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AARP Presses Lawmakers to Support Long Term Care

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2009

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AARP Presses Lawmakers to Support Long Term Care

Class Act provisions would make long-term care more accessible for Americans

WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement on the Association’s support of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act provisions included in the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee’s health reform bill:

“Each year, more American families struggle with the staggering cost of long-term care. The long-term care provisions in the HELP bill taken from Chairman Kennedy’s CLASS Act make up an important part of reforming our broken health care system and putting more people on track to get the health and long-term care they need throughout their lives. At the same time, these important provisions could take some of the burden off of struggling Medicaid programs.

“Combined with private insurance, personal savings, other public programs and care from friends and loved ones, the CLASS Act provisions will help offer peace of mind to American families and help them pay for the services and supports they need to live independently.

“We look forward to working with Chairman Kennedy and his colleagues to include the HELP committee CLASS Act provisions in any final comprehensive health care reform legislation this year.”

Today, AARP sent a letter to members of the Senate HELP Committee urging them to support the CLASS Act provisions as a part of comprehensive health care reform. For a copy of the letter, please contact AARP Media Relations at the number above.

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

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 35.5 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: July 7, 2009
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US Rep. Martin Heinrich to Conduct Town Hall for Seniors

Join U.S. Rep. Martin Heinrich for a Seniors Town Hall Thursday, July 2, at the Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center, 501 Elizabeth SE, in Albuquerque, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Congressman Heinrich plans to discuss issues facing New Mexico Seniors and their families including Medicare, Healthcare, and Social Security , among others and he encourages people to bring up their own concers no matter how big or small.

Representatives from AARP New Mexico, the Social Security Administration, the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, the city of Albuquerque Senior Affairs Department and the National Committee to Preserve Medicare and Social Security will also be part of the discussion and on hand to answer questions.

For more information contact Beth Velasquez at AARP New Mexico at 1-866-389-5636 or Congressman Heinrich's office at 505-346-6781.

Added: June 24, 2009
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AARP Names Six Priorities in Health Care Reform

By Leo Garza, Chairman, AARP New Mexico State Legislative Council

While AARP is encouraged by the meeting between President Obama and several healthcare stakeholders and their promise to cut health care costs by $2 trillion over the next 10 years, it is obvious that more will have to be done to reduce costs in order to successfully reform health care.

The current health system costs too much, wastes too much, makes too many mistakes and too often returns little value for our money. Access to affordable coverage is increasingly difficult – especially for those people ages 50 to 64, who are among the fastest growing groups of uninsured.

In New Mexico there are more than 83,000 people ages 50 to 64 – almost one out of every four New Mexicans in this age group –who do not have health insurance.

Even those with Medicare are struggling to keep up with rapidly rising premiums and out-of -pocket costs. The recently released Trustee’s report on Medicare’s solvency only increases the urgency to reform health care now.

For many people, the biggest road block to health care is cost. By rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in Medicare, we can improve the health of the people in the program; improve access to quality care; and save billions of dollars.

Improving Medicare also means cutting subsidies to private Medicare Advantage plans, improving the coordination of care in both public programs and private plans, and creating a transition benefit to help people return safely home after being hospitalized.

As the debate on the best way to reform health care continues AARP will seek six specific items be included in any proposed legislation. Those critical priorities are:

1) Guaranteeing affordable coverage options for Americans ages 50-64;

2) Closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap or “doughnut hole”;

3) Creating a Medicare transition benefit to help people safely return to their homes after a hospital stay and prevent costly hospital readmissions;

4) Increasing federal funding and eligibility for home and community based services through Medicaid so older Americans can remain in their homes and avoid more costly institutions as they age;

5) Creating a pathway for the approval of generic versions of biologic drugs to reduce the price of these costly treatments; and

6) Improving the Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy (LIS) so more Americans can afford the health care and prescription drugs they need.

AARP New Mexico volunteers will be visiting the state’s Congressional Delegation over the next few weeks calling on them to include the above priorities as health care reform legislation is drafted. We will also ask our members to lend their voices to this effort, letting their representatives in Washington know how important reducing health care costs and improving quality care is to them. For more information on AARP’s efforts on health care reform, go to www.healthactionnow.org.

Added: June 12, 2009
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AARP to Conduct Free Workforce Webinar for People Seeking Work

Have you recently lost your job or under current economic times find yourself wanting to return to work? AARP has resources that can help get your job search off on the right track.

