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Helena, Montana
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Helena, Montana
United States
Low Income Home Energy AssistaMy Journals (39)
Tool Helps Montana Members Apply for Benefits
Are you 50 or older, raising grandchildren or caring for an older relative? Trying to save money on prescription drugs, telephone bills, groceries, utilities, children’s health care or other items and services?
AARP Benefits QuickLINK helps you find and enroll in public and private benefits programs for older residents and families with children. This aid is especially vital in these tough economic times. You can identify and apply for benefits in just 15 minutes.
A state-specific page helps you find fact sheets and application forms for programs like Big Sky Rx that can help you pay for prescription drugs and other health-care costs, including patient assistance programs, and Montana Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs. In general, most company-sponsored patient assistance programs are designed for people with lower incomes (if single, annual income up to $22,000, or if married, annual income up to $30,000). However, each program has its own set of guidelines and should be contacted directly for eligibility determinations.
For more information, log onto www.aarp.org/quicklink.
Added: March 31, 2009
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AARP Montana fighting to protect consumers from abusive financial practices
Advocacy Effort Targets Payday Lending
This session, AARP Montana has teamed up with a coalition of organizations called “Cap the Rate” to limit permissible interest rates on payday loans to an annual percentage rate, or APR, of 36 percent. Currently, interest on payday loans averages more than 400 percent statewide. “Payday lending hurts the most vulnerable people in our society — those living paycheck to paycheck,” said Bob Bartholomew, AARP Montana state director. The coalition was formed after legislation on payday lending reforms stalled in the 2007 legislative session. A poll conducted by the coalition showed that 70 percent of state respondents are in favor of an interest cap. If you have been hurt by payday loans, or know of someone who has been, please call AARP Montana at 406-457-4716 or e-mail at mtaarp@aarp.org.
Check out AARP Montana's fact sheet on predatory lending:
assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/mt2009aarp_predatory_lending_factsheet.pdf
Check out background information on predatory lending:
assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/mt2009_predatory_lending_backgrounder.pdf
Added: February 5, 2009
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Added: December 23, 2008
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Added: December 23, 2008
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Preserving Funds for Home and Community Based services is a Win-Win for the State
State Legislature would be wise to leverage federal Medicaid dollars to boost state’s economy
By Bob Bartholomew, AARP Montana State Director
As Congress searches for ways to stimulate the economy at the state level, boosting federal Medicaid funding should be at the top of the list. And the state legislature would be wise to follow suit by preserving the funding for the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services outlined in the Governor’s budget. Preserving these funds is a win-win for the state.
Montana is aging at a faster rate than most other states - in fact, it’s one of the fastest-aging states in the nation. Overwhelmingly, most residents want to age in place, ideally in their own homes.
A recent survey of AARP members in Montana showed that 70 percent of respondents ranked remaining in their homes as a top concern, and 75 percent said that helping people age in place should be a top legislative priority.
The findings reflect the struggle of many Montanans to find care they can afford in the setting of their choice. Medicaid will pay for nursing home care right away, but those seeking alternatives have to get in line: more than 400 residents are currently waiting for home and community- based services. Some can expect to wait for almost a year.
According to an AARP report released in July, Montana allocates 75 percent of its Medicaid long-term care funding to nursing homes, despite a decrease in the number of residents in such facilities and the much higher cost of providing care in an institutional setting. More state dollars allocated to home and community-based care would provide more choices in our state’s long term care system and help meet our citizens’ demand for these services.
In addition to providing valuable services to our seniors, Medicaid is a powerful economic force in our state. Leading economists and researchers agree that Medicaid cuts harm the economy, and that increased Medicaid funding boosts local economies and can help prevent our economic crisis from getting worse. That’s because for every dollar Montana cuts in Medicaid funding, the state loses $2.13 in federal matching funds.
The eight percent increase in Medicaid funding to states proposed by Congressional leaders (H.R. 7110), would generate $87,838,056.00 for Montana. That money then flows through the economy, providing jobs, generating tax revenue for both state and local governments and essentially ends up in the pockets of Montanans.
We believe providing health security for Montanans through the Medicaid Home and Community Based Services program is exactly the kind of economic stimulus America needs in this time of crisis.
The state legislature would be wise to leverage any additional federal Medicaid funds as a way to boost Montana’s economy. At the very least, the Montana legislature should begin to address the growing demand for Home and Community Based Services -- as the Governor has -- by preserving funding for this program in the state’s budget proposal.
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Added: December 23, 2008
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T.R. Reid, Renowned International Healthcare Expert To Speak In Helena
AARP hosts the Montana Healthcare Forum aimed at reform; Divided We Fail effort focuses on national crisis, possible solutions
Helena, Mont., Nov. 17, 2008 – With healthcare reform on the forefront of the national debate throughout the past year, Helena, Montana is in prime position to hear from the experts on this critical issue. International healthcare expert T.R. Reid will headline the 2008 Montana Healthcare Forum. In its second year, the Montana Healthcare Forum is sponsored by AARP as part of its national Divided We Fail effort. AARP is working together with a broad and diverse coalition of stakeholders to sponsor the forum aimed at addressing the healthcare crisis in Montana. The forum takes place on Nov. 20 and 21 at the Great Northern Hotel in Helena.
