News From West Virginia

AARP IN YOUR STATE

October 2009

Sweeping reforms — A new law has set into motion a five-year plan to provide affordable, quality health care to every West Virginian.

Gov. Joe Manchin, D, is promoting prevention and wellness as key to bringing health care costs down. The law created a cabinet-level office called the Governor's Office of Health Enhancement and Lifestyle Planning. In addition, it created four patient-centered "medical home" pilots that link every enrollee with a medical team consisting of a primary care physician, nurses, pharmacists and other health professionals to coordinate and support the patient's ongoing care.

The law's reform plan is projected to reduce growth of health care costs by $2.7 billion over 10 years and to help bring coverage to the state's 290,000 uninsured.

To learn more about the plan, go to www.aarp.org/wv.

September 2009

Economic lifelines — A new AARP help line available in West Virginia offers food bank referrals, help with job searches and other services for people squeezed by the economic crisis.

"We want to help those who may be in need of assistance for the first time and do not know where to turn," says Gaylene Miller, AARP interim state director.

Volunteers will refer callers to affordable housing agencies, foreclosure help lines, reputable credit counseling services, transportation assistance and AARP Foundation programs. Call 1-877-677-0677 toll-free Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or e-mail helpline@aarp.org if you need assistance or want to volunteer to answer help line calls.

July-August 2009

Blizzard boxes — Volunteers are needed for a program that provides emergency supplies to older residents for use during hazardous weather.

Sponsored by AARP West Virginia, the Blizzard Box project needs people to help assemble and distribute boxes of nonperishable food and bottled water, while also disseminating information on such topics as financial fraud prevention and energy conservation. The program, set to kick off in September, is especially geared toward homebound residents who might be isolated during dangerous weather.

Community groups and individuals who want to get involved should call 1-866-227-7458 toll-free, e-mail wvaarp@aarp.org or visit www.aarp.org/wv.

June 2009

Long-term decisions — State residents can find reliable information on choosing long-term care in a new guide produced by AARP West Virginia, the West Virginia Health Care Association and the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services.

The "Consumer Guide: Helping Families Make Informed Choices About Care" includes information about when to consider a facility and how to choose one. It also explains admissions agreements, the ombudsman program, hospice care and how extended care is paid for. Facilities are listed by county, with information about facility type and special services, as well as such quality indicators as family and employee satisfaction.

Download the guide from www.wvhca.org/consumer_guide.php or request a printed copy by calling 1-866-227-7458 toll-free or e-mailing wvaarp@aarp.org.