ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

While everyone has their way of remembering and honoring the lives lost on September 11th eight years ago, many have chosen to turn tragedy into purpose. Check out this AARP article on how Americans everywhere are choosing to serve their communities in remembrance on this day:

This year, Sept. 11 will again be a day for reflecting on the 2001 terrorist attacks, but it will also be a time for hundreds of thousands of Americans to serve their communities. The September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance is a key part of the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act signed into law by President Obama in April, four months before the Massachusetts senator's death. In his inauguration address, Obama called for an outpouring of the volunteer "spirit that must inhabit us all." He followed up by pushing for the Serve America Act, creating the largest expansion of national volunteer service since the inception of AmeriCorps in 1993.

For those who have engaged in service days regularly for years, the national day of service is a way to standardize their efforts on a single day. For those who have never served, it's an incentive to get involved. And for some of those who have been part of the 9/11 memorials to the lives lost eight years ago, it's the culmination of a dream.

Make sure to check out the entire piece; it's touching as it is uplifting. Also read this piece on how 9/11 has affected immigrants, their role in the rescue operations, and the meanings behind it all.

I can remember the very first time I saw The Wizard of Oz. I sat cross-legged on my parents bed, staring up at the television. I don't think I moved an inch until the Wicked Witch and Dorothy fought in the castle hallway, sending me running!

This year is the 70th Anniversary of the classic film and if you're like me you still watch the movie whenever it's on tv...even if it's half way done!

Fast forward to a particularly low-key evening when I was doing some internet surfing and came upon Elf Island. The site is essentially a virtual world for kids where they can play games, learn about social issues and interact with peers across the world.

In honor of Oz's anniversary, they've brought this huge virtual experience to kids where they can play games, dress up as the Tin Man - and even don Dorothy's slippers. So if your kids have recently seen the movie and you want to keep the magic alive check them out!

An added bonus of the site? They regularly partner with non-profits all over the world to raise children's global awareness about what's going on in places they may have never heard of! Each month there is a new GoodQuest that encourages the kids to work together toward a common cause. This month kids are helping the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation by building 10,000 virtual camp buildings. If they reach the goal, they will fund the construction of a camp in Uganda for children living with HIV and AIDS.

So if your kids are glued to the computer, they mind as well have fun & do good all at the same time eh?!

After the presidential address last night on health reform, AARP conducted an overnight nationwide survey of people 45 years and older, and found that the president's speech caused a change in many Independents who were largely unsure about health care reform.

While most independents had concerns and questions about current health care reform proposals, last night's speech resulted in a majority being "more supportive of the proposals being talked about related to health care." More from our press release:

"In a national survey of Americans over 45, AARP found that many independents had concerns about health reform coming into last night's speech (77 percent), but most (72 percent) felt that some of their concerns were addressed by the President's speech. Further, a clear majority of independents considered themselves 'more supportive of the proposals being talked about related to health care' after the speech was over (63 percent).

'What we saw in this survey was something we've seen for decades: that once you explain why we need reform people understand its importance,' said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President. 'Last night's speech wasn't as much of a 'game changer' as it was a volume softener. Older Americans across the political spectrum continue to agree that reform must be accomplished this year - we are hopeful that momentum carries us to reform that AARP can support.'

When asked if after watching the health reform address people felt that reform should be a priority for our leaders to address this year, 70 percent of Independents, 95 percent of Democrats and a majority of Republicans - 56 percent - agreed it should."

Check out all info from the survey here.

As many of you may know, President Obama is scheduled to address the nation in a speech on health care reform tonight. Here's a preview from AP - an interview with the White House Communications Director on Health Care Reform, Linda Douglas.

Speech time is at 8 pm tonight Eastern, so make sure to tune in and let us know what you think right here in the comments section.

We had Kathleen Sebelius on our legislative issues show "Inside E Street" today; host Sheilah Kast asked her about widespread Medicare fraud. Sebelius reminded us that many fraud issues are exposed by Medicare beneficiaries themselves - that means you.

If your provider says anything along these lines, you'll want to be wary:

1) The test is free; he only needs your Medicare number for his records. NOTE: For clinical laboratory tests, there is no co-payment and a provider may in good faith state that the test is free, since there is no cost to the person with Medicare.

2) Medicare wants you to have the item or service.

3) They know how to get Medicare to pay for it.

4) The more tests they provide the cheaper they are.

5) The equipment or service is free; it won't cost you anything.

6) Offer you payments or gifts to go to clinics or offices.

Bookmark this page - there's more tips as well as information on who to contact if you think fraud may have occurred.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius visits the AARP studio today to address the important topic of Medicare fraud. It's an issue that matters very much to our members, and we're pleased she's taken some time to talk to us about it. Keep an eye on this post - we're piping in Tweets as they happen from our broadcast studio's account.

From AARP Live: