Improving care options
Oklahomans overwhelmingly support expanded home care services and more rigorous oversight of nursing homes, according to a recent AARP survey.

AARP polled Oklahoma registered voters 40 and older in 2022. It found that 92 percent of respondents said it was extremely or very important to have services to help them or a loved one stay in their homes for as long as possible.

Also, 91 percent were extremely or very concerned about a loved one being abused or neglected in a nursing home, and 92 percent were extremely or very concerned that nursing homes may not have adequate staff.

The majority of those surveyed also supported increasing nursing home inspections to more than once per year. Stay apprised at aarp.org/ok.

Honoring culture
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, and AARP Texas will host celebrations across the Lone Star State.

AARP Texas and community collaborators will hold a mix of virtual and in-person events that share the heritage and accomplishments of Hispanics. The events will be free and cover topics such as history, culinary arts, crafts and folktales.

For up-to-date information on dates, times and places of events, go to aarp.org/tx.

Curbing health costs
A state law will cap how much Nebraskans with private health insurance must pay out of pocket for some types of insulin.

Last year, the federal Inflation Reduction Act capped insulin costs for Medicare beneficiaries. Under the new Nebraska law, insurers may not charge consumers more than $35 for a 30-day supply of a health plan’s lowest brand or generic tier of insulin. The law takes effect on Jan. 1.

The drug, which helps regulate blood sugar, is a necessity for many people with diabetes. The American Diabetes Association estimates that more than 141,000 Nebraskans, or nearly 10 percent of the adult population, have been diagnosed with diabetes.

Capping the cost of insulin was a top priority for AARP Nebraska during the 2023 legislative session. Over the past decade, the list price of insulin has doubled, or tripled in some cases, according to a 2021 congressional report.

At least 22 other states and the District of Columbia have capped some out-of-pocket copayments for patients with diabetes, according to the diabetes association.

Making upgrades
Five South Dakota localities received 2023 AARP Community Challenge grants for improvement projects. The efforts will include:

→ The expansion of the Red Cloud Indian School farmers market, which provides locally grown produce for the Lakota elders on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

→ The installation of benches in Rapid City at the local farmers market and the city flower park.

→ The addition of a beachfront entry for the new public swimming pool being built in Highmore, as well as benches, to increase accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges and disabilities.

→ The installation of two accessible benches and a drinking fountain in Clear Lake’s City Park.

→ The purchase of a portable dance floor for the town of Lemmon’s public library. Residents can check out the dance floor and help share the local country dance tradition.

Focusing on retirement
AARP is hosting free in-person events this month to educate North Dakotans about how to get the most from Social Security.

The sessions are designed for those considering retirement in the next one to three years, and will feature an official from the Social Security Administration.

Both events will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT. The first session will be on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Sixteen03 Main Events (1603 E. Main Ave.) in Bismarck. The other will be Thursday, Sept. 28, at the FargoDome (1800 N. University Drive) in Fargo.

Registration is required. Go to aarp.org/NDevents. —David Lewellen