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ELECTRIC RATE HIKE WOULD HURT PEOPLE AGE 50+

AARP TELLS PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION: RATE HIKE WOULD HURT PEOPLE AGE 50+

CHARLESTON_ AARP today asked the West Virginia Public Service Commission to deny a rate hike to Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power companies because it will be harmful to people over age 50.

“This rate increase will be devastating for many consumers, especially low income and seniors on fixed incomes,” said AARP West Virginia Interim State Director Gaylene Miller in a statement to the PSC at the hearing. “AARP urges the Commission’s most careful review and scrutiny of this request with every effort made to reduce the charges to customers.”

Miller disputed AEP’s contention that, if granted a rate hike, they will teach older consumers how to conserve energy in order to lessen the impact of higher bills.

“People age 50+ already are careful conservers of energy. They turn out the lights when they leave a room, adjust their thermostats to sometimes-dangerous levels to save electricity, and are vigilant about saving energy,” she told the commissioners. “This rate case shines a bright light on how little West Virginia currently provides in energy assistance to our most vulnerable citizens.”

Sylvia Watkins of Dunbar spoke at hearing on behalf of Terry Reasoner of Charleston, who could not be present. Watkins and Reasoner are among 312,000 AARP members in West Virginia. Watkins told the Commissioners that a rate hike will mean more older people will fall behind on their bills and have their service disconnected. She quoted a national survey conducted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners found that in West Virginia residential customers owed over $26 million dollars on their electric bills as of May of 2008, with nearly 300,000 accounts past due, and 30,000 terminations statewide.

“Seniors will eat less, skip medical care, keep their home too cold or too hot, become ill and possibly be hospitalized,” Watkins said. “They may fall behind on energy bills, face late fees, disconnection and reconnection charges. Hopeless is an apt description of the situation.”

Jackie Nelson of Charleston told the PSC that the impact of the rate increase on seniors is higher than they realize. She said the 40 percent increase spread over three years would mean residential customers would see their bills go up 25.6 percent the first year.

“It is difficult to imagine how struggling seniors and others will be able to afford the home energy they need,” Nelson said. “If a nearly 80% increase in electric bills isn’t rate shock, then I don’t know what is. Our incomes have not increased 80% in the past 3 years, how can we keep up?”

Miller said the commissioners should protect consumers when making their decision.

“Electricity is an essential service that should not be priced out of reach,” she said. “You, the Public Service Commission, can make more of a difference in the lives of West Virginians than any other state agency. Be mindful of this power, and rule on the side of the consumer.”

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: June 15, 2009
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QUICK FACTS ABOUT THE AEP RATE HIKE REQUEST

FACT SHEET

Proposed Electric Rate Increase

Monday, June 15, 2009

„A national survey conducted by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners found that as of May 2008, West Virginia residential customers:

n Owed over $26 million dollars on their electric bills

n 300,000 accounts were past due

n There were 30,000 terminations statewide.

„ A survey conducted by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association found that low income families struggling to pay their home energy bills risk their health and safety took the following risks:

n 32% went without food for at least a day.

n 42% went without medical or dental care.

n 38% did not fill prescriptions or took less than the full dose of medicine

n 28% kept their home at a temperature that was unsafe or unhealthy, and

n 33% used their kitchen stove or oven to provide heat.

„ This proposed rate hike follows on the heels of consecutive annual rate increases since 2006.

„ As calculated by the Public Service Commission’s Consumer Advocate Division, if this rate increase is granted, residential rates for an average customer will have increase by more than 77% in just 3 years.

„ Telephone, energy, water, and sewer services account for about 5 percent of an average household’s monthly income.

„ For older Americans with annual incomes of $10,000 or less, utilities account for as much as 24 percent of their monthly income.

„ On average, families spend a greater share of their income on utility costs than on other necessities such as health care or property taxes.

„ Average utility expenditures for households headed by people age 65 and older increase at a rate faster than inflation.

„ Between 2004-2007, electricity costs went up 7.6% while inflation was 3.3% for the same period.

Added: June 15, 2009
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News Coverage of AARP's Efforts to Fight Electric Rate Hike

Click on the links to see stories about AARP's efforts to fight the AEP electric rate hike.

www.wvgazette.com/News/200906090828

www.wvmetronews.com/index.cfm

www.wvva.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp

www.wowktv.com/story.cfm

www.wchstv.com/newsroom/eyewitness/0906/090611_1ab92d26.shtml

www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/47877462.html

Added: June 11, 2009
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AARP WEST VIRGINIA ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO SPEAK OUT

AARP WEST VIRGINIA ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO SPEAK OUT ON
ELECTRIC RATE HIKE

CHARLESTON_AARP is asking the West Virginia Public Service Commission to listen to its members before deciding whether to grant two electric utilities the largest rate hike in history.

