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AARP Announces Specific Goals for Health Reform

Members receive first look at Association’s plans to bring affordable health care choices to every American on AARP.org

WASHINGTON—AARP today announced six specific elements that must be part of health reform, including closing the Medicare Part D coverage gap and ensuring 50- to 64-year-olds have access to affordable health care choices. AARP members and activists were the first to learn about the announcement when the organization posted its goals on its Government Watch website this morning.

“The next few weeks will be an all-out blitz for health reform,” said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. “As leaders on Capitol Hill hammer out the details of their legislation, we want to make sure they include the priorities that we’re hearing from our members. Any final package must include these critical issues.”

AARP’s health reform campaign will focus on six critical priorities:

1) Guaranteeing access to affordable coverage for Americans age 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.

Tomorrow, AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen will participate in the Senate Finance Committee’s roundtable on health coverage. Four AARP members from states represented by members of the Senate Finance Committee will visit Capitol Hill to discuss with their Senators the struggle of getting and affording health insurance, particularly for people 50 to 64. AARP will also be distributing to the entire Congress booklets of its members’ personal stories—real life experiences that put a human face on why their priorities should be included in any health care reform legislation.

Beginning today, AARP is launching a month-long television and print advertising campaign. The ads use personal stories to communicate the priorities of AARP members to lawmakers in Washington. The campaign will include full-page ads in the Capitol Hill publications CongressDaily, The Hill, Politico and Roll Call, as well as television ads on Face the Nation, Fox News Sunday, Meet the Press and This Week.

AARP will also leverage the power of its state offices across the country over the coming weeks, with events to build support behind comprehensive health reform. Among the events, AARP New York will co-host a health fair to highlight the need for health reform, including coverage for people 50 to 64. Reps. Jason Altmire and Kathy Dahlkemper will join the AARP Pennsylvania office for a town hall meeting, and Rep. Frank Pallone will host a tele-town hall meeting to discuss health reform with New Jersey AARP members.

LeaMond added: “Whether it’s on Capitol Hill, in their district offices or in the media, our lawmakers will hear from AARP this month. We’ve been working for more than two years to set the stage and the time for health reform is now. We’re excited about the work happening in Washington to address the needs of older Americans as a part of comprehensive health reform.”

For details on AARP’s health reform campaign, visit www.aarp.org/makeadifference/advocacy/GovernmentWatch/HealthCare/.

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.

Added: May 12, 2009
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Living With Alzheimer's

http://www.aarp.org/family/caregiving/articles/hbo_alzheimers_video1.html

A new, four-part series on HBO, THE ALZHEIMER'S PROJECT, documents familes coping with the disease and focuses on groundbreaking scientific research. Studies show that more than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and the number could grow to 11 million by 2040.

Added: May 12, 2009
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Health Care Reform -- What is at Stake for 50 to 64 Year-Olds

Nature of the Issue

Health care reform offers the opportunity to help reduce the financial and health risks currently faced by millions of adults ages 50 to 64.

In 2007, nearly 55 million adults were in their 50s and early 60s. The aging of the baby boomers will push the size of this age group to nearly 63 million, more than 19 percent of the population, by 2015.

The rising cost of health care has made access to adequate, affordable health care coverage problematic for many in this age group. Without sufficient coverage and treatment, they face the prospect of declining health and insufficient care—and these consequences will follow many of them into Medicare.

To address the needs of older adults, health care reforms must focus on challenges that have only been heightened by the current economic crisis.

· One in four older adults spent 10 percent or more of disposable family income on health care in 2005, compared with one in six adults ages 18 to 49. Out of pocket spending of 10 percent is roughly double what those with employer coverage spend on health.

· Two-thirds of those buying coverage in the individual market spent at least 10 percent of their disposable family income on health. Their average spending on premiums was three times that of their peers with employer coverage.

· Medicaid and Medicare provide important coverage to 13 percent of this age group, but even with public coverage, spending for some was high. 38 percent of those with public insurance still spent at least 10 percent of their income mainly for health care.

