• First, the bill fails the responsibility test. The responsibilities stated in the bill are that the bureau may receive and investigate complaints, and potentially hold hearings as deemed appropriate by the Insurance Commissioner.  It is questionable (even according to the Insurance Division) whether the Insurance Division may already have this supposedly new power. 
• Second, the bill fails the authority test, by failing to state any potential recourse or action that the Consumer Advocate is directly authorized to take on behalf of consumers after a consumer complaint is heard.

• Fifty percent of Iowans believe Iowa’s health care system has major problems, and 37 percent say Iowa has minor problems.

• More than nine in ten (93%) Iowans agree that residents should have access to quality, affordable health care coverage.  Almost three quarters (72%) say they are concerned that they will be able to have access to quality, affordable health care services when they need them in the future. 

• Almost nine in ten (87%) say it is important for the Iowa Legislature to work to improve and expand access to affordable, quality health care coverage this year. More than half (55%) say they would be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a plan to provide quality, affordable health care to Iowans. 

• More than eight in ten (85%) support improving and expanding health care for Iowans by creating a chronic care management program to help people with on-going medical conditions more effectively manage their illness. More than seven in ten (72%) of Iowans also support expanding use of electronic medical records to reduce medical errors and improve health care. 

• A strong majority (67%) of Iowans say they support the Legislature creating a way to ensure that all Iowa children have affordable, quality health care coverage for their dependent children

Latest news

Senate Does the Right Thing the Second Time Around on Medicare Bill

 http://www.aarp.org/research/press-center/presscurrentnews/senate_does_the_right_thing_on_medicare_bill_secon.html

Events calendar

Join AARP Iowa and the "Champmobile" on the 36th Annual RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).  Join us for a fun way to raise awareness about the serious issues of health care and financial security.

July 20-26

AARP will host the evening entertainment in North Liberty on July 24th.  Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band will fill the stage with zydeco music. 

Iowa State Fair "U Gotta Love It"

August 7-17th

AARP Iowa is hosting a variety of events including a spelling bee, candidate forums and 50th Anniversary celebration.

Divided We Fail Community Blitzes

AARP Iowa will hold a community forum in Waterloo, Iowa in August.  This event was cancelled in June due to flooding.  Details to follow.

AARP Iowa will hold community forums in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Davenport in September.  Details to follow.

AARP Urges Congress to Support House and Senate Budgets

Group reminds lawmakers: 39 million AARP members have much at stake

WASHINGTON — As lawmakers continue work on the FY2009 budget, AARP issued a statement urging Members of Congress to support the House and Senate budget resolutions and to oppose harmful amendments that would negatively impact older Americans.  The Association has been actively lobbying both chambers to ensure Congress passes a budget resolution that addresses the priorities of older Americans.  The statement, from AARP Senior Vice President David Sloane, follows:

“The budget resolutions in both chambers address the needs of older Americans, and we encourage all members to support them.  These bills also reject the deep Medicare and Medicaid cuts proposed by the Administration, while taking steps toward improvements in both programs that will begin to reduce America’s skyrocketing health care bill.

“Both the House and Senate budget bills also reject the Administration’s proposals for drastic cuts to heating assistance and supportive housing for the elderly.  These programs provide vital funding to help low-income older Americans live in safe, affordable, warm homes.

“This week will lay the appropriations groundwork for the next fiscal year, and there is much at stake for our 39 million members.  We urge members in both chambers to pass the budget resolutions as reported out of their respective budget committees and without harmful amendments that would reduce access to health and financial security for older Americans.”

AARP urges passage of a final budget resolution that will:

* Prioritize sound health policies, such as addressing the Medicare asset tests;

* Protect the 44 million people in Medicare from unreasonable and unfair premium increases when addressing the potential cuts to Medicare physician reimbursement;

* Reauthorize and improve the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP);

* Promote comparative effectiveness research and health information technology;

* Extend the moratoria on harmful Medicaid regulations;

* Ensure adequate funding for the Social Security Administration to address the growing backlog of disability insurance benefit claims; and

* Reject the Administration’s proposed cuts to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and housing assistance for older Americans.

