AARP for AARP

Medicare/Medicaid MMM

S.330/H.R.684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation which would create a government-operated Medicare prescription drug plan. Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace (no bill). Discussed implementation of healthcare coverage for the 50-64 year old population, age rating, and closing the doughnut hole. S.1133/H.R. 2580, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act - Discussed legislation that would promote patient decision aids to help people make informed, evidence-based decisions about health care treatment options. S. 960, Medicare Early Access Act of 2009 - Support for legislation to let Americans aged 55-64 who are otherwise without access to group or public coverage buy into Medicare. H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would assist low-invome individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. S. 1185, Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to health care under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. H.R. 2716, Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would provide financial stability for older Americans and people with disabilities through improvements in the Medicare Savings Program. Advocated for modernizing Medicare funding so that nursing education funds are directed to advanced nurse practice programs to help produce more highly-skilled nurses to care for the Medicare population (no bill). Discussed ideas to improve medicare for medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Discussed Medicare physician payment issues. (no bill) S. 2128, Prevent Healthcare Fraud Act - Discussed Medicare Fraud. Discussed idea of an annual physical for Medicare beneficiaries (no bill). S.975 Seniors and Taxpayers Obligation and Protection Act - Lobbied in support of legislation. S.1256 Home and Community Balanced Incentives Act - Discussed implementation of certain enacted provisions. H.R. 3631, Medicare Premium Fairness Act - Lobbied to pass legislation to allow premiums for Medicare Part B to remain at 2009 levels for all beneficiaries. S. 2926, the Economic Fairness for Seniors Act - Discussed the implications of legislation to provide $250 in economic relief to seniors, veterans and the disabled in response to the lack of a COLA in 2010; allow Medicare Part B premiums to remain at 2009 levels for all beneficiaries and to study the use of a new Consumer Price Index for use in calculating future Social Security COLAs. H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and on new implementation of health care law that would reform the health care system to provide affordable quality health care, reduce drug costs and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of and on implementation of health care law to make improvements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of certain provisions. H.R. 4993/S. 2814, Home Health Planning Improvement Act of 2010 - Wrote letters in support of Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists, and Physician Assistants being able to order Medicare funded home health care. Extension of enhanced FMAP (no bill number) H. R. 3962/P.L. 111-192, Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension Relief Act of 2010 - Which among other things, postpones the reduction of Medicare reimbursements for physician services until November 30, 2010. H.R. 6130, Strengthening Medicare Anti-Fraud Measures Act - Discussed medicare fraud. H.R. 5044/S. 3632, Medicare Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act - Discussed medicare fraud. H.R. 5546, no official title, anti-fraud measure -Discussed medicare fraud. H.R. 5950, Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act - To count a periof of observation status in a hospital exceeding 24 hours toward satisfying the 3-day inpatient hospital requirement for coverage of skilled nursing facility services under Medicare. H.R. 2773/S. 1295, Medicare Transitional Care Act and S. Amdt. 3273, Protection and Affordable Care Act - To cover transitional care services to improve the quality and care under the Medicare Program. S. 3632, The Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Enforcement and Prevention Act of 2010 - Fraud bill would seek to curtail wasted fraud and abuse in the Medicare and Healthcare Programs. House Amendment to Senate Amendment to H.R. 2847 "Jobs for Main Street Act" - Discussed redirection of some TARP funds to extend unemployment insurance and COBRA eligibility and FMAP assistance to state governments. H.R. 4213 American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act/American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for extension of UI, COBRA, FMAP, and SGR. S. 3686, Labor, HHS, Education and related agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for FMAP fix and related health care programs. S. 2814/H.R. 4993, Home Health Care Planning Improvements Act of 2010 - Legislation would allow advanced practice nurses and physician assistants to order medicare supported home health care. Discussed Durable Medical Equipment bidding. (no bill) H.R.5712, Physician Payment and Therapy Relief Act of 2010 - Lobbied in support of legislation that would provide a one-month extension of the existing physician payment update. H.R.4994, Medicare and Medicaid Extenders Act of 2010 - Lobbied in support of legislation that would provide a one year extension of the physician payment update. H.R. 3081, Continuing Resolution FY 2011, H.J.Res. 105, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011, and H.J.Res. 101 making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011 - Lobbied for FMA fix inclusion in appropriations legislation.

