AARP Online Community: AARPID - My Journals & Blogs

$27 MILLION AVAILABLE TO HELP IDAHOANS PAY FOR HOME HEAT THIS WINTER
LIHEAP

Low Income Home Energy Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides eligible households with a one-time benefit towards the utility used to provide heat during the winter. This program is available November 1 through March 31, depending on funding availability.

Idaho’s LIHEAP funds have roughly doubled since 2008 due to an increase in the number of people needing assistance paying for home heating bills.

Household eligibility is based on income and benefit amounts are determined by household percentage of energy burden.

The LIHEAP income guidelines below are effective starting September 1, 2009.

Family Size	Monthly Income Limit	3 Month Income Limit
1	$ 1,575	$ 4,724
2	$2,059	$ 6,177
3	$2,544	$ 7,631
4	$3,028	$ 9,084
5	$3,513	$ 10,538
6	$ 3,997	$ 11,991
7	$ 4,088	$ 12,263
8	$ 4,179	$ 12,536
9	$ 4,269	$ 12,808
10	$ 4,360	$ 13,081

Applicants to the LIHEAP program must provide the following information at the time of their application:

Names/birthdates for all household members

Social security numbers for all household members

Heating Energy Vendor Name/Account number (utility bill)

Verification of residence address (utility bill)

Income verification for the previous 3 months (check stubs, SS/SSI award letters, etc)

For the agency providing this program in your area, please click here: http://idahocommunityaction.org/partnerships.html

For low cost/ no cost ways to save energy in your home, please click here: http://idahocommunityaction.org/EnergySavingTips.html

Information from Idaho Community Action Partnership website: http://idahocommunityaction.org/index.html

Added: November 16, 2009
Views: 10 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Disappointed in ID Reps

For Immediate Release Thursday, November 12, 2009

AARP DISAPPOINTED IN MINNICK & SIMPSON “NO” VOTES ON HEALTH CARE REFORM

Statement by Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho

BOISE, Idaho- This past Saturday, with the U.S. House passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3662) a significant stride was made towards tackling the health care woes facing people across the nation. In Idaho, hundreds of thousands of people struggle everyday as home values sink, savings dwindle, and health care costs continue to soar, yet this critical issue moved forward without the support of Representatives Minnick and Simpson.

AARP is disappointed Idaho’s U.S. Representatives chose to oppose the legislation, ignoring the worsening health care crisis in their home state.

Idaho’s unemployment rate continues to increase; people are losing their jobs and their health care. State part time employees are bracing for insurance increases estimated to be as great as ten times what they currently pay, while our State retirees are being forced to join Medicare as the promise of their health care has turned empty.

Currently, 88% of Idaho’s 221,000 uninsured have jobs, but many can’t afford the health care they need. Nearly 400,000 state residents spend over 10% of their household income on health care costs, roughly 100,000 spend upwards of a quarter of their income. Health insurance premiums are on track to double in the next few years which would devastate households and families across Idaho.

Couple this with the continual budget slashes to the programs and services that provided health care in the community to those in need, and it spells disaster for an ever increasing number of Idahoans.

This is a problem Idaho’s members of Congress can no longer ignore. It’s time for health care reform - AARP is urging our Congressional delegation to do what’s right for the people of this state, set aside politics, and pass meaningful health care reform that provides relief for Idaho residents buckling under health care costs.

AARP sent the following letters to Representatives Minnick and Simpson:

Dear Representative,

AARP is disappointed that you did not vote for HR 3962. As you know, AARP endorsed the Affordable Health Care for American Act (HR 3962) and considered it to be a “key vote” which -- because of its great importance – we will highlight to our membership.

Since the latest debate over comprehensive health care reform began more than two years ago, AARP has been working to protect Medicare for seniors and future generations, and working for stable, affordable health care options for all Americans.

AARP believes the passage of the Affordable Health Care for America Act (HR 3962) brings us one step closer to a stronger Medicare by making prescription drugs more affordable, adding free preventive benefits, boosting payments for primary care doctors and nurses, and cracking down on waste and fraud.