AARP will conduct a free workforce webinar June 11 from 12 p.m. to 1 pm. The webinar – titled “Navigating Your Way Through Job Loss” – helps people age 45 and over who have experienced job loss create an effective job search strategy; manage their job hunt, finances and health; connect with others to get needed support, and cope with the ups and downs of unemployment.

The webinar is open to anyone 45-plus; AARP membership is not required. Interested persons can register for this online event at www.aarp.org/jobloss . Additional job loss resources for mature workers can also be found at www.aarp.org/realrelief .

Added: June 3, 2009
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Resource Fair for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren April 25

More than half of all grandparents in Bernalillo County are responsible for caring for their grandchildren according to data collected by the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Taking on the role of a primary care-giver for a child, especially later in life can be very overwhelming,” said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director. “But there is help available through a variety of programs. We want to put information and tools in grandparents’, or other caregiver’s, hands to make their job a little easier.”

AARP New Mexico and Outcomes Inc. are a joining a number of community organizations to conduct a free resource fair for grandparents raising grandchildren. The event is set for Saturday, April 25^th, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church, at 5415 Fortuna Road NW, in Albuquerque. Free childcare will be provided.

The forum will include booths with a number of service providers on hand to answer caregiver’s questions on a one on one basis across a multitude of areas.

Main topics will be legal issues and cover areas such as guardianship, visitation rights and medial power of attorney; financial assistance, such as Social Security benefits and fraud protection; public benefits, such as obtaining food stamps, health care coverage and free prescription assistance; and family issues, such as behavioral challenges and navigating the school system.

The event is free and open to all grandparents raising grandchildren or other kinship caregivers.

Other sponsors include the New Mexico Aging and Long-Term Services Department, Pegasus Legal Services for Children, the Senior Citizen Law Office, the New Mexico Financial Literacy Project, YDI, and the Albuquerque Area Agency on Aging. For more information call toll-free 1-866-389-5636 and ask for Stan Cooper or Beth Velasquez.

Added: April 8, 2009
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House Joins Senate in Passing National Service Legsilation

NM Congressional Delegation Votes Unanimously In Favor of Bill

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

Santa Fe – AARP today applauded the House in joining the Senate in passing the Edward M Kennedy Serve America Act — a bill that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Designated as a “key vote” by AARP on behalf of its 40 million members, each senator’s vote is posted on AARP’s Government Watch site: www.aarp.org/governmentwatch so individuals across the nation can see how their legislators voted on this important bill.

“In a survey conducted for AARP last year, millions of boomers and older Americans said that in the next five years, they want to increase their volunteer service to improve their communities,” said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director.

“AARP members stand ready to give, and offer a lifetime of acquired skills to meet a range of community needs. The Serve America Act will help provide the additional service opportunities people age 50 plus are looking for,” Cooper said.

“We commend Senators Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall as well as Congressmen Martin Heinrich, Ben Lujan and Harry Teague for supporting this measure,” he said.

Below is the key vote summary of how New Mexico’selected officials voted on the Serve America Act, which can also be found at www.aarp.org/governmentwatch:

Elected Official	VOTED YES TO PASS SERVE AMERICA ACT	VOTED NO ON SERVE AMERICA ACT
Sen. Jeff Bingaman	X
Sen. Tom Udall	X
Rep. Martin Heinrich	X
Rep. Harry Teague	X
Rep. Ben Lujan	X

A recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to Senate leadership outlines the most important issues for older Americans in this legislation:

This legislation will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities to include social services, environment, health, caregiving, nurturing, mentoring, intergenerational solutions, education, economic development and community development.

AARP is pleased that the bill will improve service opportunities for persons age 50+ so that they can apply a lifetime of acquired skills to help remedy a range of identified service needs. AARP encourages expanding volunteer service for older persons by allowing older volunteers to occupy important decision-making roles.

We are also supportive of the 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.

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 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: March 31, 2009
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Consumers to Benefit from Legislative Session's Successes

AARP New Mexico volunteers tracked over 150 bills as they made their way through the 2009 New Mexico State Legislative Session, testifying at numerous committee hearings and discussing AARP’s position on legislation directly with law makers. Here are a few AARP supported bills that made it through both houses and now await Gov. Bill Richardson’s signature. The governor has until April 9^th to sign legislation.

SB342, the Mortgage Loan Originator Act: sponsored by Sen. Phil Griego, passed both houses unanimously. The bill modifies the Home Loan Protection Act, which was enacted in 2004 to prohibit predatory mortgage practices in the state and is largely credited for keeping New Mexico’s foreclosure rate among some of the lowest in the country.

