Hawaii State News - AARP Bulletin Advocacy

Hawaii News

West region

At Risk

by Donnan Runkel - 12/01/2011 A program that provides in-home care for Hawaii's older population is expected to come under scrutiny as lawmakers cope with an increasingly tight budget.

Kupuna Care provides home-delivered meals, transportation and help with bathing and chores for people who do not qualify for Medicaid but can't afford to pay for private in-home services. The state-funded program's base budget has been flat for more than a decade, while the number of state residents age 65 and older has increased by 15 percent. Moreover, Hawaii's 65-plus population is projected to increase by more than 67 percent between 2010 and 2030.

AARP is fighting to preserve Kupuna Care and wants members to get involved. Email or call 808-545-6004 to volunteer.

Plan Now

by Donnan Runkel - 6/01/2011 Nearly 70 percent of Americans currently 65 or older will need long-term care at some point in their lives. That fact, coupled with the median cost of nursing home care in Hawaii — nearly $115,000 a year — is driving AARP to urge state residents to plan ahead. "People need to anticipate their long-term care needs," says Stuart Ho, AARP Hawaii state president. "Failure to do so can deplete a lifetime of savings almost as fast as a house fire in an uninsured home." A recent report from the Hawaii Long-Term Care Commission to the legislature highlighted the need to better inform the public of the risks that age-related disability pose to financial security and to better coordinate management of government programs for long-term care. For a copy of AARP's planning guide, go to or call 1-888-687-2277 (1-888-OUR-AARP) toll-free. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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