Exit

Older Americans Month 2017 ~ Age Out Loud

May is dedicated as a celebration by the Administration for Community Living as Older Americans Month.  This year’s theme, ‘Age Out Loud’, couldn’t be more appropriate to encourage older adults to advocate and share their voice.  With the House of Representatives passing the American Health Care Act to replace and repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act, we all need to speak-up and be heard about how this has critical impact on our lives. It is now up to the Senate to demand change.  Your voice will count.  Let us keep the Senate informed about what we think and care about.  Let us determine the best and most independent way possible to continue living healthy lives in our communities.  Say what you want to say about aging, and say it loud and clear! 

The Vermont Association of Area Agencies on Aging wants to hear from you!   Share your story about healthcare, and/or about how our local Area Agencies on Aging have helped you.  Your stories may be used in our advocacy efforts on your behalf in the press and with the Senate so that we can be a powerful force as we - Age Out Loud!

Question Title

1. Tell us as much about yourself that you feel comfortable with. Your name may be used as we share stories.

Question Title

2. Tell us your age range

Question Title

3. What does the theme, Age Out Loud, mean to you?

Question Title

4. Have you needed help from one of our Area Agencies on Aging in the past?

Question Title

5. If you answered yes to the above, what services at the Area Agency on Aging did you access?

Question Title

6. In an effort to understand how AHCA will have impact on you, read this outline provided by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.  Then, let us know your concerns.  

Key Things to Know about AHCA
Resource:  National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A)

Medicaid is Critical to the Health and Well-Being of Many Older Adults
  • AHCA cuts Medicaid, both acute care and long-term care. It does this by capping the amount of money the federal government contributes to Medicaid, which means states will be on the hook to cover federal cuts. States cannot absorb these costs!
  • Total Medicaid cuts are $880 billion over 10 years. We believe this will undermine access to long-term care like nursing homes or home and community-based services and supports!
  • Medicaid pays 60 percent of long-term care—more than any other source!
  • The cuts in AHCA could result in higher Medicaid costs and reduced care, including co-pays and premiums for consumers, waiting lists for services.
  • We must preserve Medicaid’s safety net guarantee in order to keep older adults healthy and living safely in their homes and communities!  
Older Adults Should Not Be Penalized for their Age
  • AHCA rolls back Affordable Care Act protections that cap how much more insurers can charge older consumers than younger ones.
  • This means adults age 55-64 could pay five times, or more, for their insurance premiums.
  • If this age group goes under or uninsured, they are often sicker when they reach Medicare eligibility—only increasing Medicare costs in the long run.
Do No Harm to Medicare
  • Our Vermont Area Agencies on Aging had 11,778 contacts with individuals about Medicare just in 2016 alone. These potential changes will have impact as our state sees 23 people turn 65 each day.
  • Although AHCA dramatically changes Medicaid, it does not make major changes to Medicare.
  • But the bill eliminates ACA revenue measures that have extended the life of the Medicare Trust Fund.
  • This means Medicare would be insolvent four years earlier than experts previously thought (to 2024 instead of 2028).
How does the repeal and replacement of the Affordable Care Act with the American Health Care Act, have an impact on you or a family member?  Tell us your story about what worries you the most.  We can help share your story.

Question Title

7. Is there anything else you would like to say or ask?

T