Advocacy

When voters show up at the polls in some of North Carolinas larger cities, they may notice a campaign sign that looks a lot different than those of the candidates. AARP’s “Take a Stand” volunteers are fanning out across the state pressing candidates from both parties to lay out their plans to keep Social Security financially sound for future generations.

On this week's "Without Limits," you'll learn more about how the state's most populous County Government works, it's challenges and successes, and it's vision of becoming a better place to live for people of all ages.

AARP North Carolina launched its’ 2016 election accountability campaign called Take a Stand demanding on behalf of all voters that the Presidential and Congressional candidates clearly state their plans to update Social Security.

When it comes to meeting the needs of AARP’s 1.1 million North Carolina members, AARP’s continued work to improve the financial and health security of all North Carolinians is essential. Here is a recap of AARP’s state legislative outcomes and positions in 2015 with a glimpse of issues to expect in 2016.

RALEIGH, NC – AARP North Carolina expert on financial security and family caregiving Debra Tyler-Horton is leaving to become the State Director of AARP Georgia, after having built an extensive network of volunteers and partner organizations that help thousands of North Carolinians improve their own financial resilience and better handle the responsibilities of caring for older or disabled loved ones.

KERNERSVILLE, NC - After serving for nine years as both an alternate and delegate for Forsyth County, AARPNC advocacy volunteer and former state Executive Council Member Dr. Althea Taylor-Jones was elected Speaker of the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature, for the two year term, 2016-2017.

Do you have the health care coverage you need? Have you assessed your current health status and coverage? If you are a Medicare beneficiary, open enrollment, which begins on October 15, is your chance this year to reexamine your coverage and options. You can either select a new plan, or keep the one you have.

Last week, Governor Pat McCrory signed the state's long overdue budget bill that included more funds to help seniors and their family caregivers with services such as Meals on Wheels, in-home health aides, transportation to medical appointments and more. The budget also offsets rising health care costs with the reinstatement of the medical expense deduction that was eliminated in 2013.

RALEIGH -- The long delay in getting a state legislative budget passed has paid off for family caregivers and those with high out-of-pocket medical expenses. In the budget released overnight, lawmakers restored Home and Community Care Block Grant funds that were cut two years ago. These funds help seniors and their family caregivers with services such as Meals on Wheels, in-home health aides, transportation to medical appointments and more. These services save the state money because they help keep seniors independent as they age while freeing up time and resources for family caregivers to remain in the workforce.

By Margaret Toman -- as appeared in the July/August NC Medical Journal