The new bill requires individuals making residential home loans to be licensed on an annual basis. The license would be issued by the National Mortgage Licensing System and Registry. The bill does allow for certain exceptions on the licensure. It also seeks to strengthen certain consumer protections on subprime loans. The Mortgage Loan Originator Act also protects borrowers and places limitations on the provisions of home loans and authorized fees.

SB468, Propane Dealer Regulations: sponsored by Sen. Phil Griego. The bill requires the Public Regulation Commission to protect consumer rights with respect to propane services.

HB 161 Powers of Guardians Clarified: sponsored by Rep. Bill O’Neill. The bill clarifies and provides consistency throughout state statutes that authorize guardians to act on behalf of protected persons. The bill also strengthens protections for individuals under a guardian’s care.

HB488, Title Insurance Regulation: sponsored by Speaker of the House Rep. Ben Lujan. Authorizes the Superintendent of Insurance to set the maximum fees for services that may be charged by insurers and agents with respect to residential properties, prohibit inducements for the referral of title insurance business, expand policy coverage, provide for damages for negligent title searches and prescribe procedures for setting maximum premium rates and fees. Allows consumers to shop for title insurance in a more competitive manner.

House Bill 279, Expands Identity Theft Laws: sponsored by Rep. Thomas A. Anderson. The bill expands current laws on identity theft providing more victim protections and sets a five-year statute of limitations from the date of discovery.

Senate Bill 408, Hospital Acquired Infections: sponsored by Sen. Dede Feldman. The bill establishes an advisory committee through the Department of Health to conduct the surveillance of hospital-acquired infections.

Senate Bill 278, Electronic Medical Records Act: sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth.The bill provides for the use, disclosure, retention and protection of electronic medical records.

Senate Bill 129, Pharmacies Required to Provide Current Retail Prices: sponsored by Sen. Peter Wirth. The bill requires pharmacies to maintain and provide current retail price information -- the cash price to a consumer who does not have insurance – for any dosage or quantity upon request by a consumer or the Attorney General’s Office.

Added: March 25, 2009
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AARP Launches Toll-Free Hotline for DTV Transistion Questions

Santa Fe – As of Feb. 17th, many Americans may find that some of their TV stations are no longer available as they undergo the switch from analog to digital signals. AARP continues to educate older Americans and their families about the steps they must take to prepare for the transition, and now is operating a national DTV call center individuals may call for personal assistance.

“AARP is committed to providing important information to our members and their families to make this transition as easy and affordable as possible,” said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director . “For some people, television is a very important tool for staying in touch with the outside world, particularly in the areas of weather and news. The helpline will assist people so that they can make the change to digital TV without an interruption in service.”

Although Congress recently passed a delay in the switchover, moving it back from February to June 12^th, many stations across the country are moving ahead with the switchover as originally planned. So far in New Mexico the only channel to move to digital is KOBF Channel 12 in Farmington, an affiliate of KOB TV in Albuquerque. The remaining stations will wait until June 12^th to make the switch.

Through a contract from the Federal Communications Commission, AARP is 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 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.
Spanish-language operators are available as well.
The national DTV call center will be in operation through March 31, 2009.

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

Added: February 18, 2009
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AARP New Mexico Key Legislation

AARP New Mexico recognizes that the 2009 State Legislature is facing major challenges for balancing the state budgets for current and next state fiscal years. A priority for AARP is to maintain those services and programs that:

· Allow older individuals to remain independent and in the community, such programs through the aging network, Medicaid funded long-term care services, public transportation and energy assistance

· provide health care services and insurance coverage through Medicaid and other programs

In addition AARP is supporting several pieces of legislation that enhance existing services, improve access to health care, protect consumers or protect New Mexico’s resources. These include:

House Bill 409 (Salazar) – Requests $8.2 million in new Funds for senior citizen programs – AARP supports only if current funding levels for senior programs and Medicaid are maintained.

House Bill 260 (Sandoval) – Seeks $3 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and $9 million for home weatherization assistance for the next 2 fiscal years.

House Bill 151 (Park) and Senate Bill 140 (Feldman). The State Ethics Commission Act would create the State Ethics Commission to investigate violations by state employees and officials in all branches of government, government contractors and lobbyists.

Senate Bill 278 (Wirth) – The Electronic Medical Records Act defines the way electronic medical records should be used, retained and protected. This will open the door to faster medical care, access to comprehensive medical care, and improved communications between providers and between providers and patients.

