AARP Missouri

More than 22,000 Missourians reported they were victims of identity theft in 2015, giving the state the highest rate of complaints per capita in the nation. With Operation Stop Scams closely following this year’s April 18 tax filing deadline, the time is ripe for people to get rid of documents they no longer need.

By Tim Poor

AARP Missouri successfully blocked a bill in 2016 that would have made consumers bear the risk of weather-related changes in utility costs. AARP members flooded their elected officials’ email inboxes and phone lines with messages opposing the legislation. Thanks to their efforts, and several state senators from both parties, the measure was defeated.

As AARP Missouri looks ahead to the 2017 Missouri legislative session, several rate hike proposals by the state’s monopoly utilities are staring us in the face.

By Tim Poor

With the vast majority of older Missourians wanting to remain in their homes and communities as they age, the contribution of family caregivers cannot be overlooked. This silent army is the backbone of elder care in our state, providing unpaid care valued at about $8.9 billion annually. Without the help of family caregivers, too many of our seniors would end up in costly institutions – often paid for by the state, through Medicaid.

In support of Veterans Day (November 11), AARP Driver Safety will offer the AARP Smart Driver™ online course for 30% off for the entire month of November. From November 1 – 30, AARP members and non-members can save 30% when they take the online course by entering the promotion code VETFB during registration and checkout. Participants can register at bit.ly/adsSO.

Caregivers Together, a local support group in Carthage, meets monthly to offer family caregivers in the area an opportunity to share stories with others facing the same challenges. Founded by AARP volunteer Jinny Hopp, the group also shares tips on how to balance your own life and work with the tasks required to meet an aging loved one’s needs.

Medicare Annual Enrollment runs through December 7, and it’s a banner time for Medicare fraud. Beware of ads that promise medical equipment covered 100% by Medicare. Like the one that might appear in the newspaper offering a free back brace, or the TV infomercial claiming you can get anything to ease your pain with no money out of pocket. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment that is medically necessary with a doctor’s prescription. Scammers hope you don’t know this. They want your Medicare number to fraudulently bill Medicare. Plus, your Medicare number is also your Social Security number so be especially cautious about giving it out.

In keeping with the state’s constitutional guarantee to “free exercise of the right of suffrage,” AARP Missouri is raising concerns about a measure that would place new restrictions on voting. The resolution (HJR 53) calls for a state constitutional amendment that would require every voter to present an approved form of photo identification at the polls.