AARP Hawaii Unveils Advocacy Agenda for 2007
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-02-13 13:51:29.731120-05:00
AARP Hawaii's advocacy agenda for 2007 focuses on rekindling the debate on financing long-term care and lowering the cost of prescription drugs; enabling residents to build and protect their retirement assets; and advancing mobility and housing options so that Hawaii's people can successfully age in place in livable communities.
With health and financial security among the top concerns facing Americans of all ages, AARP will continue to leverage the collective power of its staff, volunteers, and nearly 38 million members across the country—including more than 152,000 members in Hawaii—to focus attention on these critical issues and call for action and solutions.
Health and Supportive Services
The rising cost of prescription drugs is of growing concern to island residents. AARP Hawaii seeks to lower the cost of prescription drugs by submitting legislation to strengthen the State Pharmacy Assistance Program (SPAP).
Last year, AARP helped create a reliable funding mechanism for SPAP and expand eligibility to individuals at 150% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). We will build on these efforts in 2007 by moving to extend eligibility to 250% of FPL, increase benefits, and remove the asset test to allow more people to qualify for benefits. AARP also supports legislation that would mandate the state to negotiate drug rebates through the Hawaii Rx Plus program.
The cost of long-term care services in Hawaii is also a concern. AARP believes the time is ripe to rekindle the long-term care financing debate. We will also support legislation to address the needs of family caregivers in Hawaii and encourage adoption of innovative long-term care models such as the Eden Alternative.
Economic Security
Hawaii's high cost of living has residents working longer and harder and growing increasingly concerned about protecting their hard-earned assets. Last year, AARP supported a measure to strengthen protections against identity theft for Hawaii consumers. We seek to expand the reach of existing legislation this year by allowing all consumers to place a freeze on their credit reports. The freeze would prohibit reporting agencies from releasing information about a consumer without their consent.
Investment fraud is also a growing concern in Hawaii. A recent survey of AARP members in the islands revealed that more than half were either extremely concerned or very concerned about being victimized by investment fraud. In 2007 we will support legislation seeking to strengthen civil penalties against those convicted of financial fraud against vulnerable individuals. Additionally, AARP opposes efforts to remove "variable annuity" from the definition of security under the Hawaii Uniform Securities Code.
Livable Communities
Safe streets and mobility options are key elements to improving our communities. In 2007 AARP Hawaii will continue to advocate for pedestrian safety by providing education and training opportunities for members and volunteers and working collaboratively with government officials at state and local levels. We support the inclusion of a Transit Oriented Development Plan in setting the stage for the development of a fixed-guideway transit system on Oahu. AARP also supports passage of a tax credit for citizens who modify their residences to enable aging in place.
Issues of Concern to All Generations
Health and financial security aren't just AARP issues. Concerns about affording and accessing quality health care, saving for retirement, and supporting aging parents and grandparents are on the minds of all Hawaii residents, regardless of how old they are.
AARP members and supporters in Hawaii play a direct role in advancing these priorities through their involvement in the Advocacy Hui. AARP welcomes the participation of all people to ensure the success of its social impact agenda. For more information about AARP Hawaii's advocacy priorities, contact Associate State Director for Advocacy Harry Mattson at (808)545-6005 or via email.
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