Advocacy

While the 2016 State Legislative Session was somewhat anticlimactic -- largely due to revenue projections falling far short of expectations -- several bills supported by AARP New Mexico still managed to make it to Governor Susana Martinez’s desk.

State Legislators in Santa Fe are facing some difficult financial decisions as budget projections of $232 million in new money have dwindled to $30 million. As the debate gets ready to enter the Senate, AARP New Mexico is watching budget negotiations to ensure that senior services and programs are maintained.

If you are a family caregiver in New Mexico there is a new law that can help you be included in your loved one’s care when that person is admitted into the hospital. It’s called the New Mexico Lay Caregiver Aftercare Training Act, also known as the CARE Act.

Medicare and Medicaid will celebrate their 50 th Anniversary Thursday, July 30 th, and the New Mexico Health Care for All Coalition, along with AARP New Mexico and other community partners, is inviting everyone to a special celebration. This free event will take place July 30 th at the Explora Museum, 1701 Mountain Road NW, in Albuquerque, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Participants can also visit the museum prior to the event.

HB139 Formally Includes Caregivers in Process When Loved One is Hospitalized

It’s official. Governor Susana Martinez March 30 signed into law House Bill 91, which would allow drivers to take a safety course at a younger age. The new law allows people to take a driver refresher course beginning at age 50 instead of having to wait until they turn 55. It goes into effect July 1, 2015.

While some legislation appears to be languishing in the final days of New Mexico 2015 Legislative Session, House Bill 91, which would allow drivers to take a safety course at a younger age, is moving through the process at a steady pace.  HB 91 permits companies, such as AARP, to offer driver refresher courses to people beginning at age 50 instead of age 55 as currently listed in the law.

Event Highlights House Bill 139 -- the CARE Act

Every year more than 419,000 family caregivers in New Mexico help their loved ones to live independently -- keeping them out of costly institutions, such as nursing homes. In New Mexico, family caregivers provide unpaid care valued at about $3.1 billion annually.

When Betty’s husband suffered from complications during surgery, caring for him also became much more complicated.