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Santa Fe, New Mexico
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http://www.aarp.org/nm

My Journals (29)

Albuquerque A day of free financial education workshops and information on topics such as investing in today’s economy and investor protection. There are financial literacy topics important for all New Mexicans, including students, investors, business owners and displaced workers. 

 

WHAT: The Lt. Gov’s Summit on Financial Education, sponsored by the New Mexico Coalition for Financial Education and the N.M. Securities Division.
 
WHO: Speakers include Lt. Gov. Diane Denish, Attorney General Gary King, State Treasurer James Lewis, and Keynote Speaker Dr. Rickie Keys, Senior Research Fellow at the University of Denver. N.M. Regulation and Licensing superintendent Dr. Kelly O’Donnell will serve as master of ceremonies.
 
WHEN : Monday, April 19, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE : Hotel Albuquerque, 800 Rio Grande Blvd. NW in Old Town, Albuquerque, New Mexico
 
RSVP REQUIRED : Breakfast and lunch will be provided, but space is limited. Contact Bernice Geiger at Bernice.geiger@state.nm.us or 505-383-2327 to reserve a spot.
 
 
Added: March 9, 2010
Views: 9 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

 

The 2010 State Legislative Session came to an end at noon Feb. 18th. Despite the state’s budget shortfall of $600 million being the principal item before Legislators, they were unable to come up with a solution. As a result, the Governor called lawmakers back to Santa Fe March 1 to continue working toward a consensus on proposed tax increases and spending cuts.
 
Despite the budget impasse, AARP New Mexico was able to achieve success on a number of items volunteers advocated for, or in some cases, against during the 30-day session.
 
Going into the session, AARP New Mexico fought to retain sufficient funding for senior citizen programs and Medicaid in order to maintain current service levels and to prevent any erosion of eligibility levels. Of particular concerns was maintaining home and community-based long-term services, which allow people to obtain services in their own homes or neighborhoods. 
 
AARP’s position remains that if budget reductions are necessary they should be shared equally across all state government departments and programs to lessen the impact on New Mexicans. Tax proposals were evaluated based on their impact on vulnerable populations, equity and the impact on revenues.
 
AARP volunteers joined other advocacy organizations in efforts to prevent the consolidation of the Aging & Long Term Services Department into the Human Services Department. Consolidating the two agencies would’ve reduce the importance of home and community based service, funding for the aging network and the variety of issues that people face as they age that go beyond simply receiving public benefits.
 
AARP volunteers were also instrumental in defeating a bill to deregulate the telecommunications industry. Similar measures in other states have resulted in steep increases in rates for telecommunications services.
 
The following bills, supported by AARP, were passed by the Legislature and are awaiting signature by the Governor:
 
House Bill 15: Rep. Anna Crook – This bill creates the New Eastern N.M. Water Utility Authority, abolishes the Eastern N.M. Rural Water Authority and transfers all its assets and liabilities to the new water utility. The water utility is authorized to borrow money and issue revenue bonds, and to use 75 percent federal, 15 percent state and 10 percent local funds to complete a water delivery system from the Ute Reservoir for the benefit of Curry County, Clovis, Portales, Texico, Melrose, Elida and Grady. The authority will deliver water to the local governments within its boundaries; however, the authority may not compete with local governments for rights to deliver water to ultimate end‑users.
 
House Bill 56: Rep. Andy Nunez - Authorizes the New Mexico Finance Authority to make loans or grants from the Water Project Fund to the entities listed below on terms and conditions established by the Water Trust Board and the New Mexico Finance Authority.
 
House Bill 108: Speaker Lujan - Appropriates funds from the Public Project Revolving Fund to the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund to provide state matching funds for federal Safe Drinking Water Act projects and to carry out the purposes of the Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Fund Act.
 
House Bill 165: Rep. Cervantes – The Whistleblower Protection Act Prohibits retaliation against public employee whistleblowers and creates a right to civil action.
 
House Bill 217: Rep. Nick Salazar - Expands the definition of “care facility” in the Resident Abuse and Neglect Act to include a resident’s or care provider’s home in which personal care, sheltered care or nursing care is provided. Thus, the protections, violations and penalties of the act would also apply to incidents of neglect and abuse in a private home.
 
