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

The Patient Advocate You Need

October 2020
 

Hi Subscriber First Name,

I hope you are continuing to find ways to stay informed, connected to others, and active while safely remaining physically distant.

My newsletter offers resources to help you, your family, community members, colleagues, and friends navigate the healthcare system while adjusting to life in the “time of Covid-19.”

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:

View past newsletters
 

Community Education Talks Have Re”Zoomed”

Over the last few months, in addition to helping clients navigating the complexities of our healthcare system, I’ve been fortunate to offer a number of interactive community education talks about Solo Aging and Creating a “Go-Plan” in preparation of an Emergency.

Thanks to Center Communities of Brookline, Cambridge Center for Adult Education, Cambridge Neighbors, and the Cambridge Public Library for the partnership opportunities.

I’ve offered 37 talks since 2018 at locations in Brookline, Cambridge, Lexington, Needham, Newton, Wellesley, and Winchester.

Book a talk for your community organization,
networking groups, clients, and colleagues!

Are you interested in having me speak to a group not based in Massachusetts? Now is the perfect time to arrange a webinar!
 

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 - December 7, 2020

Any change you make during Fall Open Enrollment will take effect January 1

The Annual Election Period for Medicare (also known as Medicare Open Enrollment) has arrived. It’s the time Medicare health and drug plans can make changes to cost, coverage, and which providers and pharmacies are in their network. October 15 to December 7 is when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs.

Useful Resources for learning more:

  • Medicare Glossary: https://www.medicare.gov/glossary/a

  • Find Plans at Medicare.gov: where you can see estimates for all your prescriptions.

  • The U.S. government’s Medicare Plan Finder

  • Look at the eHandbook

  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE during Open Enrollment (10/15-12/7/2020).

Things to Consider When Choosing
Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans

Do your homework:

  1. Make sure to review any correspondence such as “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC) and “Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) from your health plan or prescription coverage about changes for 2021.

  2. Consider all costs involved with Medicare Advantage plans, not just monthly premiums

  3. Think ahead to any major health procedures you expect to have next year

  4. Learn what’s new for 2021:

    • reduced out of pocket costs for Insulin coverage

    • New offerings in some Medicare Advantage Plans: coverage for telehealth visits; coverage for acupuncture for chronic lower back pain; coverage for non-medical services that impact beneficiaries' health

Seek out Help and Advice:
 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Resources for Preparation

Navigating our own healthcare needs when the system is stressed can be challenging. It is important to have your personal health record organized and have a “Go” plan and bag in case you need hospitalization.

  • My blog post about navigating your healthcare during this time offers tips on how to be your own best advocate, how to prepare for upcoming appointments and READ MORE
 

I’m Available to Help…

Schedule a Consultation: 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.

Patient Advocacy Needs Continue: During this challenging time, patient advocacy needs continue. I’m available to help with reviewing medical bills for accuracy, insurance claim denials, appointment preparation, and more. Visit my client services page to view the full range of services offered.

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!
 

Reliable Resources to Stay Informed:

CDC: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Resources for Home: Plan, Prepare, and Respond to Coronavirus Disease

The John A Hartford Foundation Resource page: information for older adults, family caregivers, and health care providers.

 

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.