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Location:
Princeton, New Jersey
United States
Princeton, New Jersey
United States
Quote:
"What we do, we do for all" -Ethel Percy Andrus
"What we do, we do for all" -Ethel Percy Andrus
My Journals (13)
Override of White House Veto Successful
PRINCETON- AARP and members of Congress, including Congressmen Rush Holt and Frank Pallone, will host a news conference to honor a bipartisan bill, The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act. The bill will improve Medicare’s low-income programs, boost health care quality with a system of nation e-prescribing, and help insure the access of patients to doctors.
AARP and members of Congress are hosting the news conference to applaud the entire New Jersey delegation for their unanimous support of this bill. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act was vetoed by President Bush, but Congress was successfully able to override this action.
Since launching the “Keep Medicare Fair” initiative in April, AARP’s grassroots volunteers and activists have sent more than 1.2 million messages to Congress and the White House.
WHAT: Joint AARP, Congress news conference on Medicare legislation
WHERE: AARP New Jersey State Office, 101 Rockingham Row, Princeton, NJ
WHEN: Friday, July 18th, 12 PM
WHO: Congressman Rush Holt
Congressman Frank Pallone
Dr. Ron White, President of NJ Physicians
Sy Larson, AARP New Jersey State President
Marilyn Askin, AARP Chief Legislative Advocate
Added: July 17, 2008
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Views: 21 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Bipartisan Bill Improves Low-Income Help and Boosts Quality through National E-Prescribing, Helps Ensure Access to Doctors
WASHINGTON-Today the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted overwhelmingly to override a White House veto and pass important Medicare legislation. The Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act will improve Medicare’s low-income programs, boost health care quality with a system of national e-prescribing, and help ensure the access of patients to their doctors.
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New Jersey
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VOTED YES TO PASS MEDICARE BILL
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VOTED NO ON MEDICARE BILL
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Lautenberg, Frank
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X
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Menendez, Robert
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X
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Andrews, Robert
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X
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Ferguson, Michael
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X
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Frelinghuysen, Rodney
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X
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Garrett, Scott
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X
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Holt, Rush
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X
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LoBiondo, Frank
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X
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** 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.
“Today’s vote is a victory for the 44 million Americans who depend on Medicare, and we applaud the entire New Jersey delegation for their continued support,” said Sy Larson, State President of AARP New Jersey. “This bipartisan legislation will help more Americans afford their health care bills while bringing doctors offices and pharmacies into the 21st century with e-prescribing.”
AARP has been advocating for several months to ensure that lawmakers keep Medicare fair for the people who depend on it when Congress addresses physician payment cuts. AARP has also been advocating for this bill’s improvements to Medicare, particularly the low-income programs and electronic prescribing.
Since launching the “Keep Medicare Fair” initiative in April, AARP’s grassroots volunteers and activists have sent more than 1.2 million messages to Congress and the White House. As part of this effort, an AARP survey released May 19 found that of adults 50-plus, 81 percent oppose additional increases to Medicare premiums and 66 percent are less likely to vote for a Member of Congress who supports those increases.
AARP notified the 110th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 39 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members.
“We believe people make the right choices when they understand the issues and positions taken by their elected officials. AARP intends to ensure that its members get that information,” Larson concluded.
Added: July 16, 2008
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Views: 13 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
AARP National grassroots efforts target Congress, White House.
WASHINGTON – AARP volunteers and activists reached a critical milestone this weekend in the Association’s “Keep Medicare Fair” campaign, sending their 1,000,000th message to Congress and the White House.
A key element of AARP’s campaign, which began in April, has been to mobilize its national base of volunteers and activists to call, email and send petition signatures to their Congressional offices and, most recently, the White House.
“Our message has been loud and clear,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP’s Executive Vice President for Social Impact. “We’ve been calling on Congress and the Administration to pass a bill that would protect and improve Medicare.
“Fortunately, Congress heard that message and passed a bill that would help people in Medicare by improving programs for the most vulnerable and allowing them to maintain access to their doctors.”
The 1,000,000th grassroots contact came as part of an effort launched Friday to email the White House, asking the President to sign the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.
“We’re hopeful that the White House will heed the overwhelming bipartisan majority of lawmakers – as well as the million-plus messages from the American people – in support of the bill and sign it into law.”
AARP recently launched the latest stage of the Keep Medicare Fair campaign, including a national effort to thank each of the bipartisan majority of Representatives and Senators who voted to pass the bill and ask them to continue their support in the event of a vote to override a presidential veto.
AARP’s activities this week will include:
- Coordinated visits from constituents to Washington and district offices of the bill’s supporters;
- A national write-in effort from volunteers to opinion-leaders and news outlets;
- Ads placed in key outlets encouraging a veto override, if necessary; and
- Continued grassroots contacts to legislative office
Added: July 15, 2008
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Views: 20 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
According to an AARP report, in New Jersey, a mere 19 percent of Medicaid Long-Term Care funds for older people spent on home and community-based care
TRENTON—A new report by AARP’s Public Policy Institute finds mixed results and promising signs among state government efforts to balance long-term care (LTC) options under Medicaid. Unfortunately, according to the report, only four states spent more than 50 percent of their Medicaid LTC dollars on home and community-based services (HCBS) for older people. In New Jersey, only 19 percent of Medicaid LTC dollars for older people and adults with physical disabilities who have limited financial resources were devoted to HCBS.
