Housing - People of all ages and ability levels need accessible and affordable housing choices that will enable them to continue living safely in their homes and communities as they get older. We will continue support programs and policies that achieve these outcomes. Transportation - Transportation options are critical to the quality of life of older Americans. Older adults outlive their ability to drive by 7-10 years, and nearly 20 percent of people over 65 do not drive at all. We will advocate for safer, more reliable, and accessible transportation solutions for people of all ages and abilities. Disaster Preparedness and Response - Older adults often represent the largest share of deaths from extreme weather events and other natural disasters. We will support policies that ensure an all-ages lens is integrated into preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. Consumer Protections Adult Guardianship - Adult guardianship is a complex system that requires regular oversight, accountability, and improvement to meet the evolving needs of individuals under guardianship. We will support policies that include safeguarding rights and autonomy of individuals under guardianship, promoting less restrictive alternatives and the use of guardianship as an option of last resort, address abuse, and improve court monitoring. Vulnerable Adult Protection - Vulnerable adults are at significant risk of experiencing some form of physical or financial abuse, or neglect. We will advocate for legislative and regulatory changes which promote increased interagency collaboration in response to vulnerable adult victim cases. Fraud, Financial Exploitation, and Consumer Protection - Scams and frauds continue to pose a financial threat to many older Floridians. We will advance legislative and regulatory changes to better protect consumers from financial exploitation, fraud, as well as deceptive and unfair business practices. Age Discrimination - Whether by choice or financial necessity, millions of older Americans are returning to the workplace. We will advocate for legislative changes at the state level to enhance age protections in employment. Digital Equity - Achieving digital equity ensures that everyone, regardless of age, ability, income, or where they live, has access to affordable high-speed internet (broadband) and the skills required to use the service effectively. We will support policies that help older adults and others acquire the skills, technology, and capacity they need to access the internet and reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Utilities - Access to affordable and reliable telecommunications, energy, and water services is crucial to health and economic well-being. We will advocate to protect the ability of older adults to access affordable and reliable utilities.
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AARP Florida 2024 Legislative Priorities
Health Security Nursing Home Quality - Most adults age 50+ want to live independently in their homes and communities, and this is generally more cost-effective than nursing home care. We will advocate improving nursing home conditions by addressing issues related to staffing, including enhanced training and career path trajectories for staff, as well as promoting increased enforcement and oversight of existing standards. Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) - HCBS programs address the needs of people with functional limitations who need assistance with everyday activities and are often designed to enable people to stay in their homes, rather than moving to a facility for care. We will advocate to increase funding for a wide range of HCBS through Medicaid, the Older Americans Act and other programs that offer long-term services and supports. Family Caregivers - Family caregivers in Florida provide an estimated $31 billion in unpaid care annually to adult loved ones facing daily challenges and needing support. We will advocate for the development and implementation of state-level strategies to support family caregivers. Affordability of Prescription Drugs – Prices of hundreds of drugs continue to outpace inflation. We will advocate reducing the financial burden for 50+ adults from expensive out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Telehealth - Telehealth allows older Americans to see their health care providers conveniently and safely, allowing for increased autonomy of the person, improved care coordination, and treatment adherence. We will advocate for policies that promote the expansion of Florida’s use and accessibility of telehealth technology for healthcare services. Patients’ Rights - Respect for patients’ autonomy and the right to self-determination are essential features of a high-quality health system. We will advocate for policies that protect the rights of patients to be treated at all times with dignity, respect, and kindness. Livable Communities Roadway Safety - Traffic-related fatalities have significantly increased in recent years. We will support policies that ensure road safety for all users whether they are driving, riding, walking, or bicycling in and around their communities.
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