Social Security, Medicare to be discussed at event

Area residents 50 and older can learn about Social Security and Medicare eligibility requirements, health care reform and related topics Wednesday at a forum offered in Yuma.

The event, organized by AARP and San Luis, Ariz.-based Campesinos Sin Fronteras, is free and will take place in English and Spanish, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Community Center, located at 300 S. 13th Ave.

“These are issues for which, unfortunately, there has not been a continuing effort to get out information and to educate the public,” said David Parra, community outreach director for AARP in Arizona. “At AARP we have undertaken a campaign to get that information out to the people.”

At 9:45 a.m., the event will break up into three sessions that address separate topics.

Social Security topics to be covered will be the eligibility requirements for benefits, as well as Medicare benefits that are related to Social Security.

Also discussed will be eligibility requirements for coverage for hospitalization and prescription drugs through Medicare.

The last session will focus on the federal health care law and its requirement that everyone be insured by 2014, as well as upcoming changes in Arizona's health care program for the poor, AHCCCS.

Flor Redondo, program director for Campesinos Sin Fronteras, urged area residents 50 and older to attend.

“These are really important issues, ones that impact everyone.”

Those wishing to attend are asked to register by calling Campesinos Sin Fronteras at (928) 627-1060 or (928) 627-6677.