FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 13, 2009

CONTACT: Kate Bridges at 207-776-6301 or kbridges@aarp.org

AARP Maine Recognizes Joan Jagolinzer for her

Dedication and Commitment to Community Service with its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award for Community Service

Portland, Maine – Joan Jagolinzer, of Scarborough, has been selected by AARP, the nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, to receive Maine’s 2009 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for community service. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

AARP Maine selected Joan Jagolinzer for her remarkable service and for the impact she’s had on the lives of thousands across the state. Joan has volunteered with the AARP Tax-Aide program for nearly 20 years. Now, as the State Coordinator for the AARP Tax-Aide program, Joan coordinates the efforts of 200 volunteers at over 80 tax preparation sites in the state where volunteers provide free tax preparation services. In 2009, more than 18,000 Maine residents received free tax help as a result of Joan’s outstanding dedication and coordinating skills.

When Joan started volunteering with the AARP Tax-Aide program, tax returns were prepared with pen, paper, carbon paper and an adding machine. Now, over 90 percent of the returns are prepared and filed electronically. A majority of Joan’s working career was spent in the audit division of the Internal Revenue Service in Maine. She now likes to say that the volunteer work that she does with the AARP Tax-Aide program is much less “taxing” than the work she did as a paid professional.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of individuals age 50 and over. The award will be formally presented to Joan at a ceremony on November 18, 2009 at the Grandeur Sun in Waterville.

“This award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change,” says Nancy Kelleher, AARP State Director. “AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Recipients across the nation were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.

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. We produce AARP The Magazine , published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin , our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud , our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn , our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; 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.

Added: November 16, 2009
Views: 9 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Free Lunch Seminars

November 13, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Judith M. Shaw, Securities Administrator
1-877-624-8551

www.investors.maine.gov

Maine Office of Securities, Attorney General's Office and AARP Launch Statewide Initiative to Crack Down on Exploitation of Seniors at "Free Lunch Seminars"

Emphasizing that there’s ‘no such thing as a free lunch’, a coalition of consumer protection advocates is announcing a new initiative to monitor investment/retirement planning seminars that target seniors and those approaching retirement age. These events often entice older Americans to attend through the offering of a ‘free’ meal. Maine’s Office of Securities and the Attorney General’s Office are joining with AARP/Maine to focus greater attention on this sales practice and to launch a monitor training program.

Led by Maine Securities Administrator Judith Shaw, Attorney General Janet Mills, and Nancy Kelleher from AARP/Maine, the coalition notes that seniors are increasingly the target of free lunch investment seminar invitations. Although many of these seminars sell legitimate products, there have been far too many reports of people being scammed out of their life savings.

A report released by AARP on November 12 demonstrates that most seniors are worried about financial scams and fraud. The report, “Protecting Older Investors: 2009 Free Lunch Seminar Report,” indicates that 78 percent of Americans aged 55 and over are very or somewhat concerned about scams affecting them or someone they know.

Recent investigations show that four out of five investors aged 60 and older received at least one invitation to a free lunch investment seminar in the past three years. Typically, a meal is promised at no cost, along with an offer to “educate” seminar attendees about investing strategies or managing money in retirement. Unfortunately, the free meal is often used as a tactic to swindle money from older people.

At a time when government resources are stretched thin, state regulators are looking for innovative ways to keep an eye on possible scams, including this campaign to train volunteers to become Free Lunch Seminar Monitors.

The program in Maine, modeled after a national initiative developed by the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) and the AARP Foundation, will equip volunteers to spot potentially fraudulent or deceptive claims at seminars and report their findings to regulators. A recent NASAA survey found that a higher proportion of fraud complaints come from older consumers and investors, and that losses from investment-related fraud and unethical conduct are generally greater than losses from other kinds of scams.

“With virtually every senior being targeted, we are making it clear that strong-arm and high-pressure tactics won’t be tolerated in Maine,” commented Judith M. Shaw, Administrator of the Office of Securities. “Dozens of these seminars are marketed to older investors throughout our State each year, and we intend to crack down on scammers and those who cross the line in marketing their products.”

