Here is what I know is true, our healthcare system needs an overhaul, and that may not happen soon. In the meantime, there are things you can do to manage your health and navigate the system so you can live your best healthy life. This can start with shared decision-making which refers to the process … Shared Decision Making – The Patient and Provider Relationship Read More »

Maggie wasn’t developing like other kids.  Every parent’s concern when their child is not meeting the mile marker of growth…What is wrong? Mom and Dad, Holly and Dan Carmichael learn their daughter has PMM2-CDG, a potentially fatal gene mutations that cause abnormal enzyme activity. It impacts the ability to walk and eat develop normally. Sadly, … Maggie’s Story – What Parents Will Do To Save Their Child. Read More »

No Middleman. No Price Games.  Huge Drug Savings Sound too good to be true?  I thought that as well, until I researched it and found Cost Plus Drugs to offer some significant cost savings.  I hear constantly the concerns of people struggling with paying for their own medications or caring for an elderly loved one and … Cost Plus Drug Company Read More »

Are you frustrated about not knowing what it cost for a procedure?  Times are a changing. Health plan transparency helps consumers know the cost of a covered item or service BEFORE receiving care. Beginning July 1, 2022, most group health plans, and issuers of group or individual health insurance will begin posting pricing information for … Transparency In Coverage – Health Plans Mandated To Provide Information Read More »

Fitbit, Apple Watch, Koretrack or Galaxy Fit, gone are the days when you see a traditional watch on someone’s wrist.  Fitness trackers have dominated the market and consumers are purchasing these devices at amazing rates.  According to Grand View Research, the market for wearable technology was valued at $32.6 billion in 2019 with an anticipated … Amazon Halo – Tracking Health and Wellness Read More »

One of the most frustrating things when you need care is to have the procedure you need performed… DENIED. In a recent article, actor Hilary Swank took to social media to express her concerns over denied coverage for treatment of ovarian cysts.  Swank’s statement: “I’m truly exhausted by the way women’s ovarian and cyclical health … Denied Health Insurance Coverage, What Are My Options? Read More »

Health Care costs for a monthly premium and associated health care costs, such as, deductibles and monthly prescriptions have become a significant portion of the family income.  In the screenshot below, for a family of four with a $100K income, 24% of their income is spent on health care associated costs for coverage.   Reference … Medical Debt and Bankruptcy Due to a Major Health Event Read More »

Emergencies happens and no doubt you are in a panicked state and just want to get care right away.  Once the crisis has passed, a new one begins…the bill.  Even if you have great health care insurance, the bill from the hospital can be costly. Add a high deductible or no health care insurance, and … Emergency Care – What Are My Options? Read More »

Choosing the right health care plan for you or your family can seem daunting.  Add COVID-19 to the mix and no doubt you look at health care differently.  While many health insurance companies have waived co-pay and treatment in some cases for COVID-19, other conditions you or your family may be dealing with are still … What Happens To My Family if the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is Repealed? Read More »

In the time of COVID-19 telehealth options from your provider have become a common option.  No doubt once the stay at home ban is lifted, telehealth will become more the norm. Perhaps due to ongoing restrictions or consumer preference. If you are still unsure as to how Telehealth works reference: Telehealth Options for Consumers During COVID-19 … Telehealth – More Options for Consumers Read More »

So much has changed since Coronavirus has entered our lives.  I want to highlight these changes and pause with the question, how will our lives be different once we are allowed to go back to normal? Normal, I dare say will never be normal, not bad, but definitely different. What are the circumstances that will make … The New Normal – Life After Coronavirus – (COVID-19) Read More »

While maintaining social distancing, there are, alternative options for care and access to your provider.  Medicare is lifting the requirements on telehealth options and many practices are using this method as an alternative way to care for patients. While telehealth has been around, it has a slow adoption rate.  With COVID-19 and social distancing this … Telehealth Options for Consumers During COVID-19 Q&A Read More »

The Coronavirus has obviously changed all of us and continues to have us navigating daily life in different directions. In addition, there is so much information out there including how to sanitize, cure cabin fever, and age groups most impacted by Coronavirus.  One of the key questions is how to get tested and what are … Coronavirus (COVID-19) Out of Pocket Expenses for Coronavirus Testing and Consumer FAQs Read More »

It is an election year with lots of ideas being tossed around for how to reform our health care system.  One of the ideas is to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA a.k.a. Obamacare) and start new.  I preface this post with I am here to present the facts with a non-partisan approach. My end goal is to provide the … Affordable Care Act Repealed – What it Could Mean to You Read More »