Before you get ready to prepare your Thanksgiving shopping list, make sure you add an item or two for an area food bank.  Food banks across the state have seen an up-surge in the number of clients that have come through their doors.  Here is a link to Feeding America affliated food banks that serve South Carolina.

A new poll of AARP members released today finds strong support across party and ideological lines for elements of health care reform included in the Affordable Health Care for America Act, which recently passed the House of Representatives.  The bill, which strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age and closes the Medicare prescription drug doughnut hole, was endorsed by AARP. Read the release here.

AARP South Carolina partners with Imara Woman magazine on many issues.  In a recent edition, AARP SC's Jane Wiley authors an article on health care reform.  Read it here.  Imara Woman magazine is the brainchild of Columbia business woman Wendy Brawley.  Recently, the magazine has launched a bi-monthly television show on CW47.

In a video interview with The Washington Post, AARP's Policy Director John Rother talks health care reform and why AARP supports the House passed bill. Watch it here.

Today AARP endorsed the Affordable Health Care for America Act.  Click here for the release and a South Carolina based fact sheet on how the AHCAA will help older South Carolina residents. 

AARP will be ready when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.  There are several issues that AARP will be working on and have developed fact sheets regarding these issues including increasing the state's cigarette tax and securing additional dollars for home - and community-based services.

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond announced the Association’s support of a House provision to close the Medicare prescription drug “doughnut hole”—a dangerous gap in coverage for older Americans.  A statement from LeaMond follows:

“Closing the prescription drug coverage gap for Medicare beneficiaries has long been one of AARP members’ top priorities, and we are delighted to support provisions announced today to fully close the doughnut hole.

“AARP is fighting to guarantee that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health coverage.  For our members with Medicare drug coverage, the doughnut hole stands out as a major affordability concern and real barrier to access.

“More than 3 million people fall into the doughnut hole each year, and millions more live in fear of reaching this dangerous gap in coverage.  Research shows that people who have trouble paying for their prescription drugs are more likely to skip doses or stop taking their medications altogether, which can lead to more serious health problems and higher long-term costs both for them and for our health care system as a whole.  

“AARP thanks the House for helping to make sure that Medicare beneficiaries will not have to put their health at risk because they can’t afford needed medications.  We look forward to working with both chambers to continue to improve health care reform legislation so that every American has access to affordable coverage.”

Graham and DeMint Vote to Block

On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate blocked critical legislation to protect access to doctors for the 44 million Americans who rely on Medicare. The Medicare Physician Fairness Act (S. 1776) would have replaced today’s broken doctor payment system, which calls for a 21.5 percent cut in physician pay in January. The bill failed to pass a key procedural vote in the Senate today. Read AARP's statement here.

AARP is calling on Congress to extend previous $250 economic relief provided for older Americans, veterans and persons with disabilities for 2010.

Here is a link to AARP's statement on the outcome vote from the Senate Finance Committee on the Affordable Health Choices Act.