Advocacy

Under a new state law, Oregonians will no longer receive unexpected medical bills for out-of-network services.

At the AARP Oregon State Office we hear almost weekly from a member who can’t afford prescription drugs and has to make the hard choice to skip a medication dose or cut the pill in order to make ends meet. That’s why we were especially pleased to help pass legislation during Oregon’s short session that will make the cost of drugs more “transparent” in our state.

Measure 101—which voters will decide in a Jan. 23 special election—aims to ensure that state assessments on health insurance companies and hospitals will continue to be matched by federal dollars. These funds can be used for one purpose only: to provide affordable health care for Oregonians.

Salem – AARP Oregon honored state legislators with “Down the Trail” awards for developing bi-partisan solutions to help older adults.

Whether you’re retired and living on a fixed income, or work in an office or at a construction site, you should be able to see a doctor or nurse when you’re sick and get medications when you need them. And it shouldn’t bankrupt you. Your income shouldn’t determine whether you can get the care you need.

Clackamas, OR – To recognize their integral work to support family caregivers in Oregon, AARP names Sen. Elizabeth Steiner Hayward, Sen. Jackie Winters, Sen. Richard Devlin, Sen. Tim Knopp, Rep. Nancy Nathanson, Rep. Dan Rayfield, and Rep. Greg Smith as 2017 “Capitol Caregivers,” a bipartisan group of nearly 100 elected officials from more than 30 states. These leaders have advanced policies to support Oregon’s family caregivers, who help their parents, spouses and other loved ones live independently at home and in the community—where they want to be.

Intimacy, addiction and exercise are just a few of the topics at this year's Vital Aging Conference, which tackles what it means to Disrupt Aging.

A new state law supported by AARP Oregon cracks down on distracted driving. Drivers cannot touch their phones behind the wheel. Hands-free phone usage is still allowed.

Oregon’s workforce is feeling anxious about retirement – more than half don’t have a workplace retirement savings option. But the retirement landscape is changing in the state with the launch of OregonSaves.

By Mac McLean