Maui’s Terri Rainey was named Ms. Dual Medi-Medi at the inaugural Ms. Medicare Pageant, which was held on Oahu on Dec. 20 and was open to contestants ages 60 to 85. Rainey (67) was Maui’s only title winner. Laure Bachran (85) from Kaneohe won Ms. Original Medicare; Fay Rawles-Schoch (70) from Kaneohe was named Ms. Medicare Advantage; and Eda Daniel (61) won the Ms. Medi-Gap title.
The pageant took place at the Pacific Beach Hotel in Honolulu. As part of the competition, contestants participated in a personal interview with four judges. Onstage competition included modeling Hawaiian wear, which was provided by Hilo Hattie’s; a talent contest; modeling evening wear; and answering a live question about Medicare.
The Inaugural Pageant is believed to be the first of its kind in Hawaii, according to an event spokesperson. The judges said they learned about Medicare as they talked to each contestant, which was the purpose of the pageant.
“I was so honored to be part of this for Maui,” said Rainey, aka Coach Rainey, in a Dec. 22 email. “Let’s share and educate our Medicare Ohana.”
The Medicare Pageant was founded by KHNR690 radio host Martha Khlopiin. The pageant was sponsored by Get2Insurance.com and produced by Ann Mata, Pageant Productions. Organizers said in a Dec. 22 press release that they want this initial project to grow into a much larger event in years to come. They also want the pageant to be a reminder that qualifying for Medicare due to age or disability does not diminish an individual’s vitality, relevance, or contribution to their family, community or society.
Organizers plan to promote accessibility and education and expand their reach by sending the pageant winners across the islands to inform, educate and promote free, workshops and online learning tools—reaching 283,000 people in Hawaii with Medicare and their families.
Photo of Terri Rainey: Paul Hayashi
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