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Attend A Health Action Now! Meeting In Your Area

Iowa AARP members, families and interested advocates are invited to attend one of a series of informational meeting on AARP’s health reform priorities as part of Health Action Now!, AARP’s national initiative to encourage Members of Congress and the Obama administration to work in a bipartisan way to pass legislation that will provide all Americans with affordable health care choices, strengthen Medicare and improve long-term care services.

Meetings are set for Ames on June 16; Cedar Rapids on June 17; Cedar Falls on June 23; Dubuque on June 24 and Davenport on June 25. All events are from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and are free and open to the public. Advance registration is requested by calling toll-free 1-877-926-8300 or emailing name and contact to ia@aarp.org

“With the rising cost of health care, the challenges to achieve bipartisan reform are more critical than ever,” said AARP Iowa Senior State Director Bruce Koeppl. “These meetings are a chance for the public to learn where AARP is in the process and how they can get involved in helping ensure that reform happens this year.”

Koeppl said the meetings are just one aspect of AARP’s Health Action Now www.healthactionnow.org effort, which is working alongside of the association’s national health and financial security coalition, Divided We Fail, to actively engage elected officials, the media, business leaders, and the American public in solving the nation’s health reform issues.

You are invited to attend the meeting in your area. Refreshments will be served.

AMES: Tuesday, June 16, 6:30-7:30 pm

Oakwood Road Church Auditorium

2400 Oakwood Road

CEDAR RAPIDS: Wednesday, June 17, 6:30-7:30 pm

Kirkwood Community College,

6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW

CEDAR FALLS: Tuesday, June 23, 6:30-7:30 pm

AEA 267 Conference Center

3712 Cedar Heights Drive, Room F

DUBUQUE: Wednesday, June 24, 6:30-7:30 pm

Grand Harbor Conference Center, Meeting Room 5

500 Bell Street

DAVENPORT: Thursday, June 25, 6:30-7:30 pm

The Figge Art Museum, The Cafe

225 W. 2nd Street

Advance registration is requested by calling toll-free 1-877-926-8300 or emailing name and contact to ia@aarp.org

Added: June 11, 2009
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Speakers Set for Divided We Fail Forum Featuring Sen. Tom Harkin

- Saturday Event Spotlights Wellness & Prevention at North Liberty Recreation Center -

Iowa City , IA – AARP and the Divided We Fail coalition today announced the line-up of expert panelists for a National Forum on Health Reform featuring U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen this Saturday, June 6^th in North Liberty, Iowa. The town hall-style event focused on wellness & prevention initiatives comes as Congressional leaders such as Sen. Harkin begin writing legislation on health reform. It is co-sponsored by the Johnson County Livable Community Initiative and Mediacom, which will re-broadcast the forum statewide.

“Iowans understand the importance of including wellness and prevention initiatives in comprehensive health reform because it saves lives, improves their quality of life, and reduces overall health care costs,” stated Pete Jeffries, Divided We Fail ’s National Campaign Consultant. “We look forward to an energetic and informative discussion with Sen. Harkin about health reform and his role as a lead author of the upcoming wellness & prevention sections, as well as our expert panel which includes distinguished speakers like AARP’s Board President Jennie Chin Hansen, a long-time advocate for health and long-term care reform.”

Titled “Prevention and Wellness: Building Blocks of Health Reform,” the forum is set for 10:30 am to noon in the Gerdin Conference Center at the North Liberty Recreation Center in North Liberty. A question & answer session with the audience moderated by AARP Iowa Senior State Director Bruce Koeppl will follow opening remarks by Sen. Harkin; AARP’s Hansen; University of Iowa College of Public Health’s Dean Susan Curry, Iowa Service Employee International Union’s President Cathy Glasson, and Live Healthy America’s Executive Director Troy Vincent.

Organizers also will host a “Wellness Walk” following the event at 12:15pm. The National Forum and Wellness Walk are free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested by June 5^th by calling toll-free 1-877-926-8300, or by emailing name and contact information to ia@aarp.org.

