Advocacy

"All Americans should be able to exercise their right to vote freely, easily, and safely," says Paula D. Cunningham, AARP Michigan State Director.

Lower prescription drug prices, nursing home reforms, expansion of home and community based services, bridging the digital divide, and increased access to health care through telehealth are among AARP Michigan's priority issues this year.

Deaths of nursing home residents in Michigan for the month leading up to March 21 are significantly lower than in the previous period, dropping from a rate of .70 to .08 per 100 residents. New infections among residents also dropped substantially from 2.3 per 100 residents to .32. Cases among staff fell by half, from 2.3 per 100 residents to 1.15.

Beginning in early April, the federal government will begin offering financial assistance to help with funeral costs for people who have died of COVID-19.

AARP Michigan volunteers report their experiences and signing up for COVID-19 vaccinations, obtaining an appointment, and actually getting the shot in the arm.

Nursing Home Dashboard Report also shows more than one-third of nursing homes still have staffing shortages. Report covers four weeks leading up to Feb. 14.

New AAARP analysis shows from December 21 to January 17, the rate of coronavirus cases per 100 Michigan nursing home residents declined from 11.0 to 6.1 among residents and 10.6 to 5.9 among staff. Resident death rates dipped slightly, from 2.17 to 2.12 deaths for every 100 people living in a nursing home. 

11 short training sessions on Michigan Attorney General Department's YouTube Channel focus on recognizing, reporting and preventing elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.  

AARP Michigan End of Session Report focuses on key issues facing adults 50 and up, including telehealth, broadband, prescription drug prices, access to home and community based services, nursing home reform, and others. Report also previews 2021 state agenda. Take a look!

Gov. Gretchen Whtimer and Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, Michigan's chief medical executive, answered a wide range of questions from call participants about the coronavirus vaccination process in the state.