Senate Bill 70: Sen. Carlos Cisneros - Amends the Continuing Care Act to provide for increased consumer protection of retirement homes, retirement communities, homes for the aged and their residents. It imposes more stringent financial and disclosure requirements on facility owners.
 
Senate Bill 96: Sen. Sue Wilson Beffort – This is also a Whistleblower Protection Act which prohibits public employer retaliatory action when an employee discloses an employer’s unlawful act or provides information of such as part of an investigation. It creates a right to civil action for actual and special damages payable by employer, along with reasonable attorney’s costs and fees.
 
Senate Bill 148: Sen. Nancy Rodriguez – This bill eliminates gender as a health insurance rating factor by striking language in the Insurance Code which allows health insurers to charge up to 20 percent more on the basis of gender for persons in the same age group. It provides that gender shall not be used as a rating factor for policies issued or delivered on or after January 1, 2014.
 
Senate Bill 209: Senator Gerald Ortiz y Pino - Provides accessible parking training for law enforcement, changes the disabled parking placard expiration period, describes more explicit marking of accessible parking spots and specifies penalties for unauthorized vehicles parked in those spots.
 
House Memorial 43: Rep. Nick Salazar - Requests the Aging and Long‑Term Services Department, working with the Area Agencies on Aging, to develop a plan that reflects a business model of operation for the federal Older Americans Act.
 
House Joint Memorial 34: Rep. Gloria Vaughn - Requests that the Department of Health study the role of licensure in ensuring that persons being discharged from the Behavioral Health Institute at Las Vegas in need of residential care are admitted to the appropriate residential care facilities.
 
Senate Memorial 27: Sen. Mary Kay Papen - Recognizes the importance of the Medicaid program, opposes drastic reductions in Medicaid eligibility and benefits, and requests the New Mexico Legislative Council to create a task force to develop recommendations to improve Medicaid consistent with available resources and federal health care reform requirements.
Added: March 4, 2010
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Low-Income Women age 40 plus are Eligible to Apply

Washington , DC The AARP Foundation seeks entries for its fourth annual Women’s Scholarship Program. The scholarships will provide funds to women 40+ who are seeking new job skills, training and educational opportunities to support themselves and their families. Up to 100 scholarships ranging from $500 to $5,000 will be awarded, depending on financial need and the cost of the education or training program. 
 
“The AARP Foundation is committed to elevating opportunities for women,” said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director. “Since its beginning, the program has provided valuable resources that have enabled more than 350 deserving women to have access to the educational tools to advance their professional goals. We are thrilled to be offering the program again this year.”
 
While many individuals benefit from the work of the AARP Foundation, research shows that women are disproportionately at risk of having insufficient funds in the second half of their lives due to lower earning and different work patterns. The AARP Foundation created the Women’s Scholarship Program in August 2007 to help women 40+ overcome financial and employment barriers by allowing them to participate in education and training opportunities they could otherwise not afford. In 2009, 108 women from all across the country were awarded more than $345,000 in educational scholarships.
 
Interested applicants can submit their application online at www.aarp.org/womensscholarship. The application process closes on March 31, 2010. Scholarships will be awarded in early summer 2010.
 
Scholarships are available to eligible individuals with moderate to lower incomes and limited financial resources. To be eligible for the scholarships, applicants must:
 
  • Be female age 40 or older (as of March 31, 2010);
  • Be a U.S. Citizen
  • Be able to demonstrate financial need; and
  • Be enrolled in an accredited school or technical training program within 6 months of the scholarship award date.
 
Priority is given to women in three categories: those raising the children of another family member; those in low-paying jobs with no career opportunities and who are missing either a retirement benefit and/or health insurance; and those who have been out of the workforce for more than five years. Scholarships may be used for any course of study at a public or private secondary school, including community colleges, technical schools, and four-year universities. Funds are payable to the institution and may be used to pay for tuition, fees, and books.
 
Scholarship winners will be chosen by an independent selection committee established by the AARP Foundation. They will be chosen on the basis of financial need, personal circumstances and achievements, educational goals, and the likely impact of the scholarship on their lives and their families and communities.
 