· 7.1 million adults ages 50–64 were uninsured in 2007—1.9 million more than in 2000.

Impact on 50+ Americans

For older adults having adequate and affordable coverage is central to their health and financial security. Getting access to such coverage is important for those without it and maintaining access to adequate coverage that provides adequate financial protection is important for those currently covered. Too much exposure to cost can lead people to forgo needed health care, which can affect their health and raise Medicare spending.

AARP’s Position

AARP want reforms that assure everyone has access to adequate and affordable health coverage, including adults ages 50 to 64.

To successfully respond to the cost and coverage problems faced by adults in their 50s and early 60s, reforms will need to:

· Address the cost burden so that health spending is manageable and does not threaten older adults’ current and future financial security

· Find workable solutions so that everyone, regardless of age and health status, has access to affordable and comprehensive coverage

More specifically, reforms need to address the following concerns:

· Access to coverage for those not covered through an employer

· Cost and access barriers that adults in their 50s and early 60s face in the private individual market

· Absence of a backstop for many who cannot obtain or afford private coverage

Reforms that rely on the private market need to ensure that

· Markets make good, comprehensive coverage available at premiums affordable to everyone, regardless of age or health status

· Subsidies intended for use in the private market reflect the realities of market pricing and the higher costs faced by adults who are older and adults who have health problems.

Likewise, reforms that look to public programs to improve access to coverage need to take the financial situation of the target populations into account in their design, so that

· Any premium and cost-sharing obligations are not barriers to participation and wise use of care.

Policies that fail to take current realities into account will continue to impose a larger cost burden on those older adults with modest incomes and those who need regular health care.

Added: May 7, 2009
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Free Seminar on Advance Directives and End of Life Plan

May 14 7:00PM - 8:30PM

at Temple Sinai, 9001 Hillpointe Road, Las Vegas, NV, 89134

May 21at Adult Day Care Center of Henderson, 1201 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002

OPEN TO PUBLIC ~ NO FEE TO ATTEND ~ PLEASE JOIN US!

One FREE CEU for social workers and nurses.

RSVP: Kelly Campbell-Kiser (702)870-6060 at Kelly@BolickBoyer.com

Presenter: Kim Boyer, Certified Elder Law Attorney

Ms. Boyer is a partner at the law firm of Bolick & Boyer, and she is certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the A.B.A. approved National Elder Law Foundation and is an accredited VA Attorney. She practices in the areas of elder law, estate planning, guardianships and probates.

At the conclusion of the workshops participants will be able to:

· List the types of advance directives.

· Define when advance directives go into effect.

· Define what law requires healthcare providers to do regarding advance directives.

· Discuss how Advance Directives are enforced.

· Discuss who may make decisions when there are no advance directives.

· Understand when a guardianship is appropriate.

· List 3 types of legal documents for end of life planning.

· Understand how to develop a health care plan for end of life.

Added: May 5, 2009
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Swine Flu & Seasonal Influenza

NOTE: Medical and technical questions regarding swine flu should be referred to the Centers for Disease Control media relations office at (404) 639-3286.

AARP urges anyone with flu-like symptoms—including fever, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea—to contact their health professional to find out if they should be tested or treated for seasonal influenza or swine flu.
You can help prevent the spread of swine flu and other illnesses by:
- Washing your hands regularly with soap and water;
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze;
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Avoiding contact with sick people; and
- Staying home from school or work if you feel sick.
While we encourage all older Americans to get an annual vaccine for seasonal flu, the swine flu strain is not prevented by the seasonal flu vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control have important information about swine flu available at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

Background

These comments were created in response to the April 2009 outbreak of swine flu, a strain of influenza that is not prevented by seasonal flu vaccinations. On April 26, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency in the United States to allow for the funding and resources needed to combat an outbreak of swine flu.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Talking Points

