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My Journals (24)

Get the Real Facts on Health Care Reform

 

 

Fixing our broken health care system is far too important to be derailed by myths and scare tactics perpetuated by special interest groups who will benefit from the status quo. And, what is the status quo? Insurance companies deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions and charge people unaffordable premiums because of their age. Lay offs leaving people without health insurance. More and more seniors who can’t afford the medications they need to stay healthy.

 

 
You may have heard the outrageous claims and scare tactics in the media from those opposing health care reform. Unfortunately, the truth is too often getting lost in the frenzy of negative and sensational press reports. It is indeed a complicated issue, so it’s critically important to get the facts on the debate and realize the good that will come of this historical effort to fix health care in America…and in Vermont.
 
Common myths and claims:
 
We can’t afford it--
We can not afford the status quo – any one of us could be one pink slip or one serious illness away from financial ruin. If we do nothing to fix health care, families with Medicare or employer-based health coverage will likely see their premiums nearly double again in the next seven years.
 
Reform proposals will cut Medicare benefits--
None of the major health care reform plans currently being considered would cut Medicare benefits. Reform will lower prescription drug costs for people in the Part D “doughnut hole,” protect access to doctors, prevent costly and avoidable hospital readmissions, improve quality of care, and eliminate billions of dollars in waste that is causing poor care and medical errors. Right now, preventable hospital readmissions alone cost Medicare billions of dollars.
 
It’s a government takeover--
Health care reform will not be a government takeover. All of the main proposals currently being debated by Congress would preserve the employer-based health care system, meaning an estimated 200 million Americans will continue to get their coverage through their employers.
 
Health care reform is rationed care--
Health care reform will not give the government the power to make important health care decisions, regardless of a person’s age. Those decisions will be made by individuals, their doctors and their family.
 
What about mandatory end of life counseling/govt. euthanasia?
We’ve even heard that an email has been circulating indicating that all Social Security recipients would be required to have “mandatory euthanasia counseling.” Not only is that completely false, it is a misleading and cruel scare tactic. Health care reform will NOT give the government the power to make life or death decisions for anyone regardless of their age.
 
People need to hear the good things that will happen when we pass real reform. AARP is calling on Congress to guarantee all Americans have a choice of dependable, affordable health insurance plans and preserve your choice of doctors who can work with you to make the best possible health care decisions for you and your family.
 
AARP believes health care is not a Democratic or Republican issue. It’s not about political gamesmanship. It’s about people’s lives. We believe health care reform must fix what’s wrong and preserve what’s right.  Health care reform must strengthen and improve Medicare, protect people’s choice of doctor and insurance plan, stop insurance companies from charging older people unaffordable premiums, and guarantee dependable, affordable coverage. 
 
Vermont took an important first step in passing its own health care reform package in 2006 and key elements of that plan are part of the national solutions being considered. But our initiatives on both cost control and access for all cannot be realized without a federal solution in place.
 
Don’t let special interest groups who are trying to block progress on health care reform fool you with their myths and scare tactics. We can’t play politics with health care, especially when people’s lives are at risk. Now’s the time to talk about what works and what doesn't – to find a common-sense solution to our nation’s health care challenges. So please, don’t let the scare tactics get in the way of the facts. The time to fix what’s broken about health care is now.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Added: August 21, 2009
Views: 105 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP CEO on Health Care Reform

For over fifty years, AARP's mission has been educating and engaging in the issues most important to you, our members. With over 40 million members we understand the importance of debate. Even when some members don't agree with our advocacy positions, it is critical that we make sure those differences of opinion are based on facts, not myths designed to derail a long overdue effort to fix what's wrong in our health care system.


Doing nothing is not an option. But any reform must not get between a patient and their doctor. It must not cut Medicare benefits. It must not allow insurers to continue to line their pockets by covering only the healthiest and the youngest.


AARP is committed to making sure health care reform will do the following for our members:


Lower Drug Costs and Strengthen Medicare: Close the Medicare Part D "doughnut hole," ensure patients' access to their doctors, and crack down on fraud and wasteful spending;


Protect Your Health Care Choices: Make sure you can choose your doctor, your health insurance plan and where to receive care;


End Discrimination by Insurance Companies: Prevent insurance companies from denying you coverage because of a pre-existing condition or using age to price Americans age 50-64 out of affordable, quality health insurance; and


Guarantee Stable, Affordable Coverage: Ensure you have the security of knowing that if you lose or change jobs, you will be able to get affordable, quality health insurance.