“If approved as filed, this case would represent the largest utility rate increase in West Virginia history,” AARP West Virginia Interim State Director Gaylene Miller said in her request to the PSC. “This historic rate hike could come on top of rate increases granted in 2006 and 2007.”

AARP held a press conference today to emphasize the need for public participation in the PSC rate-setting process. Miller encouraged consumers and other organizations to participate in the PSC hearings on the issue, which begin at 9:30 a.m. June 15 at the PSC offices, 201 Brooks Street. Other organizations participating in the press conference included Covenant House/Kanawha Valley Collective, Faces of Medicaid and the WV Citizens Action Group.

Jackie Nelson and Terry Reasoner of Charleston told the audience how they conserve energy as much as possible, and how an electric rate increase will be detrimental to their budgets.

Miller sent the PSC a letter June 1 requesting that the regulators hear from AARP members before making a decision on the $442 million rate hike, which will raise consumers’ power bills by 43.3 percent over three years. Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company are asking for the rate increase.

AARP has about 312,000 members age 50 and older in West Virginia.

Miller told the commission that the rate increase would be detrimental to older and low-income consumers on fixed incomes.

“Such an increase following on two recent rate increases will have a devastating impact on many AARP members and others aged 50 and older,” she said. “Households on low and fixed incomes will be the hardest hit.”

Miller said it is important that the commission hear from consumers, such as AARP members, during the rate-making process.

“AARP members are understandably concerned about the impact such a significant rate increase would have on their ability to afford necessary home energy,” she said. “AARP members have a vital interest in the outcome of this case and many plan to attend the hearing starting June 15.”

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: June 11, 2009
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AARP ENCOURAGES CONSUMERS TO WEIGH IN ON ELECTRIC RATE HIKE

The PSC will begin hearings at 9:30 a.m. June 15 on a request from Appalachian Power and Wheeling Power to raise rates 43 percent.

AARP West Virginia encourages its nearly 312,000 members to weigh in on the proposed electric rate hike being considered by the state Public Service Commission.

“AARP is committed to making sure that older and low income consumers are fairly represented in the rate-making process,” said AARP West Virginia Interim State Director Gaylene Miller.

Miller encourages its members attend the PSC hearings on the matter, which begin Monday, June 15 at 201 Brooks Street, Charleston. She also said that consumers who can’t get to Charleston on Monday for the hearings write letters to the PSC outlining how a rate increase will affect their household budgets.

Letters should be addressed to:

Ms. Sandra Squire

Executive Secretary

Public Service Commission of West Virginia

201 Brooks Street

Charleston , West Virginia 25301

CASE # 09-0177-E-GI

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: June 8, 2009
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FREE AARP Webinar June 11: Navigating Your Way through Job Loss

FREE AARP Webinar: Navigating Your Way through Job Loss

Thursday, June 11, 2009, 2-3 p.m. EDT

Job loss is tough at any age, and even more so if you’re age 45+. If you’ve just lost your job, what should you do first? If you’ve been out of work for a while, how do you stay positive and move forward during the job-search journey?

Now a free AARP webinar can help you:

Create an effective job-search strategy
Manage your job hunt, finances, and health
Connect with others to get the support you need
Cope with the emotional ups and downs of unemployment

After the webinar, you can download a free action plan with step-by-step tips and resources to help you succeed with your work search in today’s tough job market. The action plan also outlines steps to manage your finances and to maintain your health during this time of transition.

Register now at www.aarp.org/realrelief (see I Need a Job or Job Training) to attend the June 11 webinar. To participate, you must have a computer with Internet access and audio capability (internal or external speakers).

Please note: You do not need to be an AARP member to attend this event. All are welcome! If you have questions about this webinar, please send an e-mail to survivejobloss@aarp.org.

