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Divided We Fail Forum ?Reforming America?s Health Care System?

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Chaunda Ball, 212-407-3732

April 24, 2009

Divided We Fail Forum “Reforming America’s Health Care System” Examines Solutions to Nation’s Health Care Crisis

AARP sponsored public forum is part of Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services’ annual SALUTE TO SENIORS

AARP New York will host a public forum focusing on reforming America’s broken health care system on Wednesday, April 29 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at The Little Theater in the Westchester County Center in White Plains.

A panel of experts, including Dr. Joshua Lipsman, the Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Health; Chuck Bell, program director of Consumers Union; and Michael Olender, Associate State Director for AARP New York, will discuss the problems facing the nation’s health care system and look at possible solutions to solve the crisis and bring relief to the 47 million Americas who lack health insurance.

Mae Carpenter, the commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services will moderate the panel discussion.

The event is a part of the Westchester Department County Department of Senior Programs and Services’ 41st annual SALUTE TO SENIORS, which is taking place on April 29 at the County Center in White Plains from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Salute includes a Trade Show, a Health and Wellness Fair, an Arts and Crafts Boutique and Sale and entertainment.

The cost of doing nothing about health care reform is simply too high, as the financial burden of health care will only get worse over time without action.

“We are facing the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. As wages tighten and unemployment rises, soaring medical costs are squeezing individuals, families, businesses, and the nation as a whole. This is a chance for regular people to express how the health care crisis is affecting them personally,” said Lois Aronstein, state director for AARP New York.

Divided We Fail has organized nearly 1,000 events across the country to give voice to the millions of Americans who are tired of letting Washington gridlock stand in the way of affordable, quality health care. More than 360 members of the 111^th Congress have signed the Divided We Fail pledge or wrote a letter of support. In additional to AARP, Business Roundtable, NFIB and SEIU, more than 100 independent groups have joined the effort.

“Our broken health care system has a stranglehold on any chance for economic recovery that can last. It’s clear that to solve America’s health care crisis, all of us – individuals, corporate healthcare providers and the government – must come together to find solutions,” continued Aronstein.

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: April 30, 2009
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Sen. Gillibrand Speaks to NYC Constituents at AARP Town Hall

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Contact: Kristin Legere, (518) 447-6723/518-256-6413, klegere@aarp.org

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand Speaks to New York City Constituents at AARP Town Hall Meeting

NEW YORK CITY - As part of an aggressive, two-week push for health care reform, AARP hosted a tele-town hall event featuring Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

The tele-town hall event, part of AARP’s HealthActionNow.org campaign website, connected more than 50,000 AARP members and activists to Senator Gillibrand.

“AARP is doing what we do best—organizing our members to keep pushing for affordable health care choices for every American,” said AARP New York State Director Lois Aronstein. “The next few weeks will be critical to passing health care reform legislation in 2009, and connecting Senator Gillibrand to her constituents on this issue is part of the process.”

“Every generation owes the previous one a tremendous debt of gratitude, which is why I am dedicated to fixing America's health care system to protect and improve the quality of our senior citizens lives,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I thank the AARP for their leadership in advancing the healthcare reform agenda, and look forward to continuing to work in the Senate so that all American’s have access to affordable healthcare.”

This tele-town hall is part of AARP’s HealthActionNow.org campaign and is a key element of AARP’s bipartisan efforts from coast-to-coast. AARP recently hosted a similar tele-town hall with Nancy-Ann DeParle, Director of the White House Office of Health Reform and will hold similar events with Reps. Joseph Crowley and Anthony Weiner in the near future.

AARP supports Congress finding bipartisan solutions to ensure affordable, quality health care for all. Senator Gillibrand will talk to AARP members and answer questions by AARP’s New York Advocacy Director as well audience members.

In addition to its own activities, AARP is hosting events across the country with other Divided We Fail organizations—Business Roundtable, the National Federation of Independent Business and SEIU.

For more information on AARP’s health reform campaign, visit 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 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: April 16, 2009
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Suffolk County Paves the Way for UD Standards in the State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stacey Kratz

April 6, 2009 212.407.3708; 917.446.5182 cell

Suffolk County Paves the Way for

Universal Design Standards in the State

Suffolk County , NY – A recently passed law requiring all new affordable housing in Suffolk County to meet Universal Design and Visitability standards has set a new standard for creating model initiatives that help people to age independently at home.