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Reserve System; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Energy, Dept of; Administration on Aging; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Treasury, Dept of; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); White House Office; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Government Accountability Office (GAO); SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Bills named: H.R. 5546 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 4993 (111th), S. 960 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), S. 1295 (111th), S. 2814 (111th), H.R. 2700 (111th), H.R. 5044 (111th), S. 1185 (111th), S. 975 (111th), S. 3686 (111th), H.R. 2773 (111th), H.R. 3631 (111th), S. 2926 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), S. 2128 (111th), H.R. 3962 (111th), S. 1133 (111th), S. 330 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), H.R. 4994 (111th), H.R. 6130 (111th), S. 3632 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), H.R. 2580 (111th), H.R. 684 (111th), H.R. 2847 (111th), H.R. 2716 (111th), H.R. 5712 (111th), S. 1256 (111th), H.R. 5950 (111th)

Consumer Issues/Safety/Products CSP

H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in favor of financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, a potential systemic risk regulator, and consolidation of agencies. H.R. 5809, the Safe Drug Disposal Act of 2010 -Would amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the take back and safe disposal of controlled substances. The bill provides for an educational effort about proper drug disposal, an EPA report on the same and a GAO report on the effectiveness of disposal programs. S. 3690, the Drug Safety and Accountability Act of 2010 - Requires drug manufacturers to implement quality management plans and document the manufacturing supply chain to ensure the quality and safety of drugs. The bill also would expand FDA authority to recall unsafe drugs, including over the counter drugs, and offers protection to whistle blowers. Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Lobbied for support of the bill and to preserve consumer and investor protections, preserve states authority to enforce consumer protection laws and CFPA's authority to enforce rules it adopts. (no bill)

Contacted: Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Social Security Administration (SSA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); White House Office; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); SENATE; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Energy, Dept of; Administration on Aging; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Treasury, Dept of; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Reserve System; Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: H.R. 4173 (111th), H.R. 5809 (111th), S. 3690 (111th)

Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX

Discussed income weatherization; modernizing the poverty measure; and modernizing the asset tests that are used to determine eligibility for federal benefits. (no bill) Discussed tax assistance funding. (no bill) H.R.1159 - To amend the Internal Revenue code of 1989 to provide special rules for investments lost in a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme. Discussed legislation to grant tax relief to victims of Ponzi-type schemes. H.R. 6099, the Automatic IRA Act of 2010 - Lobbied for introduction and cosponsorship of legislation to provide automatic individual retirement accounts, funded via payroll deduction, to indivuduals who work for an employer of a particular size and tenure who does not currently offer a retirement vehicle to their employees. S. 3760, the Automatic IRA Act of 2010 - Lobbied for introduction and cosponsorship of legislation to provide automatic individual retirement accounts, funded via payroll deduction, to individuals who work for an employer of a particular size and tenure who does not currently offer a retirement vehicle to their employees.

Contacted: Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Reserve System; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); White House Office; Energy, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Treasury, Dept of; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); SENATE; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Administration on Aging; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

Bills named: H.R. 6099 (111th), H.R. 1159 (111th), S. 3760 (111th)

Budget/Appropriations BUD

S. 3686, Labor, HHS, Education and related agencies appropriations bill for FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for SSA, Older Americans Act programs. Lifespan Respite Care Act, Nursing Education/Workforce Development, National Corporation for Community Service (Kennedy Serve America Act), among other items, LIHEAP and weatherization. (no bill) H.R. 4899, Supplemental Appropriations Act - Lobbied for inclusion of emergency food assistance, SSA and CMS program integrity activity and other non-defense discretionary funding levels for FY 2011. Transportation HUD Appropriations (no bill) - Lobbied in support of funding for HUD Section 202 senior housing program. H.R. 3081, H.R. 3082, H.J. Res. 101, H.J. Res. 105, Continuing Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for various federal programs serving Older Americans, most notably SSA Administrative expenses, LIHEAP, aging services, HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly.

