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LSS at Heisinger Bluffs was the first stop on President Bush's visit to central Missouri April 11. Here, the president greets resident Ruth Fleming as CMS representative Amanda Larigan looks on. |
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Health care was at the top of President George W. Bush’s agenda during his visit to Central Missouri April 11, and the first stop on his itinerary was Lutheran Senior Services at Heisinger Bluffs.
Upon arriving in Jefferson City, the president received a warm reception from the residents and staff of the senior living community, located just west of the Missouri Capitol Building. There, he participated in a seminar on Medicare Part D, speaking with Jefferson City-area seniors on the benefits of the new prescription drug program.
“This (type of seminar) is happening all over the country,” said President Bush, who was accompanied by Senators Jim Talent and Kit Bond and Representative Kenny Hulshof. "The number of choices (in Medicare-D) sometimes confuses people. That's why we're here today. Over 25 million Americans have signed up for this plan, and it's very beneficial...Most people are saving about half the cost on their prescriptions."
Among the central Missouri natives having difficulty enrolling in the program were Chuck and Joann Weston, two LSS at Heisinger Bluffs residents who had the opportunity to meet the president during his visit.
“Frankly, we had a lot to learn about it,” said Chuck Weston. “We’ve been on Medicare-A, and we were under the impression that it wasn’t wise to add to supplemental insurances on top of that. We found out today that it’s okay, and that if we can find one that works for us, we should go ahead and give it a try.”
As with most of the residents, meeting the president was a once-in-a-lifetime event for the Westons. "“It was absolutely awesome,” Chuck Weston continued. “We’ve never had an experience like this before. He was a very friendly guy, and we were really excited to meet with him.”
"One of the most delightful parts of this job is I'm continually meeting total strangers who tell me, 'Mr. President, we're praying for you," the president told the assembled residents. "I tell you, it makes a world of difference in doing this job, and I thank you for it."
Following the seminar and a brief tour of the Heisinger Bluffs campus, the presidential motorcade departed for the Etta and Joseph Miller Performing Arts Center for a town hall-style meeting on federal health care issues. Among the panelists to participate in the discussion was LSS Vice President of Operations Linda Detring, who provided insight on Medicare from the perspective of long-term care providers.
“Of course, it was a tremendous honor to welcome President Bush to Heisinger Bluffs,” said LSS site administrator Kent Kirkwood. “It’s been an amazing experience for all of us here—the residents, especially.
"They all had questions for him, and even though he was on a very tight schedule this morning, he took the time to speak with as many of them as he could. He really has a wonderful respect for older adults; that’s something we at Lutheran Senior Services hold in the highest regard.”
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