AARP Job Loss Resources

In addition to this Web event, AARP offers the following resources to assist job seekers age 45+:

Real Relief: www.aarp.org/realrelief
AARP Work Channel: www.aarp.org/money/work
The Water Cooler – an online community for job seekers: www.aarp.org/thewatercooler

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: June 4, 2009
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AARP Pushes Lawmakers to Improve Long-Term Care

AARP Pushes Lawmakers to Improve Long-Term Care

Legislation would allow more Americans to get services at home

CHARLESTON—As lawmakers return to Washington to tackle health care reform, AARP is pressing them to improve the country’s long-term care system as a part of comprehensive reform. Millions of older Americans rely on Medicaid for the long-term services and supports they need, but the program’s bias toward institutional care prevents most from getting more affordable care where they want it: their own homes.

“It’s shameful that so many people are forced into nursing homes when we could improve their quality of life and typically spend less money by caring for them at home,” said Gaylene Miller, AARP West Virginia Interim State Director. “As we overhaul the health care system, we need to build on win-win solutions that expand choices and could save billions of dollars.”

Under current law, Medicaid—the largest payer of long-term care—has an institutional bias. While states must provide coverage of nursing facility services, they do not have to cover most home and community based services (HCBS). On average, Medicaid can pay for three older people in HCBS for every one person in a nursing home. Despite this, HCBS is often one of the first programs to lose state funding during an economic downturn, often forcing more people into higher cost nursing facilities even if they would prefer to remain at home.

AARP has endorsed the Empowered at Home Act (S. 434), sponsored by Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), which would provide incentives and greater opportunities for states to expand access to home and community based services. It would also provide the spouses of people receiving HCBS with protection against impoverishment.

The Association has also endorsed the “Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act” (S. 245/H.R. 468) sponsored by Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), and Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). This legislation would provide support, training and information to family caregivers, and improve the health and long-term care workforce to better meet the needs of the aging population.

Miller added: “Real health care reform isn’t only about covering every American. It’s also about rethinking how we provide care. Allowing people to live in their homes with their loved ones means a drastic improvement in the quality of life and potentially huge cost savings in the long term.”

AARP’s Public Policy Institute released a new fact sheet, “Providing More Long-term Support and Services at Home: Why It’s Critical for Health Reform,” which is available at http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/homecare/fs_hcbs_hcr.html .

For details on AARP’s health reform priorities, including long-term care, visit http://www.aarp.org/governmentwatch .

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.

Added: June 2, 2009
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AARP Analysis Debunks Biologic Drug Industry Myth

AARP Analysis Debunks Biologic Drug Industry Myth

Association presses Congress to bring less costly generics to market faster

WASHINGTON—A new analysis by AARP’s Public Policy Institute reveals the manufacturers of many top-selling biologic drugs have recouped average research and development costs several times over in the past six years, often within a single year. The report’s finding busts the myth that allowing generic versions of biologic drugs will undermine further development of these breakthrough medicines.

Unlike traditional chemical drugs, biologic drugs are made from living organisms. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no process in place to approve less costly generic versions of biologics, which can cost thousands of dollars each month.

AARP’s analysis of ten top-selling biologics finds these drugs have had U.S. sales of between $5.5 billion and $14.9 billion since 2003. The average development cost for a new biologic drug is $1.2 billion, according to the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development. All of the drugs examined more than recovered the average development cost of a biologic drug in just three years of sales between 2003 and 2005.

“For more than 20 years, generic versions of chemical drugs have given Americans access to safe, inexpensive treatments for their health problems without hindering scientific innovation,” said AARP Executive Vice President John Rother. “With more Americans taking biologic drugs for relatively common diseases like cancer and multiple sclerosis, it’s time to bring affordable generic biologics to the market.”

AARP is telling lawmakers that a process to approve generic biologic drugs must be a part of comprehensive health reform. The Association has endorsed the “Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act” (H.R. 1427/S. 726), which would create a process for the approval of generic biologic drugs. This bill would prevent generic competition from entering the market for the first five years after a new biologic drug is approved, providing a common-sense balance between encouraging innovation and increasing access to these life-saving medicines.

Rother added: “This bill is a win-win both for biologic drug makers and for those Americans with the most desperate medical conditions who are struggling to afford the medicines they need.”

A competing bill, the “Pathway for Biosimilars Act” (H.R. 1548), would force consumers to wait twelve years before being able to purchase the lower cost generic version of their medicine.

To receive a copy of AARP’s report, “Biologics in Perspective: The Case for Generic Biologic Drugs,” please contact Jordan McNerney at 202-434-2560.

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

Added: May 21, 2009
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AARP Praises Federal Crack Down on Health Care Fraud

AARP Praises Federal Crack Down on Health Care Fraud

WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released the following statement on today’s announcement on the creation of the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team by the departments of Health and Human Services and Justice.