Contacted: Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Administration on Aging; Labor, Dept of (DOL); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); White House Office; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Social Security Administration (SSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Energy, Dept of; SENATE; Treasury, Dept of; Federal Reserve System; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Bills named: H.R. 4899 (111th), S. 3686 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th)

Financial Institutions/Investments/Securities FIN

Discussed financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, a potential systemic risk regulator, and consolidation of agencies (no bill). H.R. 1984, 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants. H.R. 1988, Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009 - Lobbied to ensure that individually directed account plan participants received investment advice from qualified advisors who are free from financial conflicts of interests. H.R. 2779, Defined Contribution Plan Fee Transparency Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants. H.R. 2989, 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants and to ensure that individually directed account plan participants received investment advice from qualified advisors who are free from financial conflicts of interests. H.R. 3936 - Preserve Benefits and Jobs Acts of 2009 - Discussed need for pension funding relief in light of the combined impact of the U.S. recession and the funding requirements of the 2006 Pension Protection Act. S. 2832, Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Lobbied in support of this legislation, which would provide individuals a better understanding of the lifetime value of their 401(k) plan assets by including in a yearly benefit statement a conversion of their total accrued benefits into a monthly dollar amount as if they had opted to receive a lifetime annuity. H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Discussed implementation of legislation. H.R. 4849, the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 - Discussed the potential inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure and pension funding relief provisions within the bill. Ultimately, these provisions were not included in the legislation. H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for the inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure provisions within the House version of the legislation. Senate Substitute Amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for the inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure provisions within the Senate version of the legislation. Discussed issues surrounding lifetime income products, such as annuities, and provided written testimony for the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing entitled "The Retirement Challenge-Making Savings Last a Lifetime." (no bill)

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Treasury, Dept of; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Government Accountability Office (GAO); White House Office; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Energy, Dept of; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Reserve System; SENATE; Administration on Aging; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

Bills named: H.R. 1984 (111th), H.R. 2779 (111th), S. 2832 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 4849 (111th), H.R. 1988 (111th), H.R. 2989 (111th), H.R. 4173 (111th), H.R. 3936 (111th)

Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV

H.R.1604 Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act; H.R.2510 Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm Act; H.R.2393 Military Voting Protection Act; H.R. 1739 Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act - Discussed implementation of follow-up regarding legislation addressing voting rights and access. Urged enhancing job opportunities for older workers before and after retirement age. (no bill) H.R. 3721/S. 1756, Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Supported legislation to restore law to its state before 2009 SCOTUS decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services.

Contacted: Energy, Dept of; Labor, Dept of (DOL); SENATE; Administration on Aging; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Social Security Administration (SSA); White House Office; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Treasury, Dept of; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Federal Reserve System; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Bills named: S. 1756 (111th), H.R. 1604 (111th), H.R. 2510 (111th), H.R. 3721 (111th), H.R. 2393 (111th), H.R. 1739 (111th)

Transportation TRA

Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2010 - Discussion of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee legislation to provide a five-year reauthorization of the expiring SAFTEA-LU legislation. AARP interests include increasing funding for public transit and special needs para-transit services, promotion of older driver and pedestrian safety, expanding adoption of planning and design features to better accommodate all roadway users and strengthening connections between transportation and land use planning. (no bill) S.584/H.R.1443 Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Discussion of legislation to require States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to adopt complete streets policies to ensure that federally-funded improvements to roadways incorporate design changes that permit potential users of all ages and abilities to travel safely and conveniently. H.R. 3355, Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009 - Lobbied for legislation to create a federal funding program for States to implement federal safety design recommendations at roads and intersections with a high incidence of traffice accidents and fatalities involving older drivers and pedestrians. Senior Para-transit legislation - Discussion of proposed legislation to reauthorize, increase capital funding and provide operating subsidy funding for the Department of Transportation Sec.5310 special needs transportation program for seniors and persons with disabilities.(no bill) H.R. 5850/S. 3644, Transportation, HUD and related agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding of senior and rural transportation services and research programs. H.R. 3081, H.R. 3082, H.J.Res. 101, H.J.Res. 105, Continuing Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for various federal programs serving Older Americans, most notably SSA Administrative expensives, LIHEAP, aging services, HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly.

