Senior Expo will feature practical Medicare information

Jul. 2--Which tests and screenings are covered by Medicare? How do patients find out from their doctors whether they should have the tests?

Those questions -- and others -- will be answered during a Senior Health Expo from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at the Warrensburg Senior Center, 445 E. Gay St.

The workshop, presented by Care Connection for Aging Services, is meant to educate people about the many health screenings and tests covered by Medicare at no cost to the patient, as well as give tips on talking to the doctor.

To present the workshop, Care Connection has partnered with CLAIM, the Missouri State Health Insurance Assistance Program, which provides free, unbiased advocacy, education and assistance to people with Medicare.

The presentations also will provide information to equip patients to ask the right questions and have productive conversations with their doctors.

"It's very important that people take advantage of the preventive benefits that Medicare offers as they maintain their health," Rona McNally, Care Connection director of special projects, said. "We are hoping that by getting the information about how to talk their doctors, individuals will begin the discussions they need to access the benefits. Some people might not have extreme comfort in talking to the doctor and asking for things, and we believe this is a very important conversation to have."

Medicare-covered preventive services include screenings for heart ailments, cancer, bone density, diabetes, hepatitis and obesity.

A Care Connection benefits counselor will be on hand to screen participants to see if they are eligible for programs that help pay for health care. Many seniors are not aware of the many programs that exist.

The Senior Health Expo will include written materials to take home, plus giveaways and refreshments.

The event is free and open to the public. Lunch will be served at the center beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Those 60 and older may eat lunch for a contribution, and younger individuals may pay the entire cost of the meal, about $7.50.

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