AARP Online Community: AARPNV - My Journals & Blogs

AARP NEVADA KEY VOTE NEWS ALERT

Note: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 110^th Congress, and informing its nearly 40 million members

of the results of these key votes.

AARP Thanks Congress for Keeping Medicare Fair, Overriding White House Veto

Bipartisan Bill Improves Low-Income Help and Boosts Quality through National E-Prescribing, Helps Ensure Access to Doctors

SUMMARY: 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.

NEVADA	VOTED YES TO PASS MEDICARE BILL	VOTED NO ON MEDICARE BILL
REPRESENTATIVES
Berkley, Shelley	YES
Heller, Dean	YES
Porter, Jon	YES

SENATORs
Reid, Harry	YES
Ensign, John		NO

*Did not vote

** 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 Senator Reid and Representatives Berkley, Heller and Porter for their continued support,” said Barry Gold, Nevada director for government relations. “This bipartisan legislation will help more Americans afford their health care bills while bringing doctors offices and pharmacies into the 21^st century with e-prescribing.”

Gold added: “We are disappointed that Senator Ensign voted against this important legislation. This bill would begin to bring down health care costs for millions of Americans, while reducing dangerous drug interactions with electronic prescriptions.”

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 110^th 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,” Gold concluded.

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.

Added: July 17, 2008
Views: 88 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Job Fair, Wednesday 7/23, Palms Casino Resort

Job Fair

Wednesday, July 23

Noon-3pm

Palms Casino Resort

Come join us on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 at the Palms Casino Resort from 12-3 PM inside the Key West Ballroom for "The Works" Job Fair 2008.

For more information: http://www.jobertising.com/pages/job_fairs

Added: July 14, 2008
Views: 93 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Important Info on Access to Home and Community-Based Services

New AARP Report Finds Older Americans Have Limited Access to Home and Community-Based Services under Medicaid

In Nevada, 68 percent of Medicaid LTC funds for older people spent on nursing homes

WASHINGTON—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 for older people providing home and community based services (HCBS). In Nevada, 68 percent of Medicaid LTC dollars for older people and adults with physical disabilities who have limited financial resources are steered to nursing homes.

The report, 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/developmental disabilities,” said Nevada State Director Carla Sloan.“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.”

During the recent special legislative session to deal with the budget shortfall, AARP Nevada fought to protect the home and community based services offered in the state by keeping the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement from being securitized. The funds from the tobacco settlement are the backbone of the home and community based service network. These are the services that help people live in their communities. If these services are eliminated then thousands of Nevadans may face having to go to a nursing home.

Also highlighted in the report are best practices from states that are making progress balancing LTC options. Alaska, Oregon, Washington and New Mexico 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.

The report examines Medicaid LTC funding because it is the primary payer for LTC in the country. “This underscores the need for better government and private sector financing options for long-term care. Americans have few options to plan and pay for their long-term care. Balancing Medicaid LTC options will require a commitment from our state officials and cooperation from federal authorities. HCBS can be both cost-effective and responsive to the preferences of older people and adults with disabilities,” said Sloan.

The new report includes state rankings and can be found at: http://www.aarp.org/research/longtermcare/programfunding/2008_10_ltc.html.

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.

Added: July 11, 2008
Views: 104 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Senate Does the Right Thing on Medicare Bill Second Time Around

WASHINGTON—Bill Novelli, AARP’s Chief Executive Officer, issued the following statement on today’s vote by the Senate to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008.

“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 Washington break through partisan gridlock.

“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 District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: July 10, 2008
Views: 95 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Nevada Must Protect Tobacco Settlement Funds

Selling Off Tobacco Settlement Money Short-sighted

Loss would impact up to $1 million in Federal matching funds

(Las Vegas, Nev) Selling or “Securitizing” the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement, an estimated $1.2 billion dollars the state is to receive over the next 17 years, has been proposed as a way to dig out of the financial hole the state finds itself in. We would get $600 - $700 million in cash now, less than half the full settlement. We would also forego federal matching dollars in excess of $1 million per year and any interest that might accrue on unused funds.

The tobacco settlement money provides services for Nevada’s most vulnerable populations—prescription drug coverage of the Nevada’s senior and disabled populations, family caregiver support programs, Alzheimer’s respite care, and home and community based service grants are just a few of the programs supported.

“When you find your self in a hole you need to stop digging,” said Barry Gold, Director of Government Relations for AARP’s Nevada State Office. “Selling the Tobacco MSA will devastate the senior services across the state and create a bottomless hole for senior services so deep we will never get out of it.”