We encourage people to take personal responsibility for their health with preventive measures—like flu shots—to guard against illness and disease. Keeping people healthy is more efficient and economical than caring for people after they get sick.
People 50+ are more vulnerable to the flu and its complications, so anyone 50 or older should get a flu shot. You can find a flu shot clinic at AARP.org/flu.
A growing number of Americans are caregivers. This sandwich generation needs to get immunized to prevent serious disease for themselves and also for the people they care for—grandchildren and older parents.
In a 2007 AARP survey, we learned nearly half of 50+ Americans skipped their flu shot. Many mistakenly believed the vaccine could give them the flu.
This is also a good time to ask your doctor about a vaccine for pneumococcal disease, which causes 4,800 deaths annually. Everyone 65+ should consider a pneumococcal vaccine.

Added: April 30, 2009
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Wayne Leroy Joins AARP Nevada Executive Council

AARP Nevada State President Gustavo "Gus" Ramos, announced that Wayne Leroy of Las Vegas has been appointed to AARP Nevada’s Executive Council, the four-person board charged with helping shape strategic direction for AARP’s state activities. Leroy joins Ramos, and other Council members Diane Ross and Carlos Brandenburg of Reno.

Leroy brings a 30-year career in education and association management to his role. He is currently President of W&N, LLC, a consulting business which provides "value added" management services to educational institutions and nonprofit organizations.

Wayne is an active community volunteer as well, serving a variety of roles with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Veterans' Administration and numerous other community groups.

In 2005, AARP awarded him the Andrus Award, AARP's highest honor given for community service.

Added: April 16, 2009
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Get your Medicare and You handbook electronically

NEW in 2009, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services now offer Medicare beneficiaries an electronic option to getting their Medicare and You handbooks each year.

In an effort to go green and save tax payer dollars, starting this fall, all Medicare beneficiaries that sign up on www.mymedicare.gov by May 31, 2009 will get their Medicare and You handbooks electronically in October. Those that miss the cut off date can still sign up but will get their handbooks electronically starting fall of 2010.

Added: April 16, 2009
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Rx Drug Resources in Nevada Brochure

For a copy of AARP's brochure listing Rx Drug Resources in Nevada, paste

this url into yur web browser:

http://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/cs/misc/nvrxresourcesbrochure.pdf

Added: April 15, 2009
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NEVADA --LIVING WILL LOCKBOX CELEBRATES ONE YEAR ANNIVERSAY

Secretary of State Ross Miller Says Participation by Nevadans is Very Strong for a New Program

(Carson City, NV; March 25, 2009) –Nevada is marking the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the Nevada Living Will Lockbox with a report to the Nevada Legislature highlighting the success of the program. More than 1,800 Nevadans have registered advance directives documents in the Lockbox, and healthcare providers and attorneys throughout the state are becoming authorized providers in order to access the system. The Living Will Lockbox stores advance health care directives in a secure, online database accessible only to the registrants and authorized health care providers. Through the service, health care providers can immediately know the wishes of patients who may be facing urgent, critical care or end-of-life care.

“It’s gratifying to see Nevadans taking advantage of this service,” said Secretary of State Ross Miller, whose office manages the program. “It can be a great relief to patients and loved ones to know that their wishes will be immediately known to those providing care at critical times.

“Assemblyman David Bobzien, the primary sponsor of the bill that made the Lockbox possible, deserves the gratitude of Nevadans for making this service available. I also want to thank our stakeholders who have been instrumental in enhancing Nevadans’ awareness of the program. The Nevada Center for Ethics and Health Policy and our Nevada AARP have been invaluable in that regard, and we’re looking forward to continuing working with them. I’ve been told that the early participation in Nevada is some of the strongest seen in programs of this type.”

Use of the Living Will Lockbox is free to all Nevadans and registering, either as an individual or as a preferred provider of health care, is very simple. By visiting www.livingwilllockbox.com Nevadans can download the registration forms and send the completed forms and documents to be filed with the Living Will Lockbox to the Nevada Secretary of State. Hospitals, hospices and other care giving institutions can also register online in order to immediately access the directives of their patients. Once registered, individuals will receive a wallet size card with their password for accessing their advance directives. Changes to the documents may be made at any time through a simple procedure similar to the registration process.

