The theme for this year is “The Power of Advocacy – Speaking Up for Ourselves and Others”. The fifth annual informational event, proudly planned and hosted by the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) Board of Advisors, is designed to provide the most accurate and up-to-the-minute information regarding speaking up for ourselves, whether it be with legislators, doctors, lawyers, emergency response personnel, even family membersÉ.any persons that are perceived as “authority figures”. Guests are encouraged to come and learn tips and tricks for communicating their needs or the needs of others in meaningful, powerful ways.

The AAANM Board of Advisors is pleased to announce that they have secured Mary Ablan, Director of the Michigan Area Agencies on Aging Association in Lansing, as their keynote speaker. Mary has vast experience dealing with legislators and lobbyists in Michigan and will bring a snapshot of proposed legislation that impacts seniors and their caregivers. She will also encourage those in attendance to speak up for them selves, reminding them of useful techniques to employ when communicating with law makers and their staff.

To complement Ms. Ablan’s opening remarks, the Senior EmPower Day 2009 agenda will be chock full of mini-sessions from which attendees may choose, tailoring the day to suit their individual interests. All presenters will weave the “Power of Advocacy – Speaking Up for Ourselves and Others” theme into their sessions. Whether you want to learn how to talk more confidently to your doctor or nurse practitioner, wonder how to get what you need from your insurance company or want to speak more effectively with your legislator or lawyer, attendees are bound to come away with some useful information.

In keeping with the intention for the day to be informative, yet relaxed and fun, the planning committee will again include the opportunity to leisurely visit throughout the day with event sponsors and exhibitors at their informational displays. Guests will receive refreshments, lunch and materials. And, as the day concludes, door prizes will be presentedÉthanks to contributions from County Commissions and Councils on Aging, event sponsors and exhibitors.

Generous sponsorship from businesses that support the concept of Senior EmPower Day helps make the cost for the entire day of programming, including materials, refreshments and lunch reasonable. Pre-registration is required to assist planners with preparations. A non-refundable pre-registration fee of $5 for attendees age 60 or greater and $10 for those under age 60 will guarantee participation at this popular event, including refreshments, lunch, materials and access to all sessions. Attendance is being limited to the first 400 pre-registrants, so event planners encourage that you register at your earliest convenience.

Register by the final deadline of Friday, September 11, 2009. Interested parties in Northwest Lower Michigan should contact your local County Commission or Council on Aging or the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan in Traverse City at 231-947-8920 or 800-442-1713.

The 40+ groups in the PPOP Coalition include the Area Agencies on Aging Association, Michigan Disability Rights Coalition, Michigan Association of Health Plans, UAW, Michigan Chamber of Commerce, AARP, Aetna, Citizens Insurance, Michigan State Medical Society, Michigan Osteopathic Association, Delta Dental and Michigan Insurance Coalition.

Editorials against the bills have appeared in Crain’s Detroit Business, the Grand Rapids Press, Saginaw News and Flint Journal

At a Capitol press conference, PPOP urged the Legislature to maintain the charitable mission of BCBSM and keep insurance affordable and accessible to seniors and people with health conditions. “Older and sicker residents will be priced out of the insurance market if the Blues bills become law,” according to Mary Ablan, Director of the Area Agencies on Aging Association and PPOP Co-Chair. “When it comes to providing affordable access to health care, having as much as 30 cents of every premium dollar siphoned off for profits is unconscionable.” said Co-Chair RoAnne Chaney of the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition.

“The last Attorney General intervention in early 2007 reduced a Blue Cross rate increase request from 50% to 19%, saving older Michiganians and persons with disabilities about $97.5 million in the first year and about $70 million thereafter,” noted Dolores Coulter, attorney and Chair of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan. Coulter is speaking about one aspect of the legislation that would allow BCBSM to raise premiums at will, without state approval or the oversight of the Attorney General.

After the press conference, the Senate Health Policy Committee heard testimony from BCBSM praising the bills, and two coalitions of insurance companies opposing them. Committee Chair Tom George, M.D. questioned the need for a risk pool and the other dramatic changes in the bills since Michigan has lower insurance premiums than most states and a lower percentage of uninsured. Next week, the committee will hear testimony from Attorney General Mike Cox and the Michigan Office of Financial and Insurance Services. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 6, 3 – 5 pm, in the Senate Hearing Room on the Ground Floor of Boji Tower, 124 W. Allegan Street in downtown Lansing

You have reached the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan (AAANM) website. Our office is located in Traverse City, Michigan and we serve a ten-county region of Northwest Lower Michigan.

The mission of Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan is to serve and advocate for older persons, adults with disabilities and caregivers by supporting their independence, dignity and quality of life.

We encourage you to explore our website to learn about services that may assist you or someone you care about. To receive individualized assistance, please use the CONTACT US feature to send us your questions by e-mail. Or, simply call to speak with one of our Information Specialists by dialing 1-800-442-1713.

AAANM is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. If you are placing your call during the evening or weekend, please leave a message in our voice message system indicating a preferred time for a return communication and we’ll do our best to honor your request.

Thanks for visiting us. Please visit often.

Gregory E. Piaskowski, Executive Director