In a new series of videos, older Americans and people from organizations that represent them speak honestly about how health care reform would impact seniors.

In today’s video, “Is Health Reform Going to Improve Care in Medicare,” [link to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aa8L4dq4rWo ] people in Medicare and the doctors and nurses who treat them talk about how health reform would lower drug costs for millions of seniors, improve quality of care, give them greater access to preventive care, and lower costs.

We need your help in spreading the word about these videos. Please forward them to family and friends who may be concerned about what health care reform means for them.

For more information about health reform and seniors, including information on sharing your health reform story and contacting legislators, visit the Seniors to Seniors coalition at www.seniorstoseniors.org .

In a new series of videos, older Americans and people from organizations that represent them speak honestly about how health care reform would impact seniors.

With the arrival of the novel H1N1 (“swine flu”), many people are understandably confused about how to protect themselves against the flu this year. AARP is working with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) to encourage older Americans to protect themselves and those in their care by getting vaccinated. 

AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond recently 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.”

For more information on AARP’s health care reform effort, please visit http://www.aarp.org/health/articles/health_reform_get_the_facts.html.

Play It Again . . . Read It Again . . . Play It Again

Gently Used Musical Instrument/Book/Sporting Equipment Collection Drive

Sponsored By:

AARP Michigan and Communities in Schools – Detroit

To Benefit:

Detroit Public Schoolchildren

October 19, 2009
3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Campus Martius Park – Cadillac Square – Downtown Detroit

AARP and Communities in Schools – Detroit are “creating the good” in Detroit by asking you to please donate your gently used musical instruments, books (used or new), and sporting equipment to benefit the children who attend Detroit Public Schools.

For more information about this collection drive, contact Andrea Palmer at 1-866-227-7448.

Fight Fraud – Shred Instead!

Bring those old documents that contain personal information to a FREE secure document shred event 

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing white-collar crimes in the United States.  That’s why AARP Michigan is inviting you to bring old documents containing your personal information to our community shredding event for secure shredding and disposal.

October 20, 2009
2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Meridian Senior Center
4000 Okemos Road
(corner of Bennett Road and Okemos Road – turn east onto Bennett Road from Okemos Road and follow it to the first driveway - that leads into the parking lot of the Meridian Senior Center).
Okemos, MI 48864

What materials should I bring to be shredded?

Bring all sensitive paperwork that includes account numbers, birthdates, passwords, PIN numbers, signatures and Social Security and driver’s license numbers.

Specific examples of documents to shred include:

Ø    Account numbers -- credit card statements, bank statements, canceled or unused checks, receipts, utility bills, tax documents, etc.

Ø    Birthdates -- school records and financial applications

Ø    Passwords and PIN numbers – bank and credit card records

Ø    Signatures – any forms or documents containing your signature, including canceled checks

Ø    Social Security numbers – financial applications, tax documents, job applications

Ø    Junk mail – credit offers, loan applications containing personal information, courtesy checks from credit cards

If you can, please offer a ride to a neighbor for this event and be sure to tell all of your family and friends about this very important opportunity.

For more information about this secure shredding event, contact Andrea Palmer at 1-866-227-7448.

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.

AARP Launches Latest Round of Health Care Reform Advertising

AARP Challenges Conventional Retirement Planning Wisdom

AARP Public Policy Institute Examines How to Make Your Nest Egg Last a Lifetime

 Washington, DC – As increasing numbers of Americans consider retirement, many are not only worried about saving enough, but how to make their savings last throughout retirement. Today, AARP releases two documents examining and challenging the rules of thumb when it comes to planning for retirement.

Today’s retirees face a market downturn, falling home values and diminishing retirement savings which forces many to answer tough questions like: When should I claim Social Security? Should I get an annuity? What should I do with my home or mortgage? The rules of thumb no longer apply.

“When most individuals think of retirement, they think about how to save enough money,” said Jean Setzfand, AARP Director of Financial Security. “We have not spent nearly enough time discussing the best ways to take that money and turn it into an income stream that lasts throughout retirement. Our tip sheet challenges conventional thinking and offers general guidance about how to make the best decision for you and your circumstances.”

The AARP tip sheet, “Money Matters: Spending Down Your Assets in Retirement” (link below) addresses key questions like the ones above regarding planning for retirement and walks individuals through key actions steps – including resources and general guidance depending on an individual’s situation.

“Conventional wisdom may not be right for everyone,” said Janet McCubbin, who heads economic research at AARP’s Public Policy Institute. “More and more retirees today have to manage their own assets—instead of just cashing a pension check—and that’s not easy. A look at what experts have discovered can serve as a practical guide.”

AARP today released a second report, “Making Your Nest Egg Last a Lifetime,” that takes a fresh look at common financial decisions in retirement planning. The report was written for AARP by Anthony Webb of the Center for Retirement Research at BostonCollege.

To find the Money Matters tip sheet visit http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/money/financial_pdfs/spend_down_retirement_2009.pdf or for more information about the AARP Public Policy Institute’s examination of retirement planning visit http://assets.aarp.org/rgcenter/ppi/econ-sec/i32.pdf.

For Grown Folks Only

If you were born between 1946 and 1964, it's time to have an important conversation about health, financial security and your aspirations for the future.

AARP believes that health and financial security are rights -- not privileges -- for all members of society regardless of age.  Our health affects our ability to maintain our finances, and our finances impact our ability to maintain our health.

Many Michigan residents are finding themselves in a situation where they need guidance on money management, assistance with filing taxes, someone to show them the public benefits that may be available to them or hands-on suppport to keep their budgets balanced every month.

Additionally, in today's economy, as we all know, money is tight, health care services are costly, and staying healthy is definitely a challenge for everyone.

You are invited to join Detroit-area AARP members for a FREE fun-filled evening of food, music, conversation and expert advice designed to help you embrace aging as a time to grow, learn and serve.

Join us from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on one of the following Thursday evenings that is convenient for you at:

Doubletree Hotel Fort/Shelby
525 West Lafayette Blvd.
Detroit, MI 48226
(free valet parking available)

September 17, 2009 - Finding Life Purpose at 50+
October 8, 2009 - Pathways to Health and Wellness
October 29, 2009 - Securing Your Financial Future
November 12, 2009 - AARP's Create The Good Initiative

Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early by calling 1-877-926-8300.