News From Mississippi

AARP in Your State

July-August 2009

Delta outreach — AARP Mississippi is working with community and faith-based leaders and residents around the Mississippi Delta as part of a national effort to increase the association's outreach in black and Hispanic communities.

AARP staff and volunteers will work in two cities—Cleveland and Clarksdale—in the region. This predominantly African American area has some of the greatest health problems and lowest income in the country. A series of community conversations will gather feedback about how AARP can help, says Sherri Davis-Garner, senior state director.

Learn more at www.aarp.org/ms or by calling 1-866-554-5382 toll-free.

April 2009

Choices for care — AARP is working with state lawmakers to bring more balance to the state's long-term care system.

Nationwide, 75 percent of Medicaid long-term care dollars spent on adults age 65 and older and those with physical disabilities pays for nursing home care. The remainder funds services that help people remain in their own homes as they age. In Mississippi, 89 percent goes to nursing home care. AARP is pushing to bring the state figure closer to the national average by 2012 and to make clear to state residents that they may choose either kind of care.

In February, the House passed a bill (HB 105) that encouraged shifting money to home- and community-based care.

To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/ms.

March 2009

Balancing act — AARP is asking lawmakers to earmark more money for long-term care services at home and in the community and to form a commission to find ways to offer state residents more long-term care choices.

Services that help people age in their own homes cost less than a third of what nursing homes cost, on average. Yet in Mississippi, 89 percent of Medicaid long-term care money goes to nursing home care.

AARP Mississippi is pushing for legislation that would require the state Division of Medicaid to assess individuals' long-term care needs, provide information and counseling about their options, rapidly determine their eligibility and refer them to services. To learn more or to get involved in this issue, call 1-866-554-5382 toll-free or visit www.aarp.org/ms.