Gus Bilirakis hosts packed senior forums to highlight resources, medical treatments
CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. – Florida Republican Rep. Gus Bilirakis hosted two senior public forums in the last week, emphasizing avoiding fraudulent schemes, highlighting his efforts to help senior citizens and discussing developments in treating illnesses.
“It is said that a society can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable citizens,” Bilirakis said. “I’ve spoken with seniors throughout my district in recent years, and it has been crystal clear that many of them are struggling under record high inflation and increases for the basic necessities of life.”
Bilirakis’ office said over 600 seniors attended. Both forums took place in District 12, which he represents.
“As their voice in Congress, it is my duty to help address their concerns and connect constituents in need with available resources,” Bilirakis said. “I’ll never stop fighting on behalf of seniors and looking for ways to help them age with dignity.”
The event included presenters from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, officials from the Federal Communications Commission, the Consumer Protection Financial Services Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission. Those presentations discussed how to avoid scams and fraud.
University of South Florida physicians also presented to highlight advancements on treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease. Bilirakis recently worked with federal lawmakers to obtain House passage for the “National Plan to End Parkinson’s Act.”
Moffitt Cancer Center officials talked about cancer research and treatment breakthroughs at the event.
In addition, other officials were present to give senior citizens access to support resources. Per Bilirakis’ office, that included the following:
- Area Agency on Aging for Pinellas Pasco and Area Agency on Aging for Hernando and Citrus regarding Help Line Screening Process to access independent living resources
- Officials from Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties regarding meal, transportation, Adult Day Care, Weatherization, Home Improvement, and other daily living activities
- Officials from local non-profits serving seniors and Federally Qualified Community Health Centers
- Officials from SHINE to discuss impartial counseling for seniors on health insurance options based upon individual need and how to report Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Officials from the VA on how to access Veterans Direct Care program
- Local Veteran Service Officers on benefit claim process and PACT Act implementation
- Diabetes Driving Awareness
Bilirakis recently introduced the “Cutting Copays Act,” still working its way through committee.
Other efforts from Bilirakis to help the elderly include vying to ensure Social Security checks keep up with the cost of living and ensuring seniors have access to things like specialty care, lab services, important medications and more.
Bilirakis is running for reelection to his district, and has notched multiple high profile GOP endorsements.
His district covers portions of Citrus and Hernando County, and most of Pasco County.
In Congress, Bilirakis is a senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, chairman of the Innovation, Data and Commerce Subcommittee, and a senior member of the Health Subcommittee and the Communications and Technology Subcommittee.
In the 2022 election, Bilirakis won with over 70% of the vote.