AARP also urges Congress to reject attempts to add harmful budget provisions that would:

* Encourage private accounts in Social Security—already rejected by the public—which would threaten the promise of a guaranteed, inflation-protected retirement benefit that cannot be outlived;

* Income-relate Medicare Prescription Drug Program premiums or further income-relate the Part B premium, which would add yet another “senior tax” and unfairly burden those who work past age 65; and

* Create a “hard trigger” within Medicare that will cause across-the-board spending cuts without solving the underlying problem of skyrocketing health care costs.

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, 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.

Visit http://www.aarp.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

30 – 30 – 30

AARP Calls on Congress to Follow MedPAC Recommendations

Commission proposals will cut Medicare costs, improve quality

AARP issued a statement following Tuesday’s House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee hearing on the MedPAC Medicare payment policy report.  The statement, from AARP Legislative Policy Director David Certner, follows:

“We’re pleased that the committee is taking a thorough look at the MedPAC recommendations as they consider changes to Medicare.  The Commission’s report details policy proposals that would both reduce costs to Medicare and improve the quality of care for the millions of older Americans who depend on this critical program.

“As Congress considers a Medicare reform bill this spring, AARP is urging lawmakers to enact legislation that improves the program without passing unfair costs to people in Medicare.  Premiums have already doubled since 2000, making it increasingly difficult for older Americans to afford their health care.

“While many of the policies proposed by the Administration and others would only place additional burdens on beneficiaries, MedPAC’s recommendations would actually begin to reduce the cost of Medicare and improve the quality of care.  AARP looks forward to working with the committee and members of Congress to ensure that any Medicare reform passed this year includes these valuable changes and protects people in Medicare from unfair premium increases.”

AARP APPLAUDS IOWA HOUSE FOR PASSING BIPARTISAN HEALTH CARE REFORM & AARP 50^TH ANNIVERSARY RESOLUTION

DES MOINES—AARP Iowa today applauded the Iowa House of Representatives for taking a first step toward improving health care for all Iowans with the unanimous passage of House File 2539 on the same day the House passed a bipartisan resolution honoring AARP’s 50-year anniversary. 

“AARP volunteers were extremely proud to be in the House gallery celebrating the anniversary of our founding by Dr. Andrus on the same day the House also took a historic vote to provide all Iowans with an opportunity for better coverage and improved access to health care,” said AARP Iowa State Director Bruce Koeppl. 

“We applaud the House for this bold, bipartisan action and hope this spirit of cooperation and commitment will continue,” Koeppl said. 

AARP was founded 50 years ago by Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired school teacher and principal from California who wanted to provide health care for retired teachers who had no health insurance and inadequate pensions.  Dr. Andrus founded the National Retired Teachers Association in 1947, which led to the founding of AARP, then known as the American Association of Retired Persons, in 1958.  Throughout her life and career, Dr. Andrus sought to foster stronger ties between the generations and encouraged all to view aging as an achievement to be celebrated. 

“Dr. Andrus was a champion for all generations who believed that we are connected by a strong commitment to values, community, and service,” said Koeppl.  “It is truly an honor to have more than 60 AARP Iowa volunteers from across Iowa in the State Capitol for the signing of House Resolution 117 honoring the work and commitment of Dr. Andrus and our AARP volunteers and then be able to immediately thank our State Representatives for unanimously passing one of our top legislative priorities -- health care reform.”

For photos of AARP volunteers in the House galley and Capitol Rotunda visit www.aarp.org/community/aarpia or e-mail Mark Fetterhoff at mfetterhoff@aarp.org.

House Resolution 117 follows:

House Resolution 117 

                                    H.R. ________ S.R. ________

  1  1                HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 117    

  1  2              BY  MCCARTHY, PALMER, STAED,

  1  3         KRESSIG, GAYMAN, TOMENGA, and SCHICKEL

  1  4 A Resolution honoring AARP on its 50th Anniversary.

