Jessica Prell

We're designating May as "Medicaid Expansion Month" and need your help.

Chained CPI represents a shattered promise—at a high cost—to seniors, to people with disabilities, and to veterans. Proponents of chained CPI portray it as a more accurate indicator of the cost-of-living. It is based on the notion that when the cost of an item goes up, you simply switch to a cheaper alternative. But, that cost would grow higher year by year, making it increasingly harder to pay for groceries or heat or medicine.

Do you know an extraordinary volunteer age 50+?

Lily Kongslein, a tireless volunteer who led Rhinelander’s AARP chapter for many years, will be honored this weekend by her community for her lifetime of service.

Don’t you think it’s fair for all Wisconsin citizens to have access to affordable telephone land-line service? We sure do.

We were afraid this would happen. Social Security is once again getting mixed up in “Grand Bargain” debates in Washington.

Seniors and their families, with support of county governments in eight Wisconsin counties, have long sought inclusion in the Family Care program already available in 57 other Wisconsin counties. It appeared they would be successful when the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) ruled in early 2012 that Wisconsin could not halt the expansion of this Medicaid-waiver program. However, Wisconsin has yet to add any new counties to the program.

Now that the Governor has introduced his budget, it’s time for the Joint Finance Committee to hear from you! Put on a red shirt and join us at any of the four Joint Finance Committee hearings scheduled throughout the state. Don’t have a red shirt? No problem, we’ll bring extras!

This year, April 21-27, has been designated as National Volunteer Appreciation Week across the United States. It is a time to honor those who give back to their communities in ways both big and small, and do so without the expectation of reward or recognition.

Even though Governor Walker did not include funds in his proposed 2013-15 state budget to expand Family Care into seven counties in northeast Wisconsin that are ready, willing and eager to take on the long-term care program, the fight for this expansion is far from over.