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Reserve System; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Energy, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Administration on Aging; White House Office; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); SENATE; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Treasury, Dept of; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA)

Bills named: S. 3644 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), H.R. 1443 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), S. 584 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th), H.R. 5850 (111th), H.R. 3355 (111th)

Unemployment UNM

H.R. 4213/S. Amdmt. 4425, Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010 - Lobbied in support of extending UI benefits. H.R.4853/S.Amdmt. 4753, Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and job Creation Act of 2010 - Supported provisions extending UI benefits.

Contacted: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Labor, Dept of (DOL); SENATE; Federal Reserve System; Social Security Administration (SSA); White House Office; Energy, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Administration on Aging; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Treasury, Dept of; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Bills named: H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 4853 (111th)

Retirement RET

Lobbied for introduction of legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it. (no bill number) Discussed legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it; and on the inappropriate application of withholding tables that implement Make Work Pay to pension and other retirement income. (no bill) Discussed the need for bipartisan action on long-term financial security. (no bill) Discussed implications of no Social Security COLA.(no bill) Discussed disability backlog process and administration issues, including participation on SSA Advisory Future Systems Technology Panel. (no bill) Advocated for retirement security for family caregivers. (no bill) H.R. 4126, the Retirement Fairness Act of 2009 - Reviewed and discussed legislation "to prevent the overstatement of benefits payable to non-highly compensated employees under qualified plans, and for other purposes." Reviewed and discussed draft legislation to create a new Consumer Price Index to be used to calculate future Social Security COLAs. (no bill) Discussed draft legislation to establish a Senior Bill of Rights, particularly language to express the sense of Congress on the importance of Social Security. (no bill) Discussed draft legislation to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Social Security and the importance of the Social Security program to beneficiaries and future beneficiaries. (no bill) H.R. 5001, the BASIC Act - Reviewed legislation to prorate Social Security benefits for a surviving spouse for the month a beneficiary passes away and to adjust the lump sum death payment. Discussed draft legislation to exempt withdrawals from an individual's retirement account from the 10% penalty during times of high unemployment. (no bill) H.R. 3081, H.R. 3082, H.J. Res. 105, H.J. Res. 101, Continuing Resolution, FY 2011 - Lobbied for increased funding of SSA Administrative expenses to reduce disability claim backlog and improve customer service. H.R. 6099/S. 3760, the Automatic IRA Act of 2010 - Lobbied for introduction and cosponsorship of legislation to provide automatic indivudual retirement accounts, funded via payroll deduction, to individuals who work for an employer of a particular size and tenure who does not currently offer a retirement vehicle to their employees. H.R. 5834, the Preserving Our Promise to Seniors Act - Reviewed legislation to provide a new consumer price index for calculating annual Social Security cost-of-living adjustments, to provide $250 to beneficiaries in years where there is no COLA, and establishes a point of order against certain changes to Social Security. H.R. 5987, the Seniors Protection Act of 2010 - Reviewed legislation to provide $250 to Social Security beneficiaries in the event there is no COLA in 2011. Discussed implications of the President's Fiscal Commission on Social Security. (no bill) Lobbied to prevent the use of Social Security to pay down the federal deficit. (no bill) S. 3985, the Emergency Senior Citizen Relief Act - Reviewed legislation to provide $250 to Social Security beneficiaries in lieu of a COLA for 2011. Sent letter to Congressional Leadership on the importance of providing economic relief to seniors facing two years in a row without a COLA.