  1  5    WHEREAS, AARP is a voluntary, nonprofit,

  1  6 nonpartisan membership organization with a 50=year

  1  7 history of leading positive social change by

  1  8 harnessing the individual and collective power of its

  1  9 members to make life better for all Iowa residents as

  1 10 they age; and

  1 11    WHEREAS, AARP has, since being founded in 1958 by

  1 12 retired educator Ethel Percy Andrus, taken as its

  1 13 motto "To serve, not to be served"; and

  1 14    WHEREAS, AARP's "army of useful citizens" in our

  1 15 state includes numerous volunteers whose selfless

  1 16 service includes money management and tax preparation

  1 17 assistance, safe driving courses, advocacy, job

  1 18 training, intergenerational learning, community

  1 19 rebuilding, home visitation, and nonpartisan voter

  1 20 education; and

  1 21    WHEREAS, AARP has amplified its members' voices on

  1 22 issues of statewide importance such as affordable,

  1 23 quality health care, lifetime financial security, and

  1 24 consumer protection; and

  1 25    WHEREAS, AARP has helped to foster proactive

  1 26 policies that enable our citizens to achieve the

  1 27 quality of life and peace of mind they deserve; and

  1 28    WHEREAS, AARP shares Iowa's belief that diversity

  1 29 in age, economic status, attitudes, ability, and

  1 30 lifestyles is a source of profound state and national

  2  1 strength; and

  2  2    WHEREAS, AARP works to develop strong communities

  2  3 that are characterized by affordable and appropriate

  2  4 housing, ease of mobility, and features and services

  2  5 that support the lives and lifestyles of people of all

  2  6 ages; and

  2  7    WHEREAS, AARP has successfully built important

  2  8 alliances statewide among businesses, communities, and

  2  9 Iowa residents of all generations; and

  2 10    WHEREAS, AARP continues to advocate for an economic

  2 11 environment throughout our state that supports and

  2 12 promotes the loyalty, reliability, flexibility, and

  2 13 potential of mature workers; and

  2 14    WHEREAS, AARP recognizes that ensuring the

  2 15 protection, safety, integrity, involvement, security,

  2 16 health, lifestyle, and well=being of citizens 50 years

  2 17 of age and older is not a destination but a continuing

  2 18 journey; NOW THEREFORE,

  2 19    BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

  2 20 That the House of Representatives hereby congratulates

  2 21 AARP for 50 years of service to our state and our

  2 22 nation, and for championing the future of every

  2 23 generation.

  2 24 LSB 6559HH 82

  2 25 jr/rj/5

Latest news

Check out the latest drug prices: http://www.aarp.org/community/AARPIA/journals/Report_Brand_Name_Drug_Pr/54712?cn=STREAM_AARPIA_journals_large_PAGE1

Events calendar

Caring for Your Parents: March 11, 2008

AEA Conference Center, Cedar Falls

5:00 - 7:00 p.m.

RSVP: 1-877-926-8300

Caring for Your Parents: March 18, 2008

Urbandale Senior Center, Urbandale

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

RSVP: 1-877-926-8300

Caring for Your Parents: March 27, 2008

Western Iowa Tech Community College, Sioux City

6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

RSVP: 1-877-926-8300

AARP Report Finds Brand Name Drug Prices Continue to Soar

WASHINGTON – According to a report released today by AARP, pharmaceutical companies have substantially raised prices on 220 brand name prescription drugs most commonly used by people in Medicare Part D since the implementation of the drug benefit in 2006. 

AARP has studied drug prices since 2002 and reported the findings in a series of Watchdog reports.  Today’s report expands on the series by focusing its analysis on those brand prescription drugs most widely used by people enrolled in Medicare Part D. 

The Watchdog report, which was produced by AARP’s Public Policy Institute (PPI), found that prices of brand name drugs most commonly used by people in Medicare Part D rose by an average of 7.4 percent in 2007 – nearly two and a half times the rate of general inflation.  The report concludes that rising prices threaten consumers by increasing the likelihood of higher insurance premiums and the chance that people will fall into the Medicare coverage gap, and increasing the out-of-pocket expenses of those who find themselves in this “donut hole.”

“Medicare Part D is helping millions of people afford their prescription drugs, but as brand name drug costs continue to soar more needs to be done to keep drugs affordable,” said John Rother, AARP Director of Public Policy.  “The Medicare Part D benefit helps more people afford their prescription drugs.  But we must make greater progress in putting downward pressure on drug prices." 

The average treatment cost exploded from $80 per year per prescription in 2002, to $151 in 2007. A person who took three brand name prescriptions to treat a chronic condition over this period saw an increase in their yearly costs of more than $1,600 between 2002 and 2007.  The study found brand name drug prices increased far greater than general inflation since 2002, with dramatic spikes since 2006, the period when Medicare Part D was implemented.

“This report raises questions about why the pharmaceutical companies so dramatically increased the costs of popular brand name drugs at the same time Medicare began offering drug coverage,” added Rother.  “When pharmaceutical companies raise wholesale prices, consumers are ultimately stuck with the bill. 