For all Americans – including our younger members who often struggle to find affordable insurance (an estimated 32,000 in Idaho between age 50 and 64 are uninsured and another 38,000 people in that age group buy coverage in the individual market) – the House plan makes coverage more affordable by strictly limiting how much more insurance companies can charge based on age. Americans will also no longer be denied coverage because of their health histories or discriminated against because of gender, and those who cannot afford insurance will receive help to purchase affordable coverage.

However, we know the debate isn’t over. We want to continue to work with you and other members of the House and Senate to ensure any final health care reform bill meets the needs and priorities of older Americans.

Sincerely,

Peggy Munson James E. Wordelman

AARP State President AARP State Director

Added: November 12, 2009
Views: 16 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

IDAHO?S RISING JOBLESS RATE FUELS GROWING HEALTH CARE WOES

For Immediate Release Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Near 9% Unemployment Leaves More Idaho Families Struggling with High Health Care Costs – Highlights Need for Reform

BOISE, Idaho – As Idaho’s jobless rate approaches 9%, so do the health care worries for the over 67,300 unemployed Idahoans finding themselves without employer benefits. While many have exhausted both state and federal benefits, AARP is calling on Idaho’s Congressional delegation to set politics aside and support health care reform measures delivering needed relief to state residents buckling under soaring costs.

“When people lose their jobs they lose their health care benefits – leaving Idahoans struggling to afford even the most basic health care they need for themselves and their families,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho. “While Washington debates health care reform, the harsh reality of high health care costs is landing in the middle of kitchen tables across the state forcing many Idaho residents to go without.”

For over 221,000 uninsured Idahoans (88% who have jobs), the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), offers immediate assistance by helping them purchase health care insurance. The AARP-backed legislation recently passed the U.S. House of Representatives and has now been sent to the Senate. Neither Congressman Walt Minnick nor Congressman Mike Simpson supported the measure in the House.

“Now that real health care reform is headed to the Senate, AARP is calling on Senators Crapo and Risch to focus on what’s best for Idaho by supporting legislation that helps people get the coverage they need,” added Wordelman. “This debate is far from over - Representatives Minnick and Simpson will have another chance to say ‘yes’ to meaningful health care reform for all Idahoans.”

In Idaho, nearly 400,000 residents spend more than 10% of their pre-tax household income on health care costs, while roughly 100,000 spend upwards of a quarter of their income.

For hundreds of thousands of Idahoans who can barely afford skyrocketing health care costs, the legislation strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender. The legislation also closes the dangerous Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the “doughnut hole” and allows the program to negotiate lower drug prices. It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits.

AARP has nearly 185,000 members in Idaho.

####

Added: November 12, 2009
Views: 11 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP IDAHO KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Saturday, November 7, 2009

AARP IDAHO KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

ATTENTION NEWS DESKS: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 111^th Congress, and informing its nearly 40 million members of the results of these key votes.

AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans

BOISE , Idaho - SUMMARY: Today the United States House of Representatives passed critical health care reform legislation that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that prices millions of Americans out of affordable health coverage.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) makes prescription drugs more affordable for seniors by closing the dangerous gap in Medicare drug coverage and allowing the program to negotiate lower drug prices. It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits. In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender. For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

IDAHO	VOTED YES ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Minnick, Walt		X
Simpson, Mike		X

*Did not vote

** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.

“It’s disappointing that Representatives Minnick and Simpson voted against this bill and the opportunity to fix our health care system,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho. “When millions of older Americans are struggling to afford quality insurance and millions of seniors must choose between their prescriptions and other necessities, we know this legislation must move forward. We hope they will reconsider their votes when a health care bill returns to the House for final approval.”

AARP notified the 111^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its nearly 40 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members.

“When Americans understand the issues and where their lawmakers stand, they can make smart decisions,” added Wordelman. “AARP will be there to give our members, as well as all Americans, the most accurate information we can.”

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch . AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus. A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

30 – 30 – 30

Added: November 12, 2009
Views: 11 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP SAYS IDAHO ON CRASH COURSE WITH HEALTH CARE DISASTER

For Immediate Release Thursday, October 29, 2009

Part-Timer’s Premium Hikes, State Retirees Kicked off Health Care, Coupled with Budget Cuts for Safety Net Programs Leaves Residents Scrambling for Care

BOISE, Idaho – While Idaho’s part-time employees face massive health care premium increases, state retirees are bracing to lose their state health care in the coming months, all as programs and services providing a critical safety net continue to be cut. AARP says it’s a combination that spells health care disaster for many Idaho residents and the Association is calling on lawmakers to address it.

