PLATTSBURGH — Prescription coverage for senior citizens is one reason Barbara Grimshaw attended a recent AARP New York session held here.
The Rouses Point woman wanted to learn more about changes to the state's Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program, and what they mean for her 77-year-old sister, who is legally blind.
Grimshaw said her sister has a difficult time managing multiple prescriptions.
"I think this is an issue for a lot of people, and (her sister's) well-being is always a concern," she said at the recent session.
Grimshaw would like to see changes in how prescriptions are labeled because the state's mandatory generic drug program has been the cause of confusion in the past.
"My sister doesn't know generic from brand name. She gets confused when doctors refer to a brand name, only being familiar with the generic," she said. "I wish there was a way to make labeling more clear."
EPIC EFFORTS
AARP Associate State Director for New York Erin Mitchell explained to participants how the organization is working to get necessary funding restored to the EPIC program after a recent poll found that many people between the ages of 50 and 64 are taking extreme measures to afford health care for themselves and their families.
She said that some delay filling prescriptions because of cost while others put off getting important medical attention altogether.
POOR NUTRITION
About 25 attendees filled the Adirondack Room at the Holiday Inn for AARP's overview of the governor's proposed budget and its effects on prescription-drug costs, health-insurance accessibility, long-term care and caregiver support.
"We want our members to be aware of what changes to the state budget (if it is passed) will mean for the way they live their lives," Mitchell said.
Inadequate nutrition was just one of the issues that attendees like Sharon Chaney of Plattsburgh were concerned about.
"I really think we need to let people know that there are places they can go and people they can ask for help with food," she said.
Chaney said the Senior Citizens Center, at 5139 North Catherine St. in Plattsburgh, is one of many adult centers in the area that offers a hot meal and a chance to get acquainted with new friends.
According to the website for the Clinton County Office of the Aging, all senior citizens age 60 and older and their spouses, regardless of age, are welcome at any of the eight senior sites in the county. Adult centers are located in Ellenburg, Mooers, Peru, at three Plattsburgh locations, Rouses Point and Saranac Lake. All sites are open Monday through Friday, with some holiday exceptions.
A nutritious midday meal is served daily, and opportunities for socialization, education and recreation are also offered. Reservations one day in advance are required. A suggested donation of $3 is accepted, but no one is ever turned away due to an inability to contribute.
"There is an envelope, and you can pay what you can afford," Chaney said.
Chaney said she thinks a lot of people would like to go but cannot make it due to transportation limitations.
But van transportation to some of the nutrition sites is available, and car pooling may be arranged.
She would like to see more folks take advantage of the meals at the centers, local churches and through Meals on Wheels.
"Hunger should not be a problem in this area," Chaney said.
STIGMA ISSUE
Kristin Legere, AARP associate state director of communications for New York, said that they are working to erase the stigma attached to needing assistance, especially when it comes to food.
AARP is working with legislators to make changes to the state's Food Stamp program, as they found that many people who are eligible for assistance simply do not use it out of shame, she said.
They would like to see the state's program mirror the federal government's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
"We really think it is important to remove the stigma about food stamps," Mitchell told attendees.
She said Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury) has been helping with their efforts.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Legere said there was a lot of great feedback from attendees at the meeting.
She hopes to share some of the stories, photos and video from the event with the organization's Facebook followers.
"We have found social media to be a great way to reach people that aren't able to make it out to the meetings," Legere said.
Grimshaw would like to see more people older than 50 get involved.
"We are becoming a majority of the population," she said. "We need to look out for ourselves. No one else is going to."
