Episodes

  • Not in the Coverage

    Not in the Coverage
    Aug 23 2023
    Understanding health insurance benefits Ugh. Obviously, it’s stressful and we often find out we’re learning at the most vulnerable time – when we or one of our dependents are sick or are not feeling well. There’s nothing worse than trying to make sense of something when you are feeling your worst. Tracey joins the podcast to help us walk through how she has learned to get in front of the problem by understanding what’s not covered before the bill comes in!
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    9 mins
  • Literacy Levels Impact Health

    Literacy Levels Impact Health
    Aug 16 2023
    Lower levels of literacy, English as a second language, transitioning to the United States from a foreign country – all of these factors make it increasingly more difficult to understand and use medical benefits. Abby Grainge works as a family nurse practitioner at Jericho Road Community Health Center in Buffalo, NY and is also the medical director of Vive, Jericho Road’s shelter for asylum seekers. She joined the podcast to talk about the unique challenges the US health care system poses for those new to the country.
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    12 mins
  • Your Health Plan is Calling

    Your Health Plan is Calling
    Aug 9 2023
    When you picture a nurse, you might envision a hospital or physician’s office. But nurses also work in a clinical capacity for health plan administrators. Lorene wants the world to know she and her team and other nurses in the industry work hard to walk with members on their journey to better health. In this episode she discusses how nurses work to help members, how they help patients who may face barriers to care, and why she what she does.
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    16 mins
  • Understanding the Basics of Your Health Plan

    Understanding the Basics of Your Health Plan
    Aug 2 2023
    Congratulations, you’re hired! When you get a job offering health benefits it’s important to understand the basics. Where do you go if you’re sick? How much will it cost? Which physicians and facilities are in-network and what does that even mean? Jerame volunteers for a workplace readiness program where he often addresses health insurance questions. And he has some advice for you...
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    13 mins
  • Medical Benefits 101

    Medical Benefits 101
    Jul 26 2023
    If there was a course in high school or college to help us understand how medical benefits work and what the terms mean, maybe we’d be better equipped to navigate health care systems. In this episode, Kyla talks to us about the questions she asks providers to avoid unnecessary cost, seeking the most cost-effective treatments for herself, and how she manages conversations around the cost of prescription drugs.
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    11 mins
  • Assembling the Puzzle: Navigating Mental Health Needs and Health Benefits...

    Assembling the Puzzle: Navigating Mental Health Needs and Health Benefits...
    Jul 19 2023
    When you think of behavioral health and substance use services, you most likely don’t think to call your health insurance company. Here’s a secret: You can. And you should! Did you know there is a team of people working at your health insurance company who can help link you to in-network resources if you’re in need of mental health guidance and support? Registered Nurses, Corrine and Molly share insights on the processes put in place that help members navigate behavioral health and substance use treatment options through the lens of their medical benefit plan.
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    17 mins
  • Becoming an Educated Consumer of Health Care

    Becoming an Educated Consumer of Health Care
    Jul 12 2023
    Helping people become healthy and well is one of Steph’s passions. We second that, which is why we invited him to join us to discuss his background story and shed light on how important it is to utilize your benefits properly. At the end of the day, you’re paying for these services. Leveraging experience and advocacy can positively impact your health outcomes. Listen up!
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    15 mins
  • Health Savings Accounts – A Secret Stash

    Health Savings Accounts – A Secret Stash
    Jun 28 2023
    High deductible health plans with health savings accounts can feel overwhelming. On one hand, the plan cost is usually less than that of a traditional copay plan but then you remember you may have to lay out a lot of money up front before your plan’s copays kick in. Jenelle shares how she started building funds in her HSA a little at a time over time and how she thinks about health care expenses.
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    10 mins