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Location:
Denver, Colorado
United States
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http://www.aarp.org/co
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Learn Why AARP Is Working to Influence Healthcare Reform

 

 
Speaker
A.W. Schnellbacher, Jr.
U.S. Congressional District 6 Liaison
AARP
 
Friday, December 4, 2009
Registration, Breakfast and Networking 7:00 a.m. – 7:45 a.m.
Program 7:45 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
 
AARP was founded in 1958 to provide health insurance for retired teachers and others unable to get coverage. Fifty-one years later AARP is still working hard to stand up for the rights of seniors. In addition to an urgent call for guaranteed access to affordable healthcare for Americans age 50 – 64, AARP has established five other critical priorities for meaningful healthcare reform. Find out why AARP is so passionate about this issue, what it is doing to change the landscape of healthcare, and what the implications are for seniors, the insurance industry, practitioners, providers and others working in healthcare today.
 
ABOUT OUR SPEAKER
A.W. Schnellbacher, Jr. is a volunteer Congressional District Liaison with Colorado AARP for U.S. Congressional District 6 and brings a wealth of government healthcare experience. During his 30 year U.S. government career, 27 were spent with the Federal Medicare and Medicaid Programs. During this time heserved in management, operational, and policy positions in two different regional offices. In addition, he spent five years in the Medicaid program with the State of Kansas in both financial and management positions. Mr. Schnellbacher holds a BBA degree from Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas, and has completed coursework at the Graduate School of Public Administration at the University of Kansas.
 
WHERE
Doubletree Hotel Denver Tech
7801 E. Orchard Rd • Greenwood Village, CO 80111 • 303.779.6161
Just west of 1-25 on Orchard Road, Exit #198. Hotel is the second building on the right.
Visit www.chsm.org for map and directions.
 
HOW TO REGISTER
To register visit the CHSM website at www.chsm.org
LIMITED SEATING • EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS Novem ber 27, 2009
REGISTER early to save $10 per eve nt:
Non-Members $50 ($40 with early registration)
Members $40 ($30 with early registration)
Supporting Members Membership benefit: no charge
Added: November 3, 2009
Views: 55 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

NOVEMBER IS AARP DRIVER SAFETY PROGRAM MONTH

November is Driver Safety Month. In addition, November 1st marks the end of daylight savings time, so everyone confronts driving in one more hour of darkness every night. AARP encourages all drivers to consider the link between night driving visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions.

 
Many older drivers self regulate. They stop driving on complex roadways, avoid left hand turns, and limit or avoid night driving. They do this because they recognize their driving abilities are beginning to diminish and they want to stay safe.
 
The AARP Driver Safety Program is the nation’s largest driver safety course especially designed for seniors. It is available in classroom settings across Colorado and online. Both AARP members and nonmembers are welcome. In Colorado, those seniors age 55 plus who attend the class will receive a discount on their vehicle insurance. The class completion certificate is valid for three years.
 
The no-test course provides tips on negotiating busy intersections and defensive driving skills, understanding new car safety technologies like anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control and air bags. There is a review of the current traffic laws as well as ways to handle road rage.
 
To find a course near you call 970 243-2531 or 1 888-227-7669
or visit www.aarp.org/drive.
Added: November 2, 2009
Views: 58 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Feeding The Hungry Should Be a SNAP

Wednesday, 30 September 2009
By Joyce Payne, NNPA Columnist --
 
AARP believes that no one – of any age – should go hungry. Yet many older people must make the devastating choice to either pay for their medications or their groceries.
 
The struggling economy has resulted in an increasing number of families left to wonder where their next meal will come from. One result is a dramatic rise in the number of individuals and families visiting food banks each week—and the associated stress on food banks to meet the new demand.  The need for convenient and meaningful food assistance programs is critical.  Of particular interest to the AARP Foundation is the impact this has on older Americans. There are an estimated 3.6 million people aged 65+ who live in poverty in the United States, according to a 2007 Census Bureau report, and millions of others who may qualify for Federal assistance programs like SNAP (formerly knows as the Food Stamp Program), which can alleviate much of the worry and anxiety associated with how to pay for groceries each month.
 
For older adults with limited incomes, especially those who live alone; food assistance programs can help improve overall health. The healthier people are, the more likely they will be able to take care of their daily needs and live independently.  Unfortunately, only 34 percent of eligible older Americans receive food assistance—leaving millions of dollars untouched.
 
The most common reason people do not receive SNAP benefits is that they don’t realize they may be eligible. But recent program enhancements mean that more people may be eligible to apply.
 
