AARP Online Community: AARPks - My Journals & Blogs

AARP Kansas Key Vote News Alert

ATTENTION NEWS DESKS: AARP is recording House and Senate roll call votes on key issues throughout the 111^th Congress, and informing its nearly 40 million members of the results of these key votes.

AARP Praises House Passage of Health Care Reform Bill

Critical legislation would strengthen Medicare, improve coverage for all Americans

SUMMARY: Yesterday, the United States House of Representatives passed critical health care reform legislation that would strengthen Medicare for seniors and end discrimination by insurance companies that prices millions of Americans out of affordable health coverage.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962) makes prescription drugs more affordable for seniors by closing the dangerous gap in Medicare drug coverage and allowing the program to negotiate lower drug prices. It adds cost-free preventive services like cancer screenings and cracks down on waste and fraud to protect and strengthen traditional Medicare benefits. In addition, the legislation provides benefits to help seniors and people with disabilities live in their own homes and communities by establishing the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) program.

For all Americans—especially those age 50 to 64 who often struggle to find affordable insurance—this plan strictly limits how much more insurance companies can charge based on age, and stops insurers from denying coverage based on a person’s health history or gender. For those who still cannot find affordable coverage on their own, this bill offers help so they can purchase insurance.

Kansas	VOTED YES ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON THE AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE FOR AMERICA ACT
Moore, Dennis	X
Jenkins, Lynn		X
Moran, Jerry		X
Tiahrt, Todd		X

*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.

“We applaud those members of the House, including Congressman Dennis Moore, who supported this crucial legislation,” said AARP State Director Maren Turner. “This bill will help millions of older Americans get the health coverage they need, while strengthening Medicare for today’s seniors and future generations. We look forward to working with these lawmakers to pass the Affordable Health Care for America Act this year.”

“It’s disappointing that some lawmakers voted against this bill and the opportunity to fix our health care system,” Turner added. “We hope they will reconsider their votes when a health care bill returns to the House for final approval.”

AARP notified the 111^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its nearly 40 million members and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to its members. “When Americans understand the issues and where their lawmakers stand, they can make smart decisions. AARP will be there to give our members, as well as all Americans, the most accurate information we can,” Turner concluded.

AARP members can see how their representatives voted on health care reform by going to www.aarp.org/governmentwatch. AARP’s Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus. A “Key Vote Summary” highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

Added: November 8, 2009
Views: 1 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Applauds Extension of Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Relief Coming Soon for Millions of Older Workers Unable to Find Employment in

Tough Economy

Washington, DC – AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond offered the following statement in support of House and Senate passage of legislation to extend unemployment insurance benefits to millions of Americans in light of the highest unemployment rate in recent history.

“AARP strongly supports the extension of unemployment benefits to assist millions of workers who are struggling to find a job in this tough economy. Today, there are nearly 2 million people age 55 and over who have a particularly difficult time gaining employment. These workers wait an average of 33 weeks or longer before finding another job, higher than most age groups.

“Extending unemployment benefits will assist nearly half a million workers age 65 and over who want to work but cannot get a job, which threatens not only their current financial health, but their long-term retirement security.

“Many older workers stay on the job as the best way to compensate for low savings, plummeting housing values, and declining retirement portfolios in this economy. The relief passed by Congress today is an important first step to address the financial security of millions of Americans who are struggling to make ends meet, and we urge the President to sign this relief into law immediately.”

Added: November 6, 2009
Views: 7 | 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 at www.driver-training.org or www.aarp.org/drive. Find more information about AARP’s online course at www.aarp.org/drive/online

Added: November 2, 2009
Views: 23 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Kansas Disappointed in Senate Medicare Vote

AARP Disappointed by Senate’s Vote to Block Protection of Access to Medicare Doctors

S. 1776 would have preserved access by replacing flawed payment system

On Wednesday, October 21, 2009,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.

“We are disappointed that Kansas Senators Roberts and Brownback both voted to block this important Medicare bill from open debate and an up-or-down vote on the Senate floor,” said AARP Kansas State Director Maren Turner. “This bill would permanently replace the broken Medicare physician payment system so people in the program could continue to see their doctor.”

AARP strongly supports the Medicare Physician Fairness Act, introduced by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). This legislation permanently repeals Medicare’s flawed Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) physician payment formula, which has required repeated Congressional action to prevent unwarranted cuts that could harm access to doctors for people in Medicare. Repealing the SGR will stop an unprecedented 21.5 percent pay cut that otherwise will occur in January 2010, and additional cuts in future years.