Added: June 3, 2009
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June 6 Health Forum Feature Sen Tom Harkin & AARP Natl President

, IA – AARP and Divided We Fail have announced a National Forum on Health Reform featuring U.S. Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) and AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen on June 6 in North Liberty, Iowa. This town hall-style event comes as Congress is ramping up legislative activity on health reform. It is co-sponsored by the Johnson County Livable Community Initiative and Mediacom, which will re-broadcast the forum statewide.

Iowa City

“With all eyes focusing on Congress as they begin to mark up bills for health care reform, this event gives Iowans the opportunity to hear Senator Harkin share his insights on the role of prevention and wellness in the health reform discussion, said AARP Iowa Senior State Director Bruce Koeppl. “This will also be a great opportunity for Iowans to hear from AARP Board President, Jennie Chin Hansen, an long-time advocate for health and long-term care reform, on AARP’s top priorities for reform, which include expanding services for older Americans to age in place in their homes as long as possible.”

Titled “Prevention and Wellness: Building Blocks of Health Reform,” the forum is set for 10:30 to 10:45 am in the Gerdin Conference Center at the North Liberty Recreation Center in North Liberty. A question & answer session with the audience will follow opening remarks by Sen.Harkin, Hansen, and an expert panel. Senator Harkin chairs the Senate panel that funds medical research, health care and education initiatives and is a senior member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP). He has worked to transform America into a "wellness society" focused on disease prevention, healthier lifestyles, and good nutrition. The program is free and open to the public, but advance registration is requested by June 5 by calling toll-free 1-877-926-8300, or by emailing name and contact information to ia@aarp.org. A wellness walk will follow immediately after the program.

In commenting on his participation in the Johnson County forum, Sen. Harkin said, “All Iowans have a stake in health reform, so it is critical that all Iowans have a voice as this legislation begins to take shape in Congress. I look forward to the opportunity to hear one-on-one from my state on this important issue.”

Led by AARP, the Business Roundtable, NFIB, and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the Divided We Fail coalition (www.DividedWeFail.org) is focused on getting bipartisan action and answers from America’s elected leaders on the critical issues of health & financial security. Divided We Fail and AARP recently hosted a similar town hall on health reform with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) during the April Congressional recess.

Divided We Fail Iowa Team Members now include: AARP Iowa, former Governor Terry Branstad, Communications Workers of America in Central Iowa, DeWaay Capital Management, Des Moines University, Easter Seals, Four Legacies Mortgage, Iowa Assn. of Homes & Services for the Aging, Iowa Caregivers Assn., Iowa Center for Assisted Living, Iowa Commission on the Status of Women, Iowa Credit Union League, Iowa Health Care Assn., Iowa Sports Foundation, Live Healthy America, Long Term Care Guild of Des Moines, Marsh Consumer Connexions, Mason City Chamber of Commerce, NFIB Iowa, Quad Cities Progressive Action, Qwest Communications, SEIU Iowa, Siouxland Chamber of Commerce, and Wells’ Dairy.

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Divided We Fail

It's time we ensure health and long-term financial security for all. That's why AARP, Business Roundtable, the Service Employees International Union and the National Federation of Independent Business, are leading Divided We Fail, an initiative to give voice to millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care and long-term financial security - the most pressing domestic issues faction our nation. Common sense solutions are needed, and everyone - individuals, businesses and government - has a role and a responsibility in ensuring health and financial security for all. Go to www.dividedwefail.org to learn more.

AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, http://www.aarp.org . AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: June 3, 2009
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Free Webinars May 20 and June 11 Offer Tips for Job Seekers 45+

FREE AARP Webinar: Navigating Your Way

Through Job Loss

Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 2-3p.m. EDT

and

Thursday, June 11, 2009, 2-3 p.m. EDT

Job loss is tough at any age, and even more so if you’re age 45+. If you’ve just lost your job, what should you do first? If you’ve been out of work for a while, how do you stay positive and move forward during the job-search journey? Now a free AARP webinar can help you:

· Create an effective job-search strategy

· Manage your job hunt, finances, and health

· Connect with others to get the support you need

After the webinar, you can download a checklist with tips and resources to help you succeed with your work search in today’s tough job market. The checklist also outlines steps to manage your finances and to maintain your health during this time of transition.

Register now at HUwww.aarp.org/joblossUH (click on “Webinar”) to attend either the May 20 or June 11 event. To participate, you must have a computer with Internet access and audio capability (internal or external speakers).

