Advocacy

By Tom Scherberger

In the wake of Hurricane Michael, Northwest Florida residents have had their fair share of rebuilding struggles, most of them extensive. Now Gulf Power wants to add to them.

To honor their work supporting Florida’s caregivers, AARP has named Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez and Senate Majority Leader Kathleen Passidomo as Florida’s 2018 “Capitol Caregivers,” a bipartisan group of 65 elected officials from 24 states.

AARP Foundation and AARP Florida announced Monday that 11 North Florida organizations have received $905,000 to benefit Floridians 50-plus who were hard hit by Hurricane Michael in October 2018.

Efforts to improve Florida’s livability are growing. But the Sunshine State still ranked as the nation’s deadliest state for pedestrians, with eight out of the 10 most dangerous metro areas for pedestrians to be found in Florida, according to a new report.

Tallahassee, Fla. – AARP Florida Friday urged Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis’s new administration to “rebalance” Florida’s Medicaid long-term care budget so frail older and disabled Floridians could get more help to remain in their homes and communities, rather than being cared for in institutions such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Hurricane Michael hit north Florida in October, leaving a swath of destruction 80 miles wide. Older adults may be especially vulnerable during the rebuilding period, months after the state experienced this potent storm.

AARP Florida Tuesday urged Gov.-elect Ron DeSantis to work with the Legislature to seek reversal of a state decision to shorten the time period for retroactive eligibility for Medicaid reimbursement from three months to the first day of the month when application is made.

Por Michelle Cerulli McAdams

By Michelle Cerulli McAdams