Washington, D.C. – As the House and Senate begin work on a final budget resolution, AARP CEO Barry Rand called on the leaders of the budget committees to include the Association’s legislative priorities. Excerpts from Rand’s letter to Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad (ND), Ranking Member Judd Gregg (NH), House Budget Chairman John Spratt (SC) and Ranking Member Paul Ryan (WI) follow:

“…[O]n behalf of our 40 million members, AARP urges the House and Senate conferees to include in the final budget agreement reserve funds and allocations that will advance health care reform, bolster retirement security, and promote livable communities.”

“AARP agrees with both the President and congressional leaders that it is critical to enact health care reform this year, and to ensure that reforms are paid for in the long run. Therefore, we support the inclusion of a deficit-neutral health care reserve fund to advance enactment of health care reform as soon as possible…. We urge that the reserve fund included in the final budget resolution allow health care legislation to meet “pay as you go” requirements in the final year of the rule’s application, to allow some time for savings to be realized.”

“…[U]sing the reconciliation process for health care reform may present some serious challenges…. [We] strongly urge all parties to demonstrate real progress toward achieving this goal through regular order….”

“AARP also supports the inclusion of a current policy reserve fund to reform the Medicare physician payment system…. We urge Congress to enact these physician payment reforms swiftly, while also protecting the programs that are most important to our members.”

“…Providing all workers with a chance to supplement their Social Security income is a cornerstone of AARP’s retirement security agenda. We appreciate that both the House and Senate budget resolutions assume enough discretionary funding to accommodate the increase in SSA funding, and that both budgets include a reserve fund that can accommodate improvements in retirement savings policies.”

“…AARP shares a commitment to providing increased funding for transportation not only to support substantial improvement in our nation’s transportation infrastructure, but to permit broad restructuring of our nation’s transportation priorities. AARP is working to enable older adults to live independently…and transportation is critical to maintaining the community connections that make that possible.”

“We are concerned that the non-defense discretionary allocations in both the Senate and House resolutions are below the President’s request…. Failure to provide for the higher level of non-defense discretionary spending will greatly handicap the ability of the Appropriations Committees to sustain their efforts to restore funding levels for many senior, disabled and lower income programs….”

“We appreciate the challenge before the conferees, and commend your efforts to reset the course of many critical policies through this budget.”

To request a complete copy of AARP’s letter to the budget committees, please contact AARP Media Relations at the number above. For more information about AARP’s health reform campaign, please visit HealthActionNow.org.

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AARP Tracks “Key Vote” on Government Watch for 40 Million Members  

• The bill is devoted to enhancing service opportunities for persons age 50+ so that they can apply a lifetime of acquired skills to address a range of identified service needs; and  
• The bill includes provisions that improve the capacity of non-profit, service and philanthropic organizations to recruit, manage and apply volunteer skills to identified service needs in this period of economic recession and lower charitable giving.  

March 11, 2009 

Washington - AARP today applauded the Senate and the House of Representatives for taking important steps on legislation that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities at a time when many Americans are in great need. A statement from AARP Chief Operating Officer Tom Nelson on the Serve America Act (S. 277) and the G.I.V.E. Act (H.R. 1388) follows:

“AARP applauds Senators Edward M. Kennedy and Orrin Hatch and Representatives George Miller and Carolyn McCarthy for introducing bipartisan legislation that will usher in a new era of American service.

“AARP was founded on the principle of service. Today millions of people give back to their communities through either AARP or the AARP Foundation – helping others find work, access to benefits, get tax refunds, stay healthy and advocate on issues important to their families.

“Now is the time for movement on the Serve America Act, part of which is devoted to enhancing service opportunities for persons 50+, so they can apply a lifetime of acquired skills to help remedy a range of needs. AARP supports provisions that will improve the capacity of non-profit, service and philanthropic organizations to recruit, manage and engage more volunteers – including skilled volunteers – to help address people’s critical and growing service needs.

