Your AARP: New York

November 2009

Voter access — The state legislature passed a bill earlier this year that would have required every polling place in the state to meet federal standards of accessibility for voters with disabilities. AARP supported the measure (A 584).

In September, however, Gov. David A. Paterson, D, told lawmakers he "must reluctantly veto" the bill because of the state's financial constraints and an "onerous" deadline imposed by the bill. The governor nonetheless pledged to support the goal of ensuring all citizens the right to vote "without hindrance." As a first step, Paterson and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, I, will appoint a commission to study how to ensure access to New York City's polling places.

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ny.

October 2009

Triple play — Three health care reform bills supported by AARP were signed into law this summer by Gov. David Paterson, D, and are now in effect.

One new law extends from 18 to 36 months the period during which laid-off workers can keep their health care coverage. Although they have to pay the premiums out of pocket after they lose their jobs, the rates are lower than for individual policies.

Another law allows parents to cover their adult children ages 19 to 29 through their health insurance plans, even if they do not claim the adult children as dependents. The third new measure is a suite of managed care reforms, including provisions that make it harder for insurers to delay or deny claims. To learn more about the new laws, visit www.aarp.org/ny.

July-August 2009

Grandparent aid — AARP New York is helping publicize a little-known state grant program for grandparents raising grandchildren—a program used by only an estimated 8 percent of those eligible.

Children being raised by their grandparents or other relatives are eligible for a special public assistance grant that is based solely on the child's income and resources, not the caregiver's. These monthly grants average about $400 for the first child and $150 for each additional child. "Supporting kin caregivers is important not only for the children, who benefit from being raised by a family member, but also for the state, which saves money by keeping children out of foster care," says Beth Finkel, senior manager of programs and services for AARP New York.

For details, visit www.aarp.org/ny or call 1-877-454-6463 toll-free.