Senate Bill 99 (Feldman) – Health Care Disclosure Act requiring an annual report by a variety of health related manufacturers on gifts to physicians, hospitals, etc. This bill would provide the public with information about the amounts and types of gifts provided, discouraging undue influence over medical providers.

Senate Bill 295 (Feldman) – Requires the licensing of all individuals operating as pharmacy benefit managers. This would result in increased training, clear requirements for such individuals, and improved accountability and quality of service.

House Bill 512 (Trujillo), Senate Bill 468 (Griego) and Senate Bill 493 (Lovejoy) – Create a Propane Advisory Committee to deal with customer complaints, information disclosure and address violations. They also seek to regulate propane prices and services.

House Bill 19 (Stewart) – Gives the State Engineer jurisdiction over non-potable aquifers deeper than 2,500 ft. This allows greater control to protect potable water.

Senate Bill 331 (Wirth) – Requires loan making businesses to be licensed and tightens and imposes new requirements for installment and small loans to protect consumers.

Added: February 11, 2009
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Exemplary Volunteers Named to AARP New Mexico Hall of Fame

AARP New Mexico inducted four individuals to its Hall of Fame during its annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet held Nov. 18^th at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Albuquerque. To be named to the Hall of Fame, an individual must have shown exemplary leadership and have had a lasting impact on AARP.

“This year’s inductees are no exception and although most have served as AARP volunteers in one aspect or another, several have lent their talents to other organizations as well,” said Stan Cooper, AARP New Mexico State Director. “The achievements of these individuals, both inside and outside of AARP, are truly exceptional.”

The inductees include:

Abe Peña, of Grants, served on the AARP Board of Directors from 1996 to 1998. He also chaired the State Legislative Committee from 1991 through 1992 and was then appointed to the AARP National Legislative Council, which advises the Board of Directors on public policy decisions. Peña also served on the national Volunteer Leadership Advisory Committee and the Convention Program and Rules Committee.

He also spent 13 years in the Foreign Service, first as Country Director of the Peace Corps in Costa Rica and Honduras and later as Mission Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Paraguay and Bolivia. He was the recipient of several awards including a Fulbright Scholarship to University of New South Wales in Australia, Honorary Doctor of Law Degree, and an Outstanding Alumnus Award from New Mexico State University.

Jose Gandert, of Santa Fe, was an AARP volunteer for 18 years. He served on the AARP New Mexico State Legislative Committee for four years, two of those as chairman. During that time, the committee helped establish the Health Policy Commission, designed as an independent source to collect data on health care and health systems in the state, and a health information system. Gandert also served on the AARP National Legislative Council from 1996 to 2002.

He retired from the University of New Mexico in 1985. During his tenure at UNM, he worked three years in Ecuador and two in Bolivia as Director of the Cultural Awareness Bilingual Assistance Center. Gandert taught mathematics at Española High School for seven years as was with National Education Association New Mexico for eleven years where he was Assistant Executive Director. He remains active with the New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees.

Olivama Martinez, of Española, currently serves as chair of the Española Valley Association of Educational Retirees and has been a long time member of the AARP State Legislative Committee where she has served as an officer and secretary. Martinez has been a member of the AARP Capital City Task Force where she aids in AARP’s advocacy efforts with special emphasis on education issues. She is also active with the New Mexico Association of Educational Retirees.

Martinez was instrumental in helping retired educators obtain an annual cost of living adjustment, which was approved by the New Mexico Legislature in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.

She received a Bachelor’s of Arts in English, Mathematics, Business Education and Psychology; a Masters in Administration and Reading from New Mexico Highlands University. Martinez was the first Hispanic to earn a Master’s degree in Library Science from the University of Denver.

John Aquino of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo has been an AARP Volunteer for almost 20 years and continues in that role today. He has served on AARP New Mexico’s Capital City Task Force, chairing the Health Issues Team, and the SAGE, now the State Legislative Committee. Aquino is a leading advocate for senior citizen programs, Medicaid, caregiving and Indian Health services, has been a very effective lobbyist who has become well-known to legislators throughout the state.

He has been a gubernatorial appointee, under five different governors, to the New Mexico Aging and Long Term Services Department Policy Advisory Council. He has been president of the New Mexico Indian Council on Aging, has served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging and has chaired the Eight Northern Pueblo Senior Citizens Program.

(See photos of inductees in Hall of Fame photo album)

Added: December 2, 2008
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