Please note: You do not need to be an AARP member to attend this event. All are welcome!

If you have questions about this webinar, please send an e-mail to Hsurvivejobloss@aarp.org

AARP Job Loss Resources

In addition to this Web event, AARP offers the following resources to assist job seekers age 45+:

Real Relief: www.aarp.org/realreliefUH

AARP Work Channel: www.aarp.org/money/work U

The Water Cooler – an online community for job seekers: www.aarp.org/thewatercooler

Added: May 18, 2009
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AARP Endorses Bill to Crack Down on Medicare Fraud

Bipartisan legislation will reduce the billions lost to fraud each year

WASHINGTON, May 14 — AARP today announced its endorsement of the bipartisan “Seniors and Taxpayers Obligation Protection (STOP) Act,” sponsored by Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Cornyn (R-TX). This legislation will help curb the billions of dollars spent on Medicare fraud each year. A statement from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond follows:

“The skyrocketing costs of health care are hurting our wallets and the bedrock programs like Medicare that millions of Americans depend on. That’s why AARP is working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to reform the health care system—including cracking down on the fraud, waste and abuse that are driving up costs.

“Medicare should be a leader in fraud prevention, but has too often been stifled by inadequate funding to detect and prosecute fraud. The bill introduced by Sen. Martinez and his colleagues boosts funding to crack down on billions of dollars in Medicare fraud and takes several common-sense steps to protect people in Medicare and the program itself.

“AARP is proud to endorse the STOP Act, and we look forward to working with Sen. Martinez and other lawmakers to ensure that Medicare fraud prevention is included in comprehensive health reform.”

For details on AARP’s health reform priorities, visit http://www.aarp.org/governmentwatch.

Added: May 14, 2009
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The Divided We Fail April Update


April 2009

The White House has set the agenda: health reform by the end of the year. It's now up to the Divided We Fail coalition to keep the heat on Congress to take action. While Congress was home for the April recess, Divided We Fail supporters like you wrote letters to the editor of their local papers or picked up the phone and called their members of Congress in their local offices.

Now that Congress is back, let's remind them we can't afford to wait for health care reform. Tell Congress that the cost of doing nothing is simply too high.

|WHAT'S NEW|

On April 9th, Divided We Fail, AARP and the Mason City Chamber of Commerce sponsored "The Cost of Doing Nothing on Health Care Reform" with Iowa Senator Charles Grassley , Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee.

Sen Grassley is working closely with Finance Committee members, including the Committee Chair, Sen. Max Baucus, to find bipartisan solutions to the issues facing Congress, including health care reform.

Watch the event and see why Sen. Grassley agrees that we must have reform by the end of the year.

|TAKE ACTION|

Earlier this month, over 50,000 people joined AARP's first Nationwide Tele-Town Hall on health reform. Nancy LeaMond , AARP's Executive Vice President of Social Impact and director of the Divided We Fail initiative, hosted the two-hour event. She was joined by a number of speakers, including featured guest Nancy-Ann DeParle , Director of the White House Office of Health Reform.

Learn more about the Tele-Town Hall and read excerpts of DeParle's answers to questions from participants -- and then forward them on to your friends and families.

|TELL US WHAT YOU THINK|

At Divided We Fail, we talk a lot about the "cost of doing nothing." But it's not just talk. The AARP Public Policy Institute has outlined the costs in dollars and cents. Take a look and then let us know what you think!

|CHAMP OF THE MONTH|

Our Champ of the Month is Robin Anderson , the Executive Director of the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.

Robin played a huge role in the success of the "Cost of Doing Nothing" forum (with Senator Grassley, mentioned above), including assisting with media, community outreach, and event set-up. She also championed the Divided We Fail message to the Mason City Chamber Board of Directors -- who subsequently joined the Divided We Fail Iowa team.

Thanks Robin!

Added: May 12, 2009
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Register for Aging & Action Forum on May 13 in Des Moines

Iowa Department of Elder Affairs director John McCalley has announced details for the Aging & Action Forum: Partnering Through Hard Times forum on May 13, 2009 in Des Moines.

