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Biologics in Perspective: The Case for Generic Biologic Drugs
Biologics are quickly becoming a common treatment option. Many of the new indications are for conditions that primarily affect older populations, such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. However, given the substantial out-of-pocket costs that can be associated with using biologic drugs, many patients will face impeded access until generic biologic drugs become available.
Health Action Now
HealthActionNow.org is an effort by AARP to urge Congress and the Obama Administration to work together to pass meaningful health reform - now!
With the rising cost of medical care taking a toll on millions of Americans already struggling in this economic crisis, the reality is that we cannot truly fix our economy until we fix health care. Click here to learn more about why we need Health Action Now.
Medicaid
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A Balancing Act: AARP Survey on Long-Term Care Reform in New Hampshire
The current allocation of long-term care funding in New Hampshire is not aligned with the preferences of AARP members in the state, who want to remain in their homes and communities for as long as possible, according to this January 2009 survey. (17 pages)
February 12, 2009
By: Katherine Bridges, M.G.S., AARP Knowledge Management
Myths about the Medicaid Program and the People It Helps
This AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet addresses common misconceptions about Medicaid, a program that serves as an effective safety net for those who are unable to pay for health and long-term care. (4 pages)
November 24, 2008
By: AARP Public Policy Institute
Millions of Low-Income Americans Can’t Get Medicaid: What Can Be Done?
The poorest adults in this country do not have access to the Medicaid program unless they are pregnant, caring for dependent children, severely disabled, or age 65 or older. This publication describes options for changing the federal law that bars this needy group from the Medicaid program. (36 pages)
September 15, 2008
By: Stan Dorn, J.D., The Urban Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute; The Urban Institute
In Brief: Let the Sunshine In: Ensuring Public Involvement in State Medicaid Policy Making
This short summary of the similarly titled AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper examines the processes states have in place to solicit public input into Medicaid policy changes developed and implemented through Section 1115 waivers or State Plan Amendments and explores how federal and state governments can improve or enhance existing opportunities for public involvement in the Medicaid policymaking process. (2 pages)
October 29, 2007
By: Lynda Flowers, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute
The Medicaid Program: A Brief Overview
Who is eligible to be covered by Medicaid, how the federal-state program is financed, and trends in Medicaid spending are reviewed by Lynda Flowers in this AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet which includes a list of mandatory versus optional Medicaid services. (4 pages)
July 30, 2007
By: Lynda Flowers, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute
Protections in Medicaid Estate Recovery: Findings, Promising Practices, and Model Notices
Promising practices and procedures that can be replicated throughout the country for protecting individuals and families affected by federally required state efforts to recoup long-term care and other related Medicaid costs from the estates of deceased recipients are reviewed in this AARP Public Policy Institute Issue Paper by Erica F. Wood and Ellen M. Klem of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging. (75 pages)
May 1, 2007
By: Erica F. Wood, American Bar Association; Ellen M. Klem, ABA Commission on Law and Aging | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute; American Bar Association; ABA Commission on Law and Aging
The Medicaid Matching Formula: Responding to States in Times of Need
The federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP) is the specific percent the federal government reimburses states for Medicaid spending on covered services. This AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet by Lynda Flowers provides examples of how the formula could be revised to respond to changes in states’ economic circumstances. (2 pages)
March 22, 2007
By: Lynda Flowers, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute
Bridging the Gaps: State and Local Strategies for Ensuring Backup Personal Care Services
People with disabilities can find themselves at risk when authorized personal care services (PCS) are not delivered. This AARP Public Policy Institute report by Dorie Seavey and Vera Salter of the Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute examines state and local initiatives for identifying and responding effectively to service delivery failures requiring backup coverage for Medicaid PCS. (35 pages)
October 1, 2006
By: Dorie Seavey, Ph.D., Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute; Vera Salter, Ph.D., Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute; Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute
Medicaid Estate Recovery
The federal government requires all states to implement Medicaid estate recovery programs to recoup costs of long-term care and other related Medicaid services. This AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet by Wendy Fox-Grage provides the latest information on amounts recovered, types of enrollees subject to recovery, exemptions and deferrals, liens, and key consumer protections. (2 pages)
May 10, 2006
By: Wendy Fox-Grage, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute
Medicaid and Long-Term Services and Supports for Older People
Medicaid is the United States’ largest source of payment for long-term services and supports ($89.3 billion for long-term care in 2004). This AARP Public Policy Institute Fact Sheet by Enid Kassner describes Medicaid long-term services and supports, eligibility requirements, program spending, number of beneficiaries, and public policy issues and concerns. (2 pages)
April 7, 2006
By: Enid Kassner, AARP Public Policy Institute | Source: AARP Public Policy Institute
Solutions Forums
Saving Jobs in A Recession: How Work Sharing Can Help
Seventeen states have programs that use unemployment funds to keep workers on the job with reduced hours. Learn how federal and state policy can better promote these work-sharing programs--and how several European nations have implemented work-sharing.
The Auto IRA: Strategies for Successful Implementation
Experts from the US and abroad discussed how an Auto-IRA can improve retirement security; lessons from similar programs in New Zealand and the UK; and how the Auto-IRA can work well for workers, small business and the financial industry.
Protecting Your Home, Car and Investment Savings: How to Stop Financial Fraud
How fraud impacts financial security, especially for older Americans—and discussion of policy options for combating mortgage, auto sales and investment scams. Luncheon speaker SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro discussed the Commission’s priorities on financial fraud.
Getting it Right: Smart Housing and Transportation Planning for Livable Communities
This forum featured release of new research on preserving subsidized housing near transit and discussion of how to coordinate housing, transportation and land use policy to develop livable communities.
What Happened to My Social Security COLA?
Why no COLA is expected for 2010 and how this affects individuals and the states. Panelists include experts from the Social Security Administration, AARP, the National Governors Association and the Kaiser Family Foundation.
A New Look at Making Financial Decisions for Retirement
PPI released a series of new reports offering a fresh look at financial decisions related to retirement. Experts examined why many people make poor choices and explore how to improve the options available to retirees.
Fixing Chronic Care in America
National experts discussed problems facing millions of Americans with multiple chronic conditions, and explored potential solutions highlighted in a new PPI publication, Chronic Care: a Call to Action for Health Reform and in a new video Faces of Chronic Care.
AARP Public Policies
Learn about the policy development process at AARP. For a complete guide to AARP's positions on public issues, see The Policy Book, AARP Public Policies 2009-2010.
Center to Champion Nursing in America
The Center to Champion Nursing in America seeks to ensure Americans have the highly skilled nurses we need to provide affordable, quality health care. The Center serves as a consumer-driven, national force to increase the nation’s capacity to educate and retain nurses.