“During today’s House mark up of the G.I.V.E. Act, we strongly urge the House Committee on Education and Labor to support an amendment that includes the Volunteer Generation Fund and the Community Solutions Pilot. AARP believes this amendment is critical to local support and accountability, which allows existing service programs and service providers to effectively manage volunteers who heed the call to give back to their nation and the community.

“The 50+ community has the opportunity to lead the next generation of service: in a survey conducted for AARP last year, millions of boomers said that in the next five years, they want to increase their volunteer service to improve their communities and our world. Boomers stand ready to give, ready to do more, and ready to, as AARP’s founder said, ‘create the good.’

“AARP looks forward to working with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle to improve how our country addresses its greatest problems by using its greatest resource – the American people.”
 

Help Fight Investment Fraud in California

Americans are often bombarded by junk mail; unwanted phone calls during dinnertime, and, in many cases, with “free lunch” investment seminar invitations. This is particularly true during tax season when the invitations promise no risk investments and ways to avoid all taxes. Although many of these seminars sell legitimate products, there have been far too many reports of people being scammed out of their life savings.

AARP, in collaboration with the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), is working diligently to fight consumer fraud by encouraging individuals to join the Free Lunch Monitor program. Hundreds of people have already joined this national campaign to help monitor free lunch investment seminars.

By becoming a Free Lunch Monitor, you can help to fight fraud in California. If you plan to attend a seminar, take the “What to Listen for Checklist” and report your findings to AARP. We are sharing this information with securities regulators nationwide. Please visit the web site www.aarp.org/nofreelunches to download the checklist and help make the market place safer for all investors.

Exclusive AARP Bulletin Poll Reveals New Trends in Multigenerational Housing
– Results Reflect Impact of Down Economy –

WASHINGTON (March 3, 2009) – With Americans of all ages feeling the effects of the economic crisis and the plummeting housing market, mutigenerational households may become more prevalent in the coming years. AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for 50+ America, today released the results of an exclusive new survey that looks at housing trends and how the economy may be impacting adults’ living situations. More than 1,000 people age 18 and older were surveyed about who they live with, how likely it is that they will need to move in with another family member or friend, and how comfortable they would be living with additional friends or family members if that would become necessary.

The results show a direct relation between a loss of income and young adults who are moving back home with their parents after a period of independence. Additional key findings include:

• Multigenerational Housing: 11% of people age 50+ live with their grandchildren or their parents.
• “Boomerang Adults”: 11% of people age 35-44 report living with their parents or their in-laws.
• Why People Move: 34% of people who said that they would likely have to move in with family or friends said that it would be due to a loss of income.

“The recession is having an impact on people of all ages, and the effects are starting to be felt at home,” said Jim Toedtman, Vice President and Editor of AARP Bulletin. “We see more people living under the same roof as their parents and their adult children. As Americans face tougher economic conditions, we’ll likely see more of this.”

Results of AARP Bulletin’s Multigenerational Housing survey suggest that as jobs continue to disappear and the foreclosure crisis continues, millions of 50+ Americans will be living with their adult children and grandchildren in multigenerational homes.

Multigenerational Housing and Boomerang Adults

The survey found that that 4% of people age 50+ are currently living with their grandchildren. Results also showed 33% of respondents age 18-49 live with parents or in-laws. A further analysis of this group showed 11% of respondents age 35-44 live with parents or in-laws. Of those respondents, 9% report living with their parents and 2% reporting living with their in-laws.

Likelihood of Moving in With Others

When asked how likely it is that they may need to move in with family members or friends or have family members or friends move in with them, 15% said that it was likely. Among those who thought it would be likely, the largest percentage—about one-third (34%)—said it would be due to a loss of income, 19% said that it would be due to a change in job status and 8% cited home foreclosure as the reason.

Results also showed that respondents between 18 and 34 are more likely than older respondents to have already made such a move (20% vs. 9% for those age 35-44; 8% for those 45-54; 9% for those 55-64; and 7% for those 65+).

