering nursing home care also make visits to prospective facilities at different times of the day, talk to current nursing home residents and staff, and review facility survey results, For more information on choosing a nursing home please visit

http://www.aarp.org/family/caregiving

View www.medicare.gov/NHCompare/ to view the rankings.

Added: April 6, 2009
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Senate and House Pass Needed National Service Legislation

Senate and House Pass Needed National Service Legislation

AARP Tracks “Key Vote” on Government Watch for 40 Million Members;

Senators Carper and Kaufman and Rep. Castle Vote "Yes" on Serve America Act

Wilmington , March 30 – AARP today applauded the House of Representatives for passing the Serve America Act—a bill that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Designated as a “key vote” by AARP on behalf of its 40 million members, each senator’s vote is posted on AARP’s Government Watch site (www.aarp.org/governmentwatch) so individuals across the nation can see how their legislators voted on this important bill. The House approved the Act after the Senate voted "yes" on March 26.

Brian Posey, Associate State Director for Advocacy for AARP Delaware released the following statement today:

“AARP members stand ready to give, and offer a lifetime of acquired skills to meet a range of community needs. The Serve America Act will help provide the additional service opportunities people age 50+ are looking for.”

He also noted that Delaware holds a volunteer rate of more than 25 percent. Also, the number of boomers and older Americans who express a desire to volunteer is growing both locally and nationally.

Below is the key vote summary of how Delaware ’s elected officials voted on the Serve America Act, which can also be found at www.aarp.org/governmentwatch:

Elected Official	VOTED YES TO PASS SERVE AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON SERVE AMERICA ACT
Carper, Thomas	XXXXXXXXX
Kaufman, Ted	XXXXXXXXX
Mike Castle	XXXXXXXXX

A recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to Senate and House leadership outlines the most important issues for older Americans in this legislation:

This legislation will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities to include social services, environment, health, caregiving, nurturing, mentoring, intergenerational solutions, education, economic development and community development.

AARP is pleased that the bill will improve service opportunities for persons age 50+ so that they can apply a lifetime of acquired skills to help remedy a range of identified service needs. AARP encourages expanding volunteer service for older persons by allowing older volunteers to occupy important decision-making roles.

We are also supportive of the provisions that improve the capacity of non-profit, service and philanthropic organizations to recruit, manage and apply volunteer skills to identified service needs in this period of economic recession and lower charitable giving.

Added: April 3, 2009
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JOIN US FOR A SPELL

JOIN US FOR A SPELL.

AARP ANNOUNCES 2009 NATIONAL SPELLING BEE FOR SPELLERS AGE 50+

***Event to be Held June 20^th in Cheyenne, Wyoming ***

Wilmington, April 1, 2009 – AARP today announced a national call for entries for its 14^th annual AARP National Spelling Bee. Open to anyone age 50+ with the exception of previous winners, contestants will test their spelling skills against some of the best spellers in the country as they compete for more than $1,000 in gifts and prizes. The national event will be held June 20, 2009 in Cheyenne, Wyo. and online registration will be open at www.aarp.org/spellingbee through June 14^th.

“Whether you enjoy reading the dictionary to keep your mind sharp or you just want to meet other like-minded adults, the AARP National Spelling Bee always proves to be exciting and highly competitive,” said AARP’s National Spelling Bee word wizard Brian Greene. “Many of our spellers prepare year-round for this competition and we’re thrilled to be able to continue to provide this forum for adults to challenge themselves.”

The AARP National Spelling Bee consists of two rounds of competition, beginning with a 100-word written competition in the morning, narrowing the field to the top 15 spellers who go on to compete in the oral spelling rounds. Spellers are allowed to miss three words in the oral rounds before being knocked out of the competition.

“Some spellers have told us that they enter the bee because they had performed well in a spelling bee when they were younger, and they want to test themselves again,” Greene said. “What they realize is that a lifetime of learning and reading has made them a much better and more confident speller.”

The 2009 AARP National Spelling Bee will be held Saturday, June 20^th at Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Registration is $25 per speller which includes lunch, and the hotel offers discounted rates to spellers and their guests who reserve a room by calling 1-800-445-6945. A special trolley tour of historic Cheyenne for spellers and their guests will run from 1 to 4 p.m. Friday, June 19^th and costs $10 per ticket. The Laramie County Library, winner of the prestigious national Best Library of the Year award for 2008, will host a reception for spellers and their guests complete with an all-ages, just-for-fun spelling bee from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday, June 19^th.

AARP’s 2009 National Spelling Bee is sponsored by Merriam-Webster Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, Taco John’s International, the Cheyenne Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Wyoming Network, Inc. and the Laramie County Library System.

Sample word lists, complete rules and additional information can be found at www.aarp.org/spellingbee or by calling the AARP office in Wyoming at 1-866-663-3290.

Added: April 3, 2009
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My Journals (11)