Contacted: Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Treasury, Dept of; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Labor, Dept of (DOL); White House Office; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Administration on Aging; Social Security Administration (SSA); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Energy, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Reserve System; SENATE; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Bills named: H.J.Res. 105 (111th), S. 3760 (111th), H.R. 5001 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), S. 3985 (111th), H.R. 5834 (111th), H.R. 6099 (111th), H.R. 4126 (111th), H.R. 5987 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th)

Telecommunications TEC

Wrote and forwarded comments to FCC on AARP's concerns for increased consumer protections to avoid bill shock on wireless cell phone usage. (No bill) Discussed with officials of the FCC agency actions or proposals relating to wireless telephone service, smart grid development and national broadband plan affordability (no bill). H.R. 3082, H.R. 3081, H.J. Res. 105, H.J. Res. 101,Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extension Act, 2011 - Lobbied for funding for various federal programs serving Older Americans, most notably SSA Administrative expenses, LIHEAP, aging services, HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly.

Contacted: Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Energy, Dept of; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Administration on Aging; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Treasury, Dept of; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); White House Office; Social Security Administration (SSA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Reserve System; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD)

Bills named: H.R. 3081 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th)

Health Issues HCR

H.R.3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and on implementation of health care legislation that would reform the health care system to provide affordable quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace (no bill). S.1569/H.R.3185, Medicare Graduate Nursing Education Act - Advocated for modernizing Medicare funding so that nursing education funds are directed to advanced nurse practice programs to help produce more highly-skilled nurses to care for the Medicare population. S. 623/HR 1558, Pre-existing Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in support of bill that would prohibit insurers from denying health insurance or delaying coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. H.R. 2778, Health Equity and Accountability through Research Act of 2009 - Lobbied in support of bill that would address racial and ethnic disparities in care. S. 979/HR 2360, Small Business Health Options Programs Act - Lobbied in support of bill that would establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable and accessible. S.1213, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act - Lobbied in support of bill that would create a public-private partnership to conduct and disseminate comparative effectiveness research. S. 726/H.R. 1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life Saving Medicines - Discussed legislation which would create a pathway for approval of safe, effective biosimilar and generic biologic drugs. H.R. 3090, Health Equity and Accountability Act - Discussed need to end racial and ethnic disparities in care. S. 3686, Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for healthcare services, research and training involving NIH, AHRQ, CMS, HRSA, HHS and AOA. H.R. 3082, H.R. 3081, H.J. Res.101, H.J. Res. 105, Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011 - Lobbied for funding for various federal programs serving Older Americans, most notably SSA Administrative expenses, LIHEAP, aging services, HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of health care law which makes improvements such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of some provisions. H.R. 5364, Special Care Dentistry Act - Discussed bill that would require states to provide oral health coverage for aged, blind,or disabled individuals through a separate state adult dental program, with 100% federal match. H.R. 4213, American Workers, State and Business Relief Act/American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for extension of UI, COBRA, FMAP, and SGR. H.R. 3081, Continuing Resolution, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for SSA, various health care, employment, aging services and nutrition programs. H.R. 4224, Together We Care Act - Bill creates a three-year pilot program to train public housing residents to provide covered home-based health services. H.R. 5853, Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act - Bill requires review and approval by law prior to collection of premiums under the CLASS program, to require notice to individuals prior to enrollment, and to require termination of the program in the event of actuarial unsoundness, and for other purposes. S. 2814, Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2010 - Bill recognizes and authorizes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives and physician assistants as eligible health care professionals who can order home health services under Medicare. H.R. 4993, Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2010 - Bill recognizes and authorizes nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse-midwives and physician assistants as eligible health care professionals who can order home health services under Medicare.

