Your AARP: Texas

November 2009

Investor protection — A new state law seeks to protect older Texans from inappropriate sales of complex financial products such as annuities. Although these are legitimate products, annuities may not be right for older investors because they often tie up funds for years and incur stiff penalties for early withdrawal.

According to the Texas Department of Insurance, inappropriate sales of annuities often stem from an insurance agent's lack of knowledge about the product. The new state law, sponsored in the legislature by Sen. Rodney Ellis, D, and Rep. Craig Eiland, D, requires agents to receive additional training to sell annuities in Texas as of April 1, 2010. In addition, beginning Jan. 1, the law bans the misleading use of the title "senior specialist" for insurance agents who have no special training in advising older investors. For more, visit www.aarp.org/tx and look under "Advocacy."

October 2009

The right mix — In keeping with AARP's commitment to developing a membership as diverse as the population it serves, AARP Texas hopes to recruit more Hispanic members from among the music aficionados attending the Texas Jazz Festival in Corpus Christi Oct. 16-18. Last year nearly 65,000 people attended the free festival, and 60 percent of them were Hispanic. AARP is cosponsoring this year's event and will have a booth where staff and volunteers will share information on the importance of affordable health care, healthy living and education.

"Hispanics are key to our growth, and it's essential that our state plan reflect their increasingly important role," said AARP state director Bob Jackson.

For more information on the festival, visit www.texasjazz-fest.org. To volunteer at the event or get more information, call 361-688-1296.

May 2009

Party with a purpose — The AARP Life Festival in San Antonio this month will feature Hispanic celebrities, including author Sandra Cisneros; fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo; and ESPN sportscaster Jorge Ramos. Slated for May 15-16 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, the event will feature health and financial information, live entertainment, a job fair and an AARP Marketplace.

The Life Festival is free for AARP members, children and adults younger than 40. Admission is $10 for nonmembers age 40 and older, who will receive a one-year AARP membership. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/aarp/events/life_festivals/. For a special report on Texas, go to bulletin.aarp.org/TX.

April 2009

Trends in care — AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen will address the future of health care and aging at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth on April 13. During the public forum she will discuss Divided We Fail, a national call for bipartisan action to achieve affordable health care and financial security for all Americans.

Hansen, a registered nurse, was for 25 years executive director of On Lok Inc., a San Francisco nonprofit providing services that help people remain in their homes as they age. On Lok was a prototype for PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly), a Medicare and Medicaid program available nationally.

The previous evening she will deliver the keynote address at a nursing symposium on healthy aging. The April 13 forum is free but reservations are required. Call 817-257-6391 to reserve a seat, or e-mail hogstelsymposium@tcu.edu.

January-February 2009

Make a difference — AARP is seeking volunteers to play a role in shaping federal and state laws that affect Texans age 50-plus. Volunteer advocates will meet with members of Congress and state legislators and their staffs to discuss ways to improve access to affordable, quality health care and ensure long-term financial security.

The role of congressional district volunteers is especially important this year as a new administration and newly elected Congress begin to craft policies in these areas. In addition, some volunteer advocates will monitor state developments on issues such as utility rates and post-hurricane insurance rates.

To get involved, e-mail Tim Simmons, AARP Texas manager of state operations, at tsimmons@aarp.org. Be sure to mention any experience you have in working with elected officials.