Advocacy

Governor Peter Shumlin today signed a bill into law that effectively prevents predatory online lending institutions from preying upon older Vermonters. The legislation, drafted by AARP Vermont and others, impacts companies offering cash advances to pensioners in exchange for part or all of their pension payments – often at very high interest rates. The new law requires these companies to register with the state and comply with strict regulations on interest rates, disclosures, etc. -- or face stiff penalties. Regulators are confident that these companies will not comply and therefore will effectively be unable to operate in Vermont.

Seniors, families and friends, and professionals are invited to learn how to navigate this complicated Medicare provision when faced with a hospital short stay. “Observation status” is a Medicare designation for a hospital stay that patients experience as inpatients receiving care, but that Medicare considers outpatient. Increasingly, many Vermonters, like seniors across the country, have already suffered financial hardship particularly with rehab and nursing home bills when they transfer from the hospital from a short stay because Medicare will not cover them if they have been on “observation status.”

Every day another older Vermonter is ripped off by a telephone,

Four small organizations with big plans have been selected to receive Community Action Grants from AARP Vermont supporting their efforts to make Newport a more “Age-Friendly” city. In partnering with AARP Vermont, Newport has committed to embrace the changing demographics of an aging population by focusing on safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services and community engagement opportunities for all ages. These Community Action Grants support that direction by funding small, grassroots organizations that are working to advance the Age Friendly movement.

A number of important issues ranging from health care to financial security are being debated this legislative session, learn more about AARP-VT's efforts in the legislature to improve the quality of life for the 50+ population across the state. To find ways to get involved and take action please contact us!

Ever been the victim of a fraud or scam? AARP Live returns January 23 rd with a program that will help you learn how to spot a fraud and important advice on how you can protect yourself from getting scammed.

March 31 is the open enrollment deadline for individuals and families to enroll in health insurance coverage for 2014 through Vermont Health Connect, Vermont’s health insurance Exchange.

With the support of Newport Mayor Paul Monette, Newport City Council and developer Bill Stenger, Newport is poised to become Vermont’s first city to join AARP’s nationwide Network of Age Friendly Cities. As such, the city embraces the changing demographics of an aging population by focusing on safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, access to key services and community engagement opportunities for all ages. As Newport plans for major redevelopment of its downtown and economic base, the city and its partners -- including AARP Vermont and the Newport City Renaissance Corp. -- are looking at ways to prepare for a rapidly aging population.

Let's level the playing field!

AARP Vermont is now accepting applications for the 2014 Community Action Sponsorship Program -- a program to provide modest grant funds and technical support to community groups or individuals. The initiative is part of the Age Friendly Communities initiative aimed at preparing Newport for the rapidly aging demographic shift - particularly in the areas of housing, mobility and community engagement.