Steve Hahn

RALEIGH -- At a ceremonial presentation made today with state legislators and the United Way, AARP explained how contributions the AARP Foundation collected from members across the country last fall resulted in $200,000 being donated to assist North Carolina families affected by Hurricane Matthew.

WASHINGTON, DC — In a statement today, AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond applauded the withdrawal of the House health care legislation that would have harmed millions of older Americans and their families:

For decades, the public drinking water supply at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was contaminated with hazardous chemicals. Countless Veterans were unknowingly exposed to these chemicals.

RALEIGH -- This week, six bi-partisan NC Members of Congress publicly opposed the American Health Care Act, a House proposal, that if passed, could result in older adults paying up to $8,400 a year in added insurance premiums.

While it’s still a work in progress, the broad outline of proposed health care reforms is coming into focus in Congress. The measure as currently drafted holds huge ramifications for all Americans, including here in North Carolina. Many of those ramifications come from proposals to change Medicaid from its current form into a block grant program.

ASHEVILLE, NC -- Congressional leaders are looking to repeal or modify the Affordable Care Act, and House Republican leaders have presented a plan that has raised concerns on both sides of the political aisle including opposition from Congressman Mark Meadows and the conservative Freedom Caucus that he leads.

While existing health care law is by no means perfect, the most recent push – getting more people covered – certainly seems to have worked. Recent Census Bureau data shows far too many Americans, 29 million people, still lack coverage, but that’s 13 million fewer than before “Obamacare.’’

By Jim Buchanan

Don't miss some great chances to learn, meet others and have fun at these AARP events in March. Register for these free events today.

RALEIGH -- Contrary to this week’s reports of contentious Congressional town hall meetings over federal policy proposals, the North Carolina Congressional delegation held 13 productive meetings with teams of AARP volunteers. AARP volunteers in each district informed their elected official that certain health policy changes being proposed in Washington could have costly consequences on many of their constituents.