Committee updates senior program: city leaders panel, Medicare session set after Samaritan Advantage change

The inclusivity committee reviewed recent senior-focused activities and scheduled upcoming sessions aimed at helping older residents navigate benefits changes. Members described a city leaders panel in September that included the police chief, fire chief, city manager and mayor and said the event was well received by attendees. The committee also reported a small social game day and said turnout was lower than hoped. The group scheduled an Oct. 14 session in City Hall at 10 a.m. on Medicare options to help local residents affected by the recent cancellation of the Samaritan Advantage plan; committee members said the change affects roughly 15,000 customers in the broader area and that the session will review plan options and provider networks. Why it matters: insurance changes can force seniors to change providers and affect continuity of care; a locally run informational session aims to direct residents to options and resources. Members discussed practical issues: the library meeting room has poor acoustics and limited technology, while City Hall offers better seating, technology and sound; several members reported visiting Corvallis senior facilities to compare services and costs (exercise classes at the Corvallis Senior Center were cited at $8 per person). Committee members also described a large, 12-page senior resource list that could be translated to Spanish; volunteers offered to share or translate that resource and staff said city-translated materials are worth including when available. The group agreed to continue planning and to publicize the senior calendar; no formal budget appropriation was made and members said they have been covering some costs themselves.