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Have you ever worried about how a sudden medical emergency could impact your family's financial future? You're not alone. With healthcare costs skyrocketing, it's crucial to have a plan in place to protect your loved ones from potential financial hardship.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Oscar Vasquez, founder of estatedocprep.com and an expert in estate planning. We explore the often-overlooked connection between healthcare costs and estate planning, and how a living trust can be a powerful tool to safeguard your family's financial well-being.

The Hidden Dangers of Medical Debt

• Why medical costs are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.
• The shocking average cost of a three-day hospital stay
• How one unexpected accident can derail your family's finances

Living Trusts: Your Financial Safety Net

• The crucial differences between a will and a living trust
• How a living trust can protect your assets from medical liens
• Real-life examples of families saved from financial ruin

Demystifying the Estate Planning Process

• Common misconceptions about creating a living trust
• How technology is making estate planning more accessible and affordable
• Practical steps you can take today to start protecting your family's future

Don't let the fear of complex legal processes keep you from securing your family's financial future. This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the intersection of healthcare costs and estate planning with confidence.

Are you ready to take control of your family's financial destiny and gain peace of mind?

Let's explore how a living trust could be the missing piece in your financial protection plan.

Resources:

Estatedocprep.com

Code Savve – to get your discount

Estate Prep Free Resources – Beginners Guide

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Have you ever felt helpless and frustrated while navigating the complex world of healthcare? Imagine being in excruciating pain, desperately seeking help, only to be misdiagnosed and dismissed by the very system meant to heal you. That's exactly what happened to Brian Van Korn, and his harrowing experience led him on a journey to expose the flaws in what he calls the "health careless" system.

In this episode, Brian shares his incredible story of survival and transformation, offering invaluable insights for anyone who might find themselves at the mercy of our healthcare system.

We discuss:

The Dangers of Misdiagnosis

• How a rare spinal condition was initially mistaken for drug-seeking behavior
• The critical importance of getting a second opinion, even when faced with resistance
• Why university hospitals might not always provide the best care for complex cases

Navigating the System as a Patient

• Practical tips for being your own advocate without alienating medical staff
• The power of research and how it can literally save your life
• Why keeping your cell phone with you at all times in the hospital is crucial

The Human Cost of Profit-Driven Healthcare

• How the concept of "Profit Generating Units" is affecting patient care
• Understanding what Providers are going through and working in partnership for positive outcomes
• Why bringing the "care" back to healthcare is essential for both patients and providers

Brian's story is a wake-up call for all of us. It reminds us that while we have access to advanced medical care, we must remain vigilant and proactive about our health. His book, "Health Careless: One Man's Journey Through a Fractured Healthcare System," offers a deeper dive into his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way.

Whether you're dealing with a chronic condition, caring for a loved one, or simply want to be prepared for future health challenges, this episode provides crucial information to help you navigate the complexities of our healthcare system. Don't miss this opportunity to gain insights that could one day save your life or the life of someone you love.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health. Are you ready to take control of your healthcare journey and become a savvy patient?

Resources:

Healthcareless…The Book

TedMed – Why Doctor’s Kill Themselves – Pamela Wible

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

#podmatch

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Have you ever worried about how you'd cover the costs if you or a loved one needed an unexpected hospital stay? Even with health insurance, those out-of-pocket expenses can add up quickly. But what if there was a way to protect yourself from these financial surprises?

In this eye-opening episode, we're exploring an often-overlooked insurance option that could save you thousands: hospital indemnity insurance. Whether you're juggling high deductibles, planning for a future procedure, or simply want an extra layer of financial protection, this information is crucial for making informed healthcare decisions.

Demystifying Hospital Indemnity Insurance

• What it is and how it differs from traditional health insurance
• The surprising range of expenses it can cover
• Real-life examples of how it can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs

Customizing Your Coverage

• How to tailor a plan to your specific needs and budget
• The power of riders: Expanding your coverage for maximum protection
• Key questions to ask when considering a hospital indemnity plan

Is Hospital Indemnity Insurance Right for You?