“Suffolk County is the first county in New York State and the third in the nation to pass Universal Design legislation that meets the needs of residents as they age and sets the stage for how they can thrive and stay engaged in civic and social life,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. “Thanks to a dynamic collaboration between Legislator Steven H. Stern, members of the Suffolk County Senior Citizen Task Force, and members of Accessible Long Island, we have passed model legislation that we hope can be replicated across the state.

“I am proud to have introduced legislation that will require affordable housing projects sponsored by Suffolk County to meet Universal Design and Visitability standards,” stated Legislator Steven H. Stern, 16th LD. “These standards will enable residents to remain in the homes they love and the communities they helped build.”

The aging of 78 million boomers across the country will mean an increased demand for homes that are easy to navigate. AARP surveys have found that nearly 90% of the 50+ population want to remain in their homes as they age, and it is estimated that one in four of all houses will at some point have a resident with a long-term mobility impairment.

According to a report issued by Legislator Stern and the Suffolk County Senior Citizens Task Force, Suffolk County is expected to have an even larger growth rate than Nassau County. In 2000, there were approximately 225,000 residents over the age of 60 in Suffolk County. By 2015, this age group is expected to increase to approximately 309,000 residents.

“This legislation will also help those who may want to return to Suffolk County to be closer to loved ones in their later years when they may need assistance,” added Aronstein. “The homes of family and friends should also reflect the challenging needs of an aging population.”

Building projects under this new statute will begin in Spring 2009. The new law requires that Universal Design standards utilize either county money or land transferred from the county. According to Aronstein, incorporating Universal Design features in the pre-construction stage often adds little cost and can be as much as eight times less expensive than modifying a pre-existing home. The Universal Design standards include:

· No-step entry which allows residents to enter the home without the use of steps or ramps.

· One-story living where the kitchen facilities, bedroom and full bathroom are all located on the main floor which is accessible via a step-free entrance.

· Wider doorways that allow wheelchairs or large pieces of furniture to pass through easily.

“We support this legislation and are pleased that these standards will be followed for all affordable homes that will be built in Suffolk County,” stated Peter Elkowitz, President and CEO of Long Island Housing Partnership, Inc.

“Our population is living longer and more people want to remain in their homes. We are grateful to Legislator Stern for his innovative Universal Design legislation,” said Judy Pannullo, Executive Director of Suffolk Community Council.

“Universal Design features in the design phase from a livability and financial perspective makes sense,” said Glen R. Cherveny, Architect and Owner, Axelrod & Cherveny Architects and member of Accessible Long Island.

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, http://www.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: April 6, 2009
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Older NYers Maintain Health & Community Services in NYS Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kristin Legere (518) 447-6723

Thursday, April 2, 2009 Bill Ferris (518) 447-6712

Older New Yorkers Maintain Key Health and Community

Services in New York State Budget

Statement by Lois Aronstein

AARP NY State Director

AARP commends Governor Paterson, Majority Leader Smith, and Speaker Silver for their leadership in recognizing the critical needs of vulnerable New Yorkers in these tough economic times. Several key services that are critical to older New Yorkers and which at the same time save the state money were preserved in the final state budget agreement.

When people can’t get the prescription drugs they need, it ends up making them sicker and costing our health care system more. We are pleased that the state will continue to cover prescription drugs that are not covered by Medicare Part D for the elderly enrolled in the EPIC program. However, we are disappointed that another proposal was rejected that could help reduce the costs of prescription drugs by banning gifts to doctors from drug companies.

Home- and community-based care services that keep the elderly out of expensive institutional care are vital to helping older New Yorkers live independently with dignity and choice. The Legislature restored funding for several programs that older New Yorkers rely on to stay in their communities as they age, including the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) - Meals on Wheels, the Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly Program (EISEP), Community Services for the Elderly Program (CSE), and Adult Day Care.

