VillageCareMAX hosts fourth annual expo in Flushing for seniors and families
Around 40,000 Medicare and Medicaid members in New York City have access to the health plan, which used the event to explain coverage and connect attendees with local service providers.
By Tomas Gonzalez ·
VillageCareMAX, a health plan serving approximately 40,000 Medicare and Medicaid members in New York City, brought together older adults and caregivers at the Sheraton LaGuardia East in Flushing on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The gathering marked the fourth annual Healthy Aging and Wellness Expo, an event presented in partnership with Schneps Media.
The primary goal of the day was to provide clear information on healthcare coverage, prevention, and community resources. Attendees spoke with experts from various organizations about benefits, social services, and wellness programs. Many of these services were offered in the attendees' preferred languages, a key feature of the event's design.
VillageCare President and CEO Shaun Ruskin stated that the event aims to connect families with the support needed for independent living. "This expo is about more than providing information," Ruskin said. "It's about connecting older adults, caregivers and families with the resources, services and support they need to live healthier, more independent lives."
Language access plays a central role in the organization's strategy, particularly in Queens where many dialects and nationalities coexist. Vanessa Fernandez, the Chief Operating Officer, noted that staff members often share the same languages and cultural backgrounds as the members they serve. This approach helps build trust and ensures that seniors can access care in the language they are most comfortable with.
Beyond the expo floor, VillageCareMAX operates community centers, including one located at 41-80 Main St. in Flushing. These centers serve as hubs for education and direct access to leadership. Fernandez explained that members can resolve issues without navigating multiple layers of administration. The organization also hosts events for hearing and vision tests, mammograms, and dental work to focus on preventive care.
The event included exhibitors from various sectors, such as NewYork-Presbyterian, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and the Queens Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. Financial institutions like FourLeaf FCU and Popular Bank were also present. Rebecca Abraham of the New York City Department for the Aging emphasized the importance of financial wellness for older adults. Ronald Fatoullah of Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein and Breitstone discussed how trusts can help manage assets according to an individual's wishes.
New York State Sen. John Liu attended the event, noting that the growing older population increases the need for accessible services. "We need more services to keep people healthy," Liu said. The event concluded with a focus on clarity during the open enrollment season, a time when Ruskin described as potentially confusing for residents trying to choose a plan.
Source: QNS