Since July 1st, when we started seeing a rise in phone calls and emails here at AARP as a result of the health care debate, we have lost approximately 50,000-60,000 members. While we are encouraged that almost 1.8 million people have either joined AARP or renewed their memberships over that same time span, we take the loss of any member seriously. ‪We don't want to see you, our members, leave for any reason, and understand that even when we all have the facts reasonable people may agree to disagree on the proposals being put forth by Congress.


AARP's strength has always been our members, and we're working hard to represent them as best we can. Each of our policy positions have been carefully considered and are set by our all-member volunteer board of directors based on input from our members.


We're also working to dispel several of the myths and lies that have warped the health care reform debate, targeting older Americans in particular with horror stories about euthanasia and rationed care. We believe that, at a time when a lot of the information about health reform surfacing on the Internet, cable news and talk radio simply isn't true, it's important that each of our members are armed with all the facts about this very important debate.


As we continue to fight on your behalf and work to fix our health care system, we are bound to have different opinions among our members. We respect each opinion and choice you make, and will do our best to represent the individuals who have, with their membership, shown that the collective voice of 40 million members working together have the power to make our health care system better - for themselves and for generations to come.


Sincerely,
A. Barry Rand

 
 
Added: August 18, 2009
Views: 123 | Comments: 2 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP and Partners Launch Investor Fraud Campaign

 

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation, AARP Vermont, the Vermont Department of Banking Insurance, Securities and Health Care Administration (BISHCA) and the Vermont State Treasurer’s Office launched a statewide campaign today to protect seniors from the growing threat of investment-related cons and scams. Governor Jim Douglas was on hand along with Vermont State Treasurer Jeb Spaulding to kick off the initiative today at a press conference and educational forum for over 300 area residents. Also present was Vermont State Police Lt. Robert Kalinowski, who shared his family’s story of financial loss through investment fraud. The event was held at the Sheraton Burlington Conference Center in South Burlington.
Beginning this summer and continuing through the fall, the public education campaign will work to educate Vermont’s senior investors on the dangers of investor fraud. This research-based initiative is designed to change behaviors in the interest of protecting older Vermonters from investment fraud. The effort will center on delivering workshops in small and large venues across the state.  
With the economy struggling and the stock market still depressed, consumer protection advocates have noted a marked increase in the number of investment-related scams.  “Americans have lost more than $2 trillion of their retirement nest eggs, and now they’re desperate to get ready for retirement,” said John Gannon, President of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Foundation. “Unfortunately, that creates the perfect opportunity for scam-artists to pitch their too-good-to-be-true and get-rich-quick schemes.”
The investor protection campaign seeks to protect older investors from investment fraud by helping them to recognize that they are vulnerable to financial fraud. The workshops will help seniors identify common persuasion techniques used by fraudsters and protect themselves by asking the right questions and then checking those answers. The workshops focus on:
-Key questions to ask before making any investment decision.
-How to verify the legitimacy of investment products and professionals.
-How to identify and report suspected investment fraud.
-Common tactics fraudsters use, and how to avoid them.
 
FINRA Foundation-funded research unveiled in July 2006 shattered the stereotypes of senior investment fraud victims. Not only was the fraud victim profile counterintuitive in many respects (for instance, victims were more financially knowledgeable than the general population), but the influence tactics used by fraudsters were sophisticated and highly effective. These findings forced regulators and senior advocates alike to rethink how best to approach the challenge of equipping older investors with the tools and information they need to thwart fraudsters touting investment scams.

In response, a research-based, social change campaign was designed to reduce the incidence of investment fraud among investors ages 55 and over. This year, it is being conducted in Vermont, Washington, Florida, Colorado and North Carolina and will be expanded into five additional states next year.
 
“AARP has a long history of working to protect consumers and we are very concerned about the prevalence of phone scams, online pitches and free investor luncheons and seminars that prey on older Vermonters,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. “Our offices in a number of states are helping the FINRA Foundation in this effort with the assistance of volunteers and other partner organizations.”
 
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation is the largest foundation in the United States dedicated to investor education. Its mission is to provide investors with high-quality, easily accessible information and tools to better understand the markets and the basic principles of saving and investing.
 
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization with 138,000 members in Vermont and 40 million members nationally. Through a wide array of special benefits, services and information resources, we help our members make important choices, reach their goals and dreams and make the most of life after 50.
 
