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 […]
COVID-19 Vaccine: Distribution and Administration
Posted January 25th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
The development of two vaccines for COVID-19 that have received Emergency Use Authorization happened at “warp speed.” Sadly, the plan for vaccine distribution has not been well planned out. The goal was to vaccinate 20 million people by the end of 2020. We are running behind this schedule. (see here.) For the purposes of this […]
Good-bye, Old Friend
Posted January 8th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
It’s been a year of lots of losses. Lots of sadness and grief and pain. And also strength, grit, resilience and hope. All of this is what I’m feeling today, as I prepare myself mentally to watch Alex Trebeck’s last episode of Jeopardy tonight. I’m grieving another loss—of someone I never met, never personally knew—but […]
Coping with COVID: New Stimulus Funds and Unemployment Benefit Update
Posted January 5th, 2021
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
By now, some of you may have received $600 stimulus payments as a result of the economic relief package recently passed by our government. Let’s take a closer look at the impact of this bill on individuals and families. Stimulus Payments If you have an adjusted gross income on your 2019 tax returns of less […]
Holidays, Traditions and Grief
Posted December 21st, 2020
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
This year was pretty tough for most of us. If there is one thing I can take away right now is that we are all, collectively, grieving. Some of us have lost family and friends—to cancer, to COVID, to accidents. Some of us have lost our jobs and financial well-being. Some of us have lost […]
Today is Giving Tuesday
Posted December 1st, 2020
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 16th, 2020
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medicare open enrollment for 2021 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, transportation to medical appointments—and many others. For some, Medicare Advantage plans are good enough. […]
Today is Veterans Day
Posted November 11th, 2020
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Today is Veterans Day. I wanted to take a few moments to highlight a special need for many Veterans: cancer care. Many Veterans are at increased risk for developing cancer just because they did their job protecting our country. There are approximately 45,000 new cancer cases in Veterans reported annually. As the Veteran population continues […]
This Saturday: National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day
Posted October 22nd, 2020
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 is Almost Here-What You Need to Know for 2021
Posted October 13th, 2020
Christina Bach, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Medicare open enrollment is upon us for 2021. 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 […]