The scholarship program is made possible by the AARP Foundation with generous support from Wal-Mart Foundation and the AARP Foundation Women’s Leadership Circle cabinet
 
AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce. Free tax preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older. The Foundation’s litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations. Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP. For more information about the AARP Foundation, please log on to www.aarp.org/foundation.
 
30-30-30
 
 
Added: February 16, 2010
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New Mexico AARP Tax Aide Sites are now open for business and are helping seniors and other individuals with free tax preparation. Sites are operating in the following communities: (Call for times and days of operations or visit https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp )
 
Alamogordo
 
Alamogordo Civic Center, First and Florida, 505-439-4154
 
Albuquerque
 
AARP Information Center -- 1930 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE STE. J., 505-830-3097
 
Albuquerque Meadows Mobile Community -- 7112 Pan American Freeway NE, 505-821-7355
 
American Legion Post 99 – 540 Louisiana Blvd. NE, 505-293-1121
 
Barelas Senior Center – 714 7th St. SW, 505-764-6436
 
Bear Canyon Senior Center -- 4645 Pitt St NE, 505-291-6211
 
Highland Senior Center -- 131 Monroe St NE, 505-256-2000
 
Los Volcanes Senior Center – 6500 Los Volcanes RD NW, 505-836-8745
 
Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center – 501 Elizabeth St Se, 505-275-8731
 
North Valley Senior Center – 3825 4th St NW, 505-761-4025
 
Palo Duro Senior Center – 5221 Palo Duro Ave NE, 505-888-8102
 
Taylor Ranch Community Center – 4900 Kachina St NW, 505-768-6006
 
UNM Law School – 1117 Stanford NE, 505-830-3096
 
Vineyards Retirement Community – 6118 Edith Blvd. NE, 505-292-3188
 
Angel Fire
 
Angel Fire Tax Aide – No. 1 First National Place, 505-377-0546
 
Anthony
 
AARP Tax Aide Women’s Intercultural Center – 303 Lincoln Ave, 575-882-5556
 
Aztec
 
Aztec Senior Center – 101 S. Park Ave., 505-334-2881
 
Belen
 
Calvary Chapel – 19381 Highway 314, 505-864-8611
Del Rio Senior Citizen Center – 351 Rio Communities Blvd., 505-864-7500
 
Bernalillo
 
Bernalillo Senior Center – 2027 Camino del Pueblo, 505-867-9448
 
 
Bloomfield
 
Bloomfield Senior Center – 124 W. Ash Ave, 505-368-8351
 
Carlsbad
 
Epworth United Methodist Church – 1406 W. Blodgett St, 575-887-7501
 
Chama
 
Eleanor Daggett Memorial Library -- 888-543-5129
 
Clayton
 
Clayton Senior Center – 19 E. Broadway St., 505-575-374-9840
 
Clovis
 
Baxter Senior Center – 908 Hickory St., 505-769-7908
Roy Walker Community Center – 316 W. 2nd St., 575-769-7868
 
Cuba
 
Cuba Economic Development Center – 575-289-9454.
 