# # #
 
 
 
Consumers Beware!
 
Following is a summary of what attendees learned at today’s event to protect themselves:
 
Using these three key strategies can help distinguish
good offers from bad ones:
End the conversation
Practice saying “No.” Simply tell the person, “I
am sorry, I am not interested. Thank you.” Or
tell anyone who pressures you, “I never make
investing decisions without first consulting
my ____ (financial advisor, accountant, spouse…).
 I will contact you if I am still
interested.”
Knowing your exit strategy in advance makes
it easier to leave the conversation, even if the
pressure starts rising.
 
Turn the tables and ask questions
A legitimate investment professional must
be properly licensed, and his or her firm
must be registered with the Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or
a state securities regulator—depending on
the type of business the firm conducts.
In addition, with very few exceptions, companies
must register their securities with the SEC before
they can sell shares to the public. So, before you
give out information about yourself…
Ask:
•Are you and your firm registered
with FINRA?
• Are you registered with the SEC?
• Are you registered with a state
securities regulator? Which one(s)?
• Is this investment registered with the
SEC or my state securities regulator?
 
Check:
Verify the answers by checking the seller’s
background. Visit SaveAndInvest.org or call
(888) 295-7422.
 
Resources:
Or use these other helpful resources for more
information about:
 
A broker or firm:
FINRA BrokerCheck
www.finra.org/brokercheck
(800) 289-9999
An investment adviser:
SEC Investment Adviser
Public Disclosure Database
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Any investment seller:
North American Securities
Administrators Association
www.nasaa.org
An insurance agent:
State Insurance Commission
National Association of
Insurance Commissioners
www.naic.org
Check out the investment and confirm what
the salesperson tells you using the SEC’s
EDGAR database of company filings:
 
For investments:
SEC’s EDGAR Database
www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml
Also, call the Vermont securities regulators (BISHCA) at 1-877-550-3907 to find
out what they know about the company.
 
 
 
Added: June 19, 2009
Views: 124 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Transportation Summit Held in Montpelier

The Snelling Center and AARP Vermont are engaged in a statewide collaborative venture to explore policy options for the development of a robust system for transporting the public in Vermont.

On June 3 over 85 organizations participated in a state-wide action planning forum in Montpelier. This event brought together transportation providers, health and human service providers, legislators, business leaders, community and regional planners, and advocates for smart growth.

Click here to find out more.

Added: June 4, 2009
Views: 111 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Vermont Proposes Energy Support Program

 

With the backing of the Vermont Legislature, AARP Vermont today filed a petition with the Vermont Public Service Board to set a reduced electric rate for low-income residents. Authorized last year by the legislature and the Governor, the lower rate (a proposed 25% reduction of the monthly bill) would be part of an “Energy Support Program” which would also include energy conservation measures for participants. The proposal calls for the program to begin with the state’s two largest electric utilities – Green Mountain Power (GMP) and Central Vermont Public Service (CVPS). These utilities serve some 85% of Vermont households.
 
“Sadly, Vermont is the only northern state in the nation that does not help low-income citizens afford the electricity they need,” said Jim Leddy, state president of AARP Vermont. “Very poor Vermonters pay the highest percentage of their household income nationwide to cover essential home energy, ranking us dead last on energy affordability.”
 
The effort to provide assistance for needy Vermonters has gone on for decades, but recent developments have now paved the way for change. In 2006, AARP Vermont helped secure legislation that required the Public Service Board to convene a workshop on low-income electric affordability and to draft an electric affordability program and submit it to the Vermont General Assembly in January 2007 for review.  In 2008, Vermont law was changed to allow the Public Service Board to set an electric rate for low-income individuals who live on $16,245 or less annually (150% of Federal Poverty level and lower). Today’s proposal seeks move that legislative measure into action.
 
“A utility-based energy support program would help to make Vermont more affordable for low and fixed-income seniors who want to remain in their homes as they age. Older and economically disadvantaged residents are hardest hit by unaffordable electric bills,” said Philene Taormina, AARP Vermont advocacy director.   In Vermont, 40% of seniors over age 75 live on an annual income of $21,660 or less annually and more than half would qualify for a low-income electric rate if approved by the Public Service Board, she said.
 
