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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Graham and DeMint Vote to Block

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

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

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

For the first time in a generation, Social Security recipients won't be receiving a much-needed cost-of-living adjustment.

In this economy especially, many seniors are struggling to get by and trying to keep up with the rising cost of health care, prescription drugs and utility bills. In times like these, seniors rely on the promise of Social Security.

Only Congress has the power to address this problem. Tell your members of Congress to act now to ensure seniors get the relief they deserve.

Click here to make your voice heard!

By Paul D. Barnes

Social Security Regional Commissioner in Atlanta

Thanks to everyone who came out to Moultrie MS and those who watched the Mt. Pleasant Mayoral Debate on www.live5news.com .  More than 250 people packed the cafeteria to listen to the three candidates running for mayor.  Here is a link to the Post and Courier's report from this morning's paper. Remember you must be registered to vote by tomorrow in order to participate in the November 3rd election.