“The skyrocketing costs of health care are hurting Americans’ wallets and the bedrock programs like Medicare that millions of Americans depend on. Too much of that spending is lost to health care fraud. We simply cannot afford to pay for care that is never delivered and equipment that is not needed.

“AARP applauds Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder for their new effort to crack down on health care fraud throughout Medicare and Medicaid. The Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team will help stop the fraud and prosecute the criminals that are costing consumers and our public health programs billions of dollars each year.”

As a part of its Health Action Now campaign, AARP is fighting to strengthen and improve Medicare for the millions of Americans who depend on it. That effort includes cutting the billions of dollars lost annually to Medicare fraud, waste and abuse.

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

Added: May 21, 2009
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?AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour? to Arrive in Morgantown May 25

“AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour” to Arrive in Morgantown May 25

To Provide Free Health Screenings and Services

Bundle of six health screenings are valued at more than $140;

administered for free

The AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour will arrive in Morgantown on May 25, part of a 3,000-community, two-year national mobile health screening tour with a goal of providing more than $60 million worth of free health screenings. The tour aims to administer more than 2.5 million free screenings and is comprised of nine custom-equipped buses with dedicated staffs of Walgreens trained medical technicians. This is the fifth year Walgreens has committed to providing free health screenings through a traveling health screening campaign.

The free screenings—which include total cholesterol levels, blood pressure, bone density, glucose levels, waist circumference and body mass index—will help provide adults with a critical foundation for early disease detection and prevention.

The Morgantown stop will be from Noon-6 p.m. on Monday, May 25 at Walgreens, 897 Chestnut Ridge Road, Morgantown. The phone number is (304) 598-2534.

“We are pleased to team up with Walgreens to help provide important health screenings at a time when many cannot afford preventive health care,” said A. Barry Rand, AARP’s Chief Executive Officer. “It is clear the health crisis in our country has reached a critical point. AARP looks forward to helping Walgreens make these much-needed health screenings available to all, as well as providing information that will greatly increase the chances for early detection of chronic disease and other potential health problems.”

“During previous tours, I witnessed how these free screenings can be a life-saving resource. We’re proud to carry on that tradition,” said Greg Wasson, Walgreens President and CEO. “Joining with AARP for our renewed effort is perfect because of the campaign’s dedication to improving lives and offering greater access to health resources, particularly among those most in need. Together, we can tap into our strong community networks to make sure the tour reaches the people who need us most.”

Each AARP/Walgreens Wellness Tour buswill spend several days in designated cities providing free services at local events, community centers, Walgreens store locations and other select locations with a special emphasis on underserved communities. Screenings are recommended for adults age 18 and older. Results are instantly provided and consumers are encouraged to visit a doctor or health care provider to discuss them. Visitors also have access to free educational information on a variety of health and wellness issues that are available in both English and Spanish.

As proven through previous Walgreens programs, health screenings are a critical method for detecting potential diseases before symptoms are noticed. In fact, of those screened during the 2008 tours:

· 72.8% had high blood pressure levels

· 68.2% had high body mass index

· 65.9% had low bone density

· 60.5% had a waist circumference outside of the normal range

· 38.0% had high cholesterol levels

· 13.3% had high glucose levels

Consumers can learn when the tour is scheduled to serve their community by calling toll-free 1-866-484-8687 or online at www.aarpwalgreens.com/tour . Free, one-year AARP memberships will be given to all adults who receive screenings. Participants under the age of 50 can pass on the free membership to an eligible adult, and existing members will receive a one-year extension on their current membership status.

About Walgreens

Walgreens (NYSE, NASDAQ: WAG) is the nation's largest drugstore chain with fiscal 2008 sales of $59 billion. The company operates more than 6,700 drugstores in 49 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Walgreens provides the most convenient access to consumer goods and services and cost-effective pharmacy, health and wellness services in America through its retail drugstores, Walgreens Health Services division and Walgreens Health and Wellness division. Walgreens Health Services assists pharmacy patients and prescription drug and medical plans through Walgreens Health Initiatives Inc. (a pharmacy benefit manager), Walgreens Mail Service Inc., Walgreens Home Care Inc., Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy LLC and SeniorMed LLC (a pharmacy provider to long-term care facilities). Walgreens Health and Wellness division includes Take Care Health Systems, the largest and most comprehensive manager of worksite health and wellness centers and in-store convenient care clinics, with more than 700 locations throughout the country. (www.walgreens.com )

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.

Added: May 8, 2009
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