Pre-Accident Planning: Stay Ready for Emergencies and Save Time

August 27, 2025

Nobody wakes up thinking, “Today I’ll have an accident.” But they happen. Sometimes when you’re driving, sometimes when you’re just making dinner. Suddenly, paramedics are asking questions: Any allergies? Medications? Who do we call?

If that info isn’t handy, things slow down. And in a crisis, slow is the last thing you want. I’ve personally seen families scramble through wallets and phones looking for details. It’s stressful and avoidable.

That’s why it makes sense to set up your health and insurance info now, not later. It doesn’t take long, and it could make all the difference in a critical moment.

What is Pre-Accident Planning?

Most people don’t really think about pre-accident planning until something goes wrong. Honestly, you probably haven’t either. It’s basically just having your key health and insurance info ready before an emergency ever happens. Nothing fancy. Just the stuff that can actually save time.

So what should you have? Here’s the quick list:

• A short record of your medical history.
• The medicines you take and how often.
• Any allergies doctors should know about.
• Names and numbers of people you’d want called first.
• Your insurance info, so care isn’t delayed.

Imagine this: you’re in a minor car accident and can’t talk. Paramedics show up and need to know if you’re allergic to a medication. If that info isn’t ready, they’re guessing. But if you’ve planned ahead, it’s right there. Seconds matter. And really, that’s the whole point, making sure first responders and doctors can help you as fast as possible.

Using Digital Tools for Emergency Preparedness

You probably keep most of your important info scattered—papers, cards, maybe even a few notes on your phone. But when an emergency hits, digging through that stuff wastes precious time. That’s where digital tools come in. Secure online vaults let you store all your health and insurance details in one place.

The best part? Only authorized people, like family, doctors, or first responders, can access it when it’s needed. Even if you can’t talk or move, the right people can get the info fast.

Why use a digital vault? Well, there are a few big advantages:

• Quick access – no more shuffling through papers or cards.
• Less paperwork – everything is in one organized spot.
• Safe backup – your info is secure, and you won’t lose it.

Honestly, setting this up doesn’t take long, but it can save a lot of stress and make sure you or your loved ones get the right care right away.

Real-Life Examples

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them. I once read about someone in a car mishap who couldn’t speak. Luckily, their family had a digital vault with all the key info, medical history, allergies, and medications. Paramedics got it fast. No guessing, no delays.

Another story: a senior fell at home. Their family had health and insurance info ready. EMTs didn’t waste time searching. Care started right away, and things went much smoother.

Studies show having info ready can cut treatment delays by up to 30%. That means fewer mistakes, faster care, and less stress for everyone. Honestly, most of us forget to do this until it happens. Spending a few minutes now could save a lot of trouble later.

Steps to Get Started

Okay, honestly, starting with pre-accident planning isn’t rocket science. Most of us just forget about it until something happens. But if you take a few minutes now, it can save a lot of panic later.

First things first, grab all your important stuff. Your medical history, medications, allergies, emergency contacts, insurance info, just toss it in one place. Trust me, you don’t want to be hunting for papers or digging through apps in a rush.

Next, find a safe spot to store it. Could be a digital vault, an app, whatever works for you. Just make sure only people you actually trust can get to it.

Then, make it easy to read. Like, sections for meds, allergies, contacts, insurance, whatever makes sense to you. Don’t overthink it.

And hey, don’t forget to update it. New meds, changed contacts, insurance stuff, small tweaks make a big difference when time is ticking.

Honestly? It might feel like a tiny thing. But having this ready can make everything smoother if something goes wrong. A few minutes now could seriously save you a lot of stress later.

Conclusion

Okay, so pre-accident planning might sound small, but honestly, it can really matter when stuff hits the fan. Like, having your meds, medical history, allergies, emergency contacts, and insurance info all ready and easy to grab can save you a ton of stress. Maybe even a life, who knows.

And here’s the thing, you don’t need to wait. Just start. Grab your info, toss it somewhere safe, and make sure you can actually get to it. Peek at it every now and then, update stuff if things change.

And, well, emergencies don’t give warnings. Every second counts. Being ready can really make a difference. A few minutes now could save hours later, or worse. Seriously.

Digital Inheritance: Secure Your Online Legacy with InsureYouKnow

August 13, 2025

Think about how much of your life now lives online. Photos you never printed. Banking and insurance details you don’t keep in a filing cabinet. Emails, social media posts, maybe even a bit of cryptocurrency sitting in a digital wallet. It is all part of your story, and it does not just disappear when you do.

That is why digital inheritance matters. It is about making sure the people you trust can find and use what you leave behind, without having to play password detective or deal with frustrating account lockouts.

In the next few minutes, we will explore how to put a plan in place for your online life, and how a secure tool like InsureYouKnow.org can help you create a well-organized digital legacy your loved ones can actually access when it counts.

What Constitutes Digital Assets

When you think about what you own online, it is probably more than you realize. There are the obvious things like your insurance papers, bank records, medical files, and maybe a scan of your driver’s license sitting in a folder somewhere.