This is not in line with the needs and desires of older New Jerseyans according to state surveys conducted by AARP New Jersey: 94 percent of AARP members 50+ have reported preferring to receive HCBS rather than nursing home care and 83 percent believe it is a top priority for the State to implement a system that increases HCBS for those in need of LTC services.
AARP’s most recent report reflecting 2006 figures, A Balancing Act: State Long-Term Care Reform, is the first to examine Medicaid spending on long-term care for older people and adults with physical disabilities, separate from other LTC users such as people with mental retardation/developmental disabilities (MR/DD).
Nationally, 75 percent of Medicaid LTC spending for older people and adults with physical disabilities pays for institutional care in nursing homes. In contrast, states have done a much better job balancing Medicaid LTC for people with MR/DD, spending just 39 percent on institutional care. The majority of funds now support people in home and community-based settings.
“We recognize the success state Medicaid programs are having providing home and community- based services to people with mental retardation or developmental disabilities,” said AARP New Jersey Associate State Director Patricia Kelmar. “It proves that balancing long-term care is doable and should be used as a model to help states provide home and community-based services for older adults.”
The new report examines Medicaid LTC funding because it is the primary payer for LTC in the country. The report highlights best practices from states that are making progress balancing LTC options. Oregon, New Mexico, Washington and Alaska spent more than 50 percent of their Medicaid LTC budget for older people and adults with physical disabilities in 2006 on HCBS. These states embraced a philosophy of delivering services in a way that allowed older people the greatest independence. The ability of some states to accomplish substantial reforms for older people and adults with physical disabilities – as well as increased HCBS options for MR/DD – demonstrates that obstacles to balancing LTC options can be overcome.
New Jersey’s 2006 Independence, Dignity and Choice in Long-Term Care Act, sponsored by Loretta Weinberg (D-37) and Jim Whelan (D-2), was intended to address these very obstacles and rebalance Medicaid LTC dollars. However, implementation has been slow. “New Jersey has spent 81 percent of Medicaid funds on nursing homes when we know that most consumers wish to remain in their own homes or communities,” said Kelmar.
Nursing home costs are a significant drain on limited state resources. A recent Genworth study shows that the average annual cost of a nursing home in New Jersey is more than $100,000. According to the same study, the annual cost of HCBS is less than $45,000.
“Home and community-based services can be both cost-effective and responsive to the preferences of older people and adults with disabilities,” said Kelmar.
The new report includes state rankings and can be found at: http://www.aarp.org/research/longtermcare/programfunding/2008_10_ltc.html
To access the Genworth study, go to www.aarp.org/nj
Added: July 15, 2008
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Views: 17 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
“They say that life doesn’t give you second chances. The Senate got a big one this week, and AARP applauds the bipartisan majority of Senators who voted to pass a bill that would protect and improve Medicare for the 44 million Americans who depend on it. This bill would allow people in Medicare to maintain access to their doctors, improve benefits for low-income, prevention, and mental health programs, and boost quality through national e-prescribing.
“Today’s vote – which came less than two weeks after a similar effort fell one vote short – mirrored the broad support with which the House of Representatives earlier passed this bill. This shows what can happen when leaders in
“We hope the President recognizes the overwhelming bipartisan support that passed this bill in both chambers of Congress and signs it into law.”
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 34 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to daily news source for AARP’s 39 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
Added: July 10, 2008
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Views: 21 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
AARP THE MAGAZINE’S NATIONAL SPELLING BEE
TO TAKE PLACE JUNE 14TH IN CHEYENNE, WYOMING
Event Draws Contestants Age 50+ from Across the U.S.
***Call for Entries Open Until June 7th.***
Learn more and register at http://www.aarp.org/SpellingBee
WASHINGTON (April 17, 2008) – AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world’s largest-circulation magazine with more than 33 million readers, today announced it would sponsor the 13th annual National Spelling Bee on June 14, 2008 at the Little America Hotel and Resort in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Up to 250 competitors age 50+ will have the chance to compete against spellers from across the country in this full-day event.
”The popularity of this event has continued to grow with our members and we are thrilled to be able to welcome more spellers than ever before to this year’s competition,” said Steve Slon, editor of AARP The Magazine.
In the AARP The Magazine-sponsored bee for seniors, the 50+ aged spellers are allowed to miss three words before being knocked out of the competition. The day begins with a written competition in the morning, narrowing the field to the top 15 who go on to compete in the oral spelling rounds. Contestants of AARP The Magazine’s National Spelling Bee pay their own way to participate and are competing for more than $1,000 in prizes. Additionally, the winner will be flown to New York City to appear on national television.
AARP The Magazine’s National Spelling Bee, formerly the AARP National Senior Spelling Bee, was founded in 1996 by a group of Cheyenne AARP members who wanted to challenge the 50+ community to keep their minds sharp as they age. Over the years, it has grown into a highly competitive and challenging event attracting adult spellers from all over the country and Canada. It is open to anyone age 50 or older, except previous winners, and is supported by NRTA: AARP’s Educator Community and the Staying Sharp program.
