Senior Citizens Learn About Health Care Reform

Seniors in Sunbury, PA today heard for the first time what the new health care law will mean for them. Two forums were held in assisted living facilities and they were organized not by PHAN staff, but by one of our ambitious volunteer leaders, Lana with the support of another PHAN activist, Rodger. Lana set the date, contacted the facilities, posted flyers and let the local newspaper know we would be there today. Thanks to her initiative and leadership more seniors in central PA understand the truth about health care reform.

Some of the seniors we met with were especially interested in the Medicaid expansions provided through reform. Others, like Gerdy, appreciated the emphasis on Medicare shifting to a more coordinated care system where her oncologist and primary care physician will be encouraged to communicate more frequently. The thought of finally closing the donut hole brought looks of relief across the table to all the seniors that struggle every year to come up with an extra 3,610 dollars for prescription drugs.

Its always interesting to stop and reflect how these expansions Medicare are not yet common knowledge. After working on a campaign like this for so many months, we forget that most people aren't familiar with the basic components of reform. I even found myself thinking, after hosting educational forums around the state, "Gee, maybe I should take a few minutes to tell my own grandparents about their co-pays and deductibles for preventative care visits ending in 2011."