As a national print and broadcast journalist, Reid has become one of America’s most influential healthcare experts through his thoughtful analysis of global healthcare issues.
Reid is a veteran foreign correspondent for The Washington Post, a commentator for National Public Radio and the author of nine books. He is currently working on his 10th book, entitled We’re Number 37!, in which he compares America’s health care system to others around the world. Through his extensive body of work, T.R. Reid has helped frame the national debate on healthcare reform in the United States.
Reid collaborated with the PBS Frontline series, “Sick Around The World,” to study how five other capitalist democracies (the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, Taiwan, and Switzerland) deliver health care.
The documentary explores the challenge that industrialized countries face in stemming the rising cost of healthcare which is driven by new medical technologies and an aging population. Reid investigates how countries around the world address these issues – and how their health systems evolved to what they have today– this may be instructive as President–elect Obama and Congress tackle changes to the U.S. health system.
“This extraordinary election season has reached an historic conclusion and through Divided We Fail, we were able to elevate the issues of healthcare and financial security to the top of the national agenda.” said Bob Bartholomew, AARP Montana State Director. “But now our challenge is to turn all the talk and campaign promises into concrete action. Working together with healthcare stakeholders throughout Montana, our goal is to develop and enact real solutions.”
In addition to sponsoring the Montana Healthcare Forum, the coalition has collaborated to develop a series of recommendations for improving the state’s healthcare systems.
Other speakers at the Montana Healthcare Forum include Elizabeth Fowler, Senior Counsel to the Chair and Chief Health Counsel with the U.S. Senate Finance Committee; Jeffrey Harris, Director of the University of Washington’s Health Promotion Research Center; John Sawyer, Director of Federal Affairs at the National Association of Community Health Centers; Mike Capizzi, Health Care Initiatives Manager with Bridges to Excellence; John Bohlinger, Lt. Governor of Montana and Monica Lindeen, Montana State Auditor-elect.
Individual interviews with speakers may be arranged by calling Stacia Dahl with AARP at 406-457-4704. For more information about the Montana Healthcare Forum agenda or registration log onto www.montanahealthcareforum.com.
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Media Contacts:
Stacia Dahl
Associate State Director – Communications
AARP Montana
406-457-4704
Added: November 18, 2008
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DON'T GET SCAMMED -- LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF; CONSUMER FRAUD SEMINAR IN BUTTE WILL TEACH MONTANANS HOW
AARP and Host of Experts Offer Free Seminar On Spotting Scams, Avoiding Fraud
WHAT: AARP and a host of experts from the FTC, SSA, and several State of Montana agencies will present a free Consumer Fraud Seminar in Butte on Wednesday, November 12 to educate the public about fraud and scams affecting Montanans. Topics covered will include identity theft, internet & telemarketing fraud, health care fraud, investment fraud, predatory lending, auto and home scams and lottery scams.
This comprehensive look at current scams, schemes and consumer frauds takes place from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and includes a free lunch and materials. However, you must register to attend, as space is limited. Please call 1-877-926-8300 to register or for more information.
The seminar is being held at the War Bonnet Hotel in Butte and is free and open to the public.
The seminar is being held at the War Bonnet Hotel in Butte and is free and open to the public.
WHO: AARP
Office of the Montana State Auditor
Office of the Montana Attorney General
Officials from:
Montana State Lottery
Montana State Office of Banking and Financial Institutions
Montana Dept. of Health & Human Services/Legal Services
Montana Senior Medicare Patrol
Federal Trade Commission
Social Security Administration
WHERE: War Bonnet Hotel
2100 Cornell Avenue
Butte , Montana
WHEN: Wednesday, November 12
9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Due to limited seating, please call toll-free to register at 1-877-926-8300.
Added: September 26, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 17, 2008
Contact: Stacia Dahl
(406) 457-4704
AARP Montana Recognizes Del
Lonnquist for his Dedication and Commitment to Volunteerism with
its Most Prestigious Volunteer Award for Community Service
Helena
, Montana – Del Lonnquist has been selected by AARP, the
nonprofit membership organization for people 50 and over, to receive
Montana’s 2008 AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, the
Association’s most prestigious and visible volunteer award for
community service. This award symbolizes that individuals have
the power and ability to make a difference in the lives of others.