The old routine of standing in the grocery store line while people watch recipients tear food stamp coupons from a book is no more. Once a person’s application is approved, benefits automatically get loaded on a debit-style card which is accepted at most grocery stores and there are no hidden fees. The average monthly benefit for older Americans is $72 for individuals and $90 per household.  In addition to supporting healthier food options, SNAP also contributes economically to communities. The USDA says that every $5 in new SNAP benefits generates nearly twice as much ($9.20) in total community spending.
 
SNAP can be a life changing value for individuals, families and communities, but only if the millions of qualified individuals apply for the benefit.  Currently, only 9 percent of SNAP recipients are age 60+, however, a much larger number of the elderly population is potentially eligible.
 
And though SNAP is the federal name for the program, state programs may use SNAP or another program name to refer to this food assistance benefit. Individuals can find more information about how to apply for SNAP and receive information about other public benefits via AARP’s Benefits QuickLINK Web site at www.aarp.org/snap.
 
In these tough economic times, AARP remains staunchly committed to connecting those in need with information and access to programs, which offer real relief and assistance in navigating their basic life needs. We encourage all older Americans and those who care for them to learn more about SNAP and apply if they’re eligible.
 
N. Joyce Payne, Ed.D. , of Washington, DC, is a member of the AARP Board of Directors, and is chair of the board of the AARP Foundation.

Added: November 2, 2009
Views: 28 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Older Drivers: Don't Get Caught in the Dark

 

AARP Offers Driving Tips for Night Driving; November Proclaimed Driver
Safety Month
 
The end of Daylight Savings time on Nov. 1 doesn’t just mean you’re getting an extra hour of sleep. Setting clocks back one hour also means an extra hour of night driving, which can be problematic for everyone, particularly older drivers.
 
Even on familiar roads, motorists should use caution and watch for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists who will be less visible, especially during the first week of the time change. AARP urges all drivers to consider the link between night visibility and safe driving. If you have trouble seeing well at night, get your vision checked and consider taking a driver safety course to learn more about how to compensate in dark conditions and make sure you’re driving when you feel most comfortable.
 
To focus attention on roadway safety, AARP is proclaiming this November Driver Safety Month. Since folks will be driving more at night, AARP offers the following tips:
 
·         See and be seen. Get your headlights checked, and turn them on one hour before sunset and keep them on one hour after sunrise to ensure maximum visibility.
 
·         Stay alert on the road. With reduced visibility, it’s important to reduce your speed, be extra alert, and maintain a three-second following distance.    
 
·         Recognize and prevent drowsiness.  The change in time can throw off our internal clock and may cause drowsiness, so run errands in the morning when you are fresher and more alert.
 
·         Avoid sun glare. You may need to adjust to early morning or late afternoon sun glare that can cause reflections off car windows and hoods and decrease your visibility. 
 
Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary, the AARP Driver Safety Program has provided instruction to more than 12 million participants nationwide seeking to refresh their driving skills. The no-test course updates drivers’ knowledge about relevant laws and offers strategies to compensate for age-related changes that affect driving ability. 
 
The course also includes a section on assessing driving abilities, and since November is also National Caregiver Month, now may be a good time to have a “family conversation” about driving to help ensure your loved one stays safe on the road. 
 
Depending on insurance providers and state regulations, graduates of the AARP Driver Safety Program courses – both classroom and online – may be eligible to receive a discount on their auto insurance premiums. All participants should check with their provider for further details.
 
Find information on local courses, via telephone 1-888-227-7669 or online. www.aarp.org/drive. Find more information about AARP’s online course.  www.aarp.org/drive/online.
Added: October 30, 2009
Views: 19 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

How to Protect Yourself Against the Flu This Season

With the arrival of the novel H1N1 (“swine flu”), many people are understandably confused about how to protect themselves against the flu this year. AARP is working with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to encourage older Americans to protect themselves and those in their care by getting vaccinated. 

 
Experts say that, this year, a seasonal flu vaccination for people 50 and over is as important as ever. Even before novel H1N1 became a threat, flu claimed an average of 36,000 lives and hospitalized more than 200,000 Americans every year. Health authorities have long recommended that people 50 and over get a seasonal flu vaccine each year.
 
Experts also recommend people 65 and older get a pneumococcal vaccination, which they can get at the same time as their seasonal flu vaccination. Pneumococcus is a bacteria that can cause a range of conditions, including pneumococcal pneumonia, blood infection, and meningitis. Young children and people over 65 are the hardest hit.
 
Both pneumococcal and seasonal flu vaccines are available now. Have you gotten yours?
 
