AARP Kansas Sets 2006 Legislative Priorities

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-02-23 13:39:07

Long-Term Care (LTC) continues to be an umbrella for AARP Kansas efforts for 2006 and beyond. Our major emphasis is to rebalance the Long-Term Care system in Kansas through wise use of financial resources so that more people have access to quality care in their homes and their communities as well as in nursing facilities.

The future of Kansans as they age can be secured through creative planning and with renewed commitment to build a more balanced system that targets services efficiently and appropriately, within available resources. Home and Community-Based Services are the focus as their expansion is the key to developing a balanced system. Now is the time for Kansas to prepare for the baby boom generation and to create a community-based infrastructure that meets the needs and preferences of older adults.

Long-Term Care Issues

AARP Kansas Long-Term Care Bill of Rights—Senate Bill 490
We believe that including a legislative directive in the form of a Long-Term Care Bill of Rights clearly emphasizes a philosophical commitment by the State of Kansas to a shift in resources from an institutional focus to care that is provided in the least restrictive setting, as well as emphasis on the provision and funding of Home and Community-Based Services.

Caregiving—House Concurrent Resolution 5011
Family caregivers refer to people who provide long-term care services and support to family members, friends, relatives and neighbors. Unpaid caregiver's refers to people who provide care without pay. In the 2004 AARP survey "Caregiver in the U.S., Spotlight on Kansas" it was estimated that 445,900 adults in Kansas, provide unpaid care to a relative or friend who is 18 or older. Therefore, AARP believes that unpaid caregivers deserve our attention and we have asked the Legislature to express its recognition and appreciation for family caregivers throughout the state.

Nursing Home Issues

AARP Kansas has positioned itself as an advocate for nursing home residents, quality of care in Kansas nursing homes and enhanced opportunities for alternative care settings.

Nursing Home Residents' Personal Needs Allowance (PNA) Adequacy Act -Senate Bill 491
(Raise the PNA-A Dollar a Day is NOT OK)
We call them the Greatest Generation—our parents, our grandparents, our friends and neighbors. Most are now in their eighties and nineties, and many find themselves in nursing homes and on Medicaid. They've turned over their Social Security check and all of their retirement income to pay for their care. Since 1988, these residents have been allowed to keep only $30 of their own money each month to pay for personal items like phone service, clothing, and birthday cards—things that keep them connected with family and friends. Senate Bill 491 seeks to increase the Personal Needs Allowance of Medicaid nursing home residents from $30 to $50 dollars per month. Kansas is one of only 11 states that has not increased the PNA about the federal minimum of $30 per month which was set in 1988.

Economic Security Issues

AARP Kansas opposes TABOR
TABOR is an acronym meaning "Taxpayer Bill of Rights." It is a proposed constitutional amendment that would limit the state's ability to generate needed revenues. AARP Kansas opposes TABOR for the following reasons:

  • TABOR is not consistent with our values. TABOR would harm the most vulnerable Kansans — seniors, children, and people with disabilities.
  • TABOR is not good for business. It would undermine the quality of Kansas schools and health care, resulting in a stagnant economy. Business relies on an educated and motivated population to compete.
  • TABOR will damage the quality of life for Kansans. It will undermine two fundamental pillars of our economy: education and health care.

Medicare
AARP will be seen as one of the most trusted and credible sources of information on Medicare Rx Coverage. AARP will be a resource to all beneficiaries who will benefit by enrolling, will help Medicare beneficiaries understand there is an important decision to be made and we will provide the tools to help them make an educated and informed decision.

Social Security
AARP is committed to working with both political parties to help ensure that Social Security remains strong for Americans. Private accounts drain money out of Social Security, cut benefits and pass the bill to future generations. The next generation of Americans deserves a Social Security program that is based on adequate and secure benefits.

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