AARP Maryland

Law goes into effect July 1st to create nation’s first state oversight board to bring down prescription drug costs

Financial abuse is the most common type of elder abuse, with the average victim losing upward of $120,000.

This article was writen by Darline Goyea, Strategic Communications & Outreach Specialist, for the Defense Health Agency.

Two decades ago energy companies and their lobbyist convinced legislators that Maryland consumers would save money if only they deregulated the electric and gas companies. During the 2019 session, the industry hired dozens of plugged-in lobbyists to advocate for a measure to change the way electric and gas utilities set their annual rates. HB 653 Electric Companies and Gas Companies – Rate Regulation – Alternative Rate Plans was sponsored by Chairman Dereck Davis. Under the radar of the Public Service Commission and consumer advocates, the bill passed the House Economic Matters Committee 20-0 and the full House 83-51. AARP Maryland, however, took notice and our members sprang into action, sending hundreds of emails and faxes to their senators urging them to kill this anti-consumer measure. The bill’s supporters complained about the “noise” made by AARP volunteer advocates, but our efforts made a difference. The more AARP members made “noise,” the more lawmakers began to pay attention and the bill stalled in the Senate.

Find out more about this issue at AARP’s second in a series of free webinars.

Learn essential networking and interviewing skills at our free, two-part webinar.

Learn about ways to avoid illegal robocalls and phone scams in this free, two-part webinar.

A statewide public opinion poll released on May 6, shows overwhelming bipartisan support among Maryland voters for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.

The following edition of Veterans Corner is written by AARP volunteer and Navy Veteran Brian Smith.

By Michelle R. Davis