Bruce Bottorff

On April 13 the U.S. Senate voted on the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act (MACRA) of 2015 (H.R. 2) that permanently replaces the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula used to calculate reimbursements to physicians under Medicare. The Senate also voted on the Cardin-Vitter “Seniors’ Amendment” which was a Key Vote for AARP. Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono was a co-sponsor of the amendment.

AARP Hawaii is asking for the public's support to advance a resolution aimed at providing family caregivers with the support they need and deserve.

AARP is pleased to present an event for Hawaii Island caregivers and residents preparing to care for their aging loved ones. The event will be held at the West Hawaii Civic Center on Thursday, March 26 (9 a.m. – noon) and is intended to familiarize residents with community resources and supports needed to care for older friends and family members – as well as plan for their own future needs. The event is free and open to the public. Register online or call toll-free 1-877-926-8300.

Caregiving became a full-time responsibility for Lahaina resident Montella Lopez as her mother’s health declined. Suffering from serious illnesses in the final years of her life, she was in and out of the hospital six times. Each time her mother was discharged, Montella says there was little or no instruction provided on how to care for her at home.

AARP Hawaii is pleased to present three events for family caregivers and residents preparing to care for their aging loved ones. The events will be held in Kona (3/26), Kahului (3/27) and Honolulu (3/28) and are intended to familiarize residents with community resources and supports needed to care for older friends and family members – and plan for their own future needs as well.

AARP Hawaii has announced the hiring of Joshua Wisch as director of advocacy. Prior to his appointment, Wisch served as deputy director of the Hawaii State Department of Taxation, special assistant to the Attorney General in the Hawaii State Department of the Attorney General, and District Director for then-Congresswoman Mazie Hirono. Wisch has also worked as litigation attorney with the Honolulu law firms Cades Schutte and Chun Kerr.

Elder advocates issued the following joint statement following Senate Health Committee Chair Josh Green's deferral of SB 296 - a bill supporting family caregivers in Hawaii:

On February 7, about 500 Honolulu residents attended Living Age-Friendly: Kupuna to Keiki, an event aimed at shaping the future of the city. It was the public’s opportunity to play an active role in the City and County of Honolulu’s plans to improve the quality of life for Oahu residents.

As lovers and those looking for love prepare to celebrate Valentine’s Day, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network releases new tips on how Hawaii residents can protect themselves from scammers taking aim at their hearts and their pocketbooks.

AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation for Hawaii taxpayers with low to moderate incomes through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program beginning February 2. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.