Prescription Drugs, Pedestrian Safety Top Advocacy Gains in 2007

Source: AARP.org | June 8, 2007

AARP Hawaii was instrumental in passing legislation that mandates the state to negotiate with drug manufacturers that participate in the Hawaii Rx discount drug program. Gov. Linda Lingle (R) vetoed the bill, but members of AARP Hawaii's Advocacy Hui convinced the House and Senate to override the veto in the closing days of session.

The Hawaii Rx Plus program is a discount program aimed at cutting prescription drug costs for people who earn up to 350 percent of the federal poverty level (just over $39,000 for singles and $80,000 for a family of four.) There are about 112,000 people enrolled in the program in Hawaii.

The new law requires the state to negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower prices on prescription drugs, which up to now the state has not had to do. The new law also requires the state to tell doctors about the differences in drug costs between manufacturers that offer rebates to the state and those that do not.

AARP Hawaii worked closely with the Policy Advisory Board for Elder Affairs and the Hawaii Association of Retired Americans in support of the bill.

Pedestrian Safety Gains
AARP Hawaii has also successfully persuaded the state Legislature to fund $3 million in pedestrian safety improvements. Of this amount, $1.2 million will be provided in matching funds to the counties. The City and County of Honolulu has announced $240,000 in funding above the matched amount, bringing the total of state and county funds to more than $4.4 million.

The funding will go toward identifying and making immediate improvements to high-risk crosswalks and road crossings. Improvements include the recalibration of traffic signals to allow slower pedestrians, such as older people or those with disabilities, more time to cross safely. Additional improvements include traffic countdown timers, better crosswalk markings, safer lighting and increased public education.

Other Legislative Wins
Family Caregiving - An omnibus bill provides funds to complete a comprehensive needs assessment, provide direct services to care recipients, and develop the Aging and Disability Resource Center in Hilo and Honolulu. AARP's main collaborator in this effort was the University of Hawaii Center on Aging.

Affordable Housing - The state legislature provided $20 million in additional funding for the construction of low- to moderate-income rental housing.

Identity Theft and Securities Fraud - AARP worked to strengthen identity theft laws allowing consumers to place a freeze on their credit reports. AARP also supported legislation to increase penalties for securities fraud committed against older people.