Contacted: Labor, Dept of (DOL); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Energy, Dept of; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); White House Office; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Reserve System; Treasury, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); SENATE; Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Administration on Aging; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Bills named: H.R. 4872 (111th), H.R. 5853 (111th), H.R. 4224 (111th), S. 2814 (111th), H.R. 5364 (111th), S. 1213 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), S. 3686 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 2360 (111th), H.R. 3090 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), S. 726 (111th), S. 623 (111th), H.R. 1427 (111th), S. 1569 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), H.R. 1558 (111th), H.R. 3185 (111th), S. 979 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th), H.R. 2778 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.R. 4993 (111th)

Housing HOU

H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Discussed implementation of legislation. S. 118 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act - Discussed legislation to provide for rehabilitation of existing rental housing units constructed under the HUD Section 202 housing program and to allow greater flexibility in combining HUD rehabilitation funding with other sources of funding, and to modify The Assisted Living Conversion Program. H.R. 1408 Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation to require all newly constructed and federally-assisted single-family house to meet minimum standards of accessibility and visitability by persons with disabilities. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program Amendments - Discussed draft amendments to upcoming housing legislation to change calculation of premium costs relating to reverse mortgages for manufactured housing units on fixed foundations under HUD's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program (no bill). H.R. 3081, Continuing Resolution, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and public housing and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly programs. H.R. 4868, The Housing Preservation and Tenant Protection Act of 2010- Discussed provisions regarding Sec. 202, Housing for the Elderly, and its assisted living conversion grant program, that prevents the loss of affordable housing dwelling units in the United States. H.R. 5814, Public Housing Reinvestment and Tenant Protection Act of 2010- Discussed creating a new assisted living/service enriched housing conversion grant program and pilot program for training public housing residents to be home health care providers. Discussed Federal Reserve Board proposed rules regarding Regulation Z requirements for reverse mortgages and consumer right of rescission. (no bill) Discussed mortgage finance market reform options. (no bill)

Contacted: Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Reserve System; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Energy, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Administration on Aging; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); White House Office; Treasury, Dept of; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); SENATE; Social Security Administration (SSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Bills named: H.R. 5814 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th), S. 118 (111th), H.R. 4868 (111th), H.R. 1408 (111th), H.R. 4173 (111th)

Insurance INS

H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act - Lobbied in support of health care legislation and implementation of certain provisions related to affordable quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of health care law which makes improvements, such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of certain provisions. H.R. 4757/S.3078 Health Insurance Rate Authority Act - Discussed bill that would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, including premiums.

Contacted: Social Security Administration (SSA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Treasury, Dept of; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); White House Office; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Reserve System; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Energy, Dept of; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Office of the Vice President of the United States; SENATE; Administration on Aging; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Bills named: H.R. 4757 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), S. 3078 (111th)

Government Issues GOV

Discussed priority issues for AARP.

Contacted: Social Security Administration (SSA); Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Treasury, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); SENATE; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Federal Reserve System; Energy, Dept of; White House Office; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Energy/Nuclear ENG

Discussed AARP's concerns for consumer protections around the deployment of smart meters. (no bill) H.R. 3081, H.J. Res. 105, H. J. Res. 101, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 - Lobbied for making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2011 and for other purposes.

Contacted: Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Treasury, Dept of; Social Security Administration (SSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); White House Office; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Federal Reserve System; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Administration on Aging; Energy, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); SENATE

Bills named: H.J.Res. 105 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th)

Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR

S.1726/H.R. 3721, Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Supported legislation to restore law to its state before 2009 SCOTUS decision in Gross v. FBL Financial Services.

