For Immediate Release             Contact: Jordan McNerney or David Allen

March 19, 2010                                          202-434-2560

AARP Statement on Historic Health Insurance Reform Package

WASHINGTON — Today, AARP Board Chair Bonnie M. Cramer, M.S.W., announced the Association’s support for health insurance reform legislation containing key reform provisions that will improve health care for older Americans and their families.  For more than two years, AARP has fought for health insurance reform that helps Americans 50-plus get the care and medications they need at a price they can afford.  Cramer’s statement follows:

“After a thorough analysis of the reform package, we believe this legislation brings us so much closer to helping millions of older Americans get quality, affordable health care.  For too long, our members and others have faced spiraling prescription drug costs, discriminatory practices by insurance companies and a Medicare system awash in fraud, waste and abuse.

“The legislative package cracks down on insurance company abuses and protects and strengthens guaranteed benefits in Medicare, the program millions of our members depend on and in which millions more will soon enroll.  It closes the dreaded Medicare Part D ‘doughnut hole,’ a gap in prescription drug coverage that is life-threatening for many.  The package stops insurance companies from pricing people out of coverage because they have an existing health problem or arbitrarily limiting the amount of care someone can receive.  It also limits insurance companies’ ability to charge higher premiums based solely on age.  And it improves efforts to crack down on fraud and waste in Medicare, strengthening the program for today’s seniors and future generations.

“For every American who has struggled without access to health insurance—and for all those at risk of losing their current coverage with the next job loss, illness or premium hike—this package presents the best hope to offer health security for them and their families.  We understand that significant work remains even after this package becomes law, but we cannot lose the opportunity looking for a ‘next time’ that is doomed to be ‘too late.’

“We urge Congress to seize this opportunity to improve health care so older Americans and their families get the care they need.”

Also today, AARP CEO A. Barry Rand sent a letter to every member of the House of Representatives, urging them to put the health of Americans age 50-plus first and vote “yes” on the legislative package.

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on the health insurance reform package 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 35.7 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of 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.

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For Immediate Release           Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

March 9, 2010                                           Heather Heppner   312-458-3623

LEGISLATION AIMS TO REFORM NURSING HOMES IN ILLINOIS

AARP, Groups Urge General Assembly to Pass Measure, Protect Frail Nursing Home Residents

SPRINGFIELD– In one newspaper story after another, a grave issue came under the spotlight: thousands of frail seniors live in inappropriate conditions at dozens of Illinois nursing homes – sharing living quarters with dangerous individuals, suffering abuse or neglect, and even receiving the wrong medications for their ailments.

In order to put a stop to abuses, and make sure older Illinoisans who live in institutional settings get the care and safety they need, a group of legislators and advocacy organizations convened by AARP came together today in Springfield to announce landmark legislation that will reform the way in which nursing homes operate in Illinois.

The legislation – Senate Bill 685 – is sponsored by Senators Heather Steans (D-Chicago) and Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago), and is supported by AARP Illinois, The Community Renewal Society,  SEIU Healthcare Illinois, Illinois Citizens for Better Care, the Jane Addams Senior Caucus, AFSCME, Illinois Association of Long Term Care Ombudsman, the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, Age Options, Next Steps, Supportive Housing Providers Association, Health and Medicine Policy Research Group, and the Shriver Center on Poverty Law, the Illinois Network of Centers for Independent Living and Health and Disability Advocates.

“National and state research show us consistently that older adults prefer to age independently in their own homes, but if they must consider institutional arrangements then the state needs to make sure they live in a safe environment,” said Nancy Nelson, AARP Illinois Senior Manager for Advocacy. “AARP commends Senators Steans and Collins for introducing legislation that will ensure older Illinoisans get the care they need and deserve, in a safe atmosphere, and we urge the Legislature to pass this bill.”

“We have the right group of people demanding quality care and patient choices for all of our senior and mentally ill residents as we craft nursing home reform in Springfield this session,” Senator Steans said.

“Nursing home residents in Illinois have been victims of a systematic failure in which operators are allowed to pay minimal fines rather than provide minimal standards of care,” Senator Collins said. “It’s time to change how we address nursing home abuse, neglect and inequities in Illinois and rewrite the policies that allow patterns of inadequate care to continue.”

“Lawmakers need to fix staffing and training deficiencies permitted under current law so that residents get the quality care they deserve,” said Crystal Lopez, a CNA at Camelot Terrace in Streator. 

Newspaper stories – starting with 2009 series from the Chicago Tribune and the Chicago Reporter – shone a light on unacceptable conditions in which thousands of seniors live in nursing homes across the state.

