Your AARP: Washington

November 2009

Scoop on scams — A "tele-town hall meeting" this month will feature state Attorney General Rob McKenna, R, with the latest information on scams that target older people. AARP members who participate in the interactive telephone conference will learn how to sidestep fraud and fight back by reporting any incidents. Participants will have a chance to ask questions.

A 2009 Federal Trade Commission report ranked Washington the state with the fifth highest fraud complaints per capita.

The tele-town hall is slated for Nov. 24 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. To be included in the conversation, preregister at www.aarp.org/wa and be prepared to give your telephone number.

June 2009

Insuring the uninsured — State legislators passed a bill (SB 5945) in April that sets the stage for a state-federal partnership for health care reform. If signed into law by Gov. Chris Gregoire, D, the legislation will direct the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services to combine state and federal dollars to provide health care coverage for currently uninsured individuals with annual income up to $21,660 and couples with annual income up to $29,140.

AARP Washington says this is a step toward the goal of universal coverage by 2014. In a recent AARP survey, nearly 88 percent of Washington voters ages 18 and older said everyone should have access to quality health care.

May 2009

Dollars and sense — AARP Washington will present an event called "Taking Charge in Tough Times" in Vancouver on May 6 and Spokane on June 3. A team from the state Attorney General's Office, Microsoft Corporation, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's Investor Education Foundation and other organizations will help participants weather the current economic storm.

A recent AARP survey found a third of Washington voters are having a hard time paying for basic necessities such as food, gas and medicine. Presenters will discuss strategies to protect retirement savings, reduce household spending, guard against identity theft and outsmart scammers who sell fraudulent investments.

The event is free, but registration is required. Call 1-877-926-8300 toll-free or visit www.aarp.org/wa for details.