Bringing a Piece of Home to the Hospital
Posted April 4th, 2023
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
We get a lot of questions from readers about what you can do to help a hospitalized family member or friend. Patients love the sentiment, but most have their fill of robes, fluffy slippers and lavender scented lotions and potions. Recently, friends of OncoLink, Stephanie and Whitney, shared with me what they did for their […]
Medicare Open Enrollment is Here!
Posted October 17th, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medicare open enrollment is upon us for 2023. 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 add or change your Medicare part D (drug) plan. You can change to a different Medicare advantage plan. You […]
10 Ways the Inflation Reduction Act will Impact Cancer Care
Posted August 18th, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
This week, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). While the name of this bill doesn’t sound like it has a thing to do with healthcare, there are major provisions in the bill that will greatly change the landscape of healthcare, especially in regards to prescription drug coverage for people with Medicare. […]
Tomorrow is National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day!
Posted April 29th, 2022
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 Aside from cotton swabs, mouthwash, and makeup remover, are there old, outdated prescription drugs in your cabinet? How do you dispose of old, outdated, expired, or unneeded medications?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 […]
March is Multiple Myeloma Action Month
Posted March 29th, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Part of getting involved in advocacy and action is learning more about the disease and cause you are advocating for to improve research, treatment development, supportive care, and resources. Multiple myeloma is often a cancer very few have heard of, but once it touches you, you never forget it – as it has for Michael […]
Breaking News: Medical Debt and Your Credit Report
Posted March 23rd, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medical debt is the largest source of personal debt in the US. Two-thirds of all personal bankruptcies are due to medical bills. About 115 million Americans under 65 report issues with medical bills, have skipped medical care due to cost, or have been uninsured/underinsured. As a result, more and more Americans are seeing their credit […]
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Posted March 1st, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and the screening recommendations have changed. What you need to know. Did anyone else see the memes last week that said, “if you recognized everyone in the Superbowl halftime show, it’s time to schedule your first colonoscopy?” Yes, fellow Gen-Xers. It’s time.And if it seems earlier to you than […]
Marc Cuban’s Cost Plus Drug Company: A Potential Gold Mine for SOME Prescription Medications
Posted January 26th, 2022
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
If you are one of the millions without prescription drug coverage or who have high out-of-pocket expenses for your medications, the Cost Plus Drug Company may be a great resource for you to access some of your medications. Launched last week and founded by Billionaire Shark Tank investor Marc Cuban, Cost Plus has found a […]
Today Is Giving Tuesday
Posted November 30th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
No doubt you have already seen appeals for #givingtuesday. Giving Tuesday shifts the focus from gluttony and spending to giving as a holiday tradition. Let’s not forget to mention the year-end tax advantages of charitable contributions. I recognize that many are struggling financially this year due to the pandemic and #givingtuesday may seem out of […]
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 […]