The stories documented how residents have to live with dangerous individuals; have been physically, mentally, and even sexually abused by other residents; and are often given the wrong diagnosis or wrong medications – even dangerous anti-psychotic drugs – for their treatments.

In many of the nursing homes documented in the series of articles, the problems were further compounded by severe cuts in personnel, reducing the number of inspectors available to look after sanitary and care conditions; and reducing the number of ombudsmen available to advocate for residents.

SB 685 aims to address these problems, and reform the way in which nursing homes operate, by, among other things:

Improving the quality of care for nursing home residents;

Creating meaningful regulations for Illinois nursing homes, including disincentives and penalties for institutions providing inadequate care;

Providing requirements and regulations that promote resident safety, and provide seniors with a protected environment;

Improving the quality of care for nursing home residents through provisions like higher staff to patient ratios and enhanced training for the staff that provide direct care;

Offering less restrictive alternatives to individuals who do not need nursing home care.

AARP has also set up a Nursing Homes Legislation Hotline, so citizens can contact their state legislators and urge them to support SB 685. The hotline is 1-888-616-3322.

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Reported by: Maria Chandler WMBD/WYZZ-TV

Wednesday, Mar 10, 2010 05:13pm CST

PEORIA - Proposed cuts in the budget could bring problems for senior citizens when it comes to covering prescription drug costs and Medicare.

Officials at AARP say that for seniors it can be a matter of paying bills or buying groceries. About $70 million is expected to be cut from a state program for prescription drugs.

Another problem is with home and community based services.

AARP Volunteer Mary Patton says seniors want to stay at home and be comfortable as long as possible, but staying home won't be an option if services are cut.

"If they aren't able to get services at home that means they have to go to nursing homes, and nursing homes are more expensive than community based services," she says.

Seniors will also end up in the nursing home and hospitals if they can't afford medication.

Patton lobbies for AARP in Springfield and says she will continue to represent seniors needs during the budget crisis.

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For Immediate Release              Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

March 10, 2010                                            Heather Heppner   312-458-3623

GOVERNOR’S BUDGET PLAN FALLS SHORT OF FIXING ILLINOIS’ FINANCIAL CRISIS

Statement from AARP Illinois Senior Manager for Advocacy Nancy Nelson

SPRINGFIELD — While Governor Quinn was right in pointing out that Illinois is currently at a crossroads, his budget proposal falls short of fixing our state’s deep fiscal crisis.

The Governor’s proposed one-percent income tax increase is not enough to fix our broken budget – it doesn’t generate the revenue Illinois needs at this time, and by tying it to education, it leaves out other critical areas including social and human services.

Furthermore, the Governor’s plan to implement deep cuts in other programs, and borrow more money, will make matters even worse for all Illinoisans.

As advocates for older Illinoisans, we are especially concerned about potential cuts to home and community-based programs, cuts in the prescription drug assistance program, and the continued lack of payments to service providers.

In order to fix our broken budget, we need a balanced approach that includes new and fair revenue so the state can fund the services its citizens need, pay its bills, create jobs and generate economic growth. AARP is committed to working with the Governor and the legislative leaders to find responsible solutions to our current financial crisis.

AARP has set up a toll free number for its members and for all Illinois citizens, 1-800-719-3020, so they can call their legislators and urge them to fix the budget mess, and pass a responsible budget.

Become a fan of AARP Illinois on Facebook -  www.facebook.com/aarpillinois

Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/aarpillinois

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For Immediate Release           Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

March 2, 2010                                          Heather Heppner   312-458-3623

AARP, PARTNERS LAUNCH EFFORT TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL SECURITY 

Financially Fit Illinois provides resources to employers to encourage greater financial security among employees

CHICAGO — In this raging recession, being financially literate helps Americans navigate through turbulent economic waters.  Employers play a pivotal role in helping to ensure their employees are financially stable and are able to take advantage of workplace savings programs.  AARP and several partner organizations have come together to launch Financially Fit Illinois – an education effort designed to provide employers with the resources and tools they need to ensure the financial security of their employees.

“Financially Fit Illinois is ultimately about helping employees become more financially stable,” said Ryan Gruenenfelder, Associate State Director for AARP Illinois.  “AARP and our partners in the Financially Fit Illinois Task Force want to ensure that we are providing employers with the necessary resources to make that happen.”

Financially Fit Illinois hopes to improve Illinois’ overall economic landscape by ensuring that employees take full advantage of workplace savings and benefits.  Financially fit employees are understood to be happier in their lives and more productive at work.  Employers benefit through increased efficiency, ease of recruitment, and higher retention.