Then you have your accounts. Email, social media, streaming logins, and online banking all hold bits of your life, whether that is photos from years ago or details about your finances.

And do not forget the paid stuff. Cloud storage plans, memberships, crypto wallets, or payment apps like PayPal. Some of it has sentimental value, and some of it is worth real money.

Figuring out exactly what you have is step one in digital estate planning, and it makes life much easier for the people who will need to handle things later.

Risks of Digital Legacy Without Proper Planning

Not thinking about your digital stuff after you’re gone can really cause headaches. Sometimes you can’t get into accounts at all, and all those photos or important files? They might just disappear.

Hackers or scammers could also sneak in. They might use your info, drain money from digital wallets, or mess with accounts in ways that are hard to fix.

And honestly, it’s a lot for your family. They could spend hours digging for passwords, calling different companies, or trying to figure out what belongs where — all while they’re already dealing with grief.

Just taking a little time now to plan your digital estate can save a ton of trouble later and make sure the people you care about aren’t stuck sorting through a mess.

How InsureYouKnow.org Helps

Keeping track of all your digital stuff can be a pain, you know? InsureYouKnow.org makes it kind of simple. You just toss all your important docs, passwords, whatever, into one safe spot. You get to decide who sees what.

And if something happens, a family member can just log in and grab what they need. No digging through emails. No guessing passwords. Way less stress.

Honestly, it just makes your digital life easier and ready for your loved ones when it counts.

Best Practices in Preparing Your Digital Legacy

You know, getting your digital stuff in order now can save a lot of headaches later. Start by listing all your accounts and assets — emails, social media, bank stuff, subscriptions, crypto, everything.

Use password managers or secure lockers to keep logins safe. Also, jot down who should access what and how, and store it somewhere safe.

Finally, think about adding instructions in your will or estate plan. That way, your family can handle your digital life smoothly and without stress.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Getting your digital stuff in order doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a simple way to do it.

1. Make a list – Write down all your accounts, subscriptions, documents, crypto wallets… basically everything. Group them so it’s easy to see.
2. Keep it safe – Store passwords and important docs in InsureYouKnow’s secure vault. That way, it’s all in one place and protected.
3. Pick someone you trust – Decide who can access what. Set clear permissions so they know what’s theirs to handle.
4. Check and update often – Things change, you know? Make a habit of reviewing your list regularly.

Doing this makes your digital life organized, safe, and way easier for your family when they need it.

Real-Life Scenario

Imagine this: Sarah had been using InsureYouKnow.org to organize her digital life. She had all her accounts, documents, and login info stored securely, and she’d assigned her brother as her digital heir with clear permissions.

When Sarah unexpectedly passed away, her brother didn’t have to hunt for passwords or guess what to do. He simply accessed the secure vault, grabbed the important files, and managed her online accounts without stress.

Thanks to pre-planning her digital estate, Sarah made things much easier for her loved ones. This shows how a little preparation can save a lot of headaches and ensure your digital legacy is handled smoothly.

Conclusion

Thinking about your digital stuff might feel a bit overwhelming, but honestly, getting it in order gives you peace of mind. Your loved ones won’t have to scramble or guess what to do.
Just start small. Make a list of your accounts and important files. Then use InsureYouKnow.org to keep everything safe and organized. A little planning now can make a huge difference later, and it keeps your digital life easy for your family.

Take Control of Your Health Data with a Digital Record Trust

July 31, 2025

Imagine having all your medical records in one place where you decide who gets to see them. That’s the idea behind a health record trust. Instead of hospitals or clinics controlling access, this system gives you full ownership of your health information.

In the traditional setup, your data is scattered across different providers. It’s hard to access quickly, and you often have to go through formal requests. A health record trust puts you in charge, making your records easier to manage, share, and keep safe.

Why Personal Ownership of Health Data Is Important

When people have control over their personal fitness statistics, they’re empowered to take rate in their care. Instead of counting on hospitals or clinics to manipulate the facts, people can access, update, and proportion their statistics when and how they pick.

This sort of ownership improves portability, permitting sufferers to hold their scientific history throughout providers and places. It also supports accuracy, considering that patients can correct mistakes and hold their data modern. Most importantly, it promotes transparency, making it easier to understand your very own health and make knowledgeable selections.

Personal fitness records possession is a key part of affected person-centered care, wherein the focal point shifts from structures to the character. It ensures your information works for you, now not the alternative way around.

Key Features of a Digital Health Record Trust

A Digital Health Record Trust offers you complete control of your scientific records with tools that keep it secure, private, and smooth to manipulate. Here’s what makes it work:

1. Secure Cloud Storage

Your information is saved within the cloud, in order that they’re usually backed up and to be had whilst you need them—on any tool, anytime.

2. Strong Encryption and Privacy Settings

All data is covered with encryption to hold your personal fitness info safe. You manipulate who sees what, and nothing is shared without your permission.