“In the meantime, our elected leaders need to find sustainable solutions to the skyrocketing costs of drugs that are squeezing government programs like Medicare, employer-sponsored health plans, and individual consumers.”

AARP continues to fight to make prescription drugs more affordable for all Americans.  The organization supports federal legislation to allow the Food and Drug Administration to create a safe pathway for cost-effective generic biologics and advocates for removing barriers that delay the speedy introduction of lower costs generic drugs.  AARP supports legislation that would allow Americans to safely and legally import lower priced prescription drugs from other countries, as well as promoting evidence-based research. 

“These policies can help millions of Americans better afford their prescription drugs by increasing competition and putting downward pressure on prices,” concluded Rother. “Congress has options – now we need results.”

For the complete Watchdog report visit: http://www.aarp.org/research/health/drugs/rx_watchdog.html

Visit www.AARP.org to learn more about how you can make a difference.

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, 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.

30 – 30 – 30

• Alabama: Central High School
• Alaska: East Anchorage High School
• Arizona: Carl Hayden High School
• Arkansas: Northside High School
• California: Ulysses S. Grant Sr. High School
• Colorado: Rangeview High School
• Connecticut: Middletown High School
• Delaware: Seaford Senior High School
• District of Columbia: Choice Academy Senior High School
• Florida: Pompano Beach High School
• Georgia: Tri-Cities High School Visual and Performing Arts Magnet Program
• Hawaii: Kihei Charter School
• Idaho: Cascade Jr./Sr. High School
• Illinois: Lewistown Community High School
• Indiana: Seeger Jr./Sr. High School
• Iowa: Garner-Hayfield High School
• Kansas: Paola High School
• Kentucky: Bowling Green High School
• Louisiana: C. E. Byrd High School
• Maine: Carrabec High School
• Maryland: Eastern Technical High School
• Massachusetts: Community Academy
• Michigan: North Farmington High School
• Minnesota: St. Paul Central High School
• Mississippi: Columbia High School
• Missouri: North Callaway High School
• Montana: Broadwater High School
• Nebraska: Papillion-La Vista South Public High School
• Nevada: Ed W. Clark High School
• New Hampshire: Merrimack Valley High School
• New Jersey: SCESC Academic Alternative High School
• New Mexico: West Mesa High School
• New York: Middle Early College High School
• North Carolina: Jacksonville High School
• North Dakota: Kulm High School
• Ohio: North Olmsted High School
• Oklahoma: Indianola High School
• Oregon: Hermiston High School
• Pennsylvania: Norristown High School
• Rhode Island: Mt. Hope High School
• South Carolina: Hanna Westside Extension Campus
• South Dakota: Chester Area Cyber School
• Tennessee: Lenoir City High School
• Texas: Corsicana High School
• Utah: Milford High School
• Vermont: Montpelier High School
• Virgin Islands: St. Croix Educational Complex
• Virginia: Colonial Forge High School
• Washington: Wahluke High School
• West Virginia: George Washington High School
• Wisconsin: Dodgeland High School
• Wyoming: Wheatland High School

• Atlanta’s Alonso A. Crim Open Campus High School’s Family-Ties-Day-Care program, where children receive quality care as their student parents participate in programs to promote the development of leadership and life skills;
• Chicago’s Theodore Roosevelt High School’s Musical Theater Program, which brings together people of widely varying circumstances, ages, experiences and cultures as students collaborate to produce musicals for the community;
• Washington, D.C.’s McKinley Technology High School’s Project SWEEP (Solid Waste Education and Enforcement Program), which connects students with agencies to promote energy conservation and environmental protection through outreach efforts to educate citizens and businesses about recycling; 
• Houston’s Furr High School’s Intergenerational Interdependence – I to the Power of Two program, which prepares students for college and is extending its efforts to create a student volunteer corps that will address the needs of senior citizens in their community;
• Miami’s Young Men’s Academy for Academic and Civic Engagement at MacArthur South’s STARS (Seniors Teaming with At Risk Students) program, which engages disconnected students by teaching artistic skills and aiding the students in conducting learning workshops for elders in the community; and
• Philadelphia’s Central High School’s Power of Student Voices program, which helps connect citizens to the political process and has engaged policymakers across all levels of government.