“It’s always an exciting event with an impressive display of knowledge and skill. The competition is fierce, but fun too,” said AARP Wyoming Director Rita Inoway. “It’s great to see so many people challenging their mental fitness, and we look forward to welcoming more spellers than ever before June 14 to the AARP Magazine National Spelling Bee in Cheyenne.”
HOW TO ENTER
Those interested in entering the 2008 competition can do so via http://www.aarp.org/SpellingBee. There is a $25 entry fee for participants and spellers must be at least 50 years old by June 14, 2008. Study tips are also available online. The event is open to the public and anyone interested in watching and cheering on the spellers is welcome to attend.
Additional information about AARP The Magazine’s National Spelling Bee, including the 2007 results and video coverage, is available online at http://www.aarp.org/SpellingBee.
About AARP The Magazine
With more than 33 million readers nationwide, AARP The Magazine (www.aarpmagazine.org) is the world's largest circulation magazine and the definitive lifestyle publication for Americans 50+. Reaching over 22.5 million households, AARP The Magazine delivers comprehensive content through in-depth celebrity interviews, health and fitness features, consumer interest information and tips, book and movie reviews and financial guidance. Published bimonthly in print and continually online, AARP The Magazine was founded in 1958 and is the flagship title of AARP Publications.
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 33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 39 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.
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Added: April 23, 2008
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Views: 462 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
3rd Annual Latino Issues Forum: Salud, Dinero y Familia The Latino Issues Forum will focus on issues most important to the Hispanic community— Health, Money and Family. This event is free! April 24, 2008, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Meadowlands Expo Center Secaucus, NJ •
Networking breakfast and lunch
• • •
• ¡Bailando!
For directions, visit: RSVP by Thursday, April 17, 2008. Call
Added: April 2, 2008
Views: 558 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Views: 558 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MARCH 24, 2008
CONTACT: Nancy Wood or Jim Dau
(202) 434-2560
AARP’s Susan Reinhard
Presented with 2008 Dick Ladd Award
WASHINGTON – AARP is pleased to announce that Dr. Susan Reinhard, AARP Senior Vice President and Director of AARP’s Public Policy Institute, has been selected as the recipient of the 2008 Dick Ladd Award. The award recognizes an individual whose work in research, policy or programs improves long-term and community-based care.
Dr. Reinhard was selected for the award because of her significant impact on research, education and policy development to improve community-based care for older adults and younger persons with disabilities.
“It is an honor to receive this prestigious award,” said Dr. Reinhard. “I turned so often to Dick Ladd to test many of my ideas on how to promote independence, dignity and choice for older adults and people with disabilities. It is a great privilege to share that mission with such a giant in the field and to dedicate my career advancing solutions to issues of the greatest importance to all of us as we age.”
The Dick Ladd Award was established by the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation in 2003 in memory of Richard C. “Dick” Ladd, an innovator in the field of long-term and community-based care. Ladd was nationally known for his work on Medicaid and consumer rights for frail and disabled adults.
"Dr. Reinhard is an ideal recipient of the Ladd Award,” said Dr. Keren Brown Wilson, President of the Jessie F. Richardson Foundation. “She has achieved success in the many areas that help change occur - teaching, research and policy. In her work she has never lost sight of the goal of improved care and better choices for long-term care. She brings passion, pragmatism and recognition of the value of all stakeholders in achieving positive lasting change."
Dr. Reinhard is a nationally recognized expert in nursing and health policy, with extensive experience building coalitions to promote policy change. She currently directs public policy research for AARP and serves as the chief strategist for the Center to Champion Nursing in America, a national resource and technical assistance center recently created to ensure that America has the nurses it needs.
Dr. Reinhard is a former faculty member at the Rutgers College of Nursing and is a fellow in the AmericanAcademy of Nursing. She holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati, and a PhD in Sociology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Visit AARP.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.
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, 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.
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Added: March 26, 2008
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Views: 640 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Baby boomers have a unique attitude toward aging and are seeking innovative strategies to address these issues in very different ways from previous generations. The 92nd Street Y presents Healthy, Wealthy & Wise: Life After 50, a symposium featuring groundbreaking information from NBC’s Dr. Nancy Snyderman and other experts who will discuss boomer sex, staying active, and maintaining a youthful appearance—plus free health screenings provided by The Mount Sinai Medical Center.
The day concludes with a financial forum led by Tyler Mathisen, host of CNBC’s High Net Worth and featuring AARP’s The Magazine Deputy Editor, Nancy Perry Graham.
Join us on Sunday, April 6 to discover why the rest of your life can be the best part of your life!
Visit www.92Y.org/healthywealthy or call 212.415.5500 for more information.
Added: March 24, 2008
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Views: 656 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
Welcome to the new AARP.org website. Watch this space for announcements, press releases, and other news regarding AARP’s activity in New Jersey.
Added: March 3, 2008
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Views: 698 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
