www.beaconpatientsolutions.com :: (617) 651-2140

The Patient Advocate You Need

September 2021

Hi Subscriber First Name,

It is a busy time for healthcare planning! We are approaching the time of the year for open enrollment for health insurance through the marketplace and through Medicare (see details below to prepare).

This month’s newsletter highlights my e-book (get it for FREE with a newsletter subscriber only promo code), details about creating and compiling your Healthcare Advocacy PLAN, details about our 10 part Navigating Solo series hosted by Temple Emanuel, Newton, and a summary of healthcare advocacy services I offer!

As always, you can help others learn more about the importance and impact of working with an independent board certified patient advocate and the solutions I work toward simply by passing my name and this newsletter along to friends, family members, and colleagues.

Navigating the complexities of the healthcare system can be stressful and time consuming. Contact me so that I can help ease the burden.

Thank you for your support,
Ailene Gerhardt, MA, BCPA
Independent Board Certified Patient Advocate
Founder, Beacon Patient Solutions LLC

This month’s newsletter includes:

• Open Enrollment: Health Insurance Marketplace & Medicare 2022

• New E-Book: My Health Information

• Creating Your PLAN

• Upcoming Navigating Solo Series

• How I Can Help

Open Enrollment Periods

It is a busy time in healthcare! The federal (insurance through the health insurance marketplace) open enrollment period runs from November 1, 2021 through January 15, 2022 every year for health insurance coverage beginning in 2022. In Massachusetts, the enrollment period has been extended to January 23, 2022. In order to get coverage starting January 1, 2022, you will need to sign up by December 15, 2021. You can view the details of plans offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector website here.

The Medicare open enrollment period is also open its way: October 15 - December 7, 2021. Here are tips to get ready now!

New E-Book Available: My Health Information

Create Your Customized Healthcare Advocacy PLAN

Are you or do you know an aging adult who is without the support of adult children or close family members? Learn more about our Solo Agers Advocacy Initiative for services designed to meet your specific needs.

Temple Emanuel's Active Older Adults presents:
Navigating Solo: Tips and Tools for Aging Well

Tuesday evenings from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom
beginning Tuesday, October 5, 2021. All are welcome!

I am thrilled to partner with Temple Emanuel, Newton to offer a 10 part series exploring the unique considerations and needs of solo agers (an adult who, because of choice or circumstance, is without the family support structure of adult children or close family members). Registration required: Tracy: Tracys120@yahoo.com

October: The Unique Needs of Solo Agers
October 5: Who Are Solo Agers
October 19: Needs & Considerations Specific to Solos

November: Health Care Decision-Making & The Value of Advance Care Planning
November 2: How to Effectively Navigate the Healthcare System
November 16: The Value of Advance Care Planning

Co-presented by the TE Adult Education Dept, Newton Senior Center, Temple Emanuel Senior Fund and series proudly sponsored by Benchmark

Additional sessions are planned for January, February and March 2022!
Registration required! Email Tracy at Tracys120@yahoo.com
for Zoom link and registration

How I Can Help!

There are many ways healthcare consumers can benefit from working with an independent patient advocate.

Consultations:
I often work with clients over weeks or months to help them reach their healthcare advocacy goals. Sometimes, the opportunity to ask questions or talk through a healthcare situation is the only immediate service a prospective client may initially need. To assist, I offer the opportunity to schedule a one hour phone consultation to meet that need. Email me to find out more.

Additional Services Include: research regarding a recent diagnosis, care coordination, preparation for an upcoming medical appointment, compiling and filing insurance/Medicare appeals, understanding medical bills, and insurance coverage and more!

Are you or do you know a solo ager? The SOLO AGERS Advocacy Initiative was created to meet the support and planning needs of Solo Agers. Initiative members work one-on-one with me to identify and organize healthcare concerns, carefully craft their support team, and learn how to navigate the opportunities and challenges of solo aging. Now is the perfect time to get started! Join a Navigating Solo discussion group to connect with others!

Community Education Talks: I have offered over 65 talks hosted by organizations in Belmont, Brookline, Cambridge, Concord, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Sudbury, Wellesley, and Winchester since 2018!

Visit my Speaking Engagements web page to book a talk for your group, organization, or community.

About Beacon Patient Solutions LLC:
Beacon Patient Solutions LLC helps clients navigate the choppy waters of today’s complex healthcare system by empowering them to become educated and confident health care consumers. We are client focused, uniquely knowledgeable, and engage clients to ask the right questions, seek good answers, and secure reliable resources.  We provide patient advocacy services in the Greater Boston Area, throughout Massachusetts, and nationwide. Visit our website to learn more:  www.beaconpatientsolutions.com.