The program would cost $1 for residential ratepayers per month, $3/meter for commercial customers and $100/meter for industrial customers. About 38,000 CVPS and GMP customers would be income-eligible to participate in the program and savings would average about $20/month per household. While aimed at low income residents, the program could benefit all classes of ratepayers who currently pay for the debt that utilities cannot collect. Vermont ratepayers are already paying for the hidden costs of disconnections, reconnections and unpaid bills.
 
“Ratepayer funded energy support programs are not just good social policy, they make economic sense as well,” said Taormina. “If the program successfully helps utilities reduce the amount of uncollected debt by making electric more affordable for low and fixed-income Vermonters – then all ratepayers benefit.”
 
Taormina stressed that independent evaluations of the effectiveness of low-income electric bill assistance programs in other states show that these programs reduce termination notices and unpaid bills – the cost of which is passed on to all customers. By increasing the number of people who pay their electric bills we reduce these costs for all ratepayers.
 
“AARP survey research found that a strong majority of Vermonters (80%) support a low-income energy assistance program -- even it means paying a little more on their electric bill,” said Taormina. “If our Public Service Board understands the obvious need and the benefits to Vermont ratepayers, we’re sure they will do the right thing.”
 
 
Added: May 21, 2009
Views: 163 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

VT Senior Centers Form Association

 

Until today, Vermont senior centers serving thousands of older residents daily, have had little or no voice at the state or regional level.  That all changed last week, when directors of several leading senior centers across the state agreed to form an association to better represent the interests of these vital community resources and their members. It is called The Vermont Association of Senior Centers.
 
The mission of the association is to advocate for senior centers on a statewide level, promote the growth and quality of Vermont senior centers, and strengthen the professional skills of senior center staff. The goal is to build an association that represents a dynamic network of senior centers and professionals committed to excellence and responsive to the needs of the state’s growing older population.
 
“For too many years we have operated without a strong voice at a state level,” said Gail Moreau, director of the Heineberg Senior Center in Burlington’s North End.  “Now, as an association, we will be able to benefit from the support, ideas and collective strength that comes from being organized.  This is an important step forward for all of our centers and for the people we serve every day with meals, activities and important social interaction.”
 
A group of senior center directors from around Vermont met April 22nd in Rutland to form the association and elect a five-member steering committee. They are: Roland Dion, Winooski Senior Center; Lori Hickey, Godnick Adult Center in Rutland; Lucinda McCloud, Montpelier Senior Activity Center; Gail Moreau, Heineberg Senior and Community Center in Burlington; and Jo Ann Riley, Castleton Community Seniors.
 
AARP Vermont played a key role in convening the group and in moving the discussion forward along with support from Senator Bernie Sander’s office.  “Senior center directors have been meeting for several months to discuss ways to raise the profile of senior centers, which are an integral part of the aging network in Vermont,” said Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur of AARP Vermont. “Centers are a critical focal point for services and activities for older residents in their community, and in many cases they are the only place where programming is offered for this population.”
 
Citing a recent survey of Vermont senior centers, Wallace-Brodeur estimated that some 25,000 older residents visit these centers every year and in 2008 more than 300,000 meals were served across the state.  Funding resources and transportation were cited as the most pressing issues facing most centers.
 
 
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Added: May 21, 2009
Views: 161 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Driver Safety Course Dates & Locations in Vermont - 2009

 

The following is a list of AARP Driver Safety Program classes scheduled for 2009. Contact the Instructor for imformation and registration OR Call 888AARPNOW (toll free) and follow the call back information. Speak slowly and clearly. Someone will contact you within a few days. Share this information with friends, neighbors, and relatives. Help promote driving safety in Vermont.
 
Location/sponsor                   Date/time               Instructor/Contact                                Phone#                   #Grads
 
Brattleboro                            May 2 & 3              Wendy Cornwell, Contact                      257-8325
Hospital                                  10 a.m. to 2:30        Wayne Cook, Instructor                         896-9446
Vergennes                             May 9                     Rachel Donan, Contact                           877-3484
Methodist Church                  8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jim Inglis, Instructor                               758-2002
White River Jct                     May 11                   Len Berliner, Instructor                          295-5237
Senior Center                          8 to noon
Morrisville                            May 13                   Jill Baker, Contact                                  888-8302
Copley Hospital                     9 a.m. to 1 p.m.       David Peters, Instructor                         888-3394
 