3. Controlled Sharing

You can provide get right of entry to your own family participants, caregivers, or doctors. This ensures the proper human beings assist you while wanted—specifically in emergencies.

4. Version History and Audit Trail

 Every replacement is tracked. You can see what modified, while it modified, and who accessed it, so your records live clear, accurate, and trustworthy.

How InsureYouKnow Supports These Core Principles

InsureYouKnow places you in control of your virtual health statistics. You can manage who sees your files with custom to get admission to permissions—whether or not it’s a circle of relatives, medical doctors, or caregivers.

All files are stored securely inside the cloud with sturdy encryption, preserving your touchy fitness statistics personal and protected.

Built-in reminders assist you hold the whole lot present day, so your facts are always updated while you need them maximum.

Real-Life Use Cases for Digital Health Record Access

1. Travel or Relocation

Whether you’re shifting to a brand new city or journeying abroad, having instantaneous admission to your virtual health facts guarantees docs can get the facts they need quickly—even if you’re a ways from home.

2. Transition of Care

As teens circulate from pediatric to adult care, a secure fitness document machine allows them to make that transition smoother. With all clinical records in a single location, new vendors get the entire image without delays.

3. Long-Term Caregiving

For caregivers coping with the fitness needs of a parent, spouse, or baby, digital access to scientific facts is crucial. It simplifies coordination, reduces stress, and ensures the proper decisions are made at the right time.

Simple Action Steps to Take Control of Your Health Records

1. Review How You Store Your Health Documents

Start by checking in which your scientific records, coverage papers, and emergency contacts are stored. Are they scattered across folders, emails, or physical documents? A short audit enables you to notice what’s lacking or old.

2. Choose Trusted People for Emergency Access

Think approximately who needs to be capable of viewing your information in case you’re ever in an emergency. It might be a partner, adult toddler, caregiver, or dependent on a pal. Make sure they know the way to get entry to what’s wished while time subjects most.

3. Set Up a Secure Digital Vault with InsureYouKnow

InsureYouKnow allows you to construct a non-public health record machine that acts like a virtual “relied on vault.” You can prepare your medical data set, get admission to permissions, and hold the whole thing competently stored in a single area with strong encryption and cloud safety.

Conclusion

Taking ownership of your health facts isn’t just about convenience—it’s about being organized, knowledgeable, and in control. When you control your own fitness records, you reduce the threat of delays throughout emergencies, enhance communique among vendors, and ensure nothing vital is misplaced or neglected.

By preserving your documents prepared, available, and steady in a relied on platform like InsureYouKnow, you create a machine that works for you and your family—each time and everywhere. It’s a simple step that brings lengthy-time period peace of mind and strengthens your potential to make informed selections approximately your care.

Now is the time to take control of your health statistics and construct a more secure, smarter future.

Understanding What Hospice Care Means

July 1, 2024

When treatment for serious illnesses is causing more side effects than benefits, or when health problems become compounded, then a patient and their family members may begin to wonder about hospice. “We recognized as people consider hospice, it’s highly emotional times,” says medical director for Austin Palliative Care Dr. Kate Tindall. “It might include worries and fears.” But one of the things she hears most often from patients and their families is that they wish they had started sooner. Understanding who qualifies for hospice and what it entails is the first part of deciding what might be best for those with terminal conditions.

What is Hospice Care?

Hospice is meant to care for people who have an anticipated life expectancy of 6 months or less, when there is no cure for their ailment, and the focus of their care shifts to the management of their symptoms and their quality of life. With hospice, the patient’s comfort and dignity become the priority, so treatment of the condition ends and treatment of the symptoms, such as pain management, begins. There are no age restrictions placed around hospice care, meaning any child, adolescent, or adult who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness qualifies for hospice care.

An individual does not need to be bedridden or already in their final days of life in order to receive hospice care. Other common misconceptions about hospice care are that it is designed to cure any illness or prolong life. It is also not meant to hasten death or replace any existing care, such as those already provided by a physician.

Determining When it’s Time for Hospice

Establishing care is most beneficial for the patient and their caregivers when it is taken advantage of earlier rather than later. Hospice can be used for months as long as eligibility has been met. Once there is a significant decline in physical or cognitive function, the goal for treatment should become to help that individual live comfortably and forgo anymore physically debilitating treatments that have been unsuccessful in curing or halting the illness. 

Both individuals and their loved ones who would benefit from initiating hospice care are often unaware of the services or are uncomfortable asking about them. “It’s a hard conversation to have,” says professor of medicine and palliative care at the Duke University School of Medicine David Casarett. “Many people really want to continue aggressive treatment up until the very end.” While many wait for their providers to suggest it, it should be understood that if eligibility for hospice has been met, an individual and their caregivers can initiate hospice care on their own.

