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RALEIGH – Some Triangle seniors got to talk one-on-one about their healthcare concerns with one of President Obama's cabinet members Tuesday.

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius led a forum as she continues to push the Affordable Care Act. The AARP and North Carolina Alliance for Retired Americans hosted the discussion.

"Here's a chance to hear her,” said Duane Adkinson. He and his wife Betty didn't want to miss their chance to hear from Sebelius. Both retired auto workers from Garner, they had questions about the Affordable Care Act congress is considering.

"I'm 75 years old and I was diagnosed with cancer last summer,” said Adkinson.

He says surgeries and chemotherapy would have cost him thousands if it weren't for his Medicare benefits.

"Medicare took care of it. I'm just so thankful for Medicare,” said Adkinson.

Sebelius says she's heard stories like Adkinson's all across the country. That's why she says she's fighting for the Affordable Care Act she says would strengthen medicare. She's against the Republican proposed Medicare voucher program.

"The House Republicans in Congress have recommended ending Medicare as we know it. Changing what is now a guaranteed benefit to an insurance company voucher and putting an insurance company between a senior and their healthcare delivery,” Sebelius said.

She is also against a proposal to cut $700 billion to Medicaid. She says that expense would fall to states like North Carolina that are already strapped for cash and hurt the most vulnerable people.

"I think the medicaid budget that is being proposed in Congress will have huge impact on North Carolina. House Republicans have proposed a drastic slashing of the Medicaid program which provides health benefits to some of the most seriously disabled North Carolinians,” said Sebelius.

The Secretary encouraged seniors like Adkinson to call their representatives. Adkinson had a message for Congress as they consider medicare changes.

"Fix it and improve on it. Do not do away with it,” said Adkinson.

Sebelius made a stop in Greenville Monday. She toured Pitt Memorial Hospital and learned more about their measures to prevent hospital infections.