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Location:
Anchorage, Alaska
United States
Work:
AARP Alaska Office Staff
Hometown(s):
State Office - 3601 C Street #1420 Anchorage AK 99503
My Websites:
www.aarp.org/ak
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My Journals (11)

Why Health Care Reform is Important in Alaska
Most people don’t have to be told that we’re stuck with a broken health care system that costs too much and wastes too much. Now, we have an opportunity to do something about it. As a national organization, we have been listening very carefully to what our members have been telling us about their health care experiences and needs. In response, we’ve developed six specific priorities for health reform – fair and common-sense solutions that will lower costs, improve quality and give all Americans affordable health care choices.
  • Close the Medicare Part D coverage gap or “doughnut hole.”
Nearly one out of every five Medicare Part D beneficiaries has either delayed, or has not filled a prescription because of its high cost – the biggest percentage for any insurance group. That’s why we must lower out-of-pocket costs by closing the Part D coverage gap -- what we have come to know as that wretched “doughnut hole.”
 
In 2007, of the Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska age 65 and older, 28% lived close enough to the poverty line to make them eligible for the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy. Of those not eligible for the subsidy, 26% fell into the “doughnut hole,” and had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions. The number of Alaskans who are falling into the “doughnut hole” is increasing.
  • Guarantee access to affordable health care coverage for Americans age 50 to 64.
Nearly half of AARP’s members fall between the ages of 50 to 64 and therefore are not eligible for Medicare. People 50 to 64 are more likely to be uninsured -- even if they’re working -- either because they work for employers that don’t offer insurance, work part time, or are self-employed. More than 7 million people in this age group were uninsured in 2007, a 36 percent increase over 2000.
 
Too young for Medicare, but old enough to face higher insurance premiums, many 50 to 64 years olds have difficulty accessing affordable health care coverage. In 2007, there were 22,723 or 17% of 50 to 64 year olds in Alaska who were uninsured and many with insurance were under-insured due to the high cost of coverage for this age group.
 
AARP believes health reform must ensure that Americans ages 50 to 64 who aren’t covered through an employer have a real choice of affordable health care plans. That’s why AARP will fight to make sure insurers can no longer deny coverage and charge higher rates based on age or health status.
  • Prevent costly hospital readmission by creating a Medicare follow up care benefit to help people transition home after a hospital stay.
One in five people on Medicare who are discharged from the hospital have to go back within 30 days because of poor follow-up care.
 
In 2005, Medicare spent $12 billion for unnecessary or potentially preventable hospital readmissions. In 2004, 16% of Alaska Medicare beneficiaries discharged from hospitals were readmitted within 30 days. Providing a follow up benefit for Medicare beneficiaries could save billions and improve outcomes for patients.
 
By providing a “transitional benefit” to Medicare which will help patients during their hospital stays and after they leave so they won’t have to come back, taxpayers will save billions.
 
Not only would this keep people healthier, it would eliminate extra $1,000 hospitalization co-pays for patients, reduce overall health care costs, and help people recover at home -- where they’d rather be.
  • Create a pathway for the approval of generic versions of biologic drugs to reduce the price of these costly treatments that fight serious diseases.
We must try to make drugs affordable for all generations. Today, half of all Americans say someone in their family has skipped pills, or has postponed or cut back on needed medical care because it cost too much. That’s a choice nobody should have to make.
 
We can start by ending the drug companies’ monopoly on brand name drugs, especially those used to treat serious diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis that can cost up to $10,000 per month.
 
In 2007, Americans filled an average of 10 prescriptions at an average cost of $53 per prescription. While Alaskans filled fewer prescriptions – just six prescriptions per year, the cost per prescription was higher, at an average cost of $67 per prescription.
 
In 2005, the majority (54%) of Medicaid prescriptions in Alaska were filled with name brand drugs instead of generics.  If generic equivalents of biologic treatments were also available, Alaska residents could save millions of dollars each year.
  •  Improve programs that help low income Americans in Medicare afford the health care and prescription drugs they need.
AARP believes we must improve Medicare. In today’s economy, when millions of Medicare beneficiaries have seen their retirement savings shrink, they are spending, on average, 30 percent of their income on out-of-pocket health costs – including premiums for supplemental coverage. Their costs are six times more than for people who have employer coverage.
 
