AARP WV Achieves State Legislative Wins On Behalf Of 50+ West Virginians

AARP West Virginia achieved notable state advocacy wins during the 2021 West Virginia Legislature that support the continued expansion of high-speed internet across the state, expand access to health care through greater telehealth opportunities, and strengthen criminal and civil protections in the fight against elder abuse and financial exploitation. Our success at the State Capitol this session would not have been possible without the daily efforts of our dedicated volunteers, who provide an important first-person perspective and such a critical voice in sharing the concerns of older West Virginians and their families with our legislators.

AARP West Virginia’s Capitol Advocacy Team, a dedicated group of nearly 30 advocacy volunteers from communities across the state, did an outstanding job in maintaining a strong virtual presence with lawmakers and leaders during the 60-day regular session of the West Virginia Legislation that concluded on Saturday, April 10. Many of these volunteers, who typically would be at the State Capitol during the legislative session, met the unprecedented challenges created by the pandemic and limited public access to the State Capitol this legislative session. Our virtual red coats, engaging with lawmakers and participating in daily legislative activity from their homes, were not only visible, but were influential in making positive change for 50-plus West Virginians and their families. 

As we have experienced first-hand over the past year, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic has further necessitated action by state leaders to expedite the expansion of high-speed internet to communities throughout our state. The primary focus of AARP’s state advocacy work during the 2021 West Virginia Legislature centered on addressing the digital divide in the Mountain State and expanding access to care through telehealth.

AARP actively worked with legislative leaders on House Bill 2002 to ensure the broadband vision and roadmap outlined as a top legislative priority for the 2021 regular session were addressed in the critical next steps forward. AARP-supported enhancements to House Bill 2002 incorporate the critical goal of digital equity in the responsibilities for the newly established Office of Broadband, ensure mapping and data collection accurately reflect speed and cost of service by community and best support the widespread adoption of broadband. The legislation also includes accountability measures related to the use of state and federal funds to ensure we avoid mistakes of the past and maximize every dollar in connecting high-speed internet to homes and businesses.

AARP continued its work to support West Virginia’s nearly 300,000 family caregivers and their loved ones by advocating for laws and policies that increase access to care and remove barriers to telehealth services, such as outdated regulations. House Bill 2024 makes permanent reforms introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic that allow licensed highly qualified healthcare practitioners in other states to provide much needed telehealth services to West Virginians. This crucial telehealth reform has brought care to thousands of West Virginians during the pandemic. As West Virginia invests in expedited high-speed Internet deployment to connect our communities, greater use of telehealth services will continue to increase access to a whole host of health providers who are in good standing.

As instances of elder abuse, especially financial exploitation, continue to rise, AARP continues its work to enact legislation focused on prevention, detection and intervention; and, to strengthen civil and criminal penalties against fraud and financial exploitation. Five million older Americans are the victims of elder abuse every year, and the annual loss by victims of financial exploitation and abuse is estimated to be at least $36.5 billion, according to the National Council on Aging.

House Bill 2671 updates and coordinates West Virginia's financial exploitation statute and clarifies proceedings regarding civil complaints and petitions for financial exploitation protective orders. The bill makes technical changes, includes potential criminal penalties for violation of the provisions of a financial exploitation protective order, and requires notices of fines and penalties in all injunctive or protective orders.

For more highlights from AARP’s state advocacy work at the West Virginia Legislature, visit our social media channels on Facebook (AARPWestVirginia) and Twitter (@AARPWV).