September 26, 2014

Cherokee Nation donates $3,000 to Tulsa State Fair

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Cherokee Nation donated $3,000 Thursday to the Tulsa State Fair, which will help the fair provide both educational and cultural activities for the public.

“With the start of the annual Tulsa State Fair this week, we are proud to support its mission to provide family entertainment and education,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. “We hope attendees have a good experience and get an opportunity to attend the inter-tribal powwow, where our Native culture will be on full display.”

The donation will also be used for 4-H club and other kid-friendly activities and organizations.

“Our 4-H and FFA programs really need help like this, so the donation by the Cherokee Nation is huge,” said Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith. “We don’t have people just call up and say here’s something for your kids. It’s just a huge help and we are so grateful.”

The Cherokee Nation annually donates money to fair boards in all 14 counties of the tribe’s jurisdiction.

-30-

About Cherokee Nation

The Cherokee Nation is the federally recognized government of the Cherokee people and has inherent sovereign status recognized by treaty and law. The seat of tribal government is the W.W. Keeler Complex near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, the capital of the Cherokee Nation. With more than 300,000 citizens, 9,000 employees and a variety of tribal enterprises ranging from aerospace and defense contracts to entertainment venues, Cherokee Nation is one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma and the largest tribal nation in the United States.

To learn more, please visit www.cherokee.org.

Editor's note: Find all the latest Cherokee Nation news at www.anadisgoi.com.

Senior Summits to Help Consumers Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

Senior Summits to Help Consumers Prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) is hosting free statewide events to help seniors save time and money during the Medicare Open Enrollment period, Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

“We host Senior Summits each year to help Oklahoma’s Medicare beneficiaries learn more about their enrollment options,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “We want seniors to have all the information they need to make the best decision possible when it comes to their health care.”

Last year, after partnering with other agencies, MAP assisted more than 22,000 individuals. One individual was able to save more than $36,000 by reviewing their Part D prescription drug plan and switching to a plan that provided them better coverage at a better price.

“Each year, we stress how important it is for seniors to review their coverage because available plans change, the prices of those plans change and the prescriptions they’re on can also change,” said Ray Walker, MAP Director.

During Open Enrollment, Medicare-eligible consumers can sign up for coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan, as well as change their options for the coming year.

At this year’s events, general information will be offered about typical legal issues that arise as individuals age, including resources available to seniors and common legal documents such as trusts, power of attorney and living wills.

Senior Summit Schedule
All events are 10 a.m. - Noon

Norman - Oct.1
Cleveland County Fairgrounds (North Room E)
615 E. Robinson

Shawnee - Oct. 2
Gordon Cooper Technology Center (Skylab 1)
One John C. Bruton Rd.

McAlester - Oct. 8
Kiamichi Technology Center (Bis Room)
301 Kiamichi Dr.

Woodward - Oct. 10
High Plains Tech Center (Main Building, 201 A & B Meeting Room) 3921 34th St.

Bartlesville - Oct. 13
Tri County Technology Center (Wichita Room)
6101 SE Nowata Rd.

Sallisaw - Oct. 14
Indian Capital Technology Center
401 E. Houser Ind. Blvd.

Tulsa - Oct. 16
Tulsa Technology Center (Career Services Center Section E)
3420 S. Memorial Dr.

Grove - Oct. 23
First Christian Church
102 W. Fourth St.

Any changes made during this time go into effect Jan. 1, 2015.

Those who can’t attend a Senior Summit are encouraged to call MAP at 1-800-763-2828 for free Medicare counseling. Information is also available at www.map.oid.ok.gov.

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

###

For more information contact:

Kelly Collins Dexter
(405) 522-0683
kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov