Steve Hahn

The North Carolina House and Senate have major differences in their budget bills when it comes to meeting the needs of family caregivers and those with high medical costs. Earlier this month, the House approved budget reinstated the NC medical expense tax deduction that helps protect people from the impact of high medical expenses. They also restored one million dollars in funding that was taken away from the Home and Community Care Block Grant program that supports programs that help people age in their own homes.

When the state Senate revealed its budget proposal Monday night, it did NOT include fully-restored, uncapped medical deductions, or increased funding for the Home and Community Care Block Grant that helps people live independently in their own homes. Instead, the Senate proposed a $20,000 combined cap for all itemized deductions and no change to the Block Grant funding.

In the past, the state budget debate may have been something North Carolina’s non-political junkies generally overlooked or did not closely follow. But this legislative session, more age 50-plus voters have been paying close attention because tax law changes that went into effect hit them where it counts, right in the pocketbook.

Have you received an unsolicited call for tech support lately? Beware, it probably is a fraud. Companies like Microsoft or Apple will never call you. Today’s con artists are getting sneakier. So how do you identify or recognize fraud? Where do you report it? This week on Real Life, learn more about the newest types of fraud targeting Americans of all ages. You will also learn how you can protect yourself with AARP’s Fraud Watch Network. With the free Fraud Watch Network, members and non-members alike can get the con-artists’ playbook, receive fraud alerts, learn about local events and more. Real Life will look at AARP’s efforts to fight fraud in North Carolina and across the nation with this week’s guest Rosa Maymi, AARP project advisor. Listen to Real Life on the audio link or on your local Real Life station.

WASHINGTON, D.C . – With romance scammers using the Internet to rob Americans of an estimated $81 million per year, AARP’s Fraud Watch Network today called on the online dating industry to institute new safeguards to better protect their users. AARP North Carolina is inviting its members and the general public to become involved in the national campaign by signing an online petition.

AARP came out against State House Bill 405 – the Property Protection Act also known as the ‘Ag-Gag’ bill in recent weeks. Last week, AARP asked the Governor to veto this bill after it passed the Senate because the bill goes too far and applies to all businesses, not just agricultural businesses, and could discourage whistleblowing by employees. We need employees ready to blow the whistle when abuse, neglect or unethical acts are occurring in and around our most vulnerable populations of seniors and kids.

AARP is asking for your help in urging Governor McCrory to veto House Bill 405 – The Property Protection Act also known as the Ag-Gag Bill.

In North Carolina, 1.7 million people are providing care to family members or loved ones at some point of time each year. Why is the issue of family caregiving so important right now? What kind of challenges do they face? What kind of resources do family caregivers need?

GREENSBORO -- Oxford resident James A. Wall Sr., former president of AARP North Carolina, was honored with AARP’s Andrus Award for Community Service for his work to improve the health and financial security of North Carolinians. The Andrus Award, presented to Wall at the AARP Multicultural Outreach Awards Ceremony, is the association's most prestigious volunteer tribute recognizing outstanding individuals who are sharing their experience, talents and skills to enrich the lives of others.

It’s Memorial Day Weekend and AARPNC is honoring those who sacrificed their lives for this country and the men and women who serve our nation. This week on Real Life, you’ll learn more about the nation’s largest organization of Veterans -- AARP. Find out how AARP supports our veterans and makes their lives easier and more affordable.