Visclosky to Sponsor Public Forum on Health Benefits Issues

Washington, D.C.  – Congressman Pete Visclosky will sponsor a public forum from 6:30-8:00 p.m., April 4, 2002, to inform constituents on Medicare and managed-care rights, as well as senior and dislocated-worker issues.  The forum will take place at The Center at Purdue University Calumet, 2300 173rd Street, Hammond.  The meeting is free and open to all residents of the First Congressional District.

“Northwest Indiana residents consistently tell me that health benefits issues are among their top concerns,” Visclosky said.  “This forum will give them an opportunity to learn from several experts about their rights, their options, and the outlook for this very important issue.”

Speakers will include representatives of patient advocacy groups, health policy organizations, and state and federal officials.  Segments will include discussions of: putting patients in charge of their health care; patients’ rights with Medicare and private insurance plans; and federal health care reform policy.

Break-out workshops will address an in-depth look at senior issues, and the rights of dislocated workers.  There will also be a 30-minute segment in which audience members can ask questions about health-care issues.  Additionally, Congressman Visclosky will discuss the status of health care issues in Congress.

“This forum will provide a great opportunity for Northwest Indiana residents to get the benefits information they need.  I encourage everyone who is interested in this issue to come out April 4th, and learn from the experts,” Visclosky said.