Deming
 
Deming Senior Citizens – 800 S. Granite St, 575-546-8823
 
Edgewood
 
Edgewood Senior Center – 114 Quail Trail, 505 281-2515
 
Española
 
Española Tax Aide – 1112 Industrial Park Road, 505-753-1769
 
Farmington
 
Bonnie Dallas Senior Center – 109 E. La Plata St., 505-599-1380
 
Hobbs
 
Hobbs Senior Center – 200 E. Park St., 505-392-5453
 
Las Cruces
 
Community Action Agency – 320 Wyatt Dr., 575-527-8799
 
Los Alamos
 
Betty Ehart Senior Center – 1101 Bathtub Row, 505-662-7969
 
Los Lunas
 
Los Lunas Senior Citizens Center – 197 Don Pasqual NW, 505-839-3853
 
Lovington
 
Bill McKibben Senior Center – 18W Ave F., 505-396-4161
 
Moriarty
 
Moriarty Civic Center – 201 Broadway, 505-832-4143
 
Portales
 
Eastern NM University – College of Business Bldg., 505-356-8576
 
Quemado
 
Quemado Community Center – 28 Lopez County Road, 575-772-5275
 
Rio Rancho
 
Rio Rancho Public Library – 755 Loma Colorado St., 505-896-1965
 
Rio Rancho Tax Aide – 1355 Meadowlark Ln, SE Apt. 373, 505-771-8809
 
Ruidoso
 
Ruidoso Senior Center – 501 Sudderth Dr. No. 10, 575-257-4565
 
Santa Fe
 
Boys and Girls Club – 730 Alto St., 505-428-1780
 
Santa Fe Community College – 6401 S. Richards Ave (fitness center), 505-428-1780
 
Shiprock
 
Shiprock Senior Center –505-368-1560
 
Silver City
 
Silver City Senior Center – 205 W. Victoria St., 505-388-2544
 
Tijeras
 
Tijeras Canyon Tax Aide Site – 478 ½ Old Hwy 66, Los Vecinos Community Center, 505-314-0240
 
Added: February 9, 2010
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Former and Current NFL Players to Volunteer in 17 Communities through
AARP Create The Good®  
 
FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – AARP and the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) today announced they will work together to encourage volunteerism, service, community involvement and giving back. As part of this new alliance, former and current NFL players will join AARP Create The Good to become service ambassadors in their local communities through a variety of activities in 2010.
 
The NFLPA and AARP made the announcement today at the annual NFLPA Super Bowl press conference in Ft. Lauderdale. Host of Super Bowl XLIV, CBS NFL Today and AARP’s Community Ambassador, James “JB” Brown has been involved with the Create The Good initiative since its launch in 2009 and will help recruit players for service initiatives throughout the year.
 
“We are excited about this new collaboration between AARP and the NFL Players Association. All NFL players, both active and retired, believe in the importance of giving back to their communities and AARP's Create The Good initiative will allow our players to continue the good work they do alongside the fans who cheer them on,” said DeMaurice Smith, NFLPA Executive Director.
 
AARP Create The Good (www.CreateTheGood.org) is a network of people sharing tools and ideas to help make a difference on their own or in larger groups in their communities. It is powered by AARP and the AARP Foundation’s more than nine million volunteers, donors and activists.
 
Beginning in April 2010—National Volunteer Month—NFLPA players will participate in Create The Good service activities in 17 communities around the country. The NFLPA will also work with Create The Good on two additional national service events scheduled later in 2010.
 
“There’s a new spirit of service sweeping the country and Americans of all ages are rallying to improve our country and our communities,” said Barbara Quaintance, SVP of AARP’s Volunteer and Civic Engagement Office. “By bringing players out into the communities, we hope to engage more and more people and get them motivated to lend a helping hand.”
 
The NFLPA has a history of encouraging its players to give back to local communities, and for the last seven years has partnered with JB to recognize those who exemplify dedication and commitment to team and community with the JB Awards. Each year, a select group of players are invited to the NFL Players Gala Featuring the JB Awards, an awards presentation hosted by JB himself to honor their individual contributions to their communities.
 
Now, through Create The Good, the NFLPA and JB are once again teaming up to provide opportunities for people in communities nationwide to join current and former NFL players and get involved in community projects.  In the coming months, Create The Good and the NFLPA will announce additional details about the events scheduled in 2010.
 
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to see AARP and the NFLPA come together on such an important and critical topic,” said Brown. “I’m proud to be part of Create The Good and as AARP’s national Community Ambassador, I look forward to working with the NFL Players Association to help spread the message about the importance of getting involved and taking action.”

CreateTheGood.org offers local volunteer opportunities as well as ideas for self-directed activities and how-to videos for simple service projects people can organize on their own, like weatherizing homes, starting healthy walking groups, fighting fraud, preparing for a hurricane and other needs.
 
James Brown, DeMaurice Smith and Barbara Quaintance are available for interviews. For more information please contact Michelle Alvarez at 202.390.0032 or malvarez@aarp.org.
 
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 35.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's nearly 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
 
ABOUT THE NFLPA
The NFL Players Association is the exclusive collective bargaining agent for all players employed by clubs of the National Football League. Founded in 1956, the NFLPA works to ensure that the rights and interests of NFL players are protected. In addition, the NFLPA strives to be a valuable resource and to maximize player opportunities on and off the field through membership programs and community activities. For further information, visit www.NFLPLAYERS.com.
 
