AARP North Carolina

By Michelle Crouch

Our online Q&A sessions can help you keep your loved one secure.

In many states, consumer-focused regulators protect the public interest by making sure utility monopolies charge only rates that are fair and reasonable. Last month the North Carolina Utilities Commission granted large increases to Duke Energy, despite growing outcry from residential customers over rising rates.

When retired Air Force officer Sam Wood of Durham learned that the pharmaceutical industry was pushing back on a federal attempt to close the Medicare Part D donut hole, he took action. Like thousands of other AARP advocates, he called his members of Congress urging them to close the coverage gap. Wood manages his heart condition with several prescriptions and is worried about the future affordability of the medications his doctors prescribe. Thankfully, with your urging, he can rest a bit easier due to a spending bill Congress passed – and President Trump signed –that includes a number of positive provisions for older Americans and AARP’s priorities.

RALEIGH— AARP is now accepting applications for the 2018 Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change in local communities. The grant program, which is now in its second year, is part of AARP’s nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which aims to make communities great places to live for everyone.

Join our online Q&A sessions to learn how to age-proof your career.

RALEIGH -- As a way to thank and honor those who served, AARP is hosting a free reception open to the public from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 13, at the North Carolina Museum of History. The reception is in conjunction with the Museum’s Picturing Nam exhibit, a free exhibit made possible by the National Archives.

RALEIGH -- AARP North Carolina delivered about 1,400 petitions today to the North Carolina Utilities Commission from residential ratepayers concerned about the steep rate hike request by Duke Carolinas.

Like AARP, faith-based communities and places of worship have helped people take care of loved ones, save more for their future, find health and job resources and so much more. Many in the faith community were surprised and delighted to learn of all of AARP's current offerings and relevancy to their congregations. In-person engagement is the most effective method of educating community leaders about AARP and cultivating relationships.

This year, the number of North Carolinians 60 and older is likely to exceed those under 18. That makes AARP North Carolina’s work even more relevant, especially in certain western counties, where projections show residents 65-plus could be about a third of the population by 2030.