Nancy Kelleher, State Director for AARP/Maine added “AARP is committed to helping Americans have a financially secure retirement. Oftentimes, consumers go to these seminars with the expectation of learning how to grow and protect their investments and retirement savings – but during the seminar or through follow-up phone calls and in-home visits, individuals may be pressured to make quick, risky investment decisions without sound financial advice.”

Attorney General Janet Mills explained that this initiative complements the work being done by her agency. “Through this monitoring initiative and other efforts, the Attorney General’s Office is determined to send a message to those who prey on seniors that we’ll be watching and taking strong action when laws are violated. We won’t put up with those who take advantage of the elderly.”

Training sessions are free and open to all, but advance registration is required. Three sessions are planned around Maine, with the first session scheduled to take place at AARP’s Portland office on February 24, 2010.

More information about getting involved is available from the Office of Securities by calling 1-877-624-8551 or online at www.investors.maine.gov. Additional details about the national Free Lunch Seminar Monitoring program are also available from AARP at www.aarp.org.

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

Consumer Webinar on Finding Federal Jobs

Join the Education & Outreach Workforce Issues team and 50+ job-seekers from across the nation to learn "The Ins and Outs of Applying for a Federal Job," Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2-3 p.m. ET. Federal jobs expert Lily Whiteman will share tips on how to find job vacancies, prepare a résumé and submit an application that gets results.

The U.S. government hired 130,000 workers in 2008 and expects to hire even more this year. But, applying for a federal job can be daunting. In this Webinar, expert presenters will de-mystify the federal hiring process. Participants will learn about how to find job vacancies, do’s and don’ts in preparing a résumé, and other tips on seeking a federal job.

Presenters include Lily Whiteman, author of “How to Land a Top-Paying Federal Job”; Carmen Andujar, U.S. Office of Personnel Management; Tim Dirks, Partnership for Public Service; and Deborah Russell, Director, AARP Workforce Issues.

Register Here: https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Registration/RegistrationForm.jsp?ActivityID=4241&ItemID=15361

Added: October 12, 2009
Views: 35 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Keeping our Seniors Afloat

By Nancy Kelleher

These are tough times for seniors, especially those relying on Social Security for all or most of their income. According to 2008 AARP data, three out of five Maine Social Security beneficiaries rely on Social Security for half or more of their income, and for three of every ten beneficiaries, Social Security is their only source of income.

Each year, as these Mainers look at their tight budgets to figure out how to pay for their rising costs, they have counted on a very modest cost of living adjustment (COLA) to their Social Security checks to help keep them afloat. Recently, many of these seniors have found their COLA just barely covered the increases in their Medicare Part B premiums, let alone prescription drug price increases.

So when it was announced this year that there would be no COLA for 2010, anxiety took hold for many. Unfortunately, the reason behind this bad news is no comfort to them: the formula for determining the COLA overestimates the cost of some items like fuel and underestimates the impact of health care costs, leading to a determination that there is no inflation, despite what your grocery receipts may be telling you. Changing the formula would be helpful, but would likely be a long legislative and bureaucratic fight.

With about half of our 40 million members on Social Security, we are acutely aware of this problem and have been working in Washington to find immediate relief. While there is more to be done, we see encouraging signs of progress toward addressing this issue.

The first sign came last week when the House passed the Medicare Premium Fairness Act (HR 3631) by an overwhelmingly bi-partisan 406-18 vote. Both Congressman Michaud and Congresswoman Pingree can be thanked for supporting this bill, which would ensure that Part B premiums would not increase in 2010 thereby helping to prevent a cut in Social Security checks next year. AARP encourages Senator Snowe and Senator Collins to support this income security measure as well. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, but an issue of maintaining the dignity of all Mainers as they age.

AARP continues to work with Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to address the COLA issue, and several legislative proposals have been offered to provide a temporary fix that would provide beneficiaries with a cost of living adjustment of some sort, whether via a one-time payment or through another form of financial relief. Whatever the mechanism, AARP urges Congress to provide some relief to seniors whose costs continue to go up while their incomes remain stagnant. Please let your elected leaders know how important this issue is to you.

