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AARP to Congress; Continue Progress on Health Care Reform

AARP Board chair Bonnie M. Cramer, M.S.W., joined Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and other Members of Congress to continue the call for health care reform. Excerpts from Cramer’s remarks follow:

“AARP was started more than 50 years ago after its founder discovered a retired teacher in poor health living in a chicken coop, unable to afford health care. Since then, we’ve made helping older Americans get stable, affordable health insurance a critical part of our mission.

“For the last two years, we’ve engaged our members in a dialogue about health insurance reform.

“We’ve heard from people in Medicare who still can’t afford their prescriptions or who are worried their doctor will no longer be able to treat them. We’ve heard from others who are being priced out of affordable coverage because they’re over the age of 50.

“It is the concerns outlined by our members that spurred the list of priorities we’ve spent the last year urging Members of Congress to include in any final health care legislation – to reiterate, AARP members believe Congress should pass a health insurance reform package that will protect their guaranteed Medicare benefits, lower their drug costs, crack down on insurance company abuses like denying affordable coverage because of age or medical history, and prevent anyone from coming between them and their doctors.

“The reform legislation passed by the Senate lays a strong foundation to build on to meet the priority needs of older Americans, and AARP is especially encouraged by the leadership of Speaker Pelosi and her colleagues to make sure that any final reform package includes a measure to close the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap known as the ‘doughnut hole.’

“As the House considers its final package this week, AARP looks forward to thoroughly evaluating it to make sure it includes critical priorities we’ve been fighting for to greatly improve the lives of millions of older Americans by:

* Stopping insurance companies from pricing people out of coverage because they become sick and limiting the amount they charge because of their age;

* Protecting guaranteed Medicare benefits and strengthening the program’s solvency for current and future generations by weeding out waste, fraud and abuse;

* Lowering prescription drug costs for seniors by closing the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole”, which causes Medicare beneficiaries to pay extraordinary costs or even skip their life-saving medications;

* Improving the way our health care system pays our nation’s physicians to reward them for providing high quality, coordinated, preventive care; and

* Helping Americans plan for the future long-term care needs and get services in their own homes to help them stay out of nursing homes.

“Health reform is critically important and urgent for our members and all older Americans. We are encouraged by the progress being made, and we encourage Congress to keep moving forward.”

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Added: March 17, 2010
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Isabelle Blanchette Appointed to Executive Council

AARP New Hampshire recently announced the appointment of Isabelle Blanchette to its Executive Council. In this volunteer role, Blanchette will collaborate with state leadership to ensure the achievement of AARP’s strategic priorities and objectives and work to build partnerships with leaders in business, government and nonprofits.

Blanchette has worked the past 10 years for the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services where she served as administrative support for the Director of Finance of Research and Analysis, Medicaid Director, and Director of Minority Health, Office of the Commissioner.

In 2006, the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services recognized Blanchette for her role in the implementation of the Medicare Part D program. She also received a citation from Governor Lynch for her assistance with the Medicare Part D execution across the Granite State.

Blanchette finds time to give back to her community as well. She is a member of the Board of Directors for both the Emerging Leaders in Communities of Color and Greater Manchester Black Scholarship Fund. She also serves on the Cardiovascular Diabetes Conference Planning Committee, Office of Minority Health and Diversity Task Force Programming and Structure Developing Team.

A native of St. Lucia, the Hesser College graduate resides in Manchester. The mother of three, she enjoys sewing, gardening, and arts and crafts.

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Added: March 12, 2010
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AARP on Passage of Health and Unemployment Support

AARP Commends Senate Passage of Critical Health and Unemployment Support

Extensions would assist the unemployed and ensure access to physicians in Medicare

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond issued the following statement, commending the Senate for passing legislation that would extend critical benefits to help millions of Americans who are struggling with unemployment and a lack of health insurance. The legislation also protects access to physicians for people in Medicare by ensuring doctors will not face a 21 percent cut in reimbursement for at least seven months. However, AARP is disappointed that while a majority of Senators voted to provide relief, no single amendment was approved that would have provided $250 in economic relief for millions of older Americans, veterans and persons with disabilities.

“AARP is pleased that Americans and their families, who continue to face devastatingly high unemployment rates coupled with a loss of health coverage, will receive an extension of critical health and financial support. The legislation includes important extensions of unemployment insurance that will provide assistance to millions of American workers who are struggling to get back on the job. The Senate also extended and expanded subsidized COBRA, a federal law that helps workers who lose their jobs maintain health coverage for themselves and their families. All of these benefits are especially vital to older workers who want to work but cannot get a job, are facing diminished retirement resources and who have less time to recover from these losses.