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Added: February 4, 2010
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2010

Contact
AARP Media Relations
202-434-2560

AARP CEO Reacts to State of the Union Address

WASHINGTON—AARP CEO A. Barry Rand released the statement below following tonight’s State of the Union Address by President Obama:

“AARP is encouraged by the President’s commitment to help older Americans get through the challenges of a rocky economy and a health care system that costs too much and leaves too many people behind. It’s clear that much work remains to help millions of older Americans who face tough challenges getting through today and preparing for tomorrow.

“While economic statistics point towards a rebound, Americans still need relief. We are encouraged by the President’s commitment to help current workers build their own lifetime economic security through the creation of the Automatic IRA, a low-cost, high-impact tool that would help tens of millions of American workers who do not currently have access to a retirement savings plan at work. As many Americans try to re-build retirement nest eggs, they deserve to know that lax financial oversight won’t lead to another economic meltdown. So we are pleased that the President called on Congress to enact measures, including the Consumer Financial Protection Agency, which would overhaul a failed regulatory accountability system.

“We would ask the President to go further to help Americans—particularly those nearing retirement or who already live on fixed incomes. In particular, we hoped to hear the President renew his request to Congress to provide immediate economic relief to help the 41 million Americans who depend on Social Security but did not receive an annual Cost of Living Adjustment for 2010.

“We are committed to helping put the country’s fiscal house in order because older Americans care about the legacy we’re leaving ours kids and grandkids. However, we need to make sure that any budget driven cuts don’t cause more harm than good, particularly when it comes to lifeline programs like Medicare and Social Security. Any recommendations from a proposed debt commission should require a full and open debate by Congress without fast-track treatment that short-circuits the accountability of representative government. Social Security and Medicare should not be viewed as piggy banks for deficit reduction.

“AARP is also encouraged by the President’s commitment to continue progress on comprehensive health care reform. As Washington turns its focus to the economy and job creation, we must not forget that access to affordable, quality health care is among the most important and personal economic issues for the vast majority of Americans.

“We have come too far to give up now on health care reform. Both chambers of Congress have passed comprehensive reform legislation—something neither had done before in our nation’s history—that would help tens of millions of Americans have access to affordable care while strengthening and protecting guaranteed Medicare benefits. AARP will continue to urge the Administration and Congress to enact health care reform this year that meets the priorities of older Americans by cracking down on insurance company abuses, especially those that deny affordable coverage based on age or pre-existing conditions; protecting guaranteed Medicare benefits; lowering drug costs for seniors by closing the Medicare ‘doughnut hole’ coverage gap; and helping people get the services they need to help them live in their homes and communities.

“We look forward to working with President Obama and members of Congress from both parties to work on the issues critical to our members and all older Americans. It’s time to find solutions that work for Americans who have done the right things, but still struggle to build a nest egg, find an affordable health plan or care for a loved one.”

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

Added: January 29, 2010
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Thousands of New Mexicans are eligible for assistance that can help them become healthier and more financially secure, but they don’t access these benefits --- sometimes because they don’t know what’s available or that they are eligible for assistance.  

AARP New Mexico and the AARP Foundation seek volunteers willing to donate a few hours each week at Tax Aide sites in the Santa Fe and Albuquerque areas to help screen people to see what programs they might qualify for.
 
Volunteers will use the AARP Benefits QuickLINK web-based screening program to estimate what programs an individual is eligible for. Computer skills and ability to work with the public is necessary. Volunteers will receive training, transportation stipends, and ongoing support. Training will take place in mid-January.
 
Screenings will take place at the AARP Information Center, 1930 Juan Tabo Blvd. NE, in Albuquerque, and at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Fe. For more information contact Gene Varela at 505-946-3604 or at evarela@aarp.org.
 
Added: December 22, 2009
Views: 95 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

 

FREE AARP Webinar
Green Jobs: What They Are and How to Find Them
 
Tuesday, December 15, 2009, 2-3 p.m. EDT
 
“Green jobs” are in the news. With the increased focus on clean energy, "green" employment opportunities will grow significantly, experts say. 
 
But if you're a job-seeker, it can be hard to find practical information about green jobs. What are these jobs, exactly? How do you find out about them? Who are the "green" employers in your area? 
 