• Who can benefit most from this type of coverage
• How it works alongside Medicare and other health plans
• Important factors to consider before making a decision

Don't let the fear of medical bills keep you up at night. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you navigate your healthcare options with confidence. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to protecting your health and your wallet.

Are you ready to take control of your healthcare costs and gain peace of mind? Let's explore how hospital indemnity insurance could be the missing piece in your financial protection plan.

Resources:

MA and Hospital Indemnity

Cigna Hospital Indemnity

What is a Hospital Indemnity Plan and Is It Right For You?

H5 Healthcare Consulting

Advocate Healthcare Consulting

Want to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed trying to navigate the healthcare system for a seriously ill loved one? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Erin Galyean, author of "Badass Advocate: Becoming the Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves," to explore how to effectively advocate for those we care about most.

Turning Personal Tragedy into a Mission

Erin shares her heartbreaking journey of losing both her father and sister to cancer, and how these experiences fueled her passion for patient advocacy. We discuss:

• The emotional toll of caring for a seriously ill family member.
• How Erin's background in pharmaceutical sales equipped her for advocacy.
• Why she decided to write a book to help others navigate similar challenges.

Essential Advocacy Strategies - Discover practical tips to become a more effective advocate:

• The power of keeping organized notes and recordings.
• Building a support team to share caregiving responsibilities.
• Asking open-ended questions to get more information from healthcare providers.
• Preparing for appointments with a prioritized list of questions.

Nurturing Connection During Illness

Erin introduces her new journal, "Getting Through This Together," designed to:

• Foster meaningful conversations between patients and loved ones.
• Provide a treasured keepsake of shared memories.
• Offer a form of self-care for both patients and caregivers.

Whether you're currently supporting a loved one through illness or want to be prepared for future challenges, this episode provides invaluable insights to help you become the advocate your family deserves.

Remember, you have the power to make a difference in your loved one's care – it's time to embrace your inner badass advocate!

Resources:

Erin Galyean Website

Badass Advocate: Becoming The Champion Your Seriously Ill Loved One Deserves

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Have you ever felt trapped in the darkness of mental illness, unsure if there's a way out? You're not alone. In this episode, I sit down with Dave Mowry, a stand-up comedian who's turning his struggles with bipolar disorder into laughter and hope for others.

The Moment Everything Changed

• The sudden "snap" that derailed his life
• Years of isolation and debilitating depression
• The crucial role his wife played in his survival and recovery

Navigating the Mental Health Maze

• The challenges of getting an accurate diagnosis
• Why finding the right care team can be challenging
• How comedy became an unexpected lifeline

Transforming Pain into Purpose

• Using humor to rewire negative thought patterns
• Teaching stand-up to others with mental illness
• The power of sharing your story to shatter stigma

Dave's journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there's hope for a brighter future. His unique approach to mental health advocacy – using laughter as medicine – offers a fresh perspective on healing and resilience.

Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges yourself or supporting a loved one, this episode provides:

• Practical advice for coping with severe depression and anxiety
• Insights into the transformative power of humor and self-expression
• Encouragement to keep pushing forward, one step at a time

Don't miss Dave's gentle yet powerful message: You are not alone, and your story matters. It's time to break the silence and find the courage to laugh in the face of adversity.

Resources:

OMG That’s Me…Book

BP Hope - Blog

National Alliance on Mental Illness

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Have you ever found yourself suddenly without health insurance, wondering what to do next? Whether you've lost your job, aged out of your parents' plan, or experienced another life-changing event, navigating the world of health insurance outside of standard enrollment periods can feel overwhelming. But don't worry – you're not alone, and you have options.

Understanding Your Insurance Options

• The difference between on-Exchange and off-Exchange plans
• How income affects your eligibility for subsidies and cost-sharing reductions
• Why the distinction matters for your wallet and coverage

Qualifying Life Events for Special Enrollment

• Changes in household composition (marriage, divorce, new baby)
• Loss of existing coverage (job loss, aging out of parents' plan)
• Changes in residence or income
• Real-life scenarios that might surprise you

Navigating the Enrollment Process

• Key deadlines and timeframes you can't afford to miss
• How to prove your eligibility for special enrollment
• The benefits of working with a licensed broker (at no cost to you!)

