'Health Care For All Ages' Theme of 2004 Senior Day At the Capitol

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- Two senior advocacy groups will present Oklahoma’s first forum on the new Medicare law March 22 at the Capitol. The event is being sponsored by Alliance on Aging and State Council on Aging, and will be held from 9:30 – 11 a.m. in the House of Representatives Chamber on the fourth floor.
Speakers will address the Medicare cards that go into affect June 1 and the drug insurance that begins in 2006. Experts will also discuss how faith-based organizations are responding to the one-in-five Oklahomans without health insurance and the possibility of bringing comprehensive health care to Oklahomans of all ages. A representative from Governor Brad Henry’s office is scheduled to discuss how a tobacco tax could provide funding to cover health insurance for more than 200,000 uninsured Oklahomans.

Attendees will receive reading materials on the new Medicare law passed late last year and the pros and cons of providing comprehensive health insurance for all citizens.

The Oklahoma Pharmacy Connection Council will provide information cards on how to obtain free or discount prescription drugs from drug companies.

Lance Robertson, vice-president of Alliance on Aging, said Older Oklahomans face a huge learning curve with the new Medicare law: “Seventy percent of Americans aren’t even aware there is a new law and 60 percent don’t understand it. We believe it is very important for aging advocacy and education groups, and seniors across the state to attend this forum.”

Those planning to attend are urged to come early because all entering the Capitol must pass through security. There are entrances to the Capitol at the southeast corner and through the tunnel from the parking lot east of the Capitol across Lincoln Boulevard. Doors open at 8 a.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring a sack lunch.

Senior Day at the Capitol 2004
Health Care for All Ages

March 22, 2004

Oklahoma House of Representatives Chamber

4th Floor, Oklahoma Capitol Building

Agenda

• 8:00-9:30: Visit booths on 4th floor, collect reading materials and button outside House Chamber entrance, find good seat in the Chamber or balcony on the fifth floor.
• 9:30-9:35: Welcome and explanation of materials.
• 9:35-9:50: Representative from Governor Henry's office; efforts to pass a tobacco tax to fund health insurance for 200,000 uninsured Oklahomans.
• 9:50-10:05: Shirley Cox, Director of Social Action, Catholic Charities; how faith-based organizations are helping Oklahomans without prescription drugs and health insurance.
• 10:05-10:30: Kelli Kirkland, Communications Outreach Specialist, Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality; explanation of how new Medicare drug cards and drug insurance will work.
• 10:30-10:55: Dr. Peter Budetti, Chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy, OU Health Science Center; will encourage attendees to think beyond incremental solutions by explaining how Oklahoma could provide comprehensive health insurance for all citizens.
• 10:55-11:00: Lance Robertson, Alliance on Aging and Bill Anderson, State Council on Aging; concluding remarks.
• 11:00-1:00: Visit your legislators and let them know how you wish them to respond to Oklahoma's health care problems. Enjoy your lunch at tables set up for you on the first floor.
  
  

Thank you for coming!

###