AARP Montana selected Del
Lonnquist for his remarkable service and for the impact he has had on
the lives of others and on his community. Del Lonnquist has been
a volunteer for the Montana State Office of AARP since its creation in
2001. He has served on the Executive Council (2001 – 2005)
and has served on the Capital City Task Force through four legislative
sessions – being seen in the halls of the Capitol nearly every
day of the session. He began the Montana Walking Program in 2005
and has since connected with 3467 walkers in nearly 90 events across
Montana. During the 2007 legislative session, Del not only
testified in hearings and lobbied legislators, he also continued the
Walking Program. Del was the lead volunteer for Montana’s
50th Anniversary and worked with AARP’s Associate
State Director for Community Outreach to select the Andrus Legacy
award winner. As an accomplished musician, Del and his wife Lois
have taken their music to seniors in nursing homes and other venues
over the years.
The AARP Andrus Award for
Community Service recognizes members and volunteers who, through
volunteer service, are significantly enhancing the lives of
individuals age 50 and over. The award was formally presented to
Lonnquist at a ceremony in Helena last night.
“This award serves as a
symbol to members and the public that we can all work together for
positive social change,” says Bob Bartholomew, State Director of
AARP in Montana. “AARP has long valued the spirit of
volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to
their communities, neighbors, and the programs they
serve. It’s a pleasure to present this award to Del
Lonnquist, a man who has given of himself to make an important
difference in the lives of others.”
Recipients across the nation
were chosen for their ability to enhance the lives of AARP members and
prospective members, improve the community in or for which the work
was performed, and inspire others to volunteer.
# # #
About 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, the definitive voice for
50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over
33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's
nearly 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.
Added: September 17, 2008
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Background about AARP Chapters:
AARP has 2,100 independently
incorporated Chapters whose members serve the needs of local
communities across the nation. AARP chapters are nonprofit,
nonpartisan, tax-exempt organizations for national AARP members.
Formally organized through the Association, chapters have played a
unique and vital role in AARP’s success since 1960.
AARP chapters often provide a local
face – and heart – for the Association. Chapters are a
strategic link between members, communities and AARP programs and
services, offering members a variety of community service,
education, advocacy, leadership, and fellowship opportunities.
Chapter service activities range from support of Association
programs, like AARP Driver Safety and the annual Day of Service, to
local mentoring and tutoring, food and clothing drives, friendly
visits and much, much more. Chapter members often work hand-in-hand
with groups such as Habitat for Humanity, Ronald McDonald House and
Meals on Wheels.
What is an AARP chapter?
An AARP
chapter is a group of national AARP members who formally organize
through the Association. They are non-government, non-partisan,
non-profit community service organizations that are open to all
local AARP members.
Why join an AARP
chapter?
When you
join one of the active AARP chapters in Montana, you can use your
experience, expertise, talent and creativity to make your local
community a better place to live. You can also make new friends with
people who share your tastes and interests.
What does it cost?
A minimal
yearly fee is charged to help run the business of the chapter. Some
chapters have money-raising activities to help support local senior
projects, provide scholarships for students, or donate money to the
AARP Andrus Foundation that works to enhance the lives of older
persons by expanding our understanding of aging.
In Montana,
not every community has a chapter. There are currently Chapters
in Condon, Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Miles City. For
information about an AARP chapter near you, call: 1-888-OUR-AARP
(1-888-687-2277). Learn more about local chapter events at the AARP
Montana website www.aarp.org/mt
Added: September 15, 2008
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FOR IMMEDIATE
RELEASE
Contact:
Stacia Dahl
September 11,
2008
(406) 457-4704
AARP Montana Announces New
Associate State Director
of Communications
Helena
, Montana
– Today, Bob Bartholomew,
State Director of AARP in Montana announced Stacia Dahl as
AARP’s new Associate State Director of Communications.
“Stacia comes to our office
with an extensive communications background, including both media
relations and public relations experience,” said
Bartholomew. “I am thrilled that she has joined our
staff and I look forward to working with her.”
As the former Communications
Director for the Montana State Auditor’s Office, Dahl had the
opportunity to work on many issues of interest and importance to
AARP including health care, Medicare, consumer protection, insurance
and securities. Prior to that she was the Regional Manager of
Media Relations for Qwest where she directed a team of
communications professionals that managed the media operations for
six states in Qwest’s 14-state service area. Before
joining Qwest, she served as a Field Representative to U.S. Senator
Max Baucus, specializing in health care, taxation, Medicare and
Medicaid issues.
“I’m honored to join
the AARP team in this role,” said Dahl. “I’m
excited to work with Bob Bartholomew and his first-rate team of
associates and volunteers on the many critical issues facing
Montana’s AARP members.”
Dahl will manage AARP’s
communications initiatives in Montana including media relations and
member communications and will assist in implementing initiatives
and campaigns in the state. Dahl assumed her new post this week
and replaces Pat Callbeck-Harper who was hired as a project manager
for the United Methodist Council of Bishops.
# # #
About 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, the definitive voice for
50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over
33 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's
nearly 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.
Added: September 12, 2008
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Views: 220 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
