Episodes

  • COBRA: The Health Insurance Bridge You May Need to Cross

    COBRA: The Health Insurance Bridge You May Need to Cross
    Sep 18 2024
    Leaving a job often means losing your employer-sponsored health insurance. But, COBRA, the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, can be your lifeline during this transition. COBRA allows you to temporarily continue your health coverage. It's like a bridge that helps you cross the gap between jobs without losing the benefit plan you have. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of COBRA, covering eligibility, enrollment, keeping your coverage, and canceling it when you've found your next opportunity. We'll share insider tips to help you navigate this process like a pro. Whether you're new to COBRA or you’ve been down this road before, join us for this informative discussion with our seasoned guide. Don't miss out on this essential resource for bridging the health insurance gap during job transitions.
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    18 mins
  • Jargon Jungle: Medical Insurance Benefit Terms to Know

    Jargon Jungle: Medical Insurance Benefit Terms to Know
    Sep 10 2024
    ✨ No one grows up dreaming of working in insurance, but let's face it—knowing the ins and outs can be a game-changer! Join industry veterans Jolene and Sara for a whirlwind tour through the surprisingly fascinating world of insurance lingo. With over a decade of experience each, Jolene and Sara have learned terms that might sound boring but are actually the keys to asking the right questions, saving money, and advocating for themselves and their loved ones. In this episode, they’ll share their top tips and insider knowledge, breaking down those daunting terms into bite-sized, easy-to-understand pieces. 🔑 Episode Highlights: • Discover why understanding insurance terms can be your secret weapon. • Learn how to ask the right questions to get the most out of your plan. • Real-life examples of how Jolene and Sara have used their knowledge to save money • Access our handy Glossary of Terms for quick reference anytime: Glossary of Benefit Plan Terms. Join us for a fun, fast, and informative episode that proves insurance doesn’t have to be dull. In one brief episode, you’ll be empowered with knowledge that can make a real difference in your everyday life. Who knew insurance could be so empowering? Hit play, and let Jolene and Sara guide you through the jargon jungle to become your own best advocate. Subscribe now and never miss a moment of money-saving wisdom! 💡💰 Tune in and transform the way you think about insurance—because a little knowledge goes a long way!
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    10 mins
  • An EOB is Not a Bill

    An EOB is Not a Bill
    Sep 4 2024
    Ever received an EOB (Explanation of Benefits) from your insurance company and thought, "What even is this?" Spoiler alert: it's not a bill! But it is your crystal ball, giving you a heads-up about any upcoming bills. Join us in this quick, fun, and enlightening episode as we break down the mystery of the EOB. We’ll walk you through the key info it contains, how to read it, and what it means for your wallet. Episode Highlights: - What exactly is an EOB and why should you care? - The must-know parts of an EOB to look out for. - How to use your EOB to anticipate bills and avoid surprises. For more hands-on learning, check out these sample EOBs: -- Sample EOB 1 - https://www.cms.gov/files/document/11819-sample-explanation-benefits-508.pdf -- Sample EOB 2 - https://www.patientadvocate.org/explore-our-resources/interacting-with-your-insurer/what-does-an-eob-look-like/ Join us for a bite-sized dive into the world of insurance paperwork that’s both informative and surprisingly fun. By the end, you'll be an EOB-reading pro, ready to tackle your insurance mail with confidence. Hit play and demystify your EOB today! 💌🔍 Subscribe now and empower yourself with knowledge in every episode!
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    11 mins
  • 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