Comfort in Living with Additional Friends or Family Members

Roughly one in seven (14%) respondents said they would not be very comfortable, and nearly three in ten (29%) would not be at all comfortable living with additional friends or family members. In contrast, 14 % said they would be extremely comfortable and 14% said they would be very comfortable if such a change in housing became necessary. More than a quarter (27%) of respondents said they would be somewhat comfortable with such an arrangement.

AARP’s Tips for Managing Finances and Living in Multigenerational Households

1. Prepare your home. Does your home work for everyone, young or old? Can your house accommodate someone who might find climbing stairs a challenge or who might need a walk-in shower or a single-handle faucet? www.aarp.org/homedesign has information to make your house safer and more comfortable for everyone.

2. Prepare your family. Communication is the key to peaceful multigenerational living. Have regular family conferences to discuss issues before they become problems. Before moving in together, ask family members of all ages to talk about how they expect life to change, including what they want, what they are excited about and what they’re nervous about. Be specific: If grandparents are helping with child care, how much time will they spend babysitting? How do family members want to handle cooking and mealtimes? It's a great way to see where friction may occur and to head it off at the pass.

3. A place for everyone and everyone in their place. Decide how the living space in your home will be used. It's important that grandparents and grandchildren have their own places—bedrooms, sitting rooms, or even corners of rooms—for favorite chairs, places to watch TV, or study areas for homework.

4. Let them live their own lives. This is important whether your parents are highly active and independent or if they are being cared for. Opportunities to see friends, continue activities they enjoy and having downtime are important at any age.

5. Get in a groove. Consistency will help minimize the inevitable disruptions. Keep to routines such as mealtimes and bedtime rituals. Parents—and grandparents—should also plan one-on-one time with their children and time for themselves to keep up with their interests.

6. Make a play date. Facilitate grandparent–grandchild interactions. Many times, especially when living together, grandparents and children develop special, shared interests that create bonds and positive memories.

7. Don’t get caught in the middle. Often, parents are in no-man's-land trying to please the older and younger generations. You can’t be expected to take care of everyone if you are running on empty. Get plenty of rest, make your time a priority and get support if you need it from a caregiving-support group.

8. Be realistic. Only so much furniture can fit in a house; people can only be expected to change so much over a lifetime; teens are going to want to hang out with their grandparents only so much; elders will be willing to handle only a certain volume level on the stereo; there are only 24 hours in a day; and you can be in only one place at a time, no matter how much everyone needs you.

9. Make memories. Capitalize on the opportunities you have with multiple generations in the household. Share stories, look at photos, research family history and record these things on audiotape or in a video. Have fun and treasure the time. Although multigenerational households may be an increasing trend, you can enjoy opportunities many families will never have.

Additional information on can be found in the March 2009 issue of AARP Bulletin, in homes now, and online at http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/affordability/multigen_housing.html.

AARP Bulletin’s Multigenerational Housing Survey was conducted by International Communications Research, Inc. (ICR) in January 2009. A short telephone survey among a nationally representative sample of adults ages 18 and older was taken to learn more about housing patterns and their options about how their own housing situation may change in the next year. The total sample consisted of 1,002 adults who are 18 and older.

Nursing Home Use Remains Flat Despite Aging Population, Says New AARP Report on Long-term Care

Nursing home residents, beds, and occupancy rates have remained nearly constant in the last five years, even though the older population has increased, according to Across the States 2009, Profiles of Long-Term Care and Independent Living, a new state-by-state report from the AARP Public Policy Institute.

Specifically, the report finds that spending for long-term care services is not a primary force behind escalating Medicaid costs. The report shows that on average, Medicaid funds spent on home and community-based services (HCBS) can serve three older people or adults with disabilities for each resident in a nursing home.

“Those states that have developed home and community based service programs are slowing the rate of growth in spending on care for older persons and people with disabilities,” said Susan Reinhard, Senior Vice President for Public Policy. “In these tough economic times, investment in home and community based services can contribute to long-term savings that could help preserve the safety net for future generations.”

