Health Advocacy During the COVID-19 Crisis

Surreal. Unprecedented. These are words we are hearing over and over to describe the current situation we are in. The vast majority of you reading this monthly newsletter live in a state that has already implemented a lockdown order. While I don’t think there’s much new I can add to what you have already read about how to prevent COVID-19 and what the symptoms are, I am sharing some important information below about how the health care system is being impacted and how that affects us personally. 

Also, the need for advocacy in health care matters has not stopped during this time. InTune Health Advocates, LLC is still open for business… remotely. I am still calling health insurance companies and providers about surprise bills, denials, and billing errors; I am still helping families work through difficult decisions about discharge planning from hospitals and skilled nursing facilities; I am still helping clients research information about treatment options; and more.

Important reminders and information:

1. Please only refer to and share information about COVID-19 that comes from valid, trusted sources. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), and the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center are examples of trusted sources. Your friend’s cousin’s neighbor’s uncle’s social media post about a home remedy is not.
2. Hospitals and skilled nursing facilities are not allowing patients/residents to have any visitors, even family members. That makes it more difficult to advocate for your loved one and keep up with their situation. These restrictions are necessary but incredibly difficult for everyone involved. Use technology as much as possible to keep up with what is going on with your loved one, keep them from feeling too isolated, and stay in touch with their health care providers about their health situation. It’s new territory for all involved so be understanding… while still advocating for your loved one.
3. If you or a loved one has to enter a skilled nursing facility at this time, there are a lot of questions to ask that facility about their infection control procedures. The CDC has prepared guidance for long-term care facilities regarding COVID-19.
4. Most health care appointments (medical, dental, vision) that are considered non-urgent are being canceled or moved to a telemedicine format. Of course, you may disagree with something being considered elective or non-urgent. We have all heard stories about people with cancer and other serious, life-threatening decisions having appointments, treatments, and surgeries cancelled. Even during this COVID-19 crisis, people still have heart attacks, strokes, get diagnosed with cancer, and face other serious health situations. If you believe your situation is urgent, then you should speak with your doctor about why your appointment or procedure can’t wait. Understand, though, that many of these decisions are being made at a higher level and your doctor may not be able to override the system.
5. Telemedicine visits are an option for many people. Medicare has relaxed their rules about telemedicine coverage. If you have private health insurance, check with your insurance company about what options they provide. If there aren’t any options, or you don’t like the options, there are several companies that offer on-line medical review by phone or video; be sure to understand the fees before you sign up.
6. Medicare has made several other changes to it’s rules including covering the cost of COVID-19 testing under Part B and waiving the 3-night inpatient hospital stay requirement for subsequent Medicare skilled nursing coverage. Rules apply to Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. You can keep up to date with how Medicare is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic here. 
7. Never an easy topic, but this crisis is a reminder of the importance of having difficult conversations with your loved ones about end-of-life care. Make sure you have designated a health care power of attorney and have your advance directives in order. The Conversation Project and Five Wishes are both excellent resources for this. All of our upcoming Death & Chocolate— Larger Than Life Conversations programs are postponed, but the program is great for helping you to start thinking and talking about these difficult issues; I’ll keep you posted when they are rescheduled.
8. This is also a good time to get your personal health information in order. This blog post shares more information about what to include in a health information binder as well as a template for creating one.
9. Reach out to elderly relatives and those who are living alone. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. Stay home. Make time for self-care. Be kind.

As always, please contact me if I can help.