The work of Financially Fit Illinois is focused on securing the commitment of employers to assist their employees in succeeding through improved financial literacy and savings habits.  Another key goal of the project is to encourage other corporations and businesses to get involved with Financially Fit Illinois and to share best practices.

The Financially Fit Illinois Task Force includes representatives from a variety of industries including non-profit organizations, government agencies, academic institutions, human resources, and business.

For more information about Financially Fit Illinois, visit the website at www.financiallyfitillinois.org .  

Become a fan of AARP Illinois on Facebook -  www.facebook.com/aarpillinois

Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/aarpillinois

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For Immediate Release             Contact: Mary Liz Burns (202) 434-2560

March 3, 2010                                                                     

AARP Strongly Disappointed in Senate Failure to Provide Economic Relief For Millions of Older Americans

Vows to keep fighting for seniors, veterans, people with disabilities to receive $250 in relief

Washington, DC – AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond  released this statement following the Senate’s vote on two amendments, sponsored by Senators Sanders and Burr, to provide $250 in economic relief for millions of older Americans, veterans and persons with disabilities who continue to struggle through these difficult economic times. 

“AARP is strongly disappointed that the Senate was unable to find common ground to  pass needed economic relief for 57 million retirees, veterans and people with disabilities whose Social Security benefits are frozen this year.  In fact, their monthly checks have remained flat at a time when health care costs are rising dramatically.  Older Americans spend 30% or more of their income on health care and these costs are expected to continue to rise again throughout 2010.

“While it is clear that Democrats and Republicans agree that older Americans need relief during these difficult economic times, it is increasingly frustrating to watch lawmakers, armed with compelling stories of their constituents who are struggling to make ends meet, not take action for older Americans.  Congress must be able to come together and provide assistance for millions of Americans in a responsible way.

“AARP will continue to press Congress and the Administration to pass legislation to provide support for millions of older Americans as soon as possible.”

For more information, please contact AARP Media Relations at 202-434-2560.

About AARP

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 35.7 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of 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.

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For Immediate Release             Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-351-0228

February 25, 2010                                        Heather Heppner 312-458-3623                                                          




AARP URGES ICC TO REJECT AMEREN RATE HIKE REQUEST

Statement from AARPIllinoisAssociateState Director Scott Musser

SPRINGFIELD — As an Administrative Law Judge today recommended that Ameren’s rate hike request be lowered to $56 million, AARP Illinois Associate State Director for Advocacy Scott Musser issued the following statement:

“The Administrative Law Judge’s finding that Ameren should lower its rate hike request to $56 million is further proof that Ameren’s $130 million rate request was excessive. But Ameren’s request for a rate increase, even at $56 million, is still wrong.

Illinois consumers are struggling in an unrelenting economy and should not have to pay more for their utilities. Considering that Ameren did pretty well in 2009, with earnings that almost tripled their 2008 results, we once again urge the Illinois Commerce Commission to do the right thing, and protect consumers from an unwarranted rate hike.”

For Immediate Release             Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

February 23, 2010                                       Heather Heppner 312-458-3623

AARP SURVEY: AFRICAN AMERICANS HIT PARTICULARLY HARD BY ECONOMIC RECESSION

Findings Show African Americans More Likely to Help Family, Friends Cope with Financial Hardships

CHICAGO — While millions of Americans have experienced hard times during the economic recession, the environment for many African Americans age 45+ and their families is particularly difficult, according to a new survey by AARP.

The survey, which is part of AARP’s continued look at how Americans age 45+ are faring in this economy, found that over the last 12 months, a third (33%) of African Americans 45+ had problems paying rent or mortgage, and 44% had problems paying for essential items, such as food and utilities.   Nearly twice as many African Americans 45+ lost a job than the general population (18% vs. 10%), and almost one in four (23%) lost their employer-sponsored health insurance.

“We have seen the devastating impact that this economic recession has had on the African American community—lack of job prospects, problems paying for basic needs including medical care, and families struggling to make ends meet,” said AARP Vice President Edna Kane-Williams.

AFRICAN AMERICANS 45+ MITIGATING IMPACT OF RECESSION

African Americans have taken some positive steps to lessen the sting of the recession. Half of those surveyed postponed plans to travel and two-thirds (67%) cut entertainment expenses.  Even in the tough employment environment, 12% of African Americans age 65+ returned to the workforce from retirement, while 19% of African Americans age 45 to 64 increased the number of hours worked and 12% took a second job.

