Sandwiches, cookies and information about Medicare were shared at the recent Steel Lake Presbyterian Church-sponsored lunch for seniors in Federal Way.

On Sept. 11, the Federal Way Senior Commission held its monthly lunch at the Federal Way Community Center. The guest speakers at this lunch, Alyshia Main and Madelyn Zech, from Premier Insurance, came to speak to seniors all about Medicare. Main and Zech discussed the various kinds of Medicare coverage, the costs, and the fines associated with not applying at age 65.

“Medicare is provided by the federal government, but it is administered by Social Security,” Zech said. “That means when you’re ready to apply, you can do so in person at your local Social Security office, online at SSA.gov, with your Social Security Security account, or if you’re collecting Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled into Medicare once eligible.”

Federal Way Senior Commission Chair Lana Bostic said Medicare is important and necessary to discuss because everyone is on it or trying to get on it. Bostic said it’s good for people to know there is someone they can call and talk to about Medicare because the plans are confusing, and when people change medications, it can be difficult to know if people are covered or not.

Federal Way Senior Commission member Debbie Harvey giving out a meal during the Steel Lake Presbyterian Church sponsored lunch. Photo by Joshua Solorzano/The Mirror