“In addition, the legislation includes enhanced Medicaid dollars that will help states that are serving record-breaking caseloads due to the economic crisis and are under pressure to cut vital services like those who help people stay in their own homes and out of costly nursing homes. Doctors caring for people in Medicare will also not face a devastating 21 percent cut to Medicare’s reimbursement for at least seven months. This temporary patch gives Congress time to address this critical issue which threatens to undermine access to and choice of physicians for millions of people in Medicare.

“However, AARP is deeply 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. We will continue to urge the Senate to reach agreement and act on $250 in economic relief for older Americans during these difficult economic times.”

For more information, please visit www.aarp.org.

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Added: March 11, 2010
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AARP CEO on Health Reform Developments

AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released this statement following President Obama’s remarks on health care reform.

“Last week, as Congressional leaders and White House officials from both political parties gathered to renew bipartisan discussion on health care reform, AARP offered to help them continue progress by lowering the external political pressure that can prevent compromise. We pledged to rein in our activities in the public debate as long as they continued to work together constructively. Both sides deserve some credit for exchanging ideas and shared priorities; however, it is clear that there is no bipartisan solution in sight.

“While we are disappointed, we are re-engaging in the public debate because health care reform is too important to remain silent. We will continue fighting for the priorities of our members and their families, including protecting guaranteed Medicare benefits, lowering prescription drug costs by closing the Medicare Part D ‘doughnut hole’ coverage gap, stopping insurance companies from denying affordable care based on age or pre-existing conditions, and increasing access to home- and community-based services so older Americans can get the services they need to live in their homes.”

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Added: March 4, 2010
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Jane Pauley Joins AARP in New Ambassador Position

AARP announced that Emmy Award-winning journalist Jane Pauley is joining AARP as its new “Ambassador of Your Life Calling.” One of the most respected figures in broadcast journalism, Pauley will focus on helping millions of Americans age 50+ remain productive, creative, and fulfilled as they move through new transitions and new life stages, providing tips, her personal point of view and real-life examples of people who have reinvented the way they work and/or live.

Every minute, eight Americans turn 50 years old. As their work lives and personal responsibilities change, more and more of these fit, totally energized baby boomers are exploring exciting new challenges, testing new waters and changing the way we view aging. In her new role, Pauley will explore what’s next—in careers, on the home front, and beyond—and connect directly with AARP’s nearly 40 million members through various new television, radio, print and online initiatives in 2010 that tackle these issues.

“These are trying times, and by that I mean it’s a great time to be trying new things,” said Pauley. “My hope is that the diversity of people we profile and the multitude of resources we provide will inspire others to discover and pursue their life calling. AARP and I are partners in this adventure and together we’re going to connect people to the kind of information and tools they need to start the process of reinvention.”

As AARP’s “Ambassador of Your Life Calling,” Pauley will be a regular contributor to www.AARP.org, drawing from her personal experience and interactions with people to offer readers insight on how to make positive life transitions. In addition to exclusive editorial content, she will also be featured via video content, podcasts, LIVE monthly Web chats, a regular column in AARP The Magazine and in-person appearances at AARP events throughout the year.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to encourage our members to pursue the goals and passions that they perhaps deferred in the first phase of their life,” said Kevin Donnellan, Executive Vice President and Chief Communications Officer, AARP. “The topic of personal and career reinvention is one that Jane has been passionate about for years and as she crosses the country unearthing and bringing to light these wonderful stories of reinvention, she will truly be leading by example.”

Additional information on Your Life Calling and Jane Pauley’s new role with AARP can be found online at www.AARP.org/Jane.

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Added: March 4, 2010
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AARP's Barry Rand: You Work Together, We'll Lower the Volume

Today, as the Blair House Summit gets underway, we have only one request for both parties: get to work, together. Don’t talk at each other with rehashed talking points. Don’t posture to motivate your political base or to win the elusive swing voter. Instead, demonstrate that you understand that your constituents are struggling with a health care system that is running aground.

To even write these words feels naïve these days, and yet we can think of no greater need at this moment. We’re asking for a conversation that goes beyond rhetoric, scare tactics and attempts to win the moral high-ground.

