ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is working with the elderly community to make sure they have a voice in Tallahassee.
Seniors are concerned about health care, nursing homes and the rising cost of living. Many are still struggling as they work to recover from hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Plus, with the cost of living going up in Florida, many seniors — alongside their advocates — will be watching the legislature carefully.
“All over the world actually housing is not affordable for our seniors as well as our young adults coming up to move out of our parents’ house and make it on their own,” said Dedra Henderson, president of the Tampa Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Velda Henderson, who lives in Tampa Bay, brought her questions to a session held by a local alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and AARP.
“I will be retiring in a couple of years, and I just need to be more versed and informed about legislative laws,” Henderson said.
She’s also concerned about healthcare.
“I really don’t know a lot about Medicare,” Henderson said.
Chante Jones with AARP said many seniors live on a fixed income and can’t afford to take on extra costs.
“We saw a rate case for TECO and Duke, but we’ll have a big one coming up for Florida Power and Light, and so there will be a lot of FPL customers across the state that may be affected, and we know those type of issues always hit the pocketbook,” Jones said.
Insurance expert Mark Friedlander said seniors are dropping their property insurance.
“We’re seeing the trend of more seniors going without insurance to save cost, and it is a concerning trend certainly,” Friedlander said.
He believes lawmakers will discuss putting more money in the My Safe Florida Home Program, which provides home improvement grants and could impact insurance rates.
“Seniors get first priority, and insurers in Florida are required to offer discounts if you take certain steps to resiliency,” Friedlander said.
The regular session begins in March. Lawmakers have already filed bills tackling some concerns raised by the community.
That includes a bill which would allow cameras in residents’ rooms in nursing homes or assisted living facilities if certain conditions are met.