Health and Financial Security in 2009
By: State: Massachusetts
Each year, AARP Massachusetts selects legislative priorities that are consistent with the policies adopted by AARP's national Board of Directors. These priorities are based on the needs of the commonwealth's residents and developed through feedback from member surveys, general member communications, and AARP-sponsored hearings and events.
"This year, we all face unprecedented economic struggles; this includes state government. AARP will work hard on Beacon Hill—as we do on Capitol Hill—to protect the most vulnerable and maintain the programs and services they count on now more than ever," said AARP Massachusetts State Director Deborah Banda. "We will focus our efforts on the issues that are critical to the health and financial security of AARP members and their families."
"AARP remains committed to working with elected officials to implement the commonwealth's new health care reform law and ensure affordable and meaningful benefits for residents," Banda continued. "We will work to improve the economic security of older workers, and to put in place a long term care continuum—a range of options available to all residents, including high quality, affordable skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, senior housing and home and community based services. We will also work to preserve the important functions of the commonwealth's Executive Office of Elder Affairs, including oversight of Prescription Advantage and long-term care for seniors."
AARP will also urge the governor and state legislators to restore funding for specific items, including:
- Prescription Advantage, the state's prescription drug assistance program that works in tandem with Medicare Part D, and
- Older worker retraining grants.
- Further, AARP will call on the governor and state legislators to provide full funding for:
- The Massachusetts Money Management Program,
- Councils on Aging and Senior Centers; and
- Health care reform affordability and quality measures.
For More Information
Throughout 2009, AARP Massachusetts may work on other legislative and regulatory proposals as they arise. For more detailed information, please contact AARP Massachusetts at ma@aarp.org or call 1-866-448-3621.
Become an E-Advocate
During this past year, tens of thousands of AARP members and volunteers made their voices heard on Beacon Hill by sending emails and making phone calls to legislators. You have the power to make it better. Join the AARP Massachusetts Grassroots Network and become an e-advocate. Help promote important issues, including health care affordability, economic security, prescription drugs and long-term services and supports. Contact us at ma@aarp.org, and we will provide you with more details.
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