After decades of inaction and years of debate, everyone knows who wants what and how much it will cost. AARP has made our “asks” on behalf of our members and other older Americans – other groups have made theirs. Now it is time for Congress and the Administration to come up with a legislative solution that balances the needs with the wants; the must-haves with the nice-but-not-necessary. This is not an attack on the right or the left; this is not in support of conservatives or progressives – this is a time for our elected leaders to lead across party lines.

Congressional approval ratings show that both political parties seem to be in a race to the bottom. Too many Americans feel alienated by the Democratic majorities that have tried to pass the most important initiative in a generation without giving a meaningful role to their colleagues on the other side of the aisle. And too many Americans are frustrated by the Republican minorities that have been content to obstruct any progress when forward progress is exactly what this nation needs.

So while Americans struggle with rising costs, Democrats and Republicans have spent the last year or so using health care as a political weapon to win back or hold a majority of seats. People are worried about being one illness away from bankruptcy, and Washington is worried about positioning for the 2010 elections.

But AARP knows that interest groups – including ourselves – have a role to play here, too. We know that groups like us contribute to the political pressure with our own public positioning and debate. So we are pledging today to do our part to create an open, productive environment where ideas can rule and compromise is possible. We promise to make no new statements, send no new letters, run no new ads about health reform, and we are urging all other interest groups to do the same. Let’s turn down the volume on the outside noise so that our leaders might actually listen.

Of course, we will not stay silent forever. Regardless of political party, Americans agree that our current health care system needs to change; AARP’s members and other older Americans are no different. They may disagree on how to fix it, but that our health care system is unsustainable in its current form is beyond doubt.

AARP knows – better than most – that health reform is not easy. There are the remains of decades of failure to remind us that politics can quickly trump policy and that hard decisions often make voters mad. This is not our first rodeo either.

Right now, however, is the closest we’ve ever been to solutions and is probably the last chance we’ll have until the current system fails entirely.

So our leaders have a choice. They can either finish the job they started to fix our health care system or walk away from the millions of Americans who are one illness or job loss away from losing everything. AARP will do our part by giving them the space to work in decorum, comity and compromise.

It is time to get to work. It is time to make the hard decisions. No one expects to get everything they want out of this summit – we do expect both political parties to act like the leaders Americans know you can be.

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Added: February 25, 2010
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AARP Announces its 2010 Advocacy Agenda

Helping Older Americans Get Through Economic Downturn, Prepare for Future

Top AARP 2010 Advocacy Agenda

Association continues fight to improve health care, strengthen retirement security

and build smarter communities.

AARP released its 2010 Advocacy Agenda, detailing the Association’s federal and state legislative priorities to help older Americans navigate the current economic recession, as well as build health and financial security for today’s seniors and future generations.

“The economic downturn has put relentless pressure on older Americans—many of whom suffered disastrous losses in retirement savings and face increasing medical and insurance costs,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “We’re fighting to protect Medicare and Social Security, help all Americans save for retirement and ensure people can get the necessary resources to remain living independently in their own homes and communities.”

AARP’s 2010 Advocacy Agenda, which will be shared with every Congressional office, includes the following priorities:

Improving Health Care: Protect Medicare for seniors and future generations; lower prescription drug costs, eliminate waste, fraud and abuse; and crack down on insurance abuses that are denying Americans, especially those ages 50-64, access to affordable, reliable coverage.

Fighting for Economic Relief: Provide $250 in economic relief to millions of seniors whose Social Security benefits will be frozen this year; and extend critical financial and health insurance support for millions of workers struggling to get back on the job.

Protecting Retirement Security: Enact protections to hold banks accountable for unfair lending practices, foreclosures, fraud and excessive fees that have robbed millions of older Americans of their financial stability.

Improving Housing, Transportation Options: Advance transportation options for safe and convenient travel by everyone, regardless of age or ability; and expand suitable housing opportunities for older residents and those with disabilities.

Preventing Age Discrimination: Protect older workers from being discriminated against in the workplace or being denied access to extra help because of their age.

Helping Americans Save: Enact auto-enrolled retirement savings accounts for millions of American workers who do not have access to workplace savings programs like 401(k)’s.

State Advocacy Agenda

Fighting for Older Americans in Every State: Advocate on state health and long-term care issues; protect critical programs from budget cuts, like home and community-based services and supports; enact state laws to protect consumers, particularly low-income seniors, from fraudulent and inappropriate retirement investments; and fight unfair utility price increases.