AARP notified the 111^th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its 40 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 position taken by their elected officials. AARP intends to ensure that its members get that information,” Turner concluded.

Added: October 21, 2009
Views: 30 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Joins EIF to Encourage Americans to Volunteer

Series of service-related activities to take place locally and nationally

WASHINGTON – AARP’s Create The Good today announced a series of activities taking place across the country in collaboration with the Entertainment Industry Foundation’s iParticipate national initiative to promote volunteerism.

Create The Good is a network of people sharing tools and ideas to help make a difference in communities across the country. It is powered by AARP and the AARP Foundation’s more than nine million volunteers, donors and activists.

“We stand at an incredible moment in time,” said Thomas C. Nelson, AARP chief operating officer. “This week, government, the private sector, the non-profit world and people in communities across the country are coming together to give back. We encourage AARP members and people of all ages to serve, even if they only have five minutes. CreateTheGood.org has ideas for all sorts of activities they can do on their own or with a group.”

AARP service-related events happening nationally and locally this week include:

5-time GRAMMY® Award winner and EIF iParticipate ambassador Faith Hill appears in a new public service announcement (www.YouTube.com/CreateTheGood) that encourages Americans to volunteer their time to make America a better place. The spot is one of a series of PSAs to be launched this fall on all major broadcast networks to promote volunteerism through EIF’s iParticipate and Create The Good.
ESPN Deportes sportscaster and AARP’s Hispanic ambassador, Jorge Ramos, will appear in an announcement this week airing on Univision, Telemundo and V-Me, to encourage Hispanics and their families to volunteer. The ad will highlight examples of how people can do good, whether helping paint a local community center or helping a neighbor save on energy costs during the winter.
AARP volunteers in communities across the country are making a difference; highlights include:

In Michigan, AARP volunteers will gather gently-used books, musical instruments and sports equipment for Detroit Public Schools; help Okemos-area residents safely shred confidential documents; and help a Kalamazoo resident make much-needed repairs to her home.
AARP’s Virginia state office is hosting a statewide food drive with 100 different drop-off sites.
In New York, AARP volunteers will complete service projects in Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester and Syracuse.
AARP’s North Carolina state office will host a tele-town-hall meeting on emergency preparedness.

CreateTheGood.org offers local volunteer opportunities as well as ideas for self-directed activities and How To videos for simple service projects people can organize on their own, like weatherizing homes, starting healthy walking groups, fighting fraud, preparing for a hurricane and other needs.

AARP has joined EIF, to support their ground-breaking campaign—iParticipate (iparticipate.org)—a multi-year campaign designed to motivate millions of Americans to volunteer regularly. As a centerpiece, beginning October 19, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and other broadcast networks will spotlight service on more than 90 shows through scripted programming, segments and PSAs during an unprecedented, week-long television event.

Added: October 19, 2009
Views: 24 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Urges Swift Congressional Action to Provide $250 in Relief

Millions on Social Security to Receive No Increase for First Time Since 1975

Washington, DC – AARP Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson offered the following statement in reaction to the Social Security Administration’s announcement this morning that 41 million older Americans will not receive a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010. Since automatic Social Security adjustments went into effect in 1975, there has never been a year without a COLA.

“For over three decades, millions of Americans have counted on annual increases to help make ends meet. In this economy, having this protection is even more critical for the financial security of all older Americans.

“AARP applauds the President for urging Congress to extend for 2010 the $250 economic relief provided to older Americans this year. We also commend members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, who have sponsored legislation to provide similar relief. The 65+ population is facing extreme financial hardship; older Americans are paying more out of pocket for medical care, have experienced a real decline in their retirement accounts and in housing values, face longer periods of unemployment for those who need to work, and low returns on interest bearing accounts. Without relief, millions of older Americans will be unable to afford skyrocketing health care and prescription drug costs, as well as other basic necessities.

“Today’s news of no COLA gives Congress another reason to act quickly and pass legislation to provide needed assistance for older Americans whose benefits will be frozen next year. AARP will continue to work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to provide $250 in economic relief to millions of seniors who count on Social Security to pay their bills.”