Establishing Hospice Care

In order to qualify for hospice care, a physician must certify that the patient is medically eligible, which means that the individual’s life expectancy is 6 months or less. Typically, the referral to hospice starts with the attending physician’s knowledge of that person’s medical history, while eligibility is then confirmed by the hospice physician. A hospice care team consists of professionals who are trained to treat physical, psychological, and the spiritual needs of the individual, while also providing support to family members and caregivers. Care is person-centered, with the importance being placed on the coordination of care, setting clear treatment goals, and communicating with all involved parties.

Receiving Care at Home

Hospice care is generally provided in the person’s home, whether it’s a personal residence or a care facility, such as a nursing home. “When people are close to the end of their lives, going to the hospital does not make them feel better anymore,” explains professor of medicine at the University of California Dr. Carly Zapata. “Because there’s not necessarily something that we can do to address their underlying illness.” Staying at home allows the individual to be around their personal things and close to their loved ones and pets, which can provide them with comfort during the end of their life.

What Does Hospice Care Include?

Hospice includes periodic visits to the patient and their family or caregivers but is available 24-7 if needed. Medication for symptom relief is administered, any medical equipment needed is provided, and toileting and other supplies such as diapers, wipes, wheelchairs, hospital beds are provided. What may surprise some people is that hospice patients may even receive physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology services, and dietary counseling.

If needed, short-term inpatient care may be established for those who cannot achieve adequate pain and symptom relief in their home setting. Short-term respite care may also become available to help family caregivers who are experiencing or are at risk for caregiver burnout. Bereavement care, or grief and loss counseling, is also offered to loved ones who may experience anticipatory grief. Grief counseling is available to family members for up to 13 months after the person’s death.

Paying for Hospice

The first step in finding a hospice agency is to search for ones that serve your county. If there are several options available, then it’s recommended to talk to more than one and see which agency will best fit the patient’s needs. Adequate research should be conducted since not all hospice agencies provide physical and occupational therapy. 

Hospice is a medicare benefit that all Medicare enrollees qualify for, but it may also be covered through private insurance and by Medicaid in almost every state. Military families may receive hospice through Tricare, while veterans with the Veterans Health Administration Standard Medical Benefits Package are also eligible for hospice. Hospice agencies will also accept individual self-pay, while there are also non-profit organizations that provide hospice services free of charge.

Discontinuing Hospice Care

Though it is uncommon, if a patient does improve or their condition stabilizes, they may no longer meet medical eligibility for hospice. If this happens, the patient is discharged from the program. Another situation that sometimes arises is when a person elects to try a curative therapy, such as a clinical study for a new medication or procedure. In order to do that, the patient must withdraw from hospice through what is called revocation. Both children and veterans are exempt from being disqualified from hospice care if they choose to also pursue curative treatments. Any person may always re-enroll in hospice care at any time as long as they meet the medical eligibility.

Opting for Palliative Care

Individuals with chronic conditions or life-threatening illnesses may opt for palliative care, which doesn’t require people to stop their treatments. Palliative care is a combination of treatment and comfort care and can be an important bridge to hospice care if patients become eligible. Because transitioning to hospice care can be an emotional choice, palliative care providers often help patients prepare for that. Many people avoid palliative care because they think it is equal to giving up and that death is imminent, but studies show that for many, palliative care allows them to live longer, happier lives. This is due to the benefits of symptom management and spiritual support.

Insureyouknow.org

While hospice care can be difficult to accept, it can provide people with the best quality of life possible in their final days, as well as provide their loved ones with valued support. With Insureyouknow.org, you may keep track of all medical and financial records in one easy-to-review place so that you may focus on caring for your loved one, your family, and yourself during this period of their care.

Health and Economic Costs of Dealing with Chronic Illness

September 1, 2023

While the diagnosis of a chronic illness is upsetting enough, the financial ramifications of needing ongoing care often hit the hardest. Medical issues account for two-thirds of all US bankruptcies, making them the number one reason people file; forty percent of people who are diagnosed with cancer are bankrupt within four years of their diagnosis. For those who are chronically ill, healthcare is the number three line item for budgeting, while it’s number 10 for healthy individuals.

The costs of living with a chronic illness is not limited to financial burdens though; a chronic illness can also lead to even more health and interpersonal issues. 

A Decline in Mental Well-Being

Health impairments can exacerbate existing mental health conditions, like depression, or cause new issues to arise, such as anxiety. Being diagnosed with an illness that’s incurable or being unsure about whether or not the symptoms will improve is going to cause an immense amount of stress in patients. People who feel ill often may also end up feeling guilty for not being able to fulfill their personal responsibilities and show up fully for their loved ones.These mental and physical chronic conditions can lead to harmful degrees of social isolation and perpetuate a cycle of declining overall health.

When considering the connection between physical and mental health, it has been shown that those who report feeling lonely suffer from higher rates of morbidity, infection, depression, and cognitive decline. Living with a chronic illness doesn’t have to equate to a lonely life though, and may even lead to more meaningful relationships, according to Caroyn Hax, an advice columnist for the Washington Post. In her response to a reader with multiple sclerosis, she stated “Although your illness will deter some potential companions, your ability to plan it into a full, rewarding and well-managed life will attract others — specifically those people who appreciate that circumstances change but character does not.”

