Advocacy

Guest blogger Laurel Peltier is an AARP Maryland lead advocacy volunteer and journalist.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

AARP Maryland joins the nation in mourning the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings, who passed away on October 17 at the age of 68.

Medicare Open Enrollment season is here, which means it is also Medicare fraud season. Between now and December 7th seniors across the country will be shopping for the best deal for their health care dollar. Unfortunately some of the deals they will be offered won’t be deals at all.

AARP Maryland Shows Impact of Skyrocketing Drug Prices on Marylanders with New Data and Infographic

Rate Hikes Almost Certain Under New Decision

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

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.

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.