The Living Will Lockbox was established by the 2007 Nevada Legislature under AB 158 as the Registry of Advance Directives for Health Care. AB 158 amended NRS 449 and authorized the Secretary of State to develop and maintain the registry (NRS449.920).

For more information or questions regarding the Living Will Lockbox, visit www.livingwilllockbox.com or call (775) 684-5708.

Added: April 3, 2009
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Digital TV Transition Info

Commerce’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program Now Accepting Requests to Replace Expired Coupons to Assist More Americans with Transition to Digital TV

Program’s Waiting List for Coupons Cleared as a Result of Funding Authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

DTV Top Headlines

Consumers whose converter box coupons have expired can now reapply for replacement coupons. The government’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program will replace up to two unredeemed coupons per eligible household. Replacement coupons can be requested online at www.dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx or by phone at 1-888-DTV-2009.

There is no longer a waiting list for coupons, according to the Commerce Department. The waiting list, which had swelled to more than 4 million coupon requests, has been cleared. https://www.dtv2009.gov/CouponProgramUpdate.aspx

On Thursday at 10 a.m. (EDT), the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee will hold the first hearing on the status of the digital television (DTV) transition in the 111^th Congress. http://energycommerce.house.gov

Did You Know?

More than 150 television stations intend to go all-digital prior to the June 12 deadline. Find out when stations in your market will switch (see Appendix): http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-09-589A1.pdf

Converter Box Coupons: Who’s Applying

Here are coupon statistics as of March 18, 2009 (Source: NTIA):

Approved households that have applied = 29,105,102

Coupons requested = 54,207,255

Coupons mailed = 51,297,543

Coupons expired = 17,030,750

Coupons redeemed = 25,748,265

Coupons active = 8,518,528

Average daily orders last 30 days = 46,937

Average daily orders last week = 35,832

Participating retailers / Locations = 2,223 / 31,877

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s NTIA manages the TV converter box coupon program. Consumers can apply for coupons at www.DTV2009.gov or call the 24-hour toll-free hotline at 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009).

Weekly statistics on coupons requested and redeemed are available by state and zip code at https://www.ntiadtv.gov/coupon_stats.cfm.

Converter Boxes: What to Buy and Where

One new coupon-eligible converter box was approved this past week, and the total stands at 191. There are 89 certified converter boxes, of which 54 can pass through analog signals, now available in retail stores. There are also 102 certified converter boxes, of which 59 can pass through analog signals, not yet available in retail stores. Each box costs around $40-70. For a detailed listing of eligible boxes, visit w-ww.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm.

No new national retailers joined the program this past week. There are 6 national, 27 online and 9 telephone retailers selling converter boxes. For a complete listing or to search for local retailers, visit www.DTV2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx.

Coming Up

Next stop on the DTV Speakers Bureau circuit:

Mar 24: NAB and the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network (HITN) will host multiple DTV workshops in English and Spanish streamed live online at www.hitn.com/dtv.

The nation’s largest speakers bureau of television station representatives is on target to reach 8,000 audiences with DTV messages by the 2009 transition deadline. www.dtvspeak.com

DTV Fast Facts

National DTV transition deadline is June 12, 2009

94 percent or 1,655 out of 1,759 full-power TV stations are broadcasting in digital today

70 million TV sets are at risk of losing their signals

19.6 million households receive over-the-air signals exclusively in their homes

14.9 million households have secondary over-the-air TV sets in their bedrooms or kitchens

Demographics of households that get TV reception exclusively over the air: 27.5 percent African American, 31.8 percent Hispanic, 41.5 percent Spanish-speaking homes

How DTV benefits consumers: crystal clear pictures and sound, more programming choices and services than ever before – all for free!

How to switch options: 1. Purchase a DTV converter box, 2. Purchase a TV set with built-in digital tuner, or 3. Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service

Added: March 26, 2009
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My Journals (74)