New marriage laws mean same-sex couples have new access to federal benefits. A Saturday, May 9 workshop can help couples navigate Social Security and Medicare benefits.
Since the Defense of Marriage Act was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013, federal agencies have issued new rules granting LGBTQ couples their rights as spouses.
Those rights will be featured at the half-day workshop at Friendly House. Speakers include Portland attorneys Cynthia L. Barrett and Tabitha Lundberg Koh; Friendly House Community Services Director Mya Chamberlin and Janet Bowman, Medicare outreach coordinator for Multnomah County Aging, Disability and Veterans Services.
Bowman said many LGBQT individuals may not realize Medicare has many other benefits such as preventative screenings and wellness visits. Experts will also talk about how to avoid identity theft, Medicare fraud and scams.
The event is sponsored by Multnomah County and SAGE Metro Portland. Funding is provided by a federal grant through the Senior Medicare Patrol, which trains and certifies Portland-area volunteers to help seniors review their Medicare bills to find errors, overcharges and fraud.
To pre-register, visit the event page or call 503-224-2640. The workshop will be Saturday, May 9, at 9:30 a.m. at Friendly House, 1737 N.W. 26th Ave. in Portland.
Read more on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights under state and federal programs here.