Castleton                               May 19                   Senior Center Contact                             468-3093
Senior Center                          1 p.m. to 5 p.m.      Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
Hinesburg                              May 26                   Jennifer McQuin, Contact                      482-4691
Recreation Dept                      1 p.m. to 5 p.m.      Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
White River Jct                     May 27                   Len Berliner, Instructor                          295-5237
Senior Center                          8 to noon
Middlebury                            Jun 4                       Jim Inglis, Instructor                               758-2002
Recreation Center                   8:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Pittsford                                 Jun 4                       Randy Adams, Contact                          483-6500x17
Recreation Dept                      1 p.m. to 5 p.m.      Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
Rochester                               Jun 9                       Wanda Dunham, Contact                        767-3333
Town Office                           8 a.m. to noon         Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
Charlotte                               Jun 11                     Mary Recchia, Contact                           425-6345
Senior Center                          9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.  Jim Inglis, Instructor                               758-2002
Rutland                                  Jun 13                     Med Center Contact                               772-2400
Regional Med Ctr                   1 p.m. to 5 p.m.      Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
Castleton                               Jun 16                     Senior Center Contact                             468-3093
Senior Center                          1 p.m. to 5 p.m.      Baird Morgan, Instructor                        483-6335
Quechee                                                Jul 1                        Len Berliner, Instructor                          295-5237
Quechee Club                          2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Rutland                                  Jul 7                        Sharen Underwood, Instructor               235-2132
Senior Center                          Noon to 4 p.m.
Bennington                           Jul 13                      Contact: Sue                                            447-1052
Senior Center                          8:30 to 12:30           Estelle Schwartz, Instructor                   297-1172
Rutland                                  Sep 2                       Sharen Underwood, Instructor               235-2132
Senior Center                          Noon to 4 p.m.
Essex Jct                                                Sep 9                       Judy Bigelow, Instructro                        878-2657
14 Drury Drive                       12:30 to 4:30
St Johnsbury                         Oct 17                     Dexter Willson, Instructor                      748-3833
NE Regional Hospital             9 to 1:30
St Johnsbury                         Oct 31                     Dexter Willson, Instructor                      748-3833
NE Regional Hospital             9 to 1:30
Added: April 30, 2009
Views: 212 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

New AARP Report Shows Support for Transportation Alternatives

   

Is it time to look at Vermont’s transportation system – or the lack of one? That is a question being explored by AARP and a number of other groups around Vermont. An AARP report released in April shows that significant groups of Vermonters are unable to get where they need to go – particularly older and lower income residents. As a strong consumer advocate, AARP is committed to supporting efforts that foster independence and livable communities—or communities that have affordable and accessible housing, community engagement opportunities, and offer a range of mobility options.
 
The report reveals that a substantial number of residents (54%) do not believe there are enough driving alternatives in their community and would like to see more. In addition, some 73% of Vermonters are concerned about the impact of vehicle emissions on global warming. Survey respondents said they were also concerned about gas costs and change their driving habits when prices are high. About 90% of residents believe the State should play a role in helping non-driving residents get where they are going.
 
A convergence of factors—changing demographics, environmental impacts, volatile gas prices, and transportation funding shortfalls—make this an opportune time to rethink the way we transport the public, concluded the report. Vermont’s rural nature also presents a host of challenges to traditional public transit. The study shows that a significant percent of residents are motivated by a variety of reasons to consider alternatives to driving their own car. The report, based on a survey of 800 residents over age 18, covers current driving habits, transportation alternatives, public transit and what motivates Vermonters to change driving behaviors.
 
The AARP study is intended to inform a public discussion on the subject and help begin the process of putting this important issue on the state’s policy agenda. AARP is convening a group of stakeholder groups to explore transporting the public. Initially, they will work to identify principles and create a vision for a statewide system while engaging a broad cross-section of Vermont agencies, institutions and organizations in the transformation process. 
 
“We’re working with several organizations that believe some action is needed in this area and the survey findings show that Vermonters support that view as well,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont state director. “This is a complex subject that seems to have been overlooked to date by policymakers and others. As a convener of this process, AARP ultimately aims to engage policymakers, legislators and the Governor’s administration as we put together a roadmap to better serve the transportation needs of Vermonters.”
 
Selected Data & Findings:
-Nearly all Vermont residents rely on a car to get around. However, a number of respondents traveled to their destinations in other ways – most frequently, walking or sharing rides.
 
-Older, lower income, and unemployed residents are more likely to have problems with transportation and get out less frequently.
 