“For 50 years, AARP has had one mission: making life better for older Americans,” added LeaMond. “We’ll be at it in 2010 with all we’ve got, and we look forward to working with President Obama and Members of Congress from both parties to find solutions to the challenges that are facing too many older Americans.”

For a copy of AARP’s 2010 Advocacy Agenda, please visit http://www.aarp.org/makeadifference/advocacy/GovernmentWatch/articles/2010_aarp_advocacy_agenda.html.

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Added: February 19, 2010
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AARP Presents Legislative Achievement Award to Senator Shaheen

New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen was awarded a 2009 Legislative Achievement Award for her leadership in protecting seniors from preventable hospital readmissions. Others winning an award in this category include Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and Representative Charles Boustany (R-LA).

Shaheen was co-sponsor of the Medicare Transitional Care Act that would add a follow-up benefit to Medicare to ensure that people who leave the hospital get the care they need to stay healthy and avoid being readmitted. In New Hampshire, 18 percent of people who visit the hospital will return within a month because they aren’t getting the follow-up care they need. A Medicare benefit such as this can help save money and improve seniors’ health security.

“We want to recognize the hard work that our lawmakers have taken on the issues that are most critical to our members and all older Americans,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “Senator Shaheen and others have done so much in the past year to champion causes that are important to the 50-plus population and their families.”

AARP New Hampshire is planning a presentation award ceremony in the near future, to thank Senator Shaheen for her leadership and underscore AARP’s commitment to recognize legislators who work to improve the lives of the nearly 230,000 AARP members across the Granite State.

AARP members and all Americans can find more information about the AARP Congressional Awards and AARP’s advocacy efforts at www.aarp.org/governmentwatch.

Added: February 17, 2010
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Cure Tax-Related Stress with AARP Tax-Aide

Does the stress of tax time leave you feeling overwhelmed? Find the cure today with AARP Tax-Aide.

Last year, AARP Tax-Aide helped over 18,000 people across New Hampshire file their tax returns. Collectively, these individuals received more than $10 million in refunds while saving more that $1.5 million in tax preparation fees. With over 50 sites, you can take advantage of this program, too! From February 1 through April 15, AARP Tax-Aide will be helping taxpayers, like you, with their federal income tax returns.

About AARP Tax Aide

AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service. It is available to taxpayers with low- and moderate-incomes and gives special attention to individuals age 60 and older. You don’t even have to be an AARP member to take advantage of this service!

Offered in coordination between the AARP Foundation and Internal Revenue Service, Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to assist with filing the 1040 form and the more standard of the schedules, including Schedules A and B. For more information about AARP Tax Aide, click here to download our brochure.

Take Advantage of Tax Aide Today

To find a location near you, simply call our toll-free hotline at 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide . Additionally, Tax-Aide sites can be found by contacting 2-1-1 NH. Residents in New Hampshire can contact 2-1-1 NH toll-free by dialing 2-1-1 in state or 1-866-444-4211 from out of state.

Added: February 10, 2010
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AARP New Hampshire Looking for Volunteer State President

AARP New Hampshire is looking for a volunteer leader to serve as State President.

AARP New Hampshire’s State President works in collaboration with the State Director to achieve the Association’s vision, mission and strategic priorities in the state and serves as Chair of the AARP New Hampshire Executive Council. The Council, in partnership with the State Director and staff, develops the framework for the state’s strategic plan and implements the activities in the areas of economic security, health and long-term care, and livable communities and mobility.

We are looking for an individual with strong leadership and interpersonal skills, public policy and planning experience, a talent for networking, and the ability to motivate and inspire others. Previous volunteer experience is required, either with AARP or other organizations.

The AARP New Hampshire State President position offers a once-in-a-lifetime volunteer opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of people. Benefits include reimbursement of all expenses including travel throughout New Hampshire and the United States, as well as training and support from state, regional and national offices. The position enables state presidents to build networks with organizations and key decision makers that will endure long after their term in office.

Are you – or someone you know -- interested in applying to be AARP New Hampshire’s next State President? To get started, check out the position characteristics and application form .

To apply, complete the Application for State President and return to AARP New Hampshire; 900 Elm Street #702; Manchester, NH 03101. Application deadline is February 27, 2010.

Please join us in making a positive difference in the lives of the people in New Hampshire.

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Added: January 29, 2010
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