News From Iowa

AARP in Your State

November 2009

Plan ahead — AARP Iowa is representing the interests of the state's "pre-Medicare" population—Iowans ages 50 to 64—on a commission charged with developing a strategic plan for state health care reform.

The commission aims to make coverage affordable for all Iowans, end the practice of excluding individuals with preexisting conditions, and make coverage portable when people move from one job to another or between private and public plans.

The commission must submit a progress report to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2010, and finalize its plan by Oct. 1, 2011.

To receive e-mail updates on this and other issues or to help push for health care reform, go to www.aarp.org/ia.

October 2009

Homes for life — AARP, Rebuilding Together and AmeriCorps volunteers have collaborated in several communities to help Iowans learn how to prepare their homes—and help neighbors prepare theirs—to meet changing needs as they age.

The volunteers have distributed information about "universal design" features that can make a home an easier place to live at any age. Such features include wide doorways and grab bars in bathrooms. In addition, the volunteers used lists prepared by AARP's Create the Good campaign to help friends and neighbors with home safety checks and to suggest free and low-cost modifications that can help homeowners stay comfortable, independent and injury-free.

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ia. Or go to www.createthegood.org and click on "Home Safety Tips and Tools."

September 2009

Scammers, beware — Under the state's new Private Right of Action law, Iowans now have the right to go to court to protect themselves against deceptive or unfair business practices. Iowa was the last of the 50 states to give its citizens such protection.

"Until now, Iowans who were victims of consumer fraud had little to no hope of ever recovering their losses," said Anthony Carroll, AARP associate state director for advocacy, when the law was enacted in July. "This is especially critical in a tough economy, while consumers' pocketbooks are stretched thin, and in a state that is still recovering from natural disasters."

AARP is working with the Office of the Attorney General in Des Moines to spread the word about the new law. To get more information, go to www.aarp.org/ia or visit www.iowaattorneygeneral.org.

June 2009

Good advice — With the deadline for annual Medicare enrollment and Part D prescription drug plan re-enrollment coming at the end of this year, AARP Iowa is seeking volunteers for the state's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). After completing a five-day training course, SHIIP volunteers will meet with individuals in their community on an appointment basis to counsel them about options in Medicare coverage.

New counselors are needed to help manage the increasing number of Iowans who are turning 65 and eligible for Medicare. To volunteer or learn more about SHIIP, visit www.aarp.org/ia or call 1-866-554-5378 toll-free.