News From Vermont

AARP in Your State

September 2009

Smart investing — AARP and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Investor Education Foundation are offering workshops to organizations across the state to help Vermonters learn how to protect themselves against fraud.

In the one-hour workshops, presenters discuss how to figure out if investment products are legitimate, how to recognize and sidestep tactics scammers often use, and how to report suspected fraud.

"In these economically troubled times, fraud is becoming more prevalent, and people are more concerned than ever about protecting their assets," says Greg Marchildon, AARP state director.

To arrange for a presentation for your church or civic group, call 1-866-227-7451 toll-free or visit www.aarp.org/vt.

July-August 2009

A new association — AARP Vermont has launched a statewide effort to organize senior centers so that they can share ideas and have a greater voice in issues that affect their services. The Vermont Association of Senior Centers will advocate for its members on a statewide level, promote the centers' growth and quality, and strengthen the professional skills of their staffs.

"In many communities, these centers are the only place where programming for older residents is offered," says Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur of AARP Vermont. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I, helped AARP organize the new association, which currently includes about 25 out of the more than 55 centers in the state.

June 2009

A higher standard — With the basic cost of living higher in Vermont than in most other states, AARP is urging policymakers to use a state-specific baseline—called the Elder Economic Security Standard—in determining eligibility for public assistance for older Vermonters.

"Current eligibility criteria are out of sync with the cost of living in Vermont," says Greg Marchildon, AARP state director. "Many state residents with incomes higher than the federal poverty level clearly need help."

According to AARP advocates, a couple without a mortgage needs $29,140 in annual income to make ends meet in Vermont, while a couple with a mortgage needs $43,710.

April 2009

Prescription assistance — As legislators consider cuts in services to reduce a projected $250 million budget shortfall through 2010, AARP Vermont is fighting to preserve prescription drug assistance and health care programs. While specific cuts have not been made, several safety net programs are on the chopping block.

AARP Vermont has vowed to fight any attempt to cut health and human service programs such as Catamount Health, Medicaid and VPharm, a state program that supplements Medicare prescription drug benefits. AARP opposes limiting eligibility, raising premiums or freezing enrollment for these programs.

To ask lawmakers to protect health care for vulnerable citizens in tough economic times, call the governor's office at 1-800-649-6825 or the legislature at 1-800-322-5616 and leave a message.