Nancy Kelleher is AARP’s Maine state director.

Added: October 7, 2009
Views: 49 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Where We Stand: Health Reform?The Time to Act Is Now

Dear AARP Members,

Health care is dominating the news these days—and it should. All sides agree on the diagnosis: While America’s health care system is known for research and innovation, it unfortunately costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and gives us back too little value for our money. Read the entire story here: http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/policy/articles/nu09_randhansenhcr.html?cmp=NLC-WBLTR-CTRL-82809-F1

Added: October 7, 2009
Views: 44 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Secretary Sebelius Meets with AARP and ME Women's Lobby

MAINE WOMEN TO SECRETARY SEBELIUS: HEALTH SYSTEM IS FAILING US

Congresswoman Pingree hears health care stories; says current system unacceptable

September 3, 2009

No one knows better about how the health care system is failing than the women—young and old—who met with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, Kathleen Sebelius today in South Portland. AARP and the Maine Women’s Lobby brought together the group of women leaders, including AARP National Board Chair Bonnie Cramer and AARP State Director Nancy Kelleher, to discuss why women’s health issues are critical in the national health care reform debate. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree also participated, providing Maine women a chance to tell their stories about how health care issues affect them and their families and why reform must happen this year.

“When I ran for Congress, I heard from so many women in the 1^st District about their health care problems,” stated Congresswoman Pingree. “In Maine, there are nearly 50,000 uninsured women between the ages of 18 and 64. Many more can’t afford services even if they do have insurance. This is simply unacceptable. We cannot afford to wait any longer to improve our health care system. Action this year is critical.”

AARP State Director Nancy Kelleher remarked, “While most seniors have Medicare, they are still spending about one-third of their income on health care costs. Women spend even more because they tend to live longer, often outliving their savings due to these costs.” The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates the average woman who lives to age 85 will spend will at least $160,000 of her retirement savings to pay for medical costs not covered by Medicare.

Furthermore, a recent study by the Commonwealth Fund found that at least half of women go without or delay getting needed health care services because of cost, compared to 39 percent of men. “The current health care system does not work for women,” added Maine Women’s Lobby Executive Director Sarah Standiford. “Women are more vulnerable to high health care costs and more likely to be underinsured. As a result, many women are simply unable to afford the services they need.”

In her closing remarks, AARP Board Chair Bonnie Cramer urged Congress and the Administration to come forward with a health care reform package that provides truly affordable and quality care – for women, for men, and for people of all ages. “AARP will happily put our full support behind that.”

Visit HealthActionNow.org to learn about AARP’s work on bringing quality, affordable health care to all Americans.

Added: September 9, 2009
Views: 84 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Senator Snowe meets with AARP Maine on health care reform

For Immediate Release

August 18, 2009

Contact: Kate Bridges, 207-776-6301, kbridges@aarp.org

Today, AARP had the opportunity to meet with Senator Snowe about health care issues critical to those age 50 and older, and took the opportunity to clarify AARP’s position on some of the national reform proposals. AARP has not endorsed any of the current proposals but is committed to seeing reform enacted this year.

AARP State President, Nelson Megna, said he was pleased that he had an opportunity to reiterate with Senator Snowe how important it was that any reform maintains Medicare benefits yet removes waste and fraud in the program.

AARP believes many costly hospital readmissions could be prevented by providing follow-up care to help individuals safely transition home after a hospital stay, therefore improving the quality of their health, lowering individuals’ costs, and saving billions of dollars in Medicare. In Maine, 18 percent of Medicare beneficiaries discharged from the hospital were re-admitted within 30 days.

“The time for action on health care reform is long overdue. We can’t afford to wait another year to see reform happen. Senator Snowe has been a tireless advocate for health care affordability, and has assured us that Medicare benefits and quality of care would not be diminished,” noted AARP State Director, Nancy Kelleher.

