By Autumn Gray
The 28th annual Prime Time 50+ Health Expo, Albuquerque’s largest free health fair for seniors, is once again setting out to make health and wellness education fun during a critical time on the health insurance calendar.
Scheduled for 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. October 9 at Embassy Suites Hotel near Downtown, the event is partly intended to bring together Medicare-eligible residents with local providers just before the kickoff of the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period (AEP). This is the time when individuals can renew, change, or cancel their health insurance plans.
“People often don’t know where to turn because the information can be hard to find and hard to understand,” said Dana Benjamin, co-owner of Prime Time Publishing, which organizes the event. “So, we are providing free information in one place – and making the process fun, too.”
Designed for ages 50 and older, attendees can dance to a live band playing classic rock from the 60s and 70s, win door prizes, and pick up free books at a book giveaway provided by the Read to Me! ABQ Network.
At the same time, they will have the chance to gather an array of information from about 60 providers and vendors, including physicians, law firms, yoga instructors, CBD/cannabis companies, and retirement communities. Free flu shots and health screenings will also be offered; Covid shots will not be available.
“We have the resources and contacts to do this, and its beneficial for the community for this information to get out there,” Benjamin said. “We’re trying to connect the services to the people who need them.”
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, which has been the Expo’s presenting sponsor for nine years, is proud to again hold that position and also bring free breakfast to the expected 800 attendees.
“We are committed to helping older adults lead healthy and active lives,” said BCBSNM chief of staff Laurie Volkin. “Prime Time expo is a fun event that provides resources and information to older adults so they can make healthier choices and informed choices on health insurance options.”
BCBSNM’s chief medical officer, Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, will give a presentation about staying healthy into your later years. Her talk will cover medical screenings, vaccines, how to eat right, and simple steps you can take to maintain a healthful lifestyle.
Alicia Pruitt, a family medicine provider with Expo sponsor Optum New Mexico, will discuss how to make your medications work better for you. Since many people need to take a variety of prescriptions and may also take over-the-counter vitamins and supplements, their interactions may be unknown or confusing. Pruitt will discuss ways to be better informed.
Attendees will have a chance to ask general health questions of both presenters.
BCBSNM Medicare specialists and representatives from Optum New Mexico will also be on hand to answer questions about Medicare Annual Enrollment, which occurs Oct. 15-Dec. 7.
Prime Time wishes to thank all of its event sponsors: BCBSNM, Humana, Optum New Mexico, Christus St. Vincent, and Cigna.