Unfortunately, African Americans 45+ have been forced to make increasingly difficult decisions to cope with this economic downturn—decisions that could have serious long-term consequences.   A third (34%) stopped putting money into a 401(k), IRA or other retirement account, and a quarter (26%) prematurely withdrew funds from their retirement nest eggs to pay for living expenses, including mortgage or rent, health care, education expenses, and for other reasons.  More than three in ten (31%) have cut back on their medications, and 28% have carried a higher balance on their credit cards during the past 12 months. 

“The recession has driven many African Americans to make hard choices now that may lead to serious problems down the road,” added Kane-Williams.  “Raiding your nest egg or ending contributions, even in the short-term, will have long-term consequences because you will have less time to make up the losses.  Cutting back on your health care can compromise your health now and lead to higher health care costs as you age.”

MANY TURN TO FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES FOR SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

Faced with the extraordinary impact of this economy, African Americans 45+ are more likely to turn to family or the community for assistance, and are more likely to help family members and friends cope with financial hardships.

About one in five African Americans 45+ (22%) consulted friends or family members about finances. Eighteen percent had a child move in for financial reasons, and 44% helped a child pay bills or expenses.  Almost one in five (18%) helped a parent pay for basic necessities. African Americans age 45+ were more than twice as likely as all Americans 45+ to seek financial assistance from family, friends, charities and churches (28% vs. 13%).

While some African Americans age 45+ are looking for resources and tools to provide financial information, many may not be aware or are not taking advantage of the accessible resources available to them. African Americans 45+ were half as likely as all Americans in that age group to seek out a financial planner (12% vs. 24%), and only one in ten (11%) consulted online resources about financial planning. Thirteen percent have taken training to get a different type of job, and 18% have attended a job fair to help with their career or job search.  Three in ten reported taking training to keep skills up to date or learn new skills for their current job.

“This survey shows that people are managing as best they can in this economy and reaching out for assistance from family and friends.  Millions of Americans are hurting today.  The good news is that there are many resources available to help people get back on track, and to help families make the best decisions for their health and economic future,” said Kane-Williams.

AARP offers free online resources, publications, and information on events to help Americans cope in this economy—available at www.aarp.org/realrelief.  These include AARP Real Relief, which offers a wide range of tools to help people look for work, manage finances and find public benefits; financial tip sheets that help people save and plan for retirement; and the 2010 AARP Financial Freedom Tour, which features workshops and financial advice clinics for African American and Hispanic communities in particular.

AARP commissioned the survey, titled “African American Experiences in the Economy: Recession Effects More Strongly Felt.”  The telephone survey included a nationally representative general sample of 1002 adults ages 45+ and a targeted sample of 405 Africans-Americans age 45+.  It was conducted January 15-27, 2010 by Woelfel Research, Inc.

For more information or to view the complete survey, visit http://www.aarp.org/research/surveys/money/econ/trends/articles/economyaa.html

or contact AARP Media Relations at 202-434-2560.

For more information:

Become a fan on Facebook -  www.facebook.com/aarpillinois

Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/aarpillinois

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For Immediate Release               Contact: Gerardo Cardenas 312-458-3609

February 17, 2010                                                            

AARP MEMBERS URGE STATE LEADERS TO FIX BUDGET MESS

AARP Volunteers Join Responsible Budget Coalition Rally in Springfield; 93 Percent in Online Poll Say They Can’t Wait for Solutions

SPRINGFIELD – With the state budget in its worst shape in history, Illinoisans can’t wait another year for solutions. Today, thousands of AARP Illinois members and volunteers joined a groundswell of individuals and organizations urging the Governor and the General Assembly to put partisan politics aside, and adopt a responsible budget that provides the necessary revenue to pay for and protect critical programs and services.

“Across the state, older adults are being forced into costly and unsafe nursing homes; school districts are laying off teachers and cutting programs; public libraries are cutting hours or closing doors, and individuals are not getting the health screenings they need,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois Senior State Director. “Illinois faces a critical situation, and if nothing is done to fix our budget mess, we’re headed for disaster.”

Gallo, along with AARP State President Merri Dee, and University of Illinois professors Fred Giertz and Kent Redfield, hosted a teletown hall today with nearly 4,000 AARP members calling in to discuss the state budget mess, and look at possible solutions.

AARP also conducted an online poll among teletown hall callers, with 93 percent stating that the Governor and the legislature must not wait any longer to fix the budget mess.

Town hall participants were instructed to call the AARP Budget Hot Line (800-719-3020), and urge their legislators to adopt a fiscally responsible budget that includes a comprehensive tax reform, that will produce the necessary revenue to pay for state priorities, generate savings, foster growth and create jobs.

Today, AARP also joined with others in the Responsible Budget Coalition, an organization representing millions of Illinois citizens, for a rally at the State Capitol with a clear message: We Can’t Wait – Illinois cannot wait for a responsible budget that provides necessary revenues.

