Seniors

Without Legislation, Medicare Contracts Could Be Withdrawn from San Luis Valley's Colorado Choice Health Plans and Rocky Mountain Health Plans - Limit Services Available to Seniors

May 19, 2009 -- Washington, DC - Senator Michael Bennet, Colorado, today announced his push to ensure continued health care coverage for seniors in Colorado's rural communities. Currently, Rocky Mountain Health Plans and San Luis Valley's Colorado Choice Plans are at risk of losing their Medicare Cost Contract plans, which ensure Medicare coverage, at the end of 2009.

In an effort to ensure health care access for Colorado's Medicare beneficiaries living in rural areas, Bennet today joined lawmakers in introducing legislation that would extend Medicare Cost Contracts for an additional three years.    » read more »

One-time $250 check will help seniors make ends meet during tough economic times

May 18, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Seniors and many veterans will soon find a $250 check in the mail from the government, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill said today. As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), the federal government is providing America’s senior citizens with a little extra money in their pockets through a one-time increase in social security, veterans, and retirement benefits.

Details about the Economic Recovery Payment:

* Missourians who fall into the following categories should expect to receive a $250 check this month:    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- AARP today announced its endorsement of the bipartisan “Seniors and Taxpayers Obligation Protection (STOP) Act,” sponsored by Senators Mel Martinez (R-FL), Bill Nelson (D-FL) and John Cornyn (R-TX). This legislation will help curb the billions of dollars spent on Medicare fraud each year. A statement from AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond follows:

“The skyrocketing costs of health care are hurting our wallets and the bedrock programs like Medicare that millions of Americans depend on. That’s why AARP is working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to reform the health care system—including cracking down on the fraud, waste and abuse that are driving up costs.    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, DC--Two-thirds of transportation planners and engineers have yet to begin addressing older people in their street planning; yet by 2025, 64 million people will be over age 65 according to census projections and by 2030 a quarter of all U.S. drivers will be 65+.

This is the alarm raised by “Planning Complete Streets for the Aging of America” a major new report on roadway safety and the aging of the American population from AARP’s Public Policy Institute. The full report can be found here: http://www.aarp.org/research/housing-mobility/transportation/2009_02_str....    » read more »

May 12, 2009 -- Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued the following statement regarding the new Medicare Trustees’ report. A joint statement regarding the report from the Medicare Trustees is also available at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/OACT/TRSUM/index.html. Sebelius’ statement is below:

"President Obama understands that Medicare is an essential program that provides care for millions of our seniors and the disabled. We will do whatever it takes to protect it.    » read more »

05/12/2009 -- WASHINGTON —U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis released the following statement after today's Social Security and Medicare Board of Trustees meeting:

"Today's report is a wake-up call and reminder of the importance to ensure that this social safety-net is available to all Americans and future generations.

"The high costs for health care are draining the budgets of families, business and government. It is no secret that families are struggling in this economy.    » read more »

“Medicare’s accelerating insolvency… will only be fixed by comprehensive reform in 2009.”

May 12, 2009 -- WASHINGTON— AARP Executive Vice President John Rother issued the following statement on today’s release of the Medicare Trustees report.

“This year’s report by the Trustees is yet another clarion call for health care reform.

“Medicare’s accelerating insolvency is largely a result of two problems—an economic recession that is increasing demand on public health programs while lowering revenues, and skyrocketing costs throughout the health care system—that will only be fixed by comprehensive reform in 2009.    » read more »

May 12, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – The Social Security Board of Trustees today released its annual report to Congress on the financial status of Social Security. While Social Security benefits are projected to be adequately funded for the next three decades, the Social Security trust fund will be exhausted by 2037, four years earlier than expected due to the faltering economy.

The economic collapse has demonstrated the importance of Social Security’s guaranteed benefit as the foundation of retirement income. With Social Security serving as the principal source of family income for over half of older Americans, the issue of solvency has again emerged with a renewed level of priority.    » read more »

Grants will help the elderly and disabled, boost energy efficiency and create jobs

May 11, 2009 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Donovan today announced that HUD is offering nearly $1 billion to make substantial improvements to thousands of public housing units nationwide.

The Public Housing Capital Funds being offered today are provided through The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Recovery Act) and are designed to help selected public housing authorities improve the quality of their housing stock, promote energy efficiency and create jobs.    » read more »

May 11, 2009 -- HARRISBURG – Older adults and people with disabilities across Pennsylvania will have increased transportation options when 67 transportation providers receive a $13.2 million investment of federal and state funds, Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today.

“Access to public transportation is essential to older citizens and people with disabilities, whose quality of life is affected by their ability to travel where and when they need to,” Governor Rendell said. “These funds will supply the transportation providers with the equipment and vehicles needed to help individuals maintain independence by improving transportation to work, and to medical appointments.”    » read more »

Social Security Recipients will Receive One-Time $250 Payment From Recovery Act

May 08, 2009 -- MADISON – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle today announced that Wisconsin retirees, disabled veterans, and other Social Security and SSI recipients will benefit from an estimated $267 million in one-time Economic Recovery Payments as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The $250 payments are expected to be issued by late May 2009.

“Citizens on fixed incomes have been hit especially hard by the economic turmoil,” Governor Doyle said. “The Economic Recovery Payments will provide some financial relief this spring for the retirees, disabled veterans and others who have given so much to our state.”    » read more »

April 28, 2009 -- WASHINGTON—AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond released this statement following today’s U.S. Senate vote confirming Kathleen Sebelius as Secretary of Health and Human Services:

“From public health and food safety, to medical research and health reform, the Department of Health and Human Services touches every American every day. AARP thanks the Senate for confirming Secretary Sebelius today, and for taking a necessary step toward achieving health reform.

“As Congress and the Administration craft critical health reform legislation, Secretary Sebelius and her department will play an important role, both in educating the public and in shaping the new policies that must pass this year.    » read more »

April 21, 2009 -- Washington, DC – AARP today applauded President Barack Obama for enacting a volunteer service bill that he called for during his candidacy and throughout the beginning of his term. AARP CEO Barry Rand, present at today’s ceremony, released the following statement:

“At a time when many communities are in great need, AARP applauds President Obama for signing the bi-partisan Serve America Act into law. This is important legislation that will strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages.    » read more »

March 23, 2009 -- BAYVILLE – New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine sat down today with a group of senior citizens at the Berkeley Municipal Building to give a helping hand in filling out paperwork for Senior Freeze Rebate applications. Representatives from the Division of Taxation’s Taxpayer Services Outreach Bureau were also available to provide assistance.

“So many of our seniors and disabled citizens are struggling to make ends meet during this national recession,” Governor Corzine said. “The expansion of the Senior Freeze program is aimed at providing property tax relief to thousands on fixed incomes who may not have qualified previously. I really encourage our seniors to take advantage of this program and file their rebate applications as soon as possible.”    » read more »

Seniors and SNAP recipients to see increase in benefits

WORCESTER – Saturday, March 21, 2009 – As part of his Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state’s economic future, Governor Deval Patrick today joined Senator John Kerry to announce more than $300 million in federal recovery funds to help boost Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and to increase nutritional services for seniors.

The Elderly Nutrition Program will receive $2.1 million – $1.4 million allocated for nutrition programs at senior centers, and $700,000 allocated for home-delivered nutrition programs.    » read more »