Oregon News

Shop and Compare

by Donnan Runkel - 10/01/2011

State residents seeking the best value in telecommunications plans — and perhaps overwhelmed by choices — have a useful new tool in CUBConnects.org.

Created by the Citizens' Utility Board of Oregon, the website offers side-by-side comparisons of land-line, cellphone and Internet services available throughout the state. Consumers can search by ZIP code to compare costs, services and contractual obligations. The tool includes a help line for consumers seeking telecommunications advice.

Founded in 1984, CUB of Oregon represents residential utility customers' interests. As a member of the CUB Telecommunications Center Project, AARP Oregon helped plan the website.

For information, visit CUBConnects.org or call the toll-free help line at 1-855-892-4314.

Down the Drain

by Donnan Runkel - 3/01/2011

Estimates of how many health care dollars are wasted on fraud range from 3 percent to 10 percent, which adds up when national health care costs are over $1.3 trillion.

To help Oregonians learn how to spot and report health care fraud, AARP Oregon, the Oregon attorney general and the nonprofit Elders in Action are cohosting an hour-long telephone town hall meeting at 10 a.m. on March 18. Participants will learn how they can help solve a problem that costs the nation $60 billion a year.

To sign up for the event, go to aarporteletownhallhealthfraud31811.eventbrite.com. To request a brochure, send an e-mail to oraarp@aarp.org with "health fraud" in the subject line.