Your AARP: New Jersey

November 2009

Warm inside — Automatic enrollment for a program that helps low-income people pay heating bills continues this winter for those already enrolled in the state's prescription drug plan.

In a move suggested by AARP, Gov. Jon Corzine, D, in 2008 raised income limits for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to match those of the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled program, and established auto-enrollment for LIHEAP. About 50,000 households became newly eligible and received help with last winter's heating costs. Previously, many older people did not apply because of a cumbersome application process. AARP worked with state agencies to help streamline the process.

Annual income limits for the programs are currently $24,368 for individuals and $32,783 for couples. To find out more, call 1-800-510-3102 or visit www.state.nj.us/dca/divisions/dhcr/offices/hea.html.

October 2009

On alert — Lawmakers are considering a bill (A 2844) that would create a Silver Alert to notify local media and law enforcement officials when an older person goes missing.

Similar to Amber Alerts for missing children, 10 states have created Silver Alert systems to respond when a person with dementia or other mental impairment wanders away from home or a care facility. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that more than 60 percent of adults with dementia will wander at some point, sometimes with tragic consequences.

State Sen. Bill Baroni, R, sponsored the bill, and AARP is backing it. To track its progress, go to www.aarp.org/nj.

September 2009

Smart investing — State lawmakers are considering a bill that would bar people who sell securities from using titles that falsely imply they have special training or expertise in advising older investors. AARP New Jersey supports the measure.

Some salespeople currently use titles such as "senior financial adviser" or "elder financial specialist" to gain investors' trust. The bill would require salespeople who use such titles to be appropriately certified.

Call the AARP Predatory Securities Prevention Hotline at 1-800-260-0130 for information on how to urge state legislators to cosponsor bills S 2909 and A 3913.

July-August 2009

Stopping predators — A state law that protects older consumers from deceptive sales of annuities may be used as a model for a national law.

Rep. John Adler, D-N.J., is expected to introduce a federal version of New Jersey's Predatory Annuities Prevention Act, which outlines several tools to prevent shady investment sales tactics. The 2008 state law prevents people who are selling annuities from claiming unsubstantiated expertise or using misleading titles such as "senior financial adviser." It also gives buyers a 10-day review period to cancel an annuity contract without penalty. AARP New Jersey strongly supported the state law and is pushing for federal legislation.

Contact Adler at 732-608-7235 to thank him for his efforts to protect older consumers from unscrupulous annuity salespeople.

June 2009

Tight times — AARP New Jersey is pressing for year-round funding for a program that helps state residents avoid utility shutoffs for nonpayment.

NJ SHARES provides grants of up to $1,000 to those who have been making good-faith efforts to pay their utility bills, but do not qualify for public assistance. Unlike a federal program that helps low-income people with utility bills, the New Jersey program is available to those in a financial bind regardless of household income.

Lawmakers must settle on a state budget by June 30, and AARP is hoping it will include $10 million to extend NJ SHARES. To urge Gov. Jon Corzine, D, to support the funding, call 609-292-6000.

May 2009

Blunt the ax — As state lawmakers carve out a lean budget in a tough economy, AARP New Jersey is urging them to keep older state residents' needs in mind.

AARP supports funding for several programs in the budget proposed by Gov. Jon Corzine, D, including: FamilyCare, which provides health care for low-income children and their parents or guardians, including grandchildren raised by grandparents; the Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled and Senior Gold programs, which supplement Medicare prescription drug benefits; and the newly expanded Senior Property Tax Freeze, which reimburses many homeowners age 65 and older for increases in their property taxes.

Legislators have a July 1 deadline to agree on a budget. To urge them to preserve programs important to older citizens, call the AARP legislative hotline at 1-800-260-0130.