News From North Dakota

AARP in Your State

November 2009

Lower costs — AARP urges members who anticipate problems paying utility bills this winter to apply now for help from the state's Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The program will stop taking applications when its seasonal funding runs out.

The Farmers' Almanac garnered media attention in September with its prediction that North Dakota is in for a colder winter than usual. "We don't know how accurate that will be," said AARP spokesman Lyle Halvorson, "but we are concerned that high heating costs will force some people to cut back on necessities such as prescription drugs or food."

To apply for help, call your county Social Service Office or the state LIHEAP office at 1-800-755-2716.

October 2009

Avoid the gap — Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan and find out how to save on drug costs at one of 10 events across the state. Sponsored by AARP and the North Dakota Health Insurance Counseling Program, the free sessions will be held in Bismarck on Nov. 16; Devils Lake, Nov. 18; Grand Forks, Nov. 19; Jamestown, Nov. 20; Williston, Nov. 23; Minot, Nov. 24; Dickinson, Nov. 30; Wahpeton, Dec. 2; Fargo, Dec. 3; and Valley City, Dec. 4.

This year about 19,000 North Dakotans fell into the "doughnut hole," a gap in Medicare Part D benefits that begins when annual drug costs exceed $2,700. Volunteers at the sessions will use AARP's Doughnut Hole Calculator to help people avoid the gap in benefits and identify lower-cost alternatives to expensive medications.

For the complete schedule, visit www.aarp.org/nd or call 1-888-575-6611 toll-free.  To use the calculator, go to doughnuthole.aarp.org.

September 2009

Legislative prep — Although the state legislature convenes only every other year, much of the work to prepare for each session is accomplished by interim committees. Lawmakers are now preparing for the 2011 session.

AARP North Dakota staff and volunteers monitor these committee meetings and testify on issues important to North Dakotans age 50-plus. Such issues include long-term care services, regulation of assisted living facilities, the cost of health insurance, unmet health care needs, property tax relief, the homestead tax credit, workforce issues and state and tribal relations.

To stay informed on these issues and get involved in advocacy, sign up at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.

July-August 2009

One-stop help needed — A recent survey of the state's 88,000 AARP members found that two-thirds wanted a centralized source of information on long-term health care and in-home assistance. Though the state legislature defeated an AARP North Dakota-backed proposal to create such a resource center, a push continues for one-stop help with other state services like meal delivery, transportation and medical care.

"It would help individuals and families make informed decisions when they need long-term care services," says Janis Cheney, AARP state director. She said it's particularly important in North Dakota, which has the nation's highest proportion of people age 85 and older. To support this effort, visit www.aarp.org/getinvolved.

June 2009

Helping people with dementia — Beginning July 1, the state will provide more services to help people with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia continue to live at home. In a move supported by AARP North Dakota, lawmakers appropriated $1.2 million for services that promote early diagnosis and provide financial support for family caregivers.

North Dakota has the fourth highest percentage of state residents age 65 and older in the country. An estimated 18,000 North Dakotans have Alzheimer's, which typically triples health care costs for an American older than 65. There are more than 17,000 unpaid caregivers in the state helping family members or friends who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia.

For more information, call AARP at 1-866-554-5383 toll-free.

May 2009

Refunds for renters — Low-income renters who are 65 and older or have disabilities may qualify for a refund through the state's Homestead Credit Renter Refund program. Annual income cannot exceed $17,500 for an applicant, spouse and dependents. If housing costs exceeded 20 percent of income in 2008, the renter may be eligible.

Qualified renters may receive refunds of as much as $240. Last year, 1,998 North Dakota renters received $287,682—or an average refund of $144 each.

The deadline to apply is June 30. For information and applications, call the state tax department at 701-328-3127 or at 1-800-638-2901 (select option 6).