“Given the current state of the economy, the Culver Administration wants to hear from older Iowans about the issues they are facing, so that we can develop ways to support them,” Director McCalley stated.

The public forum is designed to gain input from older Iowans on how state and federal policy makers can be responsive to their unique needs during the recession and beyond. The forum will feature keynote presentations from the officials of the United States Administration on Aging (AoA) and the University of Northern Iowa Center for Social and Behavioral Research. Participants will work in small groups to identify policy priorities on Health Care & Long Term Services and Support; Housing & Transportation; Employment; and Elder Abuse & Fraud.

“We want to bring older Iowans together to discuss these critical issues and explore ways to move forward in finding solutions to help them in these difficult times,” Director McCalley said.

The Forum is free and will be held from 8:30AM-4:00PM at the Hy-Vee Hall in downtown Des Moines. Lunch and parking will also be free of charge for registrants and each will be sent a map and parking pass prior to the conference.

Older Iowans are encouraged to attend the forum. However, attendance will be limited to 300 participants. Those wanting to attend will need to register by calling (local-Des Moines) 515/225-1051 or toll-free 1-800-264-1084. You may also register by visiting the Department’s website at www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs.

For more information on the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs, visit www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs. To locate resources for older adults and people with disabilities, visit www.lifelonglinks.org.

The Mission of the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs is to provide advocacy, educational, and prevention services to help Iowans remain independent as they age. IDEA provides over $30 million in services through a network of 13 Area Agencies on Aging across the state.

Added: April 28, 2009
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Certain AARP-Branded, Fixed-Benefit Health Plans Ended

April 22, 2009

AARP: United Healthcare Will No Longer Market or Sell Certain AARP-Branded Fixed-Benefit Health Plans

Washington – AARP announced today that the following AARP-branded plans – Essential Health Insurance Plan (“EHIP”) and Essential Plus Health Insurance Plan (“EPHIP”) – will no longer be marketed or sold by UnitedHealthcare.

AARP CEO Barry Rand released the following statement:

“Ensuring the protection and keeping the trust of our members and others over age 50 drives all that we do at AARP.

"AARP has asked United, and United has agreed, to no longer market or sell the following AARP-branded plans:

• Essential Health Insurance Plan (“EHIP”)
• Essential Plus Health Insurance Plan (“EPHIP”) – formerly known as the Medical Advantage Plan (“MAP”)

“With the commitment of the Administration and key Congressional leaders we have an historic opportunity to help achieve comprehensive health reform that would benefit all Americans and make the need for these types of plans obsolete. We cannot afford to have anything distract our efforts to achieve comprehensive health reform.

“We will stand behind AARP members currently enrolled in these plans by continuing to provide quality control oversight, so that enrollees continue to receive appropriate levels of service. Additionally, UnitedHealthcare will continue to build on its efforts to provide ongoing and continuing education, so that we are doubly sure that our members understand the coverage terms of the plans in which they have enrolled.”

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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Added: April 28, 2009
Views: 148 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Tips for Surviving Tough Financial Times

AARP Financial is providing proactive steps that people can take to help protect their nest egg amidst a financial market that is in turmoil.

“We are hearing from AARP members and it is a rough time for people who are planning for retirement. The natural instinct is to pull all your money out of the market and put it under your mattress. This not a time to abandon your retirement plans or take drastic measures,” said Mac Hisey, President of AARP Financial.

The Financial Advisors at AARP Financial can provide investment guidance and help you make the most of your retirement investments. They can help answer your questions – whether you are planning for – or are already in retirement. They can be reached at 888-778-6187.

To guide Americans through challenging economic times AARP Financial has prepared the following tips:

• Don’t Make Rash Decisions – Recent events highlight the need to have a financial plan that you are able to follow regardless of market swings. As difficult as it may be, don’t let your emotions drive your investment decisions. Reacting to every up and down in the market is not good for your health – or for your financial portfolio.

• Revisit Your Reasons For Investing – In volatile markets keeping a long-term time horizon can be very challenging. However, if your investment goals, time horizon, and financial situation have not changed, your best course of action may be not to take action. Now is a good time to reassess your financial situation, but only make changes if needed.

