The Hidden Costs of Health

Allie provides a quick update on The Hidden Costs of Health.

In this episode, Allie Sandler explores the often-overlooked financial burdens of pregnancy and childbirth, featuring personal insights from chiropractic physician and mother, Rebecca Deyo. Later she is joined by Yuliya Labko, policy director for March for Moms, discussing the pressing need for affordable maternity care and the ethical dilemmas surrounding healthcare expenses. The episode sheds light on rising costs, insurance intricacies, and advocacy efforts, offering practical tips for expectant families navigating this crucial life event.

In this episode, Allie explores the surge in medical tourism, a trend driven by factors like limited access to healthcare and soaring costs in the U.S. Renowned experts Elizabeth Ziemba and David Vequist shed light on the risks and benefits, stressing the need for informed decisions and comprehensive travel insurance. Kurt Schaefer shares his firsthand experience, underscoring the potential advantages of seeking care abroad. Stay tuned for crucial insights and practical tips on navigating this evolving landscape.

In this episode, Allie explores the complexities of accessing vital Social Security and disability benefits. In conversations with Social Security Disability attorney, Jacklyn Steinberg, they shed light on the critical distinctions between SSDI and SSI and highlight the significance of prompt filing and collecting robust medical evidence for your case. She also speaks with disability advocate Emilie Poteat, about her company Advocate, an innovative solution revolutionizing the disability benefits application process, ensuring timely support for individuals facing health challenges and income barriers.

Allie explores the revolutionary role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, featuring insights from Ethan Davidoff, CEO of Atlas Health, and Stephen Forney, CFO of Covenant Health. They discuss how AI is revolutionizing patient access to financial aid programs. This episode explores the potential of AI in streamlining healthcare logistics, reducing medical errors, and its impact on job roles in the healthcare sector, shedding light on the transformative future of healthcare systems.

Allie dives deep into the pressing issue of mental health care affordability in the US. Melanie Lockert and Alex Grobstein share about the barriers they have faced seeking therapy during times of financial strain. Greg Keilin explains the challenges therapists encounter in accepting insurance, emphasizing the delicate balance between affordability and sustainability. Tune in for solutions to find affordable mental health care options.

In this episode, Allie dives into the intricacies of the No Surprises Act, enacted in 2022, which was designed to shield patients from unexpected and high medical bills. Allie shares her own personal experiences and highlights the importance of understanding the act's finer details to make informed health decisions. The episode features Dane Christensen, a health policy expert discussing the implications of the No Surprises Act. Additionally, patient advocate Nicki Pogue shares her own harrowing experience with surprise billing, underscoring the need for continued advocacy and awareness surrounding healthcare costs. While the No Surprises Act represents a major step forward in addressing gaps in the system, this episode highlights the work that still needs to be done.

In this episode, the Empowered Us team discuss surprise bills for seemingly trivial items in emergency rooms. The team speaks with Tracie Ennis, who recounts her experience following a broken ankle, after a pillow but not administered IV were billed to her. The team also speaks with Jared Walker, the founder and Executive Director of Dollar For, an organization that helps people fight hospital bills. Together, they dive into the underlying reasons behind exorbitant hospital costs and explore steps patients can take to reduce their hospital bills.