We will fight to protect patients’ access to their doctors, and to crack down on the wasteful spending, medical errors, and poor care that are driving up health care costs for everybody.
 
In 2008, there were 59,435 Medicare beneficiaries in Alaska. In 2004, 81% of Alaska Medicare beneficiaries were age 65 and older and 19% were eligible due to disabilities.
  • Increase federal funding and eligibility for home and community based services through Medicaid so older Americans can remain in their homes and avoid more costly institutions as they age.
Let’s talk about independence and choice as we age. Eighty-nine percent older Americans want to remain in their own homes and receive care right there if they need it. They should not be forced to get more costly care in a nursing home.
 
AARP believes health reform should make it possible for individuals to choose to receive care at home if they wish. In order to do this, we need to change federal law to make it easier for states to provide older Americans and people with disabilities with access to home and community based services.  We must also give states financial incentives to allow more people to receive care at home.
 
Alaska spends about half of the state’s Medicaid funds on institutional care. Many older people and those with multiple chronic conditions and long-term care needs rely on Medicaid. Even though people prefer to remain at home, the state still spends 49% of its Medicaid long-term care dollars for older people and adults with physical disabilities on nursing home care.
 
Please join AARP in this opportunity to make a difference. We need the support of AARP Alaska’s 97,000 members to call on the Alaska Congressional delegation.
 
Please call Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Mark Begich and Rep. Don Young and encourage them to work together in a bipartisan basis to pass health care reform legislation this year.
 
 
Sign up today at www.healthactionnow.org

 

assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/alaska_health_care_brief_2009.pdf

 

Added: August 13, 2009
Views: 292 | Comments: 6 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Tax Aide program offers tax help throughout the summer

The AARP Tax Aide program will continue providing tax preparation services throughout the summer by offering assistance at the AARP Alaska State Office.  Beginning June 2, Tax Aide volunteers will be available from 1-3 pm each Tuesday until August 18, 2009. Anchorage-area residents seeking assistance need to call 762-3312 to schedule an appointment.

Added: April 10, 2009
Views: 303 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Pedestrian Mobility and Safety Audit Guide available

AARP’s Pedestrian Mobility and Safety Audit Guide is available for AARP volunteers who wish to familiarize themselves with issues surrounding pedestrian safety and mobility at road intersections. The guide will also help volunteers audit intersections in their communities and make recommendations on how to improve pedestrian safety and mobility. For more information, contact Daryl Royce, Director of Community Outreach toll free at 866-227-7447 or via email at droyce@aarp.org.

Added: April 10, 2009
Views: 190 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP launches volunteer news

The national office of AARP has launched the AARP Volunteer News.  The Volunteer News will be sent to volunteer leadership on a bi-weekly basis.  Volunteers can receive this electronic newsletter by contacting Jenni Keller at jkeller@aarp.org.

Added: April 10, 2009
Views: 227 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Alaska works on pension reform

AARP Alaska, as a founding member of the Alaska Public Pension Coalition, is leading the fight to restore a defined benefit retirement plan for Alaska’s teachers, fire fighters, correctional and police officers, and public employees. For information about the coalition, pension reform, research, FAQ’s, and legislative updates, visit www.akpensionreform.org .

 

Added: March 4, 2009
Views: 268 | Comments: 1 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP and Dog Mushing?

by Edie Forest
Alaska Dog Mushers Association (ADMA)
 
“Trail!” (now 83 years old, and still racing) Val Mackler called to the dog team and driver ahead, as she skillfully guided her sled and her team of 4 senior sled dogs past her competitor, and raced toward the finish line, in the AARP Division, during a recent Alaska Dog Mushers Association (ADMA) speed mushing race.
 