This webinar, featuring Jim Cassio, green jobs career consultant and author, will cover:
 
  • What a green job is
  • Which industries and jobs have the most growth potential
  • Where to find online resources on green jobs and careers
  • What education and training opportunities are available
 
After the webinar, you will receive a free electronic copy of Jim’s “Green Careers Resource Guide.” 
 
Register now at www.aarp.org/realrelief . When you register, you will get instructions on how to join the webinar for the scheduled date and time. You must have a computer with audio capability (internal or external speakers) and Internet access.
 
Please note: A webinar is a live, online event which you “attend” via your computer.You do not need to be an AARP member to attend this event. All are welcome!
 
If you have any questions about this webinar, please e-mail survivejobloss@aarp.org.
 
 
AARP Job Search Resources
In addition to this Web event, AARP offers the following resources to assist job seekers 45+: 
 
Added: December 8, 2009
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November 15 marked the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period. AARP is reminding its members and all older Americans to compare their current Medicare drug and health plans with others that are available and choose the one that best fits their needs. People in Medicare have until December 31 to add, drop or change prescription drug and health care plans for 2010.

Check out AARP Bulletin’s Ask Ms. Medicare column for tips on finding the coverage that’s right for you:

 
Ask Ms. Medicare: Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Your Questions Answered
 
Ask Ms. Medicare: Tips for Comparing 2010 Medicare Advantage Plans: http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/ask_ms_medicare_question_71.html
 
Added: November 20, 2009
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The following is AARP's response to an editorial that ran in the Albuquerque Oct. 25th:

Dear Editor,
 
This paper’s recent editorial (“AARP/Insurance Push Confusing for Seniors,” Oct. 25) was riddled with errors that need to be corrected.
 
AARP was founded by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus in 1958, primarily to make insurance available to retirees as no such health care plans did until the creation of Medicare – a lifeline program that AARP has championed ever since. Dr. Andrus’ vision was to unify the collective power of older Americans to achieve positive social change through direct advocacy, public service, and the marketplace.
 
AARP does not hide from anyone the fact that we brand insurance plans that we believe can help older Americans. AARP puts its name on insurance products that are consistent with our advocacy positions, providing more consumer-friendly options to older Americans who have traditionally been shut out by private health insurers. The royalties we receive from branding these services allow AARP to conduct the advocacy, service and consumer protection work we do at both the local and national levels.
 
As long as older Americans struggle with private insurance practices that deny access or charge excessive premiums based only on their age, AARP will continue to work with the private marketplace to make sure better options exist where there were previously none. There is no secret about this, and we make no apologies.
 
But even this is completely irrelevant to the current health reform debate. Our advocacy positions are determined by a board made up of volunteers – doctors, nurses, teachers and business leaders – from across the country. Our members’ interests drive these positions – not the other way around.
 
As the health reform debate continues, AARP has made a promise to all seniors that we will fight to protect Medicare. Health reform must get rid of waste, fraud and inefficiency in Medicare to improve the quality of care we receive, lower personal costs, and save billions of dollars throughout the system.
 
And yes, Medicare Advantage is one area that needs to be studied.
 
AARP believes that Medicare Advantage is an important part of the Medicare program, and we brand some of these plans here in New Mexico. However, Medicare pays 14 percent more per patient, on average, through Medicare Advantage plans, than through traditional Medicare. Everybody in Medicare subsidizes these additional costs – with no proof that they are actually providing better care.
 
If we’re going to protect Medicare, we must eliminate waste and bring Medicare Advantage costs down. Reducing these subsidies could save more than $100 billion that would be better used by strengthening Medicare for everybody. This could mean protecting patients’ access to their doctors; covering preventive care like screening for diabetes, cancer and osteoporosis; and closing the dreaded “doughnut hole” coverage gap in Medicare’s prescription drug program.
 
It is patently false to suggest that our position on Medicare Advantage is at all based on any financial interest. Our advocacy positions drive all of the work in our products and services, and we would gladly forego every dime of revenue we receive in exchange for a health care system that works for everyone.
 
Sincerely,
 
Tom Nelson
Chief Operating Officer
AARP
 
Added: November 2, 2009
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