By Ana Dickerson
Area seniors will have a fun opportunity to further their healthcare education at the Prime Time 50+ Expo, Albuquerque’s largest health fair designed specifically for older adults.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. October 8 at the Embassy Suites near Lomas and Interstate 25. The 50+ Expo is timed to bring together Medicare-eligible residents with local health care providers just prior to the 2026 Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7.
Attendees can gather information from about 60 providers and vendors, including not only physicians and insurers but also a variety of other senior-oriented services, such as retirement communities, hospice, funerary, legal, and wellness products. The event is expected to attract as many as 1,000 area residents aged 50-plus, with free transportation for those in need provided by Rio Metro.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) is the Expo’s presenting sponsor for the tenth straight year.
“We are committed to empowering seniors to lead healthy and active lives,” said Janice Torrez, BCBSNM president. “We’re excited to sponsor the Prime Time 50+ Expo because it will connect older adults with the resources and information they need to make informed choices for their health and well-being.”
As attendees explore the various vendors, they can also enjoy an exciting assortment of offerings and entertainment, including product giveaways, free ice cream from Blue Bell Creameries, and free books from the Read to Me! Literacy Network sponsored by the local Kiwanis Club. Live music will be headlined by the captivating sounds of Geneva & The Pickups, playing an eclectic mix of country, rock, standards, and Spanish hits.
Free health care screenings and flu shots will also be available as supplies last. In addition, free speaker sessions will feature several experts providing health and wellness information and advice for older adults. The keynote speaker will be BCBSNM’s chief medical officer, Dr. Latha Raja Shankar, who will cover ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle in your later years with simple steps, including medical screenings, vaccines, and good nutrition.
Also presenting will be Donna Norris, president and CEO of insurance broker Norris and Associates, who will review the parts of Medicare, including how to enroll and what to consider when looking for a plan.
Finally, Alberta Moberg, advance planning consultant for French Funerals & Cremations, will discuss the pre-planning process. She will share how urgent tasks and decisions can be handled today, in an effort to protect loved ones from stress later during a time of emotional upheaval.
The Prime Time 50+ Expo is organized and operated by Prime Time Publishing, which wishes to thank all of the event sponsors: BCBSNM, Rio Metro Regional Transit District, French Funerals & Cremations, Cigna Healthcare, and One Albuquerque Senior Affairs.
For more information, or to coordinate free transportation, please call 505-242-2428.