Val, a retired school teacher, originally from New Zealand, and the AARP Division’s most senior musher, had just passed Edie Forest’s team of most senior dogs, including two 14 year olds and a 15 year old.
 
Until a few years ago, this scenario would never have occurred.
 
The AARP Division in speed or “Sprint” mushing, in Fairbanks, Alaska, “the dog mushing capital of the world”, was the brainstorm of two friends, Lynn Orbison, publisher/dog groomer, and Carol Kaynor, web developer/writer.
 
Lynn says that she “was impressed with Val Mackler and her ability to get out there and mush at her age”. Carol and Lynn each owned some senior race dogs who still loved to run, even if they lacked their former competitive speed. As Carol says, “They were always so sad when we left them behind on race day.”
 
So why not start a new division to accommodate older dogs and mushers, within the prescheduled competitive Challenge Series Races? Lynn approached AARP Alaska’s Ann Secrest, with the idea. Ann was immediately enthusiastic. AARP Alaska financially backed the endeavor and helped with promotion.
 
The first AARP Division was added to the 4-dog class in the 2001-2002 race season. AARP drivers competed for points in each race, and the driver with the most points in the series won the grand prize. Carol, and her now very happy senior dogs, won the championship!
 
Other businesses began donating prizes for the races: dog toys, treats, dog beds, vet care, etc. The community thought it was a great idea. Currently, Coldspot Feeds provides dog mushing specific prizes at discount prices.
 
A handicap system just for the AARP class, was developed, so that the older the musher and/or dogs, the more time would be shaved off the racer’s finish time. This helped level the playing field, and increase the suspense of who might win.
 
But the main thing about racing the AARP Division, is that fun is had by all. After the race, the math is done, and an award ceremony is held, with applause, prizes for everyone, laughter, and comradarie for senior dogs and mushers alike. The humans have as much fun bragging, as do the dogs barking.
 
Thank you, AARP Alaska! We are now in our 8th season of AARP Division Races, and still going strong! As Lynn Orbison says, “I’m hoping that we can all live so honestly and joyously, and be so happy and present throughout our entire lives…the dogs are excellent role models!”
 
For further information regarding the AARP Division, go to the Alaska Dog Mushers Association AARP Division on line at http://www.sleddog.org/ or contact Lynn Orbison at (907) 488-9685 or via email daisyacres@mosquitonet.com or Edie Forest at (907) 488-2436 or via email at standingbear@mosquitonet.com.   
 
 
Added: February 25, 2009
Views: 225 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Results of the Alaska Dog Mushers Association AARP Division

AARP Alaska sponsors the AARP Division within the 4-dog Challenge Series races. The purpose of this division is to give you a chance to show off the skills and enthusiasm of your older sled dogs. Racers compete for prizes in each race and also earn points, and the top points-getter at the end of the Challenge Series is declared the AARP Division Champion. More....www.sleddog.org/races/aarp/index.html

 

On January 25, 2009 in the AARP Division,

1st place, wearing AARP Bib #404 - Val Mackler at 14.44.3

2nd place , wearing AARP Bib #401 - Edie Forest  at 16.03.3

3rd place, wearing AARP Bib #402 - Lynn Orbison at 20.31.2

 

For all race results, go to: http://www.sleddog.org/races/2008-09/prelim2.html

Added: February 23, 2009
Views: 236 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Scholarship for Students minoring in Gerontology at UA growing

PHOTO : Pat Kennedy , left, a student at the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) reads curriculum materials with Cheryl Easley , dean and professor at the College of Health & Social Welfare and Ann Jache , assistant professor of sociology. Michelle Heun, right, is working on a minor in gerontology.

 

 

With Alaska’s senior population is growing at four times the national average, AARP Alaska staff recognized the need for professionals of all disciplines to be trained to work with older Alaskans. To encourage University of Alaska students to become educated on gerontology issues, AARP Alaska worked with the University of Alaska to establish the AARP Alaska Gerontology Scholarship for students minoring in gerontology.