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older Americans are less likely to get sick from novel H1N1, perhaps due to exposure to a similar virus many years ago. However, they are more likely to suffer serious complications – and even death – from seasonal flu. Vaccination is the first line of defense, but good hygiene habits, like frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough are also important. If you get sick, antiviral medications are also available to help treat the flu.
 
“We must not get distracted by H1N1 – we must remember our annual seasonal flu vaccination,” said Dr. Susan J. Rehm, Medical Director of NFID. “Pneumococcal vaccination is also important, and now is a great time to get both vaccines.”
 
Last year in Colorado, 47.45of adults age 50-64 and 77.9of adults 65+ got vaccinated for influenza.
 
72.5of Colorado adults 65+ have received the pneumococcal vaccine.
 
“Vaccination will help more Americans stay healthy this fall and winter, so that we can keep moving – at home and at work,” said Morie Smile, Senior State Director.
 
 
Influenza and pneumococcal vaccines are free for anyone in Medicare and are available now at doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and health departments in our area. For more information, speak with your healthcare provider or visit www.aarp.org/flu or www.nfid.org. For up-to-date information on flu activity in Colorado,visit: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm.
Added: October 22, 2009
Views: 36 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

2009 Andrus Award Winner for Colorado Announced

In 1989, Elsie and Don Johnson were instrumental in establishing AARP Chapter #3664-Green Mountain. Since then, they have served in various officers’ roles within their chapter and the Denver Metro Council. Most recently, they have been true leaders with the Divided We Fail initiative, staffing events weekly—and, when needed—they have helped out with last-minute requests. They have been a mainstay for tai chi at the Denver Botanic Gardens, AARP’s Sack a Seed Program, and the Dictionary Days event. Not only do Elsie and Don volunteer many hours with AARP, but they continue to give back to their community in other ways, by donating food and other items every week to the Jefferson County Action Center and the Battered Women Agency. They have also been known to help neighbors who have lost their spouses to remain independent.

 

To learn about other Andrus Award Winners, please visit Andrus Award

Added: October 20, 2009
Views: 17 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Members Can Access New Grocery Coupon Center

 

AARP and Coupons.com today announced a new relationship to help consumers save money and, at the same time, give back to those in need. The AARP Grocery Coupon Center powered by Coupons.com ( www.GroceryCouponCenter.com ) allows people of all ages to access coupons that will help them save on everyday items from dozens of leading brands.
 
Beginning today and continuing through the holiday season, for each coupon printed from the Grocery Coupon Center and redeemed by December 31, 2009, Coupons.com will donate five cents to the customer’s choice of one of a selected number of AARP Foundation charitable initiatives. The AARP Foundation, AARP’s affiliated charity, helps provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need.
 
“Given this difficult economy, many people are looking for ways to save money every day,” said Howard Byck, senior vice president of lifestyle products and services for AARP Services, Inc, the wholly-owned subsidiary of AARP. “The AARP Grocery Coupon Center powered by Coupons.com will help people avoid the time-consuming process of traditional ‘coupon-clipping’ by giving them convenient online access to a collection of coupons they can print at home and then use at their local grocery stores. At the same time, they can give back to those in need.”
 
Coupon use in general has increased since the economic downturn began, however the growth in popularity of coupons has been particularly significant among AARP members. In fact, a 2008 Scarborough Research report found that more than 79 percent of AARP members reported using coupons for groceries at least once in the previous 12 months. The Grocery Coupon Center will make available as many as 100 or more valuable coupons at any given time, with an average savings of more than one dollar per coupon.
 
“Digital coupon use is growing dramatically, as more and more consumers are looking to save money,” said Steven Boal, CEO of Coupons.com Incorporated. “We are providing 24/7 access to the coupons that shoppers want and simultaneously allowing them to direct contributions to worthy causes supported by the AARP Foundation. The more consumers save, the more we give.”
 
Users of the Grocery Coupon Center can choose to direct donations to one of nine AARP Foundation initiatives designed to:
  
  • Assist individuals struggling with the high cost of prescription drugs and basic necessities;
  • Provide job training and assistance to older Americans who need to work to make ends meet;
  • Help lower-income taxpayers qualify for the right deductions and credits;
  • Protect older Americans from consumer fraud and identity theft;
  • Protect against age discrimination;
  • Help seniors manage their finances so they can remain in their homes and retain their independence;
  • Support grandparents raising grandchildren;
  • Provide education and training to older women reentering the workforce to support their families; or
  • Help improve the lives of all seniors.
 
