Health & Wellbeing

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s March 31 order extending social distancing guidelines through the end of April means the Lone Star State will be operating in its new normal for at least one more month.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is spreading around the world, sparking anxiety and questions about the respiratory disease. AARP Texas wants to help you get answers to your most urgent questions.

Seems like every day we are hearing something new about the Coronavirus or Covid-19. The only consistent message is that major steps are being taken during the illness' outbreak to inform and protect older Americans and their families.

To help Texas combat the COVID-19 healthcare crisis and to improve health outcomes for older persons, AARP Texas has called on Governor Greg Abbott to bolster health coverage statewide by seeking a temporary expansion of Medicaid.

In response to numerous inquiries about the impact of coronavirus on Texans, AARP Texas issued today (Tuesday, March 24, 2020) the following statement:

With the world’s current situation, we are all being advised to stay home and practice social distancing. This means we should avoid crowded places. While you may have the necessities, how will you keep yourself entertained? Binge-watching online media like movies and shows could be your solution but it isn’t the only thing you can do. Staying at home does not have to feel like complete isolation. If you need some suggestions, we at AARP Texas are here to help.

At AARP, we have been promoting the health and well-being of older Americans for more than 60 years. We are monitoring developments related to Covid-19 and are working feverishly to keep you informed by providing you information and resources to help older people and caregivers protect themselves from the virus and prevent its spread. One of the issues that accompany crisis situations is the issue of price gouging. Unfortunately, Texans are not immune to this type of illegal practice. Texans were told to be on the lookout for scams after Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide Coronavirus disaster declaration on March 13.

We’re writing with an important message to let you know that we have canceled our external events until further notice. While convening events is a core part of our mission, we have changed our approach in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

It’s shopping time for the 2.5 million Texans who have Medicare coverage. Open enrollment for the program starts today and runs through December 7. It’s the one time of year beneficiaries can review their plan, and switch coverage if needed.

Not sure which Medicare plans and options are right for you or a loved one? AARP is here to help connect you to the resources that may make it easier for you to decide what’s right for you.