An Inability to Work and Losing Health Benefits

Many people suffering from chronic health issues may begin to find it difficult if not impossible to go to work consistently. Many people who deal with chronic health issues––such as Charlene Marshall who is a Pulmonary Fibrosis patient–– find it difficult if not impossible to go to work consistently. “Whether the fatigue I feel is from managing the disease or the disease progression, daily activities become exhausting and hard to manage,” she shares. Unfortunately, many people suffering from a chronic condition may begin to be viewed as unreliable by their supervisors, leading to termination, while others may need to resign as they find it impossible to keep working.

For many, losing their job also means losing their health benefits. Those who can no longer work may become reliant on spousal coverage or public assistance, which is likely why 99 percent of Medicare and 80 percent of Medicaid spending goes toward the treatment of chronic disease. Not only does the inability to work affect individuals and their families, but lower labor force participation rates affect society as a whole and are linked to slower economic growth, a higher dependency ratio, and higher tax rates.   

Straining Personal Relationships

The inability to work due to chronic illness can lead to financial strain on an individual’s entire family. Not only may family members need to help pay for care, but they may also need to take time from work to care for their loved ones who are undergoing treatment that makes them ill, need help with daily activities, or have just had a major surgery. Between new bills and extended care, the financial struggles of the chronically ill can spread easily to those who care for them most.

People who have a loved one that is suffering from a chronic health condition may also experience stress, concern, and an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Battling a chronic illness doesn’t always have to come with negative interpersonal effects though. Many people actually find that their relationships are strengthened through their health struggles. Marshall, for instance, shares that she is grateful for a strengthened social circle. “I’m blessed to have a network of great friends who support me despite IPF and who are always willing to listen.”  

How We Can All Fight Chronic Disease

By working together, we can help build up the next generation for a healthier life through education about the prevention of many chronic diseases. Eating well, regular exercise, and avoiding substance abuse are all behaviors that may reduce the risk of becoming chronically ill. On a societal level, we can address the underlying determinants of health, including one’s environment, education, and access to healthcare. For instance, since many chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis, are associated with poor diet and obesity, the FDA is currently working to make sure US eating patterns are meeting federal dietary guidelines.

Insureyouknow.org

If you or a loved one are struggling through a chronic illness, know that you are not alone. The CDC estimates that 6 in 10 adults living in the US have at least one chronic disease, while 4 in 10 suffer from at least two or more. Insureyouknow.org can help you keep track of medical records, doctor’s appointments, financial planning, and other important documentation regarding your health and finances. Getting organized and keeping a plan are easy ways to get more peace of mind on your life’s journey through a chronic illness.

Advocating for Your Patient Rights as a Person of Color

June 15, 2023

Racial disparity in health care is an ongoing challenge in the United States. While there are several social determinants, such as genetics and health behaviors, that impact the quality of healthcare an individual may receive, implicit bias is just one part of it. According to the CDC racial and ethnic minority groups, especially Black Americans are at a higher risk for stroke, cancer, heart diseases, asthma, and other ailments. Racism, both structural and interpersonal, negatively impacts mental and physical health, causing further inequalities across the social determinants of health.  So how will you ensure that you receive quality care as a person of color?

Taking Steps Toward Real Improvement

Changing racial injustice within healthcare starts with educating providers about their biases, but real change can also happen during conversations with loved ones or people speaking up when they witness injustices. When discussing racism in healthcare though, it would be impossible to ignore the correlation between insurance coverage and racism. Since 29% of Black Americans are on Medicaid (compared to 17% of White Americans), policy makers could make Medicaid coverage more meaningful by paying the physicians and hospitals more financial coverage for services rendered under Medicaid. For patients who don’t qualify for Medicaid or are not offered insurance coverage through employment, it’s important they know about discounted plans offered through Healthcare.gov.

How to Receive Proper Care as a Patient

A poor patient-doctor relationship will prevent patients from thriving and being the healthiest possible versions of themselves. If you feel like the doctor doesn’t listen to you or rushes you through your appointment, then it’s time to shop around for a new doctor. Even if it takes going through several doctors before finding one that actually listens and takes their time with you, then this (unfortunately) is the process that’s required in order to receive proper care. A good doctor will explain all possible treatment options to their patients and then work with them to determine which one is best.

Besides changing doctors when you don’t feel heard or are given your due time, it’s important to speak up at your appointment. If you’re concerned about something, no matter how trite or embarrassing it might be, tell your doctor. They cannot make an accurate diagnosis if they don’t know everything that’s going on. After any doctor’s appointment, it’s important that patients request copies of their medical records. Medical records help both patients and other doctors keep track of any changes in your health. Lastly, patients should always follow-up with their doctors for test results instead of waiting to hear back from them.