Difference in Percentages of Residents Driving Daily
(N=800)
Age
Income
Employment
<65
65+
<$20K
$75K+
Working
Not working
75%
40%
47%
80%
80%
42%

 
-Some 90% of respondents believe the State should help people get where they need to go if they are no longer able to drive.
 
- Vermonters are motivated to change their driving habits by rising gas prices and a desire to protect the environment.
 
-73% of Vermonters are concerned about vehicle emissions contributing to global warming. In addition, most Vermonters are concerned about the cost of gas and change their driving habits to lessen the economic burden when prices are high.
 
- 54% do not believe there are adequate driving alternatives in their community and a majority of these people would like to see more alternatives. Interest in these alternatives is strong in communities where they are not available.
 

-Two-thirds of Vermonters believe the State has a role in providing personal car driving alternatives if gas prices continue to rise and to reduce vehicle emissions.

 
AARP Vermont commissioned Pacific Market Research to conduct telephone interviews with 800 Vermont residents age 18 and older in December, 2008. The results of the survey are detailed in the final report.  For a full copy of the report go to: www.aarp.org/vttransportation .
 
                                                                        ###
 
 
Added: April 23, 2009
Views: 221 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

New AARP Study Establishes Basic Needs Affordability Threshold

 

 The basic costs of living for older Vermonters far exceed the poverty levels set by the federal government – levels often used to determine eligibility for public assistance programs. A new study released by AARP Vermont today details the costs for elders to meet the basic needs of living here, and establishes an affordability baseline called the Elder Economic Security Standard (EESS). Similar to the process of setting a livable wage calculation for Vermont workers, this data highlights the heavy economic burden on older residents (retired residents over age 65), many of whom live on very modest fixed incomes. It factors in the costs of housing, food, transportation, health care, and a host of miscellaneous expenses such as furniture, clothing, telephone and household supplies, etc. 
 
The study is being released today as attention focuses on Vermont’s affordability and poverty problems at the 2009 Governor’s Summit on Pathways to Economic Stability. The summit is taking place in the Vermont Statehouse.
 
“This standard provides a baseline for policymakers, state agencies and government officials as they look at programs that support this population,” said Greg Marchildon, AARP state director. “The most glaring finding here is the huge gap between the Vermont EESS and the federal poverty level used to determine eligibility for a host of state and federal assistance programs. The current poverty levels are clearly outdated and do not reflect the reality of today’s cost of living.”
 
For example, to meet their basic needs, a couple over age 65 with a mortgage needs nearly triple the $13,014 poverty level as established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. A couple without a mortgage still needs $28,505 a year to meet their basic needs – more than twice the federal poverty level – according to the EESS research. The EESS for an individual (without a mortgage) is $21,058 – the highest of any state for which similar data is available.
 
Other measures point out the large segments of the over 65 population living at or below the edge of poverty. In recognition of this, eligibility for many public assistance programs is set at multiples of the poverty threshold (i.e., 150%, 200%, etc.). So it is disturbing to learn that: a.) 18% of married couples 65+ earn less than $15,000; b.) 27% of households 65-74 are below 200% of poverty; and c.) 40% of households 75+ have incomes below 200% of poverty.
 
Given well-known increases in costs over the years, it is not surprising that so many older Vermonters are now struggling. Since 2002, the cumulative cost of living adjustment for Social Security was 17%. During that same period, rents grew by 32%, heating oil 113%, natural gas 89%, and gasoline 26% (this includes the recent decline in some prices).
 
As evident below, the costs just for the most basic needs are substantial and these calculations are made on a conservative basis.
 
 

Elder Economic Security Standard
Annual Expenses
Elder Person
Elder Couple
Owner w/o mortgage
Owner w/mortgage
Renter           (1 BR)
Owner w/o mortgage
Owner w/mortgage
Renter           (1 BR)
Elder Standard per year (urban)
$20,233
$29,139
$23,605
$28,036
$36,936
$31,409
Elder Standard per year (rural)
$21,883
$30,782
$22,246
$28,974
$37,872
$29,337
Average urban & rural
$21,058
$29,961
$22,926
$28,505
$37,404
$30,373

Figures assume the elders are in "good health" and do not include the cost of any long-term care
needs.
 