• Establish an emergency fund – Keep at least 6 months of living expenses easily accessible in savings or money market fund accounts. This enables you meet unexpected financial obligations.

• Make saving automatic – The best way to get past volatile markets or tough economic times is to make investing automatic. Establish an automatic investing plan* that makes investing a seamless process by regularly deducting a set amount from your paycheck or checking account and transferring it to a retirement savings account.

• Review fees and expenses – Take another look at the fees and expenses you are paying on your financial products and services. For mutual funds; review expense ratios, credit cards; scrutinize interest rates, and banking products; transaction charges. Switching to a lower cost product may save you money.

• Resist impulse purchases – Think twice before making a discretionary spend. Avoid incurring debt on any impulse purchases regardless of the “deal” and instead put that money in a savings or investing account.

• Have a plan – It is never too late to put a retirement plan in place. Having a plan helps you determine whether you are on the right path to the financial future that you want. And in times like these a plan, not your emotions, should drive your investment decisions. So, if you do not have a retirement plan, now is a great opportunity to create one.

• Consult with an expert – Financial advisors are specially trained to help people manage their finances. If you work with a financial advisor, schedule an appointment to review your portfolio. Discuss your concerns and request an assessment of the performance of your holdings. If you do not receive the guidance and information you need, or do not have a Financial Advisor, the Financial Advisors at AARP Financial are a great resource.

• Get Informed – Research shows that many people struggle with fundamental financial terms and concepts. Take steps to get the information you need by visiting www.aarpfinancial.com to learn more about investing for the future.

• Don’t be Afraid to Ask for Help – AARP Financial’s salaried Financial Advisors provide personalized investment advice to help you make the most of your retirement investments. They can be reached at 1-888-778-6187.

*An Automatic Investment Plan does not assure a profit and does not protect against a loss in a declining market

While AARP endorses the services provided by AARP Financial Inc., AARP does not offer financial products or services itself and cannot recommend that you or any specific individual should purchase any particular product or service. AARP Financial Inc. is a registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of AARP.

The Financial Advisors are investment adviser representatives of AARP Financial Inc., a registered investment adviser.

Added: April 22, 2009
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Attorney General's Office Offers 5 Tips to Prevent ID Theft

Take Control of Your Personal Information

April 21, 2009-- The Iowa Attorney General's Office offers five tips to protecting your personal information from falling into unwanted hands and the possibility of becoming a victim of “identity theft” -- such as someone taking your funds, or opening an account using your name.

1. Never give your credit card, bank account, or Social Security numbers over the phone unless you initiate the call and check out the business. Don’t give financial or personal information on sweepstakes entries, prize offers, or warranty and rebate cards. (Information may be sold and circulated, increasing junk mail and the risk of identity theft.)

2. Order your FREE annual credit report from the three national credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Your credit report will tell you, for example, if someone has stolen your identity by opening new accounts using your name. Go to . Or call toll-free to877-322-8228. Or write to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348. (But beware of “look-alike” web sites that charge you for your credit report. And, note: Your free credit report does not include your “credit score.” If you want your credit score, you will have to purchase it for a small fee directly from the credit reporting companies.)

3. Consider placing a “freeze” on your credit reports. A credit freeze prevents identity thieves, third parties and potential creditors from accessing information on your credit reports without your approval. There is a one-time $10 fee per credit report. A freeze will not lower your credit score. To learn more about this important safety precaution, go to and look for “identity theft” information.

4. “Opt out!” Tell companies not to share or sell your information. First, when youreceive the annual “privacy notice” from your financial institutions, fill out the form and tell them not to share or sell your information. Second, ask the three credit reporting companies not to give your name to solicitors. (They sell lists to credit card marketers, for example.) Go to , or call 888-567-8688 to remove your name from the lists they market. You may ask to be removed for two years, or permanently.

5. Register for the national “Do Not Call” list. Call 888-382-1222 from the phone you wish to register, or go to . Also: Tell telephone solicitors not to call you again, and to put you on their do-not-call list -- by law, they should not call you again.

For more tips: Go to for info and brochures on both preventing and dealing with identity theft, or contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division, Des Moines, IA 50319. Call 515-281-5926, or 888-777-4590 (toll-free.)

Added: April 21, 2009
Views: 150 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

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