AARP In Your State

Hawaii Bulletin State News

March 2008

Pressing need – With Hawaii’s 65-plus population projected to increase 86 percent by 2030, the pressure is on to help family caregivers in the state, whose unpaid labor was estimated to be worth $1.25 billion in 2006. During the current legislative session, AARP Hawaii is supporting two long-term care bills. An omnibus bill (SB 2830) would, among other things, create a program giving Medicaid beneficiaries a monthly allowance with the flexibility to hire a family member or friend as caregiver and to choose services according to their needs. Another bill (SB 3255) would establish a commission to find a way to fund the state’s long-term care goals. To get involved in building support for these issues, call 808-545-6006.