 

The University of Alaska consists of three main universities (in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau), each with several satellite campuses in smaller communities throughout the state. More than 33,000 students attend the University of Alaska. Gerontology minors major in many fields, including psychology, sociology, social work, nursing science, justice, health sciences, biological sciences, anthropology, human services, Alaska Native studies, management, business and economics. Even students with pre-med concentrations are increasingly attracted to gerontology courses.

 

The goal is for the scholarship to be fully endowed in three years. Once endowed, the scholarship, branded as the AARP Alaska Gerontology Scholarship, will provide scholarships for students in perpetuity. For more information, contact Ann Secrest at AARP Alaska at 907-762-3302 or asecrest@aarp.org .

 

Donations are made to the University of Alaska Foundation, and thus, they are tax deductible as charitable contributions.

 

If you are interested in contributing to the AARP Alaska Gerontology Scholarship (Fund #20405), contact: Dory Straight, Scholarship Officer, University of Alaska Foundation, PO Box 755080, Fairbanks, AK 99775, 907-450-8033. Because this is an AARP sponsored scholarship, AARP will note gifts to the scholarship fund of $250, $500, and $1,000 or more on a permanent plaque in the AARP Alaska State Office.

 

Added: February 19, 2009
Views: 323 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP AK Legislative Update

 

AARP Alaska 2009 State Legislative Agenda
Updated February 27, 2009
  
 
Economic Security Issues
 
Public Pensions: 
Senator Kim Elton introduced SB 23 which would reverse action taken by the Legislature in 2005 under SB 141. Prior to SB 141, Alaska’s teachers and municipal and state employees participated in a defined benefit pension plan. Since most of Alaska’s public employees do not participate in Social Security, it was critical that they have a defined benefit that could not be outlived. SB 141 changed the system to a defined contribution plan. It is possible to outlive your contributions and, without Social Security, some retirees would find themselves with no income. NEA, the AFL-CIO, and all the public employee unions and municipal police and firefighter organizations are backing SB 23 to return to the defined benefit program of Tier III under PERS and Tier II under TRS. AARP, theAlaska Retired Educators Association, and the Retired Public Employees Association are all supporting SB 23. At this time, 8 additional Senators have signed on as co-sponsors, 6 Democrats and 2 Republicans (Ellis, French, Wielechowski, Menard, Paskvan, McGuire, Thomas, and Davis). SB 23 passed out of L&C and has been referred to State Affairs. 
 
There are two companion bills to SB 23 that have been introduced in the House. HB 30, co-authored by Representatives John Harris, Mike Hawker, and Cathy Munoz, is the vehicle we expect to move through the committees since it is co-authored by three majority Republicans. It is co-sponsored by 5 Democrats and 2 Republicans (Kawasaki, Guttenberg, Gara, Lynn, Dahlstrom, Kerttula, and Herron). It will be heard first in House Labor and Commerce. A hearing has been requested but no date has been set yet.
 
Members of the House Labor and Commerce Committee are:
Kurt Olson, Chair 1-800-463-2693 Representative_Kurt_Olson@legis.state.ak.us
 
At this time, we know that Representatives Lynn, Buch, and Holmes are all in support.
Representatives Olson, Neuman, Chenault and Coghill should all be contacted and encouraged to support the bill when it is scheduled before their Committee. Chairman Olson should be encouraged to schedule the hearing as soon as possible.
 
Another bill, HB 54, was also pre-filed. It is identical to HB 30. It is co-authored by 7 Democratic members of the House (Tuck, Crawford, Buch, Cissna, Gara, Holmes, and Peterson). Co-sponsors include 2 Republicans and 2 Democrats (Harris, Dahlstrom, Kerttula, and Gruenberg). We do not expect it to be the bill that moves. We presume that these legislators will sign on to HB 30 (four already are).
 
Increase Minimum Wage:
SB 1 is authored by Senators Bill Wielechowski, Johnny Ellis, Joe Thomas, Bettye Davis and Hollis French. It would increase the Alaska minimum wage by $1.00 over the national minimum wage. It would also automatically increase with the consumer price index.
SB 1 was passed out of Senate L&C on February 24 and referred to Senate Finance.
 
