Advocacy

May 21, 2015

By Bev Bachel

An estimated 100,000 Minnesotans rely on a state supported health care plan whose future is in doubt at the Capitol. MinnesotaCare provides quality, low-cost care for Minnesotans with moderate incomes who do not qualify for Medicaid. The plan has been modeled nationally, and is an integral part of Minnesota’s health care network.

AARP today listed Virginia, Minnesota’s Southside neighborhood as one of the top 10 most livable neighborhoods in the nation. The list was part of the unveiling of AARP’s Livability Index, a first of its kind resource that allows people to determine how well their communities are meeting their current and future needs. People, policy makers and the private sector can use the Livability Index to measure how their location – down to the neighborhood level – rates across a comprehensive range of metrics that reflect the resident experience.

Happy National Volunteer Week! AARP is incredibly grateful for all of our volunteers who dedicate their time and enthusiasm to our programs. Our volunteers come from all over the state of Minnesota to help their communities receive the benefits and knowledge of AARP.

The legislature is considering multiple telecommunications proposals that could have a drastic impact on how nearly 2 million Minnesotans receive phone service. Senate File 736 and House File 1066 both seek to deregulate telecommunications companies in Minnesota, which would likely result in the loss of affordable, reliable phone service for seniors, low income families and those living in rural parts of the state.

Four Minnesota legislators were honored by AARP recently for their work to support Minnesota family caregivers in 2014.

The vast majority of older Americans want to live independently at home. In order to do so, they often rely exclusively on unpaid family caregivers for help. In Minnesota, more than 670,000 family caregivers are helping their loved ones live independently – keeping them in their homes and out of costly institutions, such as nursing homes. These unsung heroes provide unpaid care valued at about $8.2 billion annually.

Minnesota is only 1 of 7 States that tax Social Security Benefits. Minnesota should follow the lead of most states and Stop Taxing these Benefits.

You’re in a meeting with a coworker when her phone rings: Her elderly father has had a bad fall and is on the way to the emergency room. At the hospital, she discovers that her father will need to stay in the hospital. Four days later, her father is moved to a skilled rehabilitation care facility for several weeks of