Whatever you do, don’t let health coverage delay seeking medical attention. In case of an emergency, go to the ER; emergency rooms are required to provide treatment regardless of an individual having insurance or their ability to pay for services. There are also many medical facilities that provide routine care to people who don’t have insurance; these facilities include community health centers, departments of health, urgent care clinics who may offer reduced costs for those without insurance, and pharmacy care clinics.

Health literacy is important. This means being able to find, access, and make informed decision about one’s health. CDC’s Office of Health Equity has a series of short informative videos on these and other topics such as social determinants of health, racism and health, and intersectionality on their website.

Family physician Dr. Kimberley Foster advises that people need to be their own advocates; they should treat their own health concerns in the same way they would handle their child’s, which is often proactive. “At the end of the day it’s your health,” says Dr. Foster. “Don’t let politeness or fear stop you from being your own advocate.” 

Insureyouknow.org

The number one thing anyone can do in ensuring they receive proper health care is to be their own health advocate. If you feel dismissed by any professional at any time, seek a second opinion elsewhere, and bring your medical records with you. Insureyouknow.org can help people store all of their medical records and history in one place so that managing one’s health becomes less daunting. While racism is difficult to discuss, health problems can be even scarier, but with all of your history stored in one easy-to-access place, getting to the bottom of your health can become a more empowered process.

Planning for the Care of Your Adult Child on the Spectrum

April 1, 2023

Today marks the start of National Autism Awareness Month. For parents who have children with autism spectrum disorder (or ASD), it is imperative that they begin to plan for their future now. The CDC recently reported that approximately 1 in 36 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with ASD. Though it’s not something anyone wants to think about, every family should prepare for the day they are no longer around to care for their loved ones, especially those with disabilities. The most important part of designing a care plan is to utilize the help of professionals who specialize in the care of special needs. Since the process can be overwhelming,

“It’s essential to work with specialists in this type of planning,” said AndrewKomarow, founder of Planning Across the Spectrum in Connecticut. When working with a specialist, parents should let them know what they want for the child, so that a specialist can tell them what is right for their situation.

Financial Planning

For many, the most intimidating portion of planning for the care of a special needs child is likely the financial aspect. People with disabilities usually qualify for Government services, such as Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Medicaid, but sometimes that may not be enough. Many government services have income limitations, so it’s very important to set up supplemental income, such as personal funds and life insurance, properly in order to avoid the disqualification of government aid. A special needs, or supplemental needs, trust will hold the assets of a person with disabilities without costing them their government benefits; another financial option is an ABLE account, that allows savings up to $100,000 without losing government benefits.

To find a planning specialist that is trained in the care of those with special needs, parents may check the websites of the National Elder Law Foundation and Academy of Special Needs Planners.

Housing

When it comes to housing, “It’s more important to look at the individual,” Komarow said. “What interests and supports do they need?” Parents should think beyond their child living in the family home or with other family members. It’s important to consider how independently functioning they are and which communities will best serve their needs. In other words, instead of parents thinking about where they would like to retire, they should be looking at areas that their child can thrive in after they pass away.

There is a trend toward more community-based living, Gordon Homes with WestPoint Financial in Indianapolis points out. “State-administered Medicaid HCBS waiver programs allow people with disabilities to live in a house or apartment,” he said. A planning specialist will know about options such as these and be able to direct parents toward a solution they can be comfortable with, and their children, if able to, should always be brought into this conversation.

Designating a Care Team

How independently functioning a child with ASD is will determine what kind of care team needs to be put in place. A trustee will help to manage the trust on behalf of the child. They should be someone who is responsible, cares about the child, and will outlive the parents. A guardian or conservator would make all of the decisions regarding an individual’s financial and personal affairs. With a power of attorney, both they and the individual will be able to make decisions together. If able, the child should always be included in the decision-making process, because they should feel just as comfortable as their parents are with the designated care team.

Compiling Information for Caregivers

Marianne Ehlert of Protected Tomorrows, who works with families of people on the autism spectrum to plan for adult living, knows that, “Usually, parents or guardians of a teen understand what that child needs.” It will be important to determine whether or not a child will have the skills they need as a young adult to function independently, such as managing finances, scheduling care appointments, managing personal hygiene, and maintaining the shopping, cooking, and cleaning at home. This will also help determine what sort of living conditions they will need. Will they live with family, alone with minimal support, or will they need to live at a full-time care facility? A statement or letter of wishes, though not a legally-binding document, will serve as a guide for those who will care for your child. It should include all of the child’s care instructions, including medical needs, financial benefits, residential arrangements, and even daily routines.

Planning While Your Child is Still Young

When planning happens early, parents can learn about beneficial programs that their child may be eligible for, oftentimes at their own school. A child’s education can actually be designed to support their plans for the future. Special Needs Planning expert Phillip Clark points out that many planning processes focus on the care of the child once the parents are gone, but planning should be focussed on the child thriving both in the future and now. In order to succeed in the future, children need support now that will help them achieve all of their goals. Families should envision what they want for their child and then determine what needs to be done in order to make that happen.

