News From South Dakota

AARP in Your State

November 2009

Armchair updates — AARP South Dakota members can now receive—upon request—short, timely updates on state and federal issues. AARP is offering the updates in prerecorded telephone messages to keep members informed of the latest developments in the health care debate and other issues such as tax relief, consumer protection and long-term care. The two-minute weekly briefings can be left on answering machines or voice mail and will provide information to members who want to express their views to lawmakers.

To sign up for the service, call 1-866-542-8172 toll-free or e-mail sdaarp@aarp.org. Be sure to include your phone number.

June 2009

Warding off cuts — AARP South Dakota helped block cuts slated for the state's Medicaid program during the 2009 legislative session.

Gov. Mike Rounds, R, proposed nearly $8 million in Medicaid cuts to make up a 2010 budget shortfall. The governor's proposal would have eliminated the adult dental program and other services, and it would have cut the 1.5 percent increase in reimbursement rates for long-term care providers.

During AARP's Lobby Day at the state Capitol, more than 225 members helped persuade lawmakers that Medicaid benefits should be preserved. The effort resulted in no cuts in services and a $3.1 million increase in funding for Medicaid long-term care providers.