Added: October 15, 2009
Views: 26 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Announces Support for $250 Emergency Relief in 2010

Urges Congress to Pass Legislation Immediately to Address

Lack of Social Security COLA

Washington, DC –With an expected announcement of no Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in 2010, AARP CEO Barry Rand called on House and Senate leaders to provide $250 in emergency relief to millions of older Americans who are struggling in this economic climate. AARP will work with members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to urge quick passage of legislation that will help combat rising health care and prescription drug costs that consume an increasing amount of seniors’ income each year.

Excerpts from Rand’s letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (CA), House Minority Leader John Boehner (OH), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (NV), and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KY) follow:

“On behalf of our 40 million members nationwide, AARP would like to express our strong support for providing America's seniors with $250 in emergency relief as the appropriate legislative response to the projected lack of a Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2010.”

“Seniors spend a disproportionate share of their income (about 30 percent on average) on health care costs, which continue to increase well above the rate of overall inflation. The combination of higher health care costs, including prescription drug prices, and a stagnant Social Security benefit is particularly troubling and will result in lower net Social Security payments to millions of America’s seniors in January 2010.”

“Many senior citizens have lost a significant portion of their retirement savings due to the recent downturn in the U.S. economy. Unlike younger Americans, however, retirees have less time to make up substantial stock market and 401(k) account losses. The decline in housing prices in many parts of the country may also cause severe difficulties for those seniors who need to tap the equity in their homes in order to fund their retirement.”

“We urge you to pass legislation as soon as possible to provide relief to millions of Americans who will not receive a COLA next year.”

Added: October 6, 2009
Views: 32 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Ellis Woman Receives AARP's Most Prestigious Volunteer Award

AARP Kansas honored its 2009 outstanding community service volunteer during a luncheon banquet at the Fanchon Ballroom in Hays on October 1, 2009. The banquet was part of the annual Western Summit sponsored by the Hays AARP chapter. Each year, AARP, the nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, presents its most prestigious award, the Ethel Percy Andrus Award for Community Service, to an individual or individuals who, through volunteer service, significantly enhance the lives of those in their community. This award symbolizes that individuals have the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.

The 2009 Andrus Award for Community Service was presented to Opal Flinn of Ellis. Opal has held almost every volunteer position in her AARP Chapter, Ellis #1403, and by her example encourages others to get involved not only in chapter activities, but also in volunteer work for the community.

Opal has been heavily involved in her chapter’s Day of Service activities, writing, producing and directing a skit performed by chapter members each year for residents of the Ellis Good Samaritan Center. She also is very involved in the chapter’s annual Milestone Dinner which honors community members who are celebrating 80^th, 90^th or 100^th birthdays.

In addition, Opal’s work as a contributing writer for the Hays Daily News “Generations Page” highlights AARP issues and is viewed as a great source of information on issues that affect older Kansans. She and her husband, Jim, also serve on the Hays Daily News Senior Advisory Committee. Together, Opal and her husband are heavily involved in 4-H activities, in addition to Opal’s service on the Hays Medical Center Advisory Committee. Opal is also known for taking care of the “little” things that mean so much like sending cards to members who are ill, telling jokes or stories to encourage laughter at chapter meetings, taking pictures and writing stories to record chapter events and making sure that chapter members are recognized for their contributions. Opal also makes sure to keep up on advocacy issues that affect older Kansans and contacts her congressional delegation to ensure that they understand how certain legislation affects AARP members.

“Opal is well-deserving of the award that honors AARP founder Ethel Percy Andrus,” said David Wilson, AARP State Volunteer President who presented the award along with AARP National Board member Robert Romasco. “Her record of service to her community is exceptional and her work as a volunteer is impeccable.

“This award acts as a symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for positive social change. AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities, neighbors, and the programs they serve.”

Opal was nominated for the Andrus Award by fellow AARP chapter members Sheila Barker and John Rupp, both of Ellis.

Added: October 2, 2009
Views: 39 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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: September 25, 2009
Views: 59 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP is Fighting for Your Medicare

AARP is fighting to protect Medicare benefits for seniors and ensure future generations have the health coverage they need when they retire. We have made it clear to elected officials that we will fight with the strength of our 40 million members against any proposal to cut your benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs. For more on proposed changes to Medicare, go to http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/medicare_question.htmland for more information on what health care reform means for you, go to www.aarp.org/getthefacts.

Added: September 18, 2009
Views: 50 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (56)