Advocacy

For the first time since AARP began publishing the Scorecard in 2011, more than half of Medicaid long-term care dollars nationwide for older adults and people with physical disabilities went to home- and community-based services instead of nursing homes and other institutions.

AARP strongly supports new bipartisan legislation, the Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers Act, which would make it easier for family caregivers to navigate key financial and health care programs. The bill was introduced today by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and is co-sponsored by Senators Kyrsten Sinema, (I-AZ), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bob Casey (D-PA) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging and Area Agencies on Aging are developing a 10-year Master Plan for Older Adults, hoping to guide policymakers on ways to ensure older Pennsylvanians and those with disabilities get the support they need. Exorbitant rents, transportation troubles and a shortage of home care workers are among the issues the plan will address.

Within the next 10 years, Social Security could be cut by as much as 20 percent. Social Security isn’t free. We’ve earned it after a lifetime of hard work. It’s the largest source of retirement income for most Americans – including over two million retired Pennsylvanians - - helping them to put food on the table, pay utility bills, and put gas in the tank.

Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich were AARP Pennsylvania’s guests on an August 25 TeleTown Hall aimed at encouraging older and disabled Pennsylvanians to apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program this year and informing them of the historic enhancements to the PTRR program, which AARP Pennsylvania advocated for, that will take effect in 2024.

Recently, Governor Shapiro signed two significant bills - House Bill 1100 and House Bill 611. AARP Pennsylvania celebrates these legislative actions, which will bolster the well-being of older homeowners and renters, helping them stay in their homes and communities.

The Master Plan for Older Adults will serve as a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven roadmap to build and maintain a Pennsylvania where every resident can live and thrive at any age. And the Commonwealth needs your help to make it happen. Read on to see how you can help guide the ongoing process.

As the peak summer vacation season approaches, AARP Pennsylvania is warning travelers to be on the lookout for online vacation rental scams. Popular online vacation platforms offer a convenient and affordable way to find vacation rentals, but scammers are using them to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers.

The Pennsylvania Senate is considering House Bill 611, which – if passed in its current form – will provide no increase for needed aging services and supports. We need your help to restore these cuts.

If there is one thing everyone should understand, it’s that “scammers” are career criminals skilled at the art of manipulation and no one is immune. These crooks target people of any age; in fact, 41% of those who reported a fraud loss to the Federal Trade Commission last year were under the age of 30. So, what can a person do if they experience fraud?