Community Members Discuss Issues of Aging with the Gubernatorial Candidates

Though highlighted by a question and answer period with Republican Gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi and former Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Ron Sims, this forum allowed for a broader discussion of issues affecting the aging population and offered ways to prepare for the future and thrive in the present.

In addition to the candidate forum, three break-out sessions allowed for a more intimate setting where experts in the field were able to answer questions and provide insight on issues affecting the aging population.

In one break-out session Joshua Gortler from the Kline Galland Center, Deb Murphy from the Washington Association of Housing and Services for the Aging, and Don Armstrong from Jewish Family Service gathered to examine housing and continuum of care issues. Participants learned about the challenges of choosing housing and how to best prepare for the aging process.

In another break-out session Michael Spektor formerly of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Karen Treiger, an elder law attorney, Rabbi Moshe Kletienik, and Jacob Menashe, and elder law attorney from Isenhour Bleck PLLC came together to discuss financial planning. Included in the discussion was long-tern care insurance, Medicaid eligibility, power of attorney and the ethical issues involved in all of the above.

In the final break-out session Remy Trupin, the Government Affairs Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Rod Haynes, the regional media representative of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Bobbi Christensen from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) helpline dissected prescription drugs. Included in the discussion was a presentation of prescription drug policy and plans and a discussion about eligibility and usage guidelines for prescription drug coverage.

After the break-out sessions the event centered on the candidates who joined facilitator Marcie Sillman of KUOW on stage for a discussion of their stances on issues facing the elderly population. Both candidates were candid and direct about their positions on issues of housing, financial planning, community-based services and prescription drugs. Participants were also able to contribute directly to the conversation by asking their own questions of the candidates.

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