“It doesn’t make any sense to pull the rug out from underneath Idaho’s part-time state employees and retirees, while continuing to weaken the programs in the community where people turn in times of crisis,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director. “AARP members in Idaho – half of whom are in the workforce – are looking to their elected officials at the state and federal level to tackle this issue now.”

Many of Idaho’s part-time employees, who are expected to see health care premiums increase as much as ten times their current premiums, may find themselves joining the growing ranks of the state’s residents who have jobs, but not health care. Roughly 88% of Idaho’s uninsured are employed. Come January 1^st, state retirees 65 and older are set to be forced off their state health care and into Medicare, which many may be unable to afford. At the same time, Governor “Butch” Otter is calling for even more cuts to Medicaid and already cash strapped programs that provide critical community-based health care services to Idaho residents who are struggling.

“More people are being forced to turn to the programs and services in the community as incomes and retirement savings dwindle, home values sink and health care costs soar – soon they won’t have any place to go,” added Wordelman. “As health care continues to be debated in Boise and Washington, D.C. - we’re urging our elected officials to set politics aside and address skyrocketing health care costs and work to increase access and affordability right now.”

While state lawmakers moved to force state retirees 65 and older into Medicare, last week, U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch voted to block legislation that would have permanently staved off a near 22% pay cut in Medicare for doctors – the action is expected to see more doctors refusing to accept patients under the program. At the state level, in addition to the cuts and premium hikes, Idaho legislators are meeting next week to debate whether or not to participate in federal measures which could allow more Idahoans access to health care.

####

Added: November 12, 2009
Views: 10 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

GOV?S BUDGET CUTS SET TO TAKE HARSH TOLL ON OLDER IDAHOANS

For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 8, 2009

Expected Cuts to Health Care, Rx and Critical Community Services Looming – Could Spell Disaster for Many Elderly

BOISE, Idaho – To the many older Idahoans unexpectedly turning to the state for the basics in the recession such as health care, home care and prescription drugs, news of more budget cuts from the Governor couldn’t come at a worse time. Already bracing for no Social Security increase next year, possible cuts to the programs allowing many of Idaho’s elderly to live independently could spell disaster for those barely getting by.

Earlier this year, several of these critical programs were forced to cutback due to harsh budget slashes. AARP has a simple message for the Governor and state lawmakers: Don’t balance the state budget on the backs of the frail elderly.

“The cuts being proposed by the Governor could pull the rug out from underneath many elderly Idahoans who are just hanging on as it is,” said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP Idaho. “We’re calling on lawmakers to do what’s right and soften the blow for older people who’ve already been hit hard.”

Governor Otter’s proposal would cut the Commission on Aging’s budget by 7.5% and the Department of Health and Welfare’s budget (which includes Medicaid) by 3.3%. Both areas are still reeling from cuts made earlier this year – 8% for Aging and 10.5% for Health and Welfare –forcing reductions to critical home and community based services.

AARP is anticipating cuts to already cash strapped programs that help low-income older Idahoans access prescription drugs, health care and other critical services in the community allowing them to age with independence and dignity, avoiding costly institutional care.

“Idaho has a strong tradition of ensuring no one falls through the cracks, especially it’s most vulnerable citizens – these cuts are a clear move in the wrong direction,” added Wordelman. “AARP is looking forward to working with Idaho lawmakers on budget solutions that work as opposed to those that are unduly harsh to the frail elderly in the state.”

The announcement comes on the heels of news that Social Security beneficiaries may not see a cost of living adjustment in the coming year. While more than half of the state’s elderly population relies on Social Security to keep them out of poverty, the combination of shrinking retirement savings, soaring health care costs and dwindling home values finds many already struggling to afford the basics such as food, gas and prescriptions.