Not only can planning provide caregivers with priceless peace of mind, but it can also lead to the discovery of resources that will help children with ASD flourish now. Since the planning process can be long, Insureyouknow.org can help parents stay organized by storing all of their documents in one place, such as financial information, medical records, and detailed care instructions.

Turning 18: Planning Ahead

January 30, 2023

Turning 18 is a momentous occasion, accompanied by many new freedoms and opportunities along with increased responsibilities and most notably, the official recognition of an individual as a legal adult in the eyes of the law.

While your child will enjoy the many exciting perks that accompany their newfound adulthood such as staying out without a curfew and gaining the right to vote and make their voice heard they’ll also reap the more exciting benefits like accessing financial accounts in their name that they previously may not have had access to and entering legally-binding contracts. Hence, there is much accountability to be taken and responsibility to operate with as one navigates through these new freedoms.

Sign a Medical Power of Attorney

You will find that upon waking up the night after your child turns 18, that they are no longer under your guardianship on healthcare portals where you could initiate care and treatment on their behalf. Arguably one of the most important measures a parent can take upon the commencement of their child’s adulthood to guarantee their ongoing support and involvement in their lives is a Medical Power of Attorney (MPOA). It grants a select individual the ability to make healthcare decisions on one’s behalf in the event that they’re unable to as a result of injury or illness. Without completing this task ahead of time, parents face the risk of time-consuming guardianship battles in court that could hinder them from making medical decisions for their child (such as in the event of a car accident or incapacitating illness) in a timely manner, leaving the ultimate outcome in the hands of the court.

Durable Power of Attorney

While your child may enjoy the many highly-anticipated freedoms that come with adulthood, they are likely still financially dependent on you as their parents. This includes coverage under a parent’s auto and health insurance. Creating a Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) allows parents to assist in the management of their child’s finances and enables parents the ability to access bank accounts, sign tax returns, and complete other transactions as well as the ability to act on behalf of the child if they are a different part of the world, are incapacitated, or are otherwise unable to.

HIPAA Waiver

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), an individual’s personal health information is protected. Once a child turns 18, healthcare providers can no longer legally disclose information regarding their patient records or treatment plans to their parents, even if they happen to be on their insurance plan. This can prove an impediment for parents seeking to know the status of their child’s health or make necessary medical decisions for them. Having the necessary medical records and information regarding your child’s health is especially essential in the case a parent needs to exercise their Medical Power of Attorney. A signed HIPAA release form by your child grants parents and guardians the ability to access their medical records and speak with their healthcare providers.

FERPA Waiver

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), in a manner similar to HIPAA, protects the privacy of educational records including report cards, test scores, and disciplinary records. When a child turns 18, their educational record becomes their own and cannot be released to their parents without their consent, despite the fact that their parents may be funding their tuition. A FERPA waiver permits parents of adult children to maintain access to these records and continue to be able to request amendments to them as needed.

Insureyouknow.org

Though your child may always remain your child in your eyes, the reality is at 18 they will earn the status of a legal adult, coinciding with the expansion of many of their freedoms, while simultaneously, many will be relinquished from you as the parent. Despite this abrupt shift, it is likely your child will still be largely dependent on you, as such, there are important steps you will want to take to ensure you can best support your child. Planning ahead by filling out the necessary documentation can provide a great sense of relief and guarantee that you can continue to support them. Keep a record of the documents you fill out at insureyouknow.org to easily keep track of them and access them. 

Medicare Will Cover Shingles Vaccine in 2023

December 27, 2022

Starting in January 2023, Medicare will cover the cost of the shingles vaccine, Shingrix.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix two to six months apart to prevent complications from the disease shingles. Shingrix is more than 90 percent effective in preventing illness, according to the CDC. But for many people on Medicare, it had been unaffordable at more than $200 for the shot regimen.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 aims to reduce the cost of some drugs and close this barrier to good healthcare. As of January 2023, all vaccinations covered under Medicare part D that are approved and recommended by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the CDC will be covered without a copay. So, no cost-sharing will be associated with the administration of Shingrix, as well as flu shots; tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines; and COVID-19 vaccines.

What is “shingles”?

Shingles is an invasive, painful outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that can damage your vision or hearing, make you lose hair, and cause long-term nerve pain. It is caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus that erupts in chickenpox. After you have chickenpox, the virus stays in your body. It may not result in problems for many years, but as you get older, the virus may reappear as shingles.

Is shingles contagious?

Shingles is not contagious. But you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles. If you’ve never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, try to stay away from anyone who has shingles. If you have shingles, try to stay away from anyone who has not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, or anyone who might have a weak immune system.

Who is at risk for shingles?

Anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of getting shingles. More than 99 percent of Americans born before 1980 have had chickenpox, even if they don’t remember it. The risk of contracting shingles increases as you get older; shingles is most common in people over 50. People with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of getting shingles. About one out of every three people in the United States will develop shingles during their lifetime. It is rare, but possible, to get shingles more than once.

What are the symptoms of shingles?

