News From South Carolina

AARP in Your State

September 2009

Dodging the budget ax — In a move supported by AARP, lawmakers recently approved $2.9 million in funding to help more than 5,000 older South Carolinians continue to receive services that allow them to live at home as they age.

State Sen. Thomas Alexander, R, championed the funding during a budget process that saw many programs slashed. As the tight economy continues to strain state budgets, AARP South Carolina is already speaking out to preserve that funding for fiscal year 2010-2011.

The funding allocated for home- and community-based services in fiscal year 2009-2010, which began July 1, covers personal care aides, home-delivered meals and other critical services. To learn more about AARP South Carolina's advocacy efforts, visit www.aarp.org/sc.

July-August 2009

Funding restored — Despite state budget cuts of $1.2 billion, AARP South Carolina successfully pushed to restore funding for the prescription drug assistance program for older residents.

The state Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had proposed reducing prescription coverage from 90 percent to just 10 percent of the cost of drugs for those who fall into the gap or "doughnut hole" in Medicare drug coverage. With the help of state Reps. Tracy Edge, R, and Alan Clemmons, R, funding was restored for eligible residents with incomes under $21,660 for one person or $29,140 for a couple. The new budget went into effect July 1.

For more information, go to www.aarp.org/sc or call HHS at 1-888-549-0820 toll-free.

June 2009

Taxing tobacco — South Carolina's cigarette tax could jump from 7 cents per pack—the lowest in the nation—to 57 cents, generating an estimated $147 million to help with health insurance premiums for lower-income workers.

Lawmakers had approved such a hike in 2008, but it was vetoed by Gov. Mark Sanford, R. This year's proposal passed the House in April by a veto-proof 97-22, and the bill has strong support in the Senate.

AARP South Carolina has long advocated for a cigarette tax increase. To thank your legislators for supporting the measure, visit www.aarp.org/sc.

May 2009

Rx safety — AARP South Carolina is encouraging members to make time on Mother's Day to help their mothers (and fathers) manage their medications through a project called Rx Snapshot.

Because many older adults take multiple medications, Rx Snapshot provides a simple form to list an individual's prescriptions, along with tips to encourage effective communication among patients, doctors and pharmacists. Using these resources can avert potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Rx Snapshot is part of AARP's Create the Good campaign, which offers easy ways for time-strapped people to make a difference in others' lives. Go to www.aarp.org/sc or www.aarp.org/rxsnapshot to learn more.

April 2009

Safer hospitals — South Carolina's private and university research hospitals have banded together to curb hospital-acquired infections.

The newly formed South Carolina Healthcare Quality Trust estimates its efforts could save $40 million annually and reduce total patient hospital stays by up to 24,000 days a year. Partners in the trust—including Health Sciences South Carolina, the South Carolina Hospital Association and Premier Inc. health care alliance—will use research to identify causes of and solutions to preventable hospital-based infections. The trust will share its findings with all 65 acute care hospitals in the state.

AARP backed a 2006 state law requiring South Carolina hospitals to report certain infections to the state health department. Nationally, hospital-acquired infections affect 1.7 million patients a year and kill about 90,000.

March 2009

Dodging the ax — As the economy continues to squeeze state budgets, AARP South Carolina is fighting to preserve Medicaid-funded services that help people remain in their own homes as they age.

Even as lawmakers cut state agency budgets by 13.2 percent in fiscal year 2008, they authorized a one-time, $2.9 million allocation for such services as home-delivered meals. But that and other programs—such as hospice care and prescription drug assistance for low-income people age 65 and older—are facing the chopping block as lawmakers consider further budget cuts.

AARP is asking members to contact their elected officials and talk about the importance of programs that help people age at home. Visit www.aarp.org/sc for more information.