####

Added: November 12, 2009
Views: 9 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

IDAHO DOCS ON TRACK TO SEE MASSIVE MEDICARE PAY CUT IN 2010

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

IDAHO DOCS ON TRACK TO SEE MASSIVE MEDICARE PAY CUT IN 2010

AARP Urges Senators Crapo & Risch to Support Legislation to Preserve Access to Doctors for Millions of Older Americans

BOISE, Idaho – With a near 22 percent cut in Medicare payment rates to doctors for 2010 on the horizon, Idaho’s 213,000 beneficiaries may soon find their doctor can’t afford to see them. For the influx of Medicare eligible state retirees who will soon lose their state health insurance in January of 2010, the issue could prove devastating. It’s a problem that can be avoided and AARP Idaho is calling on Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch to support legislation to do just that.

“Idaho state retirees are set to join hundreds of thousands of older Idahoans already in Medicare, if this issues doesn’t get tackled now, we’re sending them into a broken program, where they may not even be able to see their own doctor,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director. “We’re calling on Senators Crapo and Risch to stand up for the elderly residents in Idaho and support legislation to preserve access and choice under Medicare.”

AARP is backing Senate Bill 1776, the Medicare Physician Fairness Act, which will replace the currently flawed formula with a new system to ensure physicians are paid fairly so they’ll not only continue to treat existing Medicare patients, but will also accept new patients.

Over the last seven years, Congress has passed legislation seven times to override the flawed Medicare physician payment formula; the legislation would permanently address the problem.

“It’s time to end the band-aid approach to helping older people get the care they need under Medicare,” added Wordelman. “Coupled with news of severe state budget cuts to key programs that allow older Idahoans to get health care in the community, this issue, if left unaddressed, could pull the rug out from beneath many of our state’s elderly.”

Roughly 75 percent of all Idahoans covered by Medicare used the program to visit their physicians in 2006, while about 30% percent are at or near the federal poverty, leaving them with little to no access to health care services if their doctor won’t accept the program.

####

Added: October 22, 2009
Views: 35 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

OLDER IDAHOANS TO BE HIT HARD BY NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

Thursday, October 15, 2009

OLDER IDAHOANS TO BE HIT HARD BY NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

AARP Urges Congress to Immediately Pass Relief Legislation Would Benefit Nearly 250,000 Idahoans

BOISE, Idaho – For the first time in nearly 30 years, there will be no Social Security cost of living adjustment – it is news that could spell disaster for some older Idahoans. With dwindling retirement savings, sinking home values and soaring health care costs – the announcement couldn’t come at a worse time for the state’s elderly already living on the brink. AARP is calling on Congress to pass legislation to provide immediate relief.

“Without any relief, many of Idaho’s elderly won’t be able to afford their health care, prescription drugs or other basic necessities,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director.

While 100% of older Idahoans receive Social Security, without it, nearly half would fall below the poverty level. For six in ten residents age 65 and older, the program makes up at least half of their income, 25% rely on it as their only source of income. One in six Idaho residents receives Social Security.

“Idaho’s elderly, who have among the lowest incomes in the nation, are particularly vulnerable to this harsh news – AARP is urging Congress for immediate relief,” added Wordelman.

The relief would come in the form of a one-time $250 payment to all Social Security beneficiaries, providing many people the additional money they need to get by in the harsh economic climate.

The reason given for no COLA is because of stagnant inflation - while the items older people spend the most amount of money on have soared over the last year - prescription drugs saw the highest increase over the past year than in the prior six, health care costs which eat up nearly 30% of older residents income continue to soar past the rate of inflation and rising utility rates.

####

Added: October 15, 2009
Views: 47 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP SAYS NO WAY TO NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

For Immediate Release : T hursday, October 1, 2009

AARP SAYS NO WAY TO NO SOCIAL SECURITY COLA IN 2010

Urges Congress to Pass Relief Legislation for Older Americans – Would benefit Nearly 250,000 Idahoans

BOISE , Idaho - In the midst of dwindling retirement savings and soaring health care costs, older Idahoans are bracing from more bad news that could spell disaster for many – no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010. Today, AARP announced it will urge Congress to immediately pass legislation to provide relief to the over 50 million Social Security beneficiaries across the nation, including nearly 250,000 Idaho residents.

