We have all said it, or at least thought it, about something on our long-term to-do list: “I don’t need to worry about that right now.” It’s a natural human response, especially when it comes to the complex, deeply personal tasks of planning for the future.

As I mark the 8th anniversary of Beacon Patient Solutions LLC, I find myself reflecting not only on the work I do with clients, but also on a year that was personally challenging, professionally clarifying, and deeply instructive.

...Then January 2026 arrived. When I used the specialty pharmacy’s online renewal tool, I was told my copay would now be $700 for the same medication. Same dose. Same pharmacy. Same insurance plan type. Different calendar year.

This is the moment many patients freeze, especially those of us already juggling lab results, symptoms, appointments, fatigue, and the emotional weight of chronic illness. But instead of accepting the number at face value, I paused and asked: What changed, and what options do I have?

October is Health Literacy Month, an international observance dedicated to increasing awareness and improving the ability of individuals to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make informed health decisions. Health literacy influences everything from following medication instructions to navigating emergencies.

In recognition of Health Literacy Month, a small moment from a recent doctor’s visit stood out to me. On the exam room counter, I spotted a mug that read: “Don’t confuse your Google search with my medical degree.”

It made me laugh because it’s true. Yet behind the humor is a serious and growing reality in healthcare today. More than ever, patients arrive at appointments armed with information, questions, and sometimes anxiety fueled by late-night online searches.

Research shows that people put off planning because they don’t know what to do, what they will need, or feel they do not have people to ask to fill important roles. Since it’s impossible to predict when you will need to navigate a medical emergency, it’s best to prepare proactively. Having a plan in place can give you peace of mind and some control at a time of uncertainty.