“We Can’t Wait for the state to pay the millions of dollars it owes to senior service providers. We Can’t Wait for our legislators to fix this mess, and they need to hear from you!” said AARP volunteer Mary Patton, from Peoria, who addressed the crowd gathered outside the Capitol.

For more information:

Follow us on Facebook -  www.facebook.com/aarpillinois

Follow us on Twitter - www.twitter.com/aarpillinois

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Justice Department Supports Safety Reforms For Nursing Homes

Recommendation to move patients with severe mental illness praised

By David Jackson and Gary Marx, Tribune reporters

February 12, 2010

The U.S. Department of Justice is strongly backing Gov. Pat Quinn's Nursing Home Safety Task Force as the panel finalizes its recommendations for ending the chronic violence and poor treatment of residents in some facilities.

In a three-page letter to Quinn, the chief of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division praised the panel's most far-reaching reform, a proposal to move thousands of people with serious mental illness out of nursing homes and into home- and community-based settings.

The task force's preliminary recommendations were released last month, and a final report could be completed next week.

"The Department of Justice has a special interest in ensuring that people with disabilities are integrated into their communities," said the letter from Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez to Quinn and task force chairman Michael Gelder.

Perez's Jan. 27 letter has not been made public, but the Tribune obtained a copy this week.

"I am gratified that the Department of Justice thinks we are on the right track," Gelder told the Tribune in an e-mail. "We have approached our mission recognizing that people with mental illness are more often victims of violence rather than perpetrators."

Illinois currently relies more heavily than other states on nursing homes to house younger psychiatric patients — including thousands with felony records — and understaffed facilities have failed to treat and monitor their most violent residents, government records show. Quinn's panel was formed in response to

Tribune reports describing elderly and disabled residents being assaulted, raped and even murdered by their housemates.

Perez's letter said the justice department "has been monitoring reports in the Chicago Tribune relating to conditions in Illinois' nursing homes" and praised Quinn for "taking swift action to address the problems revealed by those reports."

Among its proposals, the task force is considering establishing specialized long-term care facilities — or at the least, separate wards in nursing homes — for the small percentage of residents who pose a threat to others.

Perez cautioned that federal disability laws prohibit the state from creating separate wards or facilities to segregate patients based simply on a diagnosis of severe mental illness.

Task force spokesman Kendall Marlowe said Illinois' proposals do not conflict with those laws. The panel is contemplating a "separate type of long-term care programs for persons shown to be a risk to others, but that is based on an individualized assessment" and not a broad diagnosis, Marlowe said.

Although mentally ill people, if given proper treatment, are no more likely than others to be dangerous or to commit crimes, some Illinois nursing homes provided grossly substandard care, the Tribune found.

The panel's proposals come as state authorities are moving to settle a 5-year-old class-action lawsuit alleging that the state violates the civil rights of mentally disabled people by warehousing them in nursing homes when they could be better treated in more integrated community settings.

A 1999 Supreme Court ruling known as the Olmstead decision requires states to place patients in the least restrictive setting appropriate to their disability.

In 2005, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and the American Civil Liberties Union cited Olmstead in a pending class-action lawsuit filed in Chicago that sharply criticized the care and treatment given to the state's mentally ill nursing home residents.

Gelder has participated in lawsuit settlement discussions and said settling that case is critical to Quinn's reform efforts because it would bring the court's backing to the state's push for alternative treatment and housing options for psychiatric patients.

Like Gelder, ACLU attorney Benjamin Wolf said a small percentage of psychiatric patients present a genuine danger to others or themselves, and require constant monitoring and intensive treatment. Many of these people are not currently getting appropriate care or supervision in nursing homes, Wolf said.

The number of felons in Illinois nursing homes rose 24 percent in the last 12 months, to 3,453, from 2,780 in February 2009, according to figures released to the Tribune this week by the state Department of Public Health.

The task force's sweeping recommendations range from tightening criminal background checks of new nursing home residents to creating new compliance standards for facilities that serve people with severe psychiatric disorders.

Many of the recommendations require new legislation, and state lawmakers have introduced more than a dozen preliminary nursing home safety bills that will be filled in and debated during the next three months.

David Vinkler, associate state director for the AARP, said some of the reforms — such as increasing the number of state inspectors and designing community-based services for mentally ill people — will require shifting budget lines to fund the new mandates.

Vinkler said he is expecting tough negotiations but is optimistic that comprehensive legislation to address nursing home violence can be crafted by spring. "I don't think anybody can accept what is going on now," he said.

dyjackson@tribune.com

gmarx@tribune.com