Local Seniors Get Health Screenings, Free Advice at Rep. Sánchez' Senior Fair

Artesia, CA - Over 600 local seniors attended Rep. Linda Sánchez' 7th Annual Senior Fair yesterday at the Artesia Community Center to get free health screenings, receive information and legal advice, and consult with federal agencies. Rep. Sánchez updated seniors on legislation in Congress including social security, Medicare, and health insurance reform.

"This is one of my most important events of the year because it brings help directly to our seniors," said Rep. Sánchez. "I'll never forget Mr. Carlos Garcia who came to this event last year to share his story with me. He had taken a free prostate screening at my senior event four years ago and was shocked to find out that he had prostate cancer. Because of the screening, he found out early enough so that he was able to get it treated easily and recover successfully."

Over 40 vendors were on site, including some providing free screenings for bone density, blood pressure, sun damage, and glucose levels. Other vendors provided information to seniors regarding financial planning, reverse mortgages, elder rights, housing rights, and caregiver assistance. Representatives from the IRS and Social Security Administration answered individual questions and the Center for Healthcare Rights gave information regarding Medicare and prescription drugs.

"This year, opponents of health insurance reform are trying to spread myths and scare seniors," said Rep. Sánchez. "I want to make sure seniors know the facts. Health reform will shrink the "doughnut hole" in prescription drug coverage; makes all preventive coverage free of co-payments or co-insurance; and increases physician payments to ensure that doctors continue to accept Medicare patients."

Rep. Sánchez also spoke about a bill she introduced in Congress that would allow seniors who are eligible to receive home health care services from Medicare to choose adult day care services instead. The "Medicare Adult Day Care Services Act," (H.R. 3043) would provide a new option without adding to the cost of Medicare.

For more information on the Senior Fair, please call Rep. Sánchez' office at 562-860-5050.

Click here for a brochure on what health insurance reform means for seniors: