Baby Boomers Face Issues of Rising Medicare Costs

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LIVONIA, June 14, 2011— The health and wellness of seniors are important issues for our aging society. Fifty percent of low and moderate income people with Medicare spend at least 22 percent of their incomes on medical care and medical costs are rising at three times the rate of incomes—important, now more than ever to learn how to “age healthy” since medical costs are rising.

Finding out about those options hasn’t always been easy, however, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) aims to change that by sharing pertinent information to seniors on healthy living and options available to them.

“Understanding Medicare and the different health plan options available is a bit of a challenge. I don’t understand home owner’s policies or my auto insurance options, but our team really understands Medicare. Our job is to make it as simple as possible for others,” said Karen Wintringham, vice president of Medicare for HAP. “By the end of this session you will understand, both how the different options work and how to make a decision that best meets your personal needs. Plus you’ll learn about the impact on you over the coming years of the current health reform law.”

Seniors can take a fun and proactive step to safeguard their health by visiting and enjoying themselves at the “Live Life Healthy After Age 60” event on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 from 10 am – 2 pm at the Livonia Family YMCA (14255 Stark Road), whose main goal is to inspire healthy aging with increased longevity.

Guest speakers will include:

  • Comedian and actor Horace B. Sanders with appearances on CBS Early Show and more will share comical real life situations
  • HAP vice president of Medicare Division Karen Wintringham will do a presentation on “Understanding Medicare” as she explains the basics of Medicare and how to decide on a plan that will best fit your medical need
  • Deputy Director of Institute of Gerontology Dr. Cathy Lysack will educate seniors on aging healthy
  • Fitness instructor Peggy Mae-Wells will demonstrate aerobics while you sit and all are encouraged to participate

Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and raffle drawings throughout the day. A licensed, authorized HAP representative will be present to answer questions about Medicare options. The event is open to the general public and the registration deadline is June 17, 2011. To register for this fun filled day, call Vickee Walker at 248-443-7856.

To schedule a media interview with Karen Wintringham, please contact Lisa Lapides Sawicki at 248-399-3311, lisapublicity@gmail.com or Asia Willis at 248-895-2011, asia.willis@gmail.com

About HAP:

HAP is a Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan that provides health coverage to 500,000 members and companies of all sizes. HAP is celebrating 50 years of partnering with leading physicians and hospitals, employers and community organizations to improve the quality of health care and enhance the health and well-being of the lives we touch. HAP offers PPO, HMO, Value and Medicare plans with award-winning preventive services, disease management, wellness programs and customer service. The National Committee for Quality Assurance awarded HAP’s commercial HMO and HAP Senior Plus Excellent Accreditation.