Contacted: SENATE; Federal Reserve System; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Treasury, Dept of; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Social Security Administration (SSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Energy, Dept of; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); White House Office; Administration on Aging; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Bills named: S. 1726 (111th), H.R. 3721 (111th)

Pharmacy PHA

S.525/H.R.1298/S.1232, Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation which would create a system of safe importation of prescription drugs from abroad. S.726/H.R.1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act - Discussed legislation which would create a pathway for the approval of safe, effective biosimilar and generic biologic drugs. H.R.1706, Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, and for other purposes. S. 369, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act - Discussed legislation that would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market,and for other purposes. S.515/H.R.1260/S.610, Patent Reform Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would amend federal patent law to rewrite provisions concerning the conditions for patentability. Specifically, AARP weighed in on the inequitable conduct provisions of the legislation. S. 301, Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would provide for disclosure of gifts given by pharmaceutical and device manufacturers to physicians. S.1315, Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act Amendment/H.R.3777 Drug Price Competition Act - Lobbied to expand the definition of "first applicant" under such Act to allow a generic drug manufacturer that is currently considered an applicant subsequent to a brand-name manufacturer's 180-day exclusivity period to qualify as a first applicant for purposes of filing an abbreviated application for a new drug. Requires such applicant ot submit a substantially complete application that contains and lawfully maintains a certification for such drug. H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and implementation of health care legislation to reform the health care system to provide quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of and implementation of health care law which makes improvements, such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. S. 3606, Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and related agencies Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for increased funding for the FDA Office of Generic Drugs to reduction of application backlog. H.R. 3081, H.R. 3082, H.J.Res. 105, H.J.Res.101, Continuing Resolution, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for FDA Office of Generic Drugs and nutrition assistance. S.3690, the Drug Safety and Accountability Act of 2010 - Requires drug manufacturers to implement quality management plans and document the manufacturing supply chain to ensure the quality and safety of drugs. The bill also would expand FDA authority to recall unsafe drugs, uncluding over the counter drugs, and offers protection to whistle blowers. H.R.5809,would amend the Controlled Substances Act to provide for the take back and safe disposal of controlled substances. The bill provides for an educational effort about proper drug disposal, an EPA report on the same and a GAO report on the effectiveness of disposal programs.

Contacted: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Social Security Administration (SSA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Reserve System; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); SENATE; Treasury, Dept of; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Energy, Dept of; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Labor, Dept of (DOL); White House Office; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)

Bills named: H.J.Res. 101 (111th), S. 3606 (111th), S. 1315 (111th), H.R. 5809 (111th), S. 1232 (111th), S. 610 (111th), H.R. 3777 (111th), H.R. 3081 (111th), S. 515 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), H.R. 1298 (111th), S. 525 (111th), S. 3690 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), S. 301 (111th), H.R. 1260 (111th), H.R. 1706 (111th), S. 726 (111th), S. 369 (111th), H.R. 1427 (111th)

Torts TOR

S.540/H.R.1346, Medical Device Safety Act - Discussed legislation would make clear congressional intent that state tort claims are not preempted by the FFDCA. Medical malpractice in health reform. (no bill)

Contacted: Federal Reserve System; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Treasury, Dept of; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Office of the Vice President of the United States; SENATE; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Administration on Aging; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); White House Office; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Energy, Dept of; Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Social Security Administration (SSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA)

Bills named: H.R. 1346 (111th), S. 540 (111th)

Welfare WEL

H.R. 2909/1625, Measuring American Poverty Act - Lobbied to create modern measures of poverty accurately. S. 3686, Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act FY 2011 - Lobbied for nutrition, energy assistance and other low-income aid. H.R. 3081, H.R. 3082, H.J. Res. 101, H.J. Res. 105, Continuing Appropriations Act, FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for various federal programs serving Older Americans, most notably SSA Administrative expenses, LIHEAP, aging services, HECM reverse mortgage subsidy and Section 202, Housing for the Elderly. H.R. 4213 Jobs Bill/Tax Extenders Amendment - Lobbied to remove pay-for provision using SNAP benefits after 2014.

Contacted: Treasury, Dept of; Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC); Energy, Dept of; Federal Reserve System; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA); Administration on Aging; Justice, Dept of (DOJ); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); SENATE; White House Office; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

Bills named: H.R. 3081 (111th), H.J.Res. 101 (111th), H.R. 3082 (111th), H.J.Res. 105 (111th), H.R. 2909 (111th), S. 3686 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th)