Services provided by the tobacco funds include Senior Rx and Disability Rx –which offers assistance paying for medicines of over 6,950 disabled and low income seniors across the state are invaluable to those who are living at the margin. Without this assistance frail elderly and the disabled would be forced to pay much more in out-of-pocket expenses. Many simply would not be able to afford the medicine they need.

Tens of thousands of Nevadans are living at home with the help of services provided by local agencies due to the Independent Living Grants program funded by the Tobacco settlement. These services are designed to keep people living in their communities as independently as possible and to prevent the need to move into institutions. Staying in your community is where people want to be – and costs the state and taxpayers much less than living in an institution.

Added: July 7, 2008
Views: 92 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Ensign Votes to Block Medicare Bill

NEVADA STATE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND AARP CRITICIZE SENATOR ENSIGN FOR BLOCKING BILL

TO PROTECT ACCESS TO DOCTORS AND IMPROVE MEDICARE

Asking for Nevdans to Call on Senator Ensign to Reconsider and Support Bill that Stops Cuts to Doctors and Keeps Medicare Fair

[Las Vegas, Nev] -- Gridlock has paralyzed the U.S. Senate, derailing a critical bipartisan bill that would have stopped a 10 percent cut to doctors who treat Medicare patients, kept Medicare premiums fair, and made significant improvements to a program that 44 million Americans depend on.

Last week, Senator Ensign joined a minority of Senators in voting to block legislation that would have helped people on Medicare maintain access to their doctors, keep premiums fair and improve benefits for the most vulnerable while boosting health care quality through national e-prescribing. The Senate vote on the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (H.R. 6331), which passed by a bipartisan landslide in the House of Representatives, was purposely scheduled for June 26 so it would become law before the cuts to doctor payments were to go into effect on July 1.

"We are deeply troubled that Senator Ensign voted to block a bill with bipartisan support that would have preserved patients’ access to their doctors and improved Medicare for the 44 million Americans who depend on it,” said AARP State Director Carla Sloan. “For the sake of older Americans, people with disabilities and military families, we urge Senator Ensign to listen to his constituents and reconsider his vote when the bill comes up again after the congressional recess.”

In addition to preventing a 10 percent cut to payments to doctors, the Medicare bill would have: helped keep premiums fair; strengthened protections for lower income beneficiaries; improved Medicare’s coverage of preventive services, and made Medicare more efficient through electronic prescribing. The Senate is currently scheduled to reconsider H.R. 6331 immediately following the July 4th recess.

“Because of Senator Ensign’s vote, the Senate went home for July 4 recess leaving care for our nation’s seniors, disabled individuals, and military families hanging in the balance,” said Larry Mattheis, executive director for the Nevada State Medical Association. “We call on Senator Ensign to reconsider his vote and return to Washington to do what’s right – vote to ensure patient access to care and improve health security for 44 million Americans.”

Throughout the debate on Medicare legislation, AARP and Nevada State Medical Association have engaged their members in the fight to keep Medicare fair and protect access to doctors. Hundreds of thousands of AARP supporters, including nearly 7,800 people in Nevada, called and emailed Congress, signed petitions, wrote letters to their local papers, and participated in Keep Medicare Fair events around the country over the last several weeks. In addition, more than 41,000 patients and physicians called Congress in June through the AMA grassroots hotline, and the AMA is airing new radio and television ads that urge opponents of H.R. 6331 to put patients’ access to care before insurance profits by voting for the bill as soon as they return to Washington from their holiday recess.

###

Added: July 7, 2008
Views: 109 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Nevada senior services at risk to balance budget

Save Services for Seniors!

Nevada’s Special Legislative Session may slash senior services across the state and force people into nursing homes if they cannot get help to stay in their homes. We all know “there's no place like home.”

There is a proposal to sell the Tobacco Settlement. The Tobacco Settlement funds the backbone of services for older adults across Nevada. If they are sold help cover the deficit, Nevada could lose over a MILLION DOLLARS a year in Federal funds and services that help seniors stay in their homes will be cut.

You Can Help

Tell Governor Gibbons and your Legislators NOT to sell the Tobacco Funds. Call immediately – the Special Session begins Friday June 27. Selling our Tobacco Funds is a BAD IDEA.

Phone:

1-800-992-0973 can connect you to Governor Gibbons and to your State Legislators.

Email:

Governor: www.gov.state.nv.us

Legislators: www.leg.state.nv.us

Tell Governor Gibbons, your State Senator, and your Assemblyman NOT to sell the Tobacco Funds. SAVE SENIOR SERVICES because “there's no place like home.”

