AARP Minnesota

This spring, AARP is hosting a virtual class on the basics of Medicare.

Thank you for joining us at Lobby Day. Help us amplify awareness of Paid Family and Medical Leave by taking these three actions today:

AARP supports the development of a Minnesota state Drug Affordability Review Board and believes that federal, state, and local governments should ensure that prescription drug launch prices and subsequent pricing decisions are reasonable, justified, and support improved consumer access and affordability

The coronavirus pandemic has brought to light a long-standing but little-known provision in state law that reduces the unemployment benefits for certain sidelined workers who also receive Social Security.

AARP has been fighting in Washington DC, St. Paul, and state capitols across the country to make sure that older Americans are prioritized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and have timely and accurate information about how and when to sign up to get vaccinated. And while we are encouraged by the milestones and progress of last week - including eclipsing the one million mark for vaccination, the continued downward trends in COVID-related deaths and hospitalizations, the work to vaccinate residents and staff in long term care, and the launch of the Minnesota Vaccine Connector - we know that our state’s vaccination rollout has left too many feeling frustrated and confused. A recent online questionnaire fielded between 2/12 and 2/15 by email to AARP members across Minnesota reflected just that. More than 1,700 AARP members completed the questionnaire.

Black History Month presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the achievements, culture, and history of the African American and Black community in February. This past year millions of Americans protested in cities across the country to demand social justice and racial equality. And older Americans have been adding their voices and perspectives to those demonstrations.

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But, we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability for all. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2021 for its fifth year and is currently accepting applications online through April 14, 7:00 p.m. CST.

Stop Penalizing Older Workers

Americans still pay the highest prices for prescription drugs in the world. It's time Minnesota legislators did something to make sure nobody is forced to choose between food and medicine. But they need to hear from you! 

Sadly, the December 13 Star Tribune Special Report ("Desperate at 'Death Ridge' ") details at length an utterly ruinous response to the pandemic. Having spent over 40 years working in nursing home administration and regulation, I am deeply disturbed about what happened and believe that there must be accountability.