AARP is encouraged that the state is moving 6,000 beds from expensive institutional nursing home care to the less costly and less confining assisted living program (ALP). However, we believe these beds should not be moved until the Assisted Living Program (ALP) complies with the Assisted Living Reform Act of 2004 (ALRA) from which it is now exempted.

ALRA created strong consumer protections for assisted living residents. Under the new budget agreement, low-income New Yorkers occupying assisted living beds paid for by Medicaid (ALP beds) will be governed by an inferior set of rules than those occupying non-Medicaid assisted living beds.

Programs that assist grandparents who are raising grandchildren received a big boost in the state budget. Kinship caregivers currently raise nearly 400,000 children in New York State, help keep children out of foster care, and reduce financial costs to state. The Legislature rejected the Governor’s proposed cuts to programs important to kinship caregivers and provided additional funding that will allow even more caregivers and children to be served.

AARP looks forward to continuing to work with Governor Paterson and the Legislature on proposals that allow New Yorkers to age independently and safely in their communities.

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 39 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: April 3, 2009
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KINSHIP CARE PROGRAMS RECEIVE BOOST IN STATE BUDGET

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Kristin Legere, (518) 447-6723

Friday, April 3, 2009 Bill Ferris, (518) 447-6712

KINSHIP CARE PROGRAMS RECEIVE BOOST IN STATE BUDGET

Kinship Caregivers Save Tax Dollars by Keeping Children out of State Foster Care

ALBANY, NY – AARP and Kincare advocates praised the leadership of Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Assemblyman William Scarborough for restoring funding for kinship care programs and providing an additional $1 million to support the state’s kinship caregivers. In the final state budget, kinship care programs, which were slated for more than 50% in cuts, received close to $3 million.

Grandparents raising grandchildren and other kinship caregivers face unique challenges. The children they care for may have experienced trauma, suffered emotional distress from the loss of their birth parents, or have physical or mental disabilities. Kinship caregivers must overcome numerous barriers, including enrolling children in school, getting medical care, accessing family rights, and obtaining necessary benefits.

“These kinship caregivers, who currently raise nearly 400,000 children in New York State, help keep children out of more expensive foster care, reduce financial costs to state and local agencies, and improve the well-being of children in their care,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP NY State Director. “Funding kinship programs not only keeps children out of foster care, but it saves the state money in the long run.”

According to New York State Office for Children and Families (OCFS), the average cost of a child in non-specialized foster care in New York State is $22,000 per year. If just 136 children in informal kinship care enter foster care, the cost to New York’s child welfare system exceeds the entire cost for the OCFS Kinship Program.

AARP New York has over 2.5 million members. 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, www.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: April 3, 2009
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Local Brooklyn Woman Appointed to Lead AARP Volunteer Position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stacey Kratz

April 3, 2009 (212) 407-3708; (917) 446-5182

JUDITH T. DAILEY APPOINTED BY AARP TO LEAD VOLUNTEER POSITION

BROOKLYN , NY –Judith T. Dailey of Red Hook was recently appointed by the AARP New York State Office as the organization’s Legislative District Coordinator for Congressional District 12. In this volunteer role, Dailey will be instrumental in coordinating AARP’s federal legislative activities and communicating its priorities to members of Congress.

“AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities and neighborhoods,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. “Judith’s appointment recognizes her efforts and dedication to enhancing the lives of older New Yorkers.”

“Volunteerism is a great way to connect and make a difference in the community,” said Judith Dailey. “I am looking forward to engaging our elected officials on AARP’s mission.”

Dailey worked for the New York City school system for more than thirty years. In addition to serving as AARP’s liaison with legislators, Dailey will assist in recruiting, interviewing, and training new AARP advocacy volunteers on the issues that matter most to older New Yorkers.

For more information about AARP volunteer opportunities, please visit www.aarp.org/ny .

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: April 3, 2009
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Local Queens Woman Appointed to Lead Volunteer Position

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stacey Kratz

April 2, 2009 (212) 407-3708; (917) 446-5182 cell

PAMELA W. DIXON APPOINTED BY AARP TO LEAD VOLUNTEER POSITION

QUEENS , NY –Pamela W. Dixon of Laurelton was recently appointed by the AARP New York State Office as the Legislative District Coordinator for Senatorial District 14. As a Legislative District Coordinator, Dixon will be instrumental in communicating and promoting AARP’s legislative priorities to local legislators.