There are at least 20,000 Mainers ages 50 to 64 who are uninsured, and many more who are underinsured namely due to the high cost of insurance for this population. Kelleher stated, “Many of our members in Maine find they cannot afford to buy insurance on their own because of their age or health status. They are too young for Medicare, but old enough to be penalized in the insurance market.”

AARP suggests visiting the following websites for more information on AARP’s position or to get the facts on health care reform: HealthActionNow.org or Politifact.com.

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 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.

###

Added: August 20, 2009
Views: 118 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Health Care Reform Facts

FACT #1: Medicare will not be ended, and no benefits or services will be cut.

Your services will not be ended, nor will your benefits be cut. AARP's position on this could not be clearer. And we have sent this message loud and clear to Congress. While the current proposals include savings in Medicare by cutting out fraud, abuse, waste, and inefficiency, we're standing up and making sure benefits for Medicare recipients are not only fully protected, but are improved.¹

FACT #2: No legislation currently in Congress would mandate the rationing of care. Period.

Our staff has read all of the legislation circulating in Congress and there are no provisions in these bills that would ration care for our members. None. If any ever did, we would vigorously fight to stop that legislation.²

FACT #3: There is no provision of any piece of legislation that would promote euthanasia of any kind.

The rumors out there are flat out lies. Right now Medicare does not cover counseling for end-of-life care. The portion of the bill in question would simply provide coverage for optional end-of-life consultations with doctors, so that the patient can be aware of all of the treatment options on the table. It is not mandatory and it has nothing to do with euthanasia.³

FACT #4: We have not endorsed President Obama's plan.

In fact, we haven't endorsed any plan. We are supporting reform of our health care system, something that AARP has pushed for many years. We're working closely with Republican and Democratic members of Congress to lower health care costs and to ensure quality affordable coverage for older Americans – and we want reform legislation passed and signed by the president this year.⁴

So what is AARP fighting for in health reform?

Stopping insurance companies from charging older Americans unaffordable premiums because of their age.
Ending the practice of excluding people from insurance because of pre-existing conditions.
Holding down health costs and making insurance coverage more affordable for all Americans.
Making prescription drugs more affordable by narrowing the Medicare doughnut hole, bringing generics to market faster, and allowing Medicare to negotiate better drug prices.

Find out more and take action at HealthActionNow.org.

Added: August 5, 2009
Views: 121 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Sales scam spurs arrest

By Darcie Moore, Times Record Staff

Published:

Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:09 PM EDT

WEST BATH — The Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Department issued a warning Tuesday about scams in the Mid-coast region after an investigation of magazine salesmen going door to door in West Bath led to an arrest.

The incident in West Bath adds to a list of law-enforcement concerns about door-to-door sales in Maine this summer. A Missouri man affiliated with an out-of-state, door-to-door sales operation was arrested in Auburn late last month and charged in connection with a home invasion there. Another man affiliated with a similar sales group was arrested in Portland on warrants for burglary, kidnapping and robbery in Alabama.

Throughout southern Maine, police have reported a significant increase in complaints about overly aggressive or potentially fraudulent door-to-door sales.

Read the entire story here: http://www.timesrecord.com/articles/2009/07/15/news/doc4a5dfb59a1b87404933534.txt

Added: July 21, 2009
Views: 148 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Announces Doughnut Hole Calculator

This summer, more than one million older Americans will be forced into the Part D "doughnut hole"-a coverage gap in Medicare Part D that leaves individuals on the hook for all of their own Part D costs while still paying premiums. AARP is launching a new free online resource to help these and other older Americans avoid this dreaded coverage gap.

The AARP Doughnut Hole Calculator , available at no cost, guides visitors through their options using localized information about their plans determine if or when they will fall into the gap. In less than 15 minutes, visitors can view a graph of their out-of-pocket Part D spending by month, look up lower cost alternatives for their conditions, and print out personalized letters to their doctors or other health care providers to help start a conversation about safely switching to lower cost alternatives.

AARP's Doughnut Hole Calculator is powered by DestinationRx as part of a special arrangement between AARP and The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS).

Added: June 29, 2009
Views: 172 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (47)

Sales scam spurs arrest

By Darcie Moore, Times Record Staff