Press Release
OCTOBER 9, 2026
Reps. Adam Smith and Pramila Jayapal Join over 150 elders at NAPCA and IDIC Annual Medicare Open Enrollment and Vaccine Event
SEATTLE — On Friday, Oct. 9, more than 150 elders and community members attended the annual Medicare Open Enrollment and Vaccination Clinic Event hosted by the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) in partnership with IDIC Filipino Senior & Family Services and Kroger Health. U.S. Representatives Adam Smith (WA-09) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) urged elders to get Flu and COVID vaccinations.
Representative Adam Smith cited that many people are confused about vaccines because of mixed messages. He stressed that vaccines remain essential to protecting the health of all adults, especially elders. He then led by example, receiving his flu and COVID-19 vaccines right after his remarks.
Representative Pramila Jayapal stated that had she not been vaccinated as a child in India, she might not be here as the first South Asian American woman elected to Congress.
The Kroger Health pharmacy team administered 137 on-site vaccinations throughout the event. Since 2022, these annual events have provided more than 4,600 vaccinations to community members.
The event also highlighted Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Sam Stones, representing Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer’s Office, encouraged attendees to review their Medicare health plans to make sure their coverage meets their needs for the year ahead.
“We are incredibly honored to have two Members of Congress who have been unwavering in their support of NAPCA here with us during such an important season for the health and well-being for older adults,” said Clayton Fong, President and CEO of NAPCA. “This is a particularly important and confusing year for our elders. The past year has brought more changes to the benefits and programs that support them than perhaps in the last decade. Our message to every older adult is simple: you do not have to navigate these changes alone. Call NAPCA’s Helpline. We are here to help.”
For elders who could not attend, or who have loved ones in other states, NAPCA's Multilingual Helpline offers free assistance nationwide with health coverage, Open Enrollment, and benefits questions. Callers can leave a message, and helpline staff will call back promptly.
Contact NAPCA Multilingual Helpline:
(English) 1-800-336-2722
(Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427
(Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218
(Korean) 1-800-582-4259
(Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336
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The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a national non-profit established in 1979, dedicated to empowering older adults through advocacy and access to resources essential to their well-being and independence, regardless of language or culture.