 
 
 
 
Demographic, Economic, and Social Measures
 
82,771               Population 65 years and older (13% of total population)
57,851               Households with at least one person 65 or older (23% of all HH)
$1,075               Average monthly Social Security retirement benefit
81%                 Percent of households w/householder 65 or older that are owner occupied
19%                 Percent of households w/householder 65 or older that rent
36%                 Percent 65 and older paying 30% or more of income for owner-occupied                                      housing costs
31,083               Population 65 and older with a disability (38% of all elders)
27%                 Percent employed ages 65 to 74
70%                 Percent of those 65 and older below poverty who are women
19%                 Percent of those 65 – 74 who are veterans
 
 
The AARP funded research was guided by advocates from the Community of Vermont Elders (COVE), The Vermont Commission on Women and the Peace and Justice Center. It was conducted by Doug Hoffer, a Vermont economic and policy analyst based in Burlington. For a copy of the report and more comparative data,  contact Dave Reville at AARP Vermont at 802-951-1303 or dreville@aarp.org.
 
                                                                        ###
 
Added: April 3, 2009
Views: 181 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Don't Let Scare Tactics Derail Health Care Reform

 

Don’t Let Scare Tactics Derail Health Care Reform
 
By Greg Marchildon, AARP Vermont State Director     
 
 As the Obama Administration plans to lead a health care reform forum in Vermont next week, our state will once again be in the spotlight as a national leader on this issue.  Indeed, Vermont had the courage to take the lead in addressing both the cost and access components of our health care crisis.  However, advocates and lawmakers alike have always acknowledged that a federal solution was critical to any meaningful reform effort.
   
     This health care mess is intensifying our severe economic problems by burdening employers, employees and government. Unemployment is pushing 6.8%. The Vermont state budget gap is projected to be $200 million for 2010, while some economists fear we have not hit bottom.
 
     At AARP, we believe careful health care reforms are a key to recovery. All Americans should have affordable health care choices. People who like their coverage should get to keep it. No one should be denied insurance, a real problem for people over 50.  We should act now to strengthen Medicare for the benefit of all generations.
 
     Our hope is that the Vermont forum at UVM focuses on these real issues, because critics of health reform often try to distract us with scare tactics.  You might think of these false charges as the “Deadly Myths” of health reform. Here are four of them:
 
Deadly Myth Number 1: We can’t afford to fix health care because we’re in a steep recession.
 
On the contrary, we can’t afford to delay fixing health care. The current path is burdening households with medical debt, forcing people into bankruptcy, and causing the sick to hold off care. One poll found that more than half of U.S. households held back on medical care within the past year.
 
Tackling these problems is really an investment in our future. The cost of doing nothing is just too high – for individuals, for households, for businesses, for the whole economy.
 
 
Deadly Myth Number 2: Health reform means socialized medicine.
 
AARP would fight against any measure that would attempt to prevent a doctor or hospital from giving the best possible care to their patients.
 
Let’s be clear: Scary talking points about government bureaucrats choosing your health care are just not true. We believe any health care reform effort must include broad choice for people to pick their doctors, hospitals and treatments.
 
         
          Deadly Myth Number 3: No matter what happens, the baby boomers will bankrupt the system as they get older.
 
Research shows that the ever-rising cost of health care -- not the size of the boomer generation -- is the real threat to the federal budget. Health care costs continue to rise faster than overall inflation, and take up a growing share of the economy.
 
The solution is to adopt sustainable policies that bring overall health care costs under control. Cutting back on Medicare and Medicaid benefits will cause great hardship for individuals, but not solve the root problem of rising costs for prescription drugs and other health expenses.
 
 
Deadly Myth Number 4: Covering the uninsured does not help those who already have insurance.
 
If you’re lucky enough to have insurance, you’re already paying for the uninsured, whether you know it or not. While computations vary, one study estimated the tab at $922 extra for family premiums, and $341 extra on individual policies. Expanding coverage reduces this cost shift.  Another study found that the majority of uninsured are actually working people or families with a worker whose employer does not offer insurance, and they can't afford it on their own. Hardship is rising along with the unemployment rate.
 
 
We should not be distracted by scare tactics. Instead, we need to focus on fair ways to improve our system by containing costs and increasing value.  Achieving these changes won’t come easy. Patients will have to do a better job of listening to their doctors and living healthy lifestyles. Doctors and hospitals will have to be better stewards of costly resources. Insurers need to treat people fairly. We should find ways to reward doctors for keeping people healthy, not just ordering costly treatments.
 
Let’s hope the Vermont experience and initiative stirs meaningful discussion about these real challenges. There’s too much at stake to waste time debating myths.
 
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Added: March 25, 2009
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