“AARP has long valued the spirit of volunteerism and the important contributions AARP volunteers make to their communities and neighborhoods,” said Lois Aronstein, AARP New York State Director. “Pamela’s appointment recognizes her efforts and dedication to enhancing the lives of older New Yorkers.”

“Volunteerism is a great way to connect and make a difference in the community,” said Pamela Dixon. “I am looking forward to giving back to my community and engaging our elected officials on AARP’s mission.”

Dixon, a former elementary school principle brings forty years of experience working for the Department of Education to her current role. As millions of people give back to their communities in various ways, Dixon will assist in recruiting, interviewing and orienting advocacy team members on the issues that matter most to older New Yorkers. For more information about AARP volunteer opportunities please visit www.aarp.org/ny .

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: April 2, 2009
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Lighthouse International Expands Vision Health Services

Lighthouse International Expands Vision Health Services for all New Yorkers Aging baby boomers will be a factor as a million New Yorkers are expected to have significant vision loss by 2015

New York, NY - March 31, 2009 - Responding to the growing number of New Yorkers who will need vision services, Lighthouse International, the104 year-old trusted leader in vision health, opened VisionMax today, a comprehensive new vision healthcare center for all New Yorkers.

VisionMax offers complete vision exams, prescriptions, contact lenses, designer frames and sunglasses as well as prevention and educational information.

According to Tara A. Cortes, PhD, RN, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, "Vision health and prevention of vision loss are core to the work of the Lighthouse. This new service extends our reach to the many New Yorkers who will need our expertise as baby boomers age and more people have diabetes and other diseases that affect their eyesight." She adds, "Vision health is more than a pair of eyeglasses.

It encompasses everything from a comprehensive eye exam to the lighting you read by, how much work you do on the computer, the foods you eat and the exercise you get. VisionMax provides services and information to help New Yorkers maximize their vision for life." According to Lighthouse International, about one million people (45 years and older) in the greater New York area will have will have vision loss by 2015.

Much more than an Optical Store Conveniently located at 111 East 59th Street in midtown Manhattan, VisionMax provides one-stop shopping for all eyecare needs, including the popular Lighthouse Store. Offering a wide range of useful products from talking clocks and watches to high-tech items like CCTVs, cell phones and voice recorders, the store's products make life easier for everyone. In addition, VisionMax offers free seminars on diabetes and other vision-related diseases and provides vision health tips and other vision health information.

VisionMax offers frames from such top designers as: Armani Exchange, Giorgio Armani, Banana Republic, Hugo Boss, Liz Claiborne, Claiborne for Men, J Lo, Marc Jacobs, Chesterfield, Max Mara, Gucci, Dior, Fossil, Nine West, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, YSL, Juicy Couture and more! Prices are competitive, and for a limited time, VisionMax is offering new customers 15% off of frames and store items.

As part of their comprehensive approach to vision healthcare, VisionMax experts will have access to the state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, such as the OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography), which looks through the retina and produces cross sectional images, as well as a Fundus camera, which takes an image of the whole interior and back of the eye.

Adds Dr. Cortes, "We will be providing this new service in partnership with area optometrists and ophthalmologists to complement and/or extend the care of their patients. We would like to thank our sponsors Manhattan Media and TD Bank. We also thank Dr. Donald D'Amico, Chairman of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Hospital for his assistance and Valerie Smaldone, well-known New York media personality and woman's health advocate, for recording our public service announcements."

VisionMax at Lighthouse International is located at 111 East 59th Street, New York City (between Park and Lexington Avenues). Hours: Eye exams and eyewear boutique: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm. For information and to make an appointment call 212-821-9620. The Lighthouse Store is open: Monday to Friday, 10am - 6pm. 212-821-9384.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy. For more information about vision health or vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org.