Added: June 26, 2008
Views: 120 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Nevada's Clark High School Receives $10,000 Award from AARP

AARP Donates More Than $1 Million to Public Schools

In Nevada, Clark High School’s Challenge Program Receives a $10,000 Award

(Las Vegas, NV) In celebration of AARP’s 50th Anniversary and to recognize the outstanding educational achievements in public high schools throughout the nation, AARP today announced the winner of Nevada’s Ethel Percy Andrus Legacy Award.

Clark High School’s Challenge Program, an inner-city, teacher-led program providing students in average-level classes with a community of support for honors-level courses, has won the Legacy Award and received $10,000 for their innovative approach to learning. The program has been in place for four years. Of the 22 students who started the Challenge program as freshmen, 100 percent graduated and 90 percent are attending post-secondary education after graduating last year. This year’s starting class boasts more than 150 students.

“The Challenge Program gave me the tools and support I needed to overcome language barriers and make the difficult decision to retake classes I had already taken in the Philippines,” said Ryan Ordinario. “CCSD wouldn’t accept all of the high school credits from my former school, so I was forced to retake a number of classes. The Challenge Program really helped me get through what could have been a very difficult time.”

Public high schools in cities designated as focal points of AARP’s 50th anniversary celebrations were eligible to compete for the $100,000 awards. In addition, public high schools in all U.S. states and territories were eligible to compete for $10,000 awards honoring innovative programs. In total, AARP received nearly 1,000 applications from public schools throughout the nation and granted an Innovation Award to one public high school in every US state including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia.

AARP has donated more than $1 million to support educational programs across the country which have demonstrated a commitment to connect generations and foster greater civic engagement among students and their communities.

AARP was founded 50 years ago by Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired teacher and principal from California. “Dr. Andrus was a champion for all generations who believed, as we do today, that the generations are connected by a strong commitment to values, community and service,” said AARP CEO Bill Novelli. “These awards not only pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Andrus, but also underscore our continued intergenerational commitment to recognize and encourage educational achievements in communities throughout the nation. Congratulations to all of the winning schools.”

Additional information about AARP’s 50th Anniversary is available at www.AARP.org and on http://www.aarp.org/aarp/50thAnniversary/.

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.

###

Added: May 2, 2008
Views: 364 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Forclosure Prevention Seminar-Reno, May 9

Washoe County Senior Services

Senior Law Project

Presents as part of our celebration of

Older Americans Month

A Seminar on Foreclosure Prevention

with

Guest Speaker

Catherine Cortez Masto

Nevada Attorney General

Introduction by Washoe County Commissioner Kitty Jung

Come join us on May 9th, 2008

9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Reno Senior Center

Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto will lead a two-hour program discussing foreclosure prevention. Other presenters including housing counselors and lenders, will describe the ABC’s of the foreclosure process and explore strategies to resolve what may appear to be impossible circumstances. Evolving standards for loan modifications and the rights of renters in foreclosed property will also be discussed.

Additional Guest Speakers:

Jill Perry - Consumer Credit Affiliates

Sheila Walthers - Mortgage Lending Division

Nancy Hamilton- Wells Fargo Mortgage

And others

For additional information contact 328-2592

Added: May 2, 2008
Views: 346 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Day at Reno Sr. Center, May 8 -- Join Us

AARP 50^th Anniversary Celebration

and

Day of Service Event

Thursday

May 8, 2008

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Reno Senior Center

1155 E. 9th Street

Join us for AARP Day at the Reno Senior Center, Thursday, May 8, which is AARP’s annual Day of Service and part of AARP’s 50^th Anniversary Celebration.

There will be an exhibitors’ fair, a series of presentations on becoming

involved in representative government, a luncheon, and an opportunity to learn from a local pharmacist about managing your prescription medications.

Since AARP turns 50 this year, we’re celebrating as we reflect on our 50 years of service to all Americans while looking forward to the next 50 years. So . . . of course, cake will be provided.

Day’s Activities

9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Exhibitors’ Fair & Ongoing Presentations

9:30–10:30 a.m.

AAUW & AARP Presentations on Citizen Activism and

How to Get Involved

10:30–11:30 a.m.

Issues That Matter—Presentation by AARP with

community legislators

11:30 a.m.

Divided We Fail Luncheon Presentation (lunch is available at a nominal cost-be sure you make reservations . . . see below)

1:00 p.m.

Conversation with Your Local Pharmacist

RSVP for the luncheon only by calling toll free

1-877-926-8300. There’s no need to RSVP for the rest of the

event activities.

Questions about the event? Call the AARP

Nevada state office at 1-866-389-5652

Added: April 25, 2008
Views: 361 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (36)