At least through Dec. 31, the AARP Grocery Coupon Center powered by Coupons.com is available to everyone.
 
Other Resources:
Added: October 15, 2009
Views: 108 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 1

Where AARP Stands on Health Care

 

There's been a lot of confusion about what's involved in health care reform, and even more confusion about who is supporting what. At AARP, our core goal remains the same. We are fighting for our members today, just as we've fought for them for the last 50 years. Today, that means we're fighting to protect the Medicare benefits you’ve earned. To guarantee that you’ll never be denied coverage because of your health or age. To prevent anyone from coming between you and your doctor. And to make sure patients don’t take a backseat to insurance companies.
 
More specifically, AARP is fighting to:
 
Protect Medicare Benefits.Medicare is a sacred promise that was made to seniors – because no one should be left to struggle with medical bills after a lifetime of hard work.  We must protect the Medicare benefits seniors have earned and strengthen the program for future generations. We’re also working to fill in gaps in today’s benefit package, such as closing the Part D prescription drug coverage gap (the so-called “doughnut hole.”) and eliminate out-of-pocket costs for important preventive care like cancer screenings and diabetes tests.
 
Eliminate Waste: We must reduce waste in Medicare so we can ensure today’s seniors continue to get the benefits they’ve been promised.   Currently, Medicare hands out billions in subsidies to private insurance companies. These are tax dollars that should be going to seniors’ care not insurance company subsidies.   By eliminating this waste, we can protect senior benefits and fill in some of the gaps in Medicare.
 
Preserve Your Choice of Doctor:   AARP is fighting to ensure doctors get paid fairly so seniors will have the freedom to choose the doctors they need. Without health reform, Medicare doctors will be forced to take a 21 percent pay cut.    
 
Protect Your Right to Make Medical Decisions: AARP is fighting to ensure that all health decisions are made by you and your doctor, not your insurance company or the government.   No matter what your age, your care should be your choice. 
 
Prevent Discrimination. Health reform must end insurance abuses, such as denials of coverage due to a person’s health history, or using age as an excuse to charge sky-high premiums. Such discrimination has become a serious problem for Americans age 50-plus who need insurance, and AARP is fighting to make sure needed protections are in a final health reform plan.
 
Protect Consumers: AARP is fighting to stop the high prices charged by drug companies by: enabling drug price negotiation; allowing safe, legal importation of lower-priced prescription drugs from abroad; and permitting the sale of generic versions of biologic drugs – costly medications for diseases such as cancer and multiple sclerosis.
 
AARP will continue to scrutinize health reform proposals, to determine whether they make sense for our members and their families. We are watching this process closely and will continue to work to make sure all Americans have the health coverage they need.
 
Stay informed. Read the latest news on how AARP is fighting for you. http://www.aarp.org/getthefacts
 
Added: October 12, 2009
Views: 34 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

TURNING 55 HAS its ADVANTAGES

Those of you age 55 or older in Colorado do qualify for discounts on your auto insurance.

       
The AARP Driver Safety Program not only qualifies you for a discount on your Colorado auto insurance, but will give you tips on becoming a better driver.
“I know, I have been driving for over 40 years and I know how to drive”. However, there are constant changes regarding driving laws and regulations. Not only the laws change but the roads and signs have continued to change.
      
Ever gone around in a traffic circle, roundabout? How about back in parking? That’s covered in the classes as are the physical changes taking place as we age. Our vision, hearing, depth perception, and peripheral vision are discussed and suggestions to compensate for these changes are covered. Night driving isn’t as much fun as it used to be and we don’t always hear the cars around us. Reaction time, decision making, all seem to slow down as we age.
 
The AARP class helps overcome and adjust to the physical changes we endure as we age.
 
The classes consist of two four hour sessions. The fee is $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non members, which includes class material and the certificate, valid for three years.
 
To sign up for a class call 800 227-7669. Classes may also be taken on line at www.aarp.org/drive
 
 
 
Added: August 26, 2009
Views: 155 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

9/14/2009 State Tour-Colorado Springs Stop

You’re invited to an Issue Forum to discuss important issues affecting Coloradans.

 
Find out the latest news on home- and community-based care, assisted living, and health care reform.
 
Please join AARP Colorado staff and volunteers to discuss AARP legislative priorities. Good conversation and light refreshments are guaranteed!
 
Issue Forum
September 14, 2009
8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
 
Colorado Springs Senior Center
1514 N. Hancock Avenue
Colorado Springs , CO 80903
 
For directions to the Senior Center, please visit this link
Added: August 18, 2009
Views: 240 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
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