Despite a growing trend towards providing HCBS—which most older people prefer—the report finds that the bulk of Medicaid long-term care dollars still go to nursing homes. Only a handful of states—New Mexico, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and California—now spend more Medicaid dollars on HCBS than nursing homes, achieved through major system reforms. However, the number of people receiving Medicaid HCBS across the country is growing and now nearly equals the number in nursing homes.

The report presents comprehensive state-by-state data on long-term care services provided in home and community-based settings and nursing homes. It is designed to help policymakers in the states address the long-term care challenges of an aging population.

The population age 85 or older—the age group that is most likely to need long-term care services—is expected to increase by 74% between 2007 and 2030. As the baby boomers turn age 85 between 2030 and 2050, the age 85+ population will skyrocket by another 118%.

The report emphasizes, however, that family caregivers remain the main providers of long-term care services in all the states and nationwide. By providing personal care and even health care, family caregivers help to contain costs by delaying or preventing the use of nursing home and hospital care.

Among other highlights of the report:

• From 2007 to 2030, the population age 65+ is projected to grow by 89%, more than four times as fast as the population as a whole. The states with the greatest projected age 85+ population growth in this period are Alaska, Nevada, Arizona, Wyoming and New Mexico.

• About 1.44 million Americans live in nursing facilities, occupying 85% of a total of 1.7 million nursing home beds. Although people tend to associate long-term care with nursing homes, the great majority of people with disabilities live in community settings.

• The number of older people and adults with physical disabilities receiving Medicaid-funded HCBS increased by about one-third from 2000 to 2005, to a total of nearly 1.4 million beneficiaries.

• In 2007, nine states—Tennessee, Indiana, North Dakota, Utah, South Dakota, Kentucky, Alabama, Connecticut, and Delaware—spent 10% or less of their Medicaid long-term care funds for older people and adults with disabilities on HCBS – far below the national average of 27%. In fact, roughly two-thirds of the states fall below this national average.

• Older people with disabilities have a growing array of service options, but the services are costly and can deplete the life savings of older households. Assisted living has emerged as a major option for many older people, for example. The average private-pay base rate for assisted living services is about $3,000 per month, though this rate typically does not include skilled nursing or other intensive health-related services that are add-ons.

Across the States 2009 is available online at http://www.aarp.org/acrossthestates.

WASHINGTON —AARP today announced the next phase of its campaign to reform America’s health care system, capitalizing on an eventful week in Washington—including the release of President Obama’s budget plan—to build more momentum across the country.  

• Making affordable health care coverage options available to everyone, especially people ages 50-64 who are among the fastest growing group of uninsured;
• Keeping Medicare affordable by rewarding doctors and hospitals for quality rather than the quantity of care;
• Promoting prevention and healthy behaviors;
• Eliminating fraud, waste and abuse; and
• Improving care coordination for people with chronic conditions and helping them stay in their homes and out of institutions.

AARP Launches Toll Free Help Line To Aid Consumers During DTV Transition

Washington , D.C. – Many Americans woke today to find that some of their TV stations are no longer available as they undergo the switch from analogue to digital signals. AARP continues to educate older Americans and their families about the steps they must take to prepare for the transition, and is now operating a national DTV call center individuals may call for personal assistance.

“AARP is committed to providing relevant and important information to our members and their families to make this transition as easy and affordable as possible,” said Kevin Donnellan, Chief Communications Officer at AARP. “Through a contract from the Federal Communications Commission, we are able to provide trained operators, implement a toll-free number and run a center that individuals can call for information and help as they prepare for the transition in their homes.”  

Many older Americans depend on television for critical news and safety information, and may face significant challenges when television signals become exclusively digital. In conjunction with an ongoing education campaign, AARP has established a toll-free phone number consumers can call.

• Individuals can call 1-877-698-8068 to speak with a trained operator who can answer their DTV questions.
• Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.
• Spanish-language operators are available as well.
• The national DTV call center will be in operation through March 31, 2009.

“We look forward to helping as many consumers as possible in the transition process,” said Donnellan.

For more information about AARP and the DTV transition please visit: www.aarp.org/dtv .