Added: April 1, 2009
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State Budget Preserves State Pharmacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Contacts: Kristin Legere (518) 447-6723

Bill Ferris (518) 447-6712

STATE BUDGET PRESERVES STATE PHARMACY

PROGRAM FOR SENIORS (EPIC)

Statement by Lois Aronstein

AARP New York State Director

ALBANY, NY - AARP commends Governor Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Smith and Assembly Speaker Silver for negotiating a final state budget that preserves a major benefit under one of New York’s most beneficial programs for seniors, EPIC. The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program was in danger of losing more than $50 million in “wrap around” coverage, which pays for an EPIC enrollee’s prescription drugs when the drugs are not covered by a Medicare Part D plan.

This proposal could have had a negative impact on hundreds of thousands of low-income and elderly New Yorkers who rely on the EPIC program. What’s more, eliminating the EPIC “wrap around” coverage could have cost New York State significantly more in the long run. Not taking medication as directed by a health care professional can lead to an increased risk of declining health, increased visits to the emergency rooms, and increased admissions to nursing homes – costing the health care system more.

No one should have to walk away from the pharmacy counter without the prescription drugs they need. By restoring wrap around coverage, the state is living up to its promise to one of its most vulnerable populations.

The average EPIC enrollee is a 78-year-old man or woman who takes four prescription medications. Since the state partnered EPIC with Medicare Part D, the state has realized significant savings. Before this partnership, taxpayers were paying close to $1 billion to fund EPIC. The cost of the EPIC program today is a little over $468 million.

For more than 20 years, New York State has provided excellent prescription drug coverage to seniors in need through the EPIC program. It is a fundamental mission of AARP to ensure prescription drug affordability for all. On behalf of AARP and our tens of thousands of members who joined us in opposing these cuts, we thank our state leaders for ensuring that the EPIC program will continue its long tradition of serving New York’s vulnerable elderly.

AARP has over 2.5 million members in New York State. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for people 50 and over. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. These include AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; Segunda Juventud, our quarterly newspaper in Spanish; Live and Learn, our quarterly newsletter for National Retired Teachers Association members; and our Web site, www.aarp.org. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Added: April 1, 2009
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National Service Legislation Passes Senate & House

For Immediate Release:

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Contact: Kristin Legere, 518-256-6413

Luci DeHaan, 917-655-6255

National Service Legislation Passes Senate and House

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

Washington , D.C. – AARP today applauded the Senate and House for passing the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act (HR 1388) – 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 and Representative’s vote will be posted on AARP’s Government Watch site (www.aarp.org/governmentwatch) so that individuals across the nation can see how their legislators voted on this important bill.

Lois Aronstein,State Director for AARP NY, released the following statement today:

“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+ are looking for.”

“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 and our world.”

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

VOTED YES ON THE EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT

Ackerman, Gary L.; New York, 5th

Arcuri, Michael A.; New York, 24th

Bishop, Timothy H.; New York, 1st

Clarke, Yvette D.; New York, 11th

Crowley, Joseph; New York, 7th

Engel, Eliot L.; New York, 17th

Gillibrand, Kirsten E.; (D - NY)

Hall, John J.; New York, 19th

Higgins, Brian; New York, 27th

Hinchey, Maurice D.; New York, 22nd

King, Peter T.; New York, 3rd

Lee, Christopher J.; New York, 26th

Lowey, Nita M.; New York, 18th

Maffei, Daniel B.; New York, 25th

Massa, Eric J.J.; New York, 29th

Maloney, Carolyn B.; New York, 14th

McCarthy, Carolyn; New York, 4th

McHugh, John M.; New York, 23rd

McMahon, Michael E.; New York, 13th

Meeks, Gregory W.; New York, 6th

Nadler, Jerrold; New York, 8th

Rangel, Charles B.; New York, 15th

Schumer, Charles E.; (D - NY)

Serrano, Jose E.; New York, 16th

Slaughter, Louise McIntosh; New York, 28th

Tonko, Paul D.; New York, 21st

Towns, Edolphus; New York, 10th

Velazquez, Nydia M.; New York, 12th

Weiner, Anthony D.; New York, 9th

DID NOT VOTE ON THE EDWARD M. KENNEDY SERVE AMERICA ACT

Israel , Steve; New York, 2nd

A recent letter from AARP CEO Bill Novelli to the Senate and House 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
Views: 148 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (148)