Don't let the complexity of health insurance leave you feeling paralyzed. This episode is packed with practical advice to help you take control of your healthcare journey, even when the unexpected happens.

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health coverage. Are you ready to get Savvy about Special Enrollment Periods and ensure you're never caught without the protection you need?

Resources

Advocate Healthcare Consulting

Special Enrollment Periods

Turned 26 – Get Your Own Healthcare Insurance

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Have you ever felt overwhelmed or anxious during a hospital stay? You're not alone. Navigating the complex world of healthcare can be daunting, especially when you're feeling vulnerable.

What if you could turn that anxiety into empowerment?

In this episode, I sit down with Morgan Taylor, a Board Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Chief Nursing Officer at Archer Review. With her wealth of experience in pediatric nursing and passion for education, Morgan shares invaluable insights on:

The Evolving Landscape of Nursing

• Why patients are getting sicker and care is becoming more complex
• How technology is changing the way nurses communicate and work
• The critical gaps in nursing education and how they're being addressed

Empowering Yourself as a Patient

• The power of finding your "go-to" person on the healthcare team
• Why it's okay (and important) to ask questions
• How to effectively communicate your concerns and needs

Behind the Scenes of Nursing Care

• The tools nurses use to keep track of multiple patients
• How technology helps prevent errors in medication administration
• The importance of teamwork in delivering quality care

The Future of Nursing Education

• How online learning is revolutionizing nurse preparation
• The role of compassion and joy in nursing education
• Strategies to combat nurse burnout and high turnover rates

Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or simply curious about the inner workings of healthcare, this episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of modern nursing.

You'll walk away with practical tips to advocate for yourself and your loved ones, and a deeper appreciation for the dedicated professionals who care for us when we're at our most vulnerable.

Are you ready to transform your healthcare experience from intimidating to empowering? Let's get SAVVY about partnering with our Nursing teams together!

Resources:

Morgan Taylor’s Website

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Are you struggling to navigate the complex world of Medicaid and disability benefits? You're not alone. For many individuals with disabilities and their families, understanding the maze of waivers, eligibility requirements, and available resources can be overwhelming.

Navigating the Medicaid Waiver System

• The challenges of accessing and understanding state-specific waivers
• Practical tips for finding accurate information and helpful resources
• Why it's crucial to verify information, even from official sources

Advocating for Disability Rights

• The importance of the SSI Restoration Act and SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
• How current asset and income limits create barriers for people with disabilities
• Ways you can support these crucial legislative changes

Breaking Down Stigma and Misconceptions

• Why living with stigma can be more challenging than the disability itself
• Strategies for educating others and changing perceptions
• The power of representation in media and politics

Whether you're directly affected by disability or simply want to be a better ally, this episode is packed with valuable information and actionable advice. Devon's passion for creating a more inclusive world shines through as she shares resources, personal anecdotes, and hope for the future.

Don't miss out on:

• Essential websites and tools for understanding Medicaid waivers in your state
• Recommended movies and books that offer insight into disability experiences
• How to get involved and make a difference in disability rights advocacy

Are you ready to become a more informed and empowered advocate for yourself or your loved ones? Let's get savvy about Medicaid, waivers, and disability rights together!

Resources:

Wheel With It

State Medicaid and Waivers - CMS

Many people who qualify for waiver services are not even aware that they exist. Families struggle alone, to provide care- creating economic, physical, and emotional strain. States do not educate people about these programs, and it is often only through crisis that people realize help is available.

Patrice the Movie

Patrice the Movie – Take Action

Hillbilly Elegy – The Book

Medicaidwaiver.org

Google Community Service Board Near Me or Use Your Zip Code

Health First Colorado – Medicaid Program

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