Oklahoma Senior Citizens Learn about Health Care Options

By Melissa Maynarich, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Many older Oklahomans are concerned about potential cuts to Medicare. And those fears are being fueled by the ongoing debate of how to overhaul our nation's health care system.

Many Oklahoma seniors have a lot of questions.

A resource fair was packed with services and information for seniors about topics including fitness and Social Security, but one of the hottest topics right now is health care. And it has many wondering if their benefits will be changing once a bill is passed on Capitol Hill.

Nancy Spies is up and around pain-free today, because of the daily exercise routine she began three months ago.

"I was in a lot of pain, especially in my hand," said Spies. "It would wake me up at night, and since I've exercised I do not need any more Tylenol."

There is no need for her to worry anymore about her arthritis now. But she is concerned about her health benefits changing.

"I can choose my own doctor now," said Spies. "I can go for specialists without going through my primary care. There's a lot that I like about what I have."

The current version of the health care bill that passed in the U.S. House would cut more than $400 billion from Medicare and Medicaid over 10 years.

Democrats argue that cuts can be made, especially to the Medicare Advantage program that lets private insurers contract with Medicare to provide coverage. Republicans counter that seniors will be hurt, and benefits reduced.

"Senior citizens seek out someone that they trust to receive valuable information, not necessarily someone that wants to see them something, someone that they trust and that wants the best for them," Lanett McCoy with Pennsylvania Life Insurance Co. said.

Meanwhile, Spies hopes that her time in the gym will continue to be supplemented by her insurance coverage so that she stays pain-free.

"I feel like I can't do anything about it, that I'm just going to have to take what's available," Spies said.

Since the enrollment season has already begun for Medicare in 2010, guidelines for coverage have already been set. It's coverage in 2011 that may be affected by a health care overhaul.

Learn more about Medicare.