News From New Jersey

AARP in Your State

November 2008

Quell the shivers — AARP New Jersey is calling for more funding for the state's energy assistance program to help people on fixed incomes and those experiencing financial emergencies to stay warm this winter. As heating costs continue to rise, federal and state energy assistance programs cannot meet growing needs with current funding, says Jim Dieterle, AARP state director.

The monthly income limits for the federal program are $1,517 for an individual and $2,042 for a couple; call 1-800-510-3102 to apply. New Jersey Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services (NJ SHARES) traditionally has filled the gap for people who don't qualify for federal assistance but can't pay their heating bills; call 1-866-657-4273 toll free to apply.

To urge Gov. Jon Corzine, D, to support more funding for NJ SHARES, call 609-292-6000.

October 2008

Preventing errors – AARP New Jersey is calling on state Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard to require hospitals to publicly report their medical errors as an incentive to reduce life-threatening mistakes. While hospitals currently are required to report medical errors to the state, those numbers are released only as statewide data without identifying facilities.

The issue is a priority for AARP because 72 percent of the state's severe or fatal medical errors occur in patients age 55 and older. In a recent AARP survey, 82 percent of respondents said it's important for the state to work to prevent medical errors. Nationally, as many as 98,000 people die yearly from preventable medical errors in hospitals, making it one of the top 10 causes of death.

To urge action on the issue, call the Health Care Quality Hotline at 1-800-844-2272. To learn more, go to www.aarp.org/nj.

September 2008

Fixing the system – The state's health care reform efforts recently got a boost with passage of a law expanding the New Jersey Family Care program. This fall the program will begin offering coverage to tens of thousands more children and family members. The law also sets limits on the rates state residents age 55 and older pay for premiums.

Signed by Gov. Jon Corzine, D, in July, the law lays the groundwork for additional legislation that could extend coverage to still more residents. More than 1.25 million New Jerseyans are uninsured, and rising health care costs prevent many from seeking needed care.

To help, AARP New Jersey is collecting personal stories illustrating why health care reform is badly needed. Send your story to AARP New Jersey, 101 Rockingham Row, Princeton, NJ 08540, or e-mail it to aarpnj@aarp.org.

July–August 2008

Learn to freeze – AARP New Jersey has prepared a brochure to help consumers understand the state’s security freeze law and better protect their credit.   The Identity Theft Prevention Act, passed in 2005, allows consumers to place a freeze on their credit reports to prevent would-be thieves from taking out loans or new credit cards in the consumer’s name. The Federal Trade Commission found 8.3 million Americans were identity theft victims in 2005.  AARP New Jersey advises state residents to read their credit reports and understand the protections available under the law. To order your credit report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 toll free. To order AARP New Jersey’s free security freeze brochure, call 1-866-542-8165 toll free.