Anita Parran

As AARP Missouri looks ahead to the 2017 Missouri legislative session, several rate hike proposals by the state’s monopoly utilities are staring us in the face.

Scammers and con artists are busy at work! But don't let your guard down...here are a few scam alerts to keep you safe and secure from crooks.

With the vast majority of older Missourians wanting to remain in their homes and communities as they age, the contribution of family caregivers cannot be overlooked. This silent army is the backbone of elder care in our state, providing unpaid care valued at about $8.9 billion annually. Without the help of family caregivers, too many of our seniors would end up in costly institutions – often paid for by the state, through Medicaid.

In support of Veterans Day (November 11), AARP Driver Safety will offer the AARP Smart Driver™ online course for 30% off for the entire month of November. From November 1 – 30, AARP members and non-members can save 30% when they take the online course by entering the promotion code VETFB during registration and checkout. Participants can register at bit.ly/adsSO.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs through December 7, and it’s a banner time for Medicare fraud. Beware of ads that promise medical equipment covered 100% by Medicare. Like the one that might appear in the newspaper offering a free back brace, or the TV infomercial claiming you can get anything to ease your pain with no money out of pocket. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment that is medically necessary with a doctor’s prescription. Scammers hope you don’t know this. They want your Medicare number to fraudulently bill Medicare. Plus, your Medicare number is also your Social Security number so be especially cautious about giving it out.

This fall, AARP is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to read their annual Notice of Change and to review their health and prescription drug plan options for 2017 during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15th – December 7th). Given the trend in high prescription medication prices, consumers are advised to pay close attention to their Medicare Part D drug plan options to help save money.

AARP is teaming with the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis to present a Vice Presidential watch party and Social Security policy discussion on October 4 beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event will take place at the Fox-Clark Forum in Hillman Hall on the Danforth Campus located at the corner of Forsyth Blvd. and Hoyt Drive.

The devastating natural disasters that have made national news this year serve as a reminder to people of all ages that we must take action to prepare for emergencies that could affect us where we live, work or visit.

Join AARP in Springfield for a FREE screening of Me Before You, the popular movie based on the book by Jojo Moyes.

AARP in Kansas City is teaming with BikeWalk KC for the 3rd Annual KC Women's Bike Summit designed to create a venue for women of all ages and backgrounds to come together. Participants will convene at St. Teresa's Academy , 5600 Main Street from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants will celebrate bicycling, discuss issues that are relevant and important to women bike riders, and provide hands-on opportunities for women to become more confident riders.