Early signs of shingles include burning or shooting pain and tingling or itching. It is usually on one side of the body or face. The pain can be mild to severe.

One to 14 days later, you will get a rash. It consists of blisters that typically scab over in 7 to 10 days. The rash is usually a single stripe around either the left or the right side of the body. In other cases, the rash occurs on one side of the face. In rare cases (usually among people with weakened immune systems), the rash may be more widespread and look like a chickenpox rash. Some people may also have other symptoms, including fever, headache, chills, and an upset stomach.

What are some complications caused by shingles?

• Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of shingles. It causes severe pain in the areas where you had the shingles rash. It usually gets better in a few weeks or months, but some people can have pain from PHN for many years, and it can interfere with daily life.
• Temporary or permanent vision loss can happen if shingles affects your eye.
• Hearing or balance problems are possible if you have shingles within or near your ear. You may also have temporary or permanent weakness in the muscles on that side of your face.
• Very rarely, shingles can also lead to pneumonia, brain inflammation (encephalitis), or death.

How is shingles diagnosed?

Usually, your healthcare provider can diagnose shingles by taking your medical history, looking at your rash, and after scraping off tissue from the rash or swabbing some fluid from the blisters, sending the sample to a lab for testing.

How can shingles be treated?

There is no cure for shingles. Antiviral medicines may help make the attack shorter and less severe. They may also help prevent PHN. Recommended medicines are most effective if you can take them within three days after the rash appears. Pain relievers may also help with the pain. A cool washcloth, calamine lotion, and oatmeal baths may help relieve some of the itching associated with shingles.

InsureYouKnow.org

If you are at risk of getting shingles, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist to schedule a Shingrix shot early in 2023, even if you are not covered by Medicare. Shingrix is also covered by most health insurance plans so check with your insurance provider to see if the vaccine is included in your plan.

At insureyouknow.org, record the date of your first shot and set a reminder for your second shot two to six months later. You’ll be off to a great start in preventing the pain and possible side effects of shingles in 2023.

Drug Shortages Amid the “Tripledemic”

December 14, 2022

‘Tis the season to be jolly, but your cheerfulness may be challenged by drug shortages across parts of the country, with the “tripledemic”—cases of flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19—driving high demand for medications. These seasonal respiratory illnesses have emerged earlier than usual and have spread quickly and simultaneously across the country.

Healthcare Concerns

Record levels of illnesses have caused a spike in the demand for amoxicillin, resulting in an acute shortage of the antibiotic, which is widely used for the treatment of bacterial widespread upper and lower respiratory infections.

Physicians are facing shortages of critical drugs used during surgery. Shortages of key anesthesia medications used for most procedures and surgeries, and critical pain medications such as fentanyl are forcing doctors to use alternatives that may not be first-line or the optimal treatment for conditions or scenarios, or in the best interests of patients.

FDA and Pharma Companies’ Responses

According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), 123 of 184 listed drugs are currently in shortage. Officials say one of the reasons for the shortages is that drugs are manufactured based on orders from the previous year, meaning pharmaceutical companies don’t keep an inventory on hand year after year. Some manufacturers report that this year’s orders didn’t anticipate the heavy season for respiratory illnesses.

The FDA is working closely with numerous manufacturers and others in the supply chain to understand, mitigate, and prevent or reduce the impact of intermittent or reduced availability of certain products, including several over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used for symptomatic relief, such as the children’s medications liquid acetaminophen and ibuprofen. The FDA also has taken steps to help relieve the shortage by putting out guidance to pharmacists to make liquid amoxicillin for children from pill versions. (Amoxicillin pills for adults are not in short supply.)

Drug Manufacturing Problems

Drug manufacturers are having problems keeping up with their needs, including manufacturing and quality problems, delays, and discontinuations. Additional factors causing drug shortages are difficulties in acquiring raw materials, manufacturing problems, regulatory issues, business decisions, and disturbances within the supply chain.

Patients’ Actions

Throughout the country, shortages of certain medications and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers are leaving people on the hunt for a pharmacy or a grocery store to fill prescriptions and OTC products. Tamiflu, Adderall, and as already mentioned, even the standard antibiotic amoxicillin in liquid form, is getting hard to find.

If you can’t find a recommended medication readily available, you may need to call multiple pharmacies, look for a generic version, ask your doctor for an alternative prescription, or ask your pharmacist how to use an adult version of a medication for a child.

Brigid Groves, a pharmacist and the senior director for practice and professional affairs at the American Pharmacists Association, says, “The most important thing families can do for a sick loved one is to get them tested. Most doctor’s offices and some pharmacy clinics can do rapid tests to help determine whether your symptoms are coming from a viral or bacterial illness.”

InsureYouKnow.org

If you face challenges finding medications during the tripledemic, persevere in your hunt to fill a prescription or to find a substitute recommended by your healthcare professional. Document your health insurance and flexible spending account activities, lists of prescribed and OTC medications, where you found them, and when you’ll need to find and fill them again at insureyouknow.org