Medicare Advantage Plans: Read the Fine Print!
Posted November 12th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medicare open enrollment for 2022 ends on December 7th. No doubt, like me, you have seen the countless commercials and even 30-minute-long infomercials from various Medicare Advantage plans touting the great benefits of these plans—like dental and vision coverage, gym memberships, meals, transportation to medical appointments—and many others. For some, Medicare Advantage plans are good […]
Open Enrollment for 2022 Affordable Care Act Plans is Here!
Posted November 1st, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
What is open enrollment? This is the time each year when you can make changes to your health insurance coverage-usually through the Healthcare Marketplace (healthcare.gov). When can I enroll or make changes to my plan? Open enrollment for ACA (“Obamacare”) insurance plans for the 202 coverage year runs from November 1st– January 15th for states […]
This Saturday: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Posted October 22nd, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Have you taken a look at your medicine cabinet lately? Aside from cotton swabs, mouthwash and makeup remover, are there old, outdated prescription drugs in your cabinet? How do you dispose of old, outdated, expired or unneeded medications? Flush them down the toilet? Throw them out with your household trash? Not sure? Well, the DEA […]
Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Tomorrow!
Posted October 14th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medicare open enrollment is upon us for 2022. If you are a Medicare recipient, this is the time of year when you can make (some) changes to your Medicare coverage. What can I change? You can change your Medicare part D (drug) plan. You can change to a different Medicare advantage plan. You can switch […]
Breaking News: Supreme Court Upholds the Affordable Care Act
Posted June 17th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
It’s a great day for cancer survivors. The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) upheld the Affordable Care Act (ACA), commonly known as Obamacare. This means The ACA is still the law of the land. Folks who rely on the ACA Marketplace or their state-based exchanges will continue to have access to purchase health […]
Checking in on our Mental Health
Posted May 14th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Over the next few weeks, OncoLink will feature blogs about common mental health challenges faced by cancer patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Please remember, if you are in crisis, help is available. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Helpline 800-950-6264 How are you doing? […]
The American Rescue Act: What You Need to Know
Posted March 16th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
On March 12, 2021, President Biden signed the third COVID-19 related relief bill, the American Rescue Plan. Most Americans will benefit in one way or another from this bill. Let’s unpack what it may mean to you. Stimulus Payments Individuals earning less than $75,000 and couples with income less than $150,000 will receive $1400 per […]
Today is Random Acts of Kindness Day
Posted February 17th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
What can you do TODAY to make someone’s day a little brighter? Why not think about making kindness the norm, rather than the exception? Here are some ideas from the OncoLink team to #choosekind and #explorethegood today—or any day. And remember, it’s not about recognition— it’s just about doing something out of the kindness of […]
Breaking News: The Healthcare Marketplace Re-opens TODAY!
Posted February 15th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
The COVID-19 Pandemic has brought great instability to the job market and, as a result, a large number of folks have lost their insurance due to losing their jobs. Today, February 15th, the Healthcare Marketplace, healthcare.gov, will reopen for a three-month special enrollment period. This means that if you do not have insurance OR want […]
COVID-19 Vaccines: Considerations for Special Populations
Posted February 4th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
The COVID-19 vaccine is currently recommended for most adults. However, some individuals should not have the vaccine OR should talk with their healthcare provider about potential vaccine risks before they receive the vaccine. These special populations include: People with Cancer-In Active Treatment Considered to be at a higher risk for severe COVID. Should be vaccinated […]