  
Health Issues
 
Adult Dental Benefit Under Medicaid:
There were two Senate bills introduced to make certain the adult dental benefit under Medicaid is continued. Currently the program would “sunset” on June 30, 2009. Senator Bettye Davis introduced SB 65, co-authored by Senator Johnny Ellis. This bill would eliminate any future “sunset” for the program. Over 7600 adult Alaskans on Medicaid have taken advantage of this program over the last fourteen months. The program offers a maximum annual benefit of $1,150. Governor Palin also has a bill, SB 82, which would continue the program but would subject it to a sunset review in five years. The Senate HSS Committee determined to pass the Governor’s version. SB 82 has been sent to Senate Finance. No hearing has been set at this time.
 
Representative Mike Hawker has a similar bill, HB 26, which would also eliminate any sunset date. His bill is co-sponsored by 1 Republican and 2 Democrats (Munoz, Kerttula, and Gara). HB 26 was referred to the House HSS Committee but no hearing has been scheduled at this time.
 
One of the problems with all of these bills is the annual cap of $1,150. Originally this amount was selected because it would cover either lower or upper dentures under the Medicaid program. Current costs for one set of dentures are now between $1,700 and $1,800. Experience has also shown that many Medicaid beneficiaries have greater need for more comprehensive (and more expensive) dental care. The authors of the bills understand this issue and it will likely be addressed when the bills go to the Senate and House Finance Committees. 
  
Regular Rate Reviews for Home and Community Based Services:
Senator Johnny Ellis has authored SB 32 which would establish regularly scheduled rate reviews for home and community based services that serve older Alaskans and younger persons with disabilities. The bill is co-sponsored by Senators Bettye Davis and Joe Paskvan. Currently Alaska’s hospital rates are reviewed every year to determine if they need to be adjusted. Rates for home and community based services (which often keep an individual in his home and community and avoids more expensive institutionalization) have in many cases not been raised for several years. As a result, some providers have left the market, others have had to reduce services and serve fewer clients. Potential providers have been discouraged from entering the market when it looked like reimbursement would not keep up with costs. It makes sense that all health providers should have their rates reviewed on a regular basis, just like hospitals and nursing homes. SB 32 would accomplish this.
SB32 passed out of Senate HSS Committee on February 27 and has been referred to Senate Finance.
  
Consumer Issues
Veteran’s Cemetery:
Senators Gene Therriault and Charlie Huggins have jointly introduced SB 45, which would allow Alaska to establish a fund for state cemeteries for veterans. Currently the only veterans’ cemeteries are in Anchorage and Sitka. This bill would allow the state to establish additional cemeteries. Currently the most logical location would be Fairbanks. The Interior has over 11,000 veterans. Alaska has the highest per capita number of veterans in the United States. 
  
 
Cell Phones and the Do Not Call Registry:
House Speaker Mike Chenault has authored HB 93 which would add cell phones and other mobile wireless devices to the Do Not Call registry. Most importantly, it would give the Alaska Attorney General authority to prosecute anyone who calls cell phones already listed on the registry. Two Republicans and two Democrats are co-sponsoring the bill (Neuman, Harris, Gardner, and Gara).
HB93 was heard on February 16, passed out of committee and referred to House Rules Committee.
 
 
Added: February 11, 2009
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Alaskans Face a High Risk of Outliving Retirement Savings

  

A new study from Americans for Secure Retirement shows that Alaskans are at a high risk of outliving the money they have saved for retirement. 73 percent of Alaskans near retirement will outlive their savings, and 58 percent of recent retirees will do the same. The only options are to delay retirement, increase income - perhaps through a part-time job - or to cut expenses. These figures are very close to the national numbers, where 75 percent of near retirees and 60 percent of recent retirees face the same dilemma.

 

If you’re thinking that Social Security will provide adequate income to maintain your lifestyle in the manner to which you have become accustomed, think again: on average Social Security provides only 40 percent of retirement income.

 

Click here for the complete story.

Added: July 22, 2008
Views: 374 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
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