“While prescription drug prices continue to see record increases of 8% and insurance premiums are expected to double in the next few years, the lack of a Social Security COLA will hit many older Idahoans hard,” said Jim Wordelman, AARP Idaho State Director. “We urge Congress to act on this issue immediately and provide older Americans the relief they need.”

The relief would come in the form of a one-time $250 payment to all Social Security beneficiaries, providing many people the additional money they need to get by in the harsh economic climate. With older people spending roughly 30% of their income on health care costs which continue to skyrocket past the rate of inflation- consuming a larger share of income each year - the money couldn’t come at a better time for many people.

While 100% of older Idahoans receive Social Security, without it, nearly half would fall below the poverty level. For six in ten residents age 65 and older, the program makes up at least half of their income, 25% rely on it as their only source of income. One in six Idaho residents receives Social Security.

####

Added: October 1, 2009
Views: 58 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Read the Truth About AARP's Positions on Health Care Reform

AARP is in this fight for health care reform to make sure your voices are heard. We have listened to you and you’ve made it very clear you want us not only to fix what’s wrong with health care in this country – but to preserve what’s right – to preserve what already is working well for so many of you.

That’s why we’re working with the president and Congress to create health care reform legislation that will -- above all -- guarantee you a choice of dependable, affordable health insurance – along with a doctor you can count on who will work with you to make the best possible treatment choices for you and your families.

AARP is committed to making sure health care reform will strengthen and improve Medicare by closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole,” ensuring patients’ access to the doctors you choose, and eliminating fraud and wasteful spending.

In fact, we are strongly committed to making sure all Americans can choose their doctor, their health insurance plan, and where they receive their care.

We also are strongly committed to ending discrimination by insurance companies by preventing them from denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition, or forcing Americans 50 to 64 to pay unaffordable premiums just because of their age.

And, we are strongly committed to ensuring that all Americans have the security of knowing that if they lose or change jobs, they will be able to get affordable, quality health insurance.

Now, there are special interest groups out there trying to block progress on health care reform by using myths and scare tactics.

Like the notion that health care reform would ration your care, hurt Medicare, or be a government takeover.

These statements are false – and that’s the most polite term to describe them. Perhaps the most disgraceful is the myth that health care reform will somehow give the government the power to make life or death decisions about us and our family members.

The simple truth is: Every health care reform plan currently being debated in Congress would ensure that you and your doctor will continue as the ones making decisions about your health. Period.

Under any health reform plan AARP will support, the majority of working Americans will continue to receive their health care through their employer. And any health care reform plan AARP will support will strengthen Medicare by eliminating billions of dollars in waste, paying doctors fairly so they’ll keep treating Medicare patients while lowering prescription drug prices.

AARP never has, and never will, support any legislation whatsoever that would threaten Medicare. We are working to ensure that any policies affecting Medicare strengthen the quality of care, improve efficiency of services, and eliminate wasteful spending, and, above all, protect your benefits.

This debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system shouldn’t be about politics. It’s not about Democrats and Republicans. It’s about lives.

Throughout this debate, AARP is pledged to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform really means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions in your best interest. It’s just too important for us to do any less.

Because failure to pass health care reform legislation this year is not an option. If Congress fails to develop final legislation AARP can endorse because it’s right for you – and pass it – premiums will only climb higher and higher; benefits will have to be cut; choices will be taken away; and the rolls of the uninsured will grow by millions – with those ages 50 to 64 taking the greatest hits.

If we do nothing, the cost of the average employer-sponsored health insurance plan for a family will reach an estimated $24,000 by 2016. That’s only seven years from now. At that cost, how many businesses do you think will continue coverage for their employees? And, at that cost, if families had to pay for coverage on their own, at least half of all households would need almost half their incomes to buy health insurance. How many families do you think will be able to afford it? Could you?

There’s an old saying, "If something cannot go on forever, it will stop." Failing to address the problems in our health system will, over time, become the largest threat to your doctor and your health plan. In fact, the surest way to get rationed and “assembly line” health care in America that nobody wants is if we don’t pass health care reform and keep on our present course.

That’s not acceptable. And you can bet the farm that AARP will not accept it. AARP is committed to securing for you and all Americans the stability, security, and peace of mind that comes from having health care that you can count on no matter what.

Added: August 17, 2009
Views: 141 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (23)