The Association of American Retired Persons (AARP) Ohio volunteers are conducting "You've Earned a Say" listening sessions in communities across the state to give Ohioans the chance to make their voices heard on the future of Medicare and Social Security.

Kalida residents Jim and Cheryl Fortman, who volunteer with the AARP Ohio advocacy team, are teaming up with the Bluffton Senior Citizens Association to offer a “You've Earned a Say” listening session. The event is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 20 at the Center. All ages are welcome.

According to the Fortmans: "AARP Ohio volunteers are conducting listening sessions to gather residents' ideas because members tell us they want to be heard. Social Security and Medicare are critical issues for most of AARP's 1.5 million members in Ohio. Nine out of 10 Ohioans who are age 65 and older are collecting the Social Security benefits they earned during a lifetime of hard work, and more than 2 million Ohioans rely on Medicare for their health coverage."

Participants in all the Phase II listening sessions across the state are being asked to complete a short survey on either Social Security or Medicare. Those who can't attend a session can complete the survey online at www.earnedasay.org.

To request a survey be sent to your home, or to find a listening session near you, call AARP Ohio toll free at 866-389-5653.

At the session participants will learn about the various proposals on the table for Medicare and will be able to send a message to Congress on how they feel about each, according to the Fortmans.

WHO:
AARP Ohio volunteers leading the session are Jim and Cheryl Fortman of Kalida

WHAT:
AARP You've Earned a Say facilitated discussion to gather opinions on Social Security and/or Medicare. 

WHEN:
1 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 20. To register, call AARP Ohio, 1-877-926-8300 or the Bluffton Senior Citizens Center at 419-358-8971. You are welcome to bring a friend. Refreshments will be served.

WHERE:
Bluffton Senior Citizens Center, 132 N. Main St., Bluffton.

QUESTIONS?
Call Kathy Keller, AARP Ohio, 614-222-1507-direct line.