AARP Hawaii 2016 State Legislative Priorities

Top Legislative Priority

Pass the CARE Act – Legislation to help the state’s unpaid family caregivers when their loved ones are hospitalized by easing the transition from hospital to home. Requiring no appropriation of state funds, the CARE Act would: 1) Allow patients the opportunity to designate a caregiver when they are admitted; 2) Ensure the caregiver is kept informed of major decisions concerning the patient; 3) Require hospitals to offer after-care instructions to the caregiver, prior to discharge, in the medical tasks needed to be performed when the patient goes home.

Supporting Legislative Priorities

Kupuna Care Program – Support appropriation of $5.1 million in the base budget for safety net services aimed at helping Hawaii’s residents remain in their homes and communities as they age.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers – Support appropriation of $1.7 million in the base budget for the state’s ADRCs, designed to help individuals and their families identify long-term supports and services and understand the available options and costs of publicly and privately funded programs so that families can plan for present and future care needs.

Additional Priority

Work and Save – Resolution laying the groundwork for a retirement savings program aimed at helping the state’s private-sector employees – especially those working for small businesses that do not offer a workplace-sponsored retirement savings plan.