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Healthcare policies continue to evolve, and access to care can vary depending on where you live. In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon provides an objective overview of recent policy changes affecting reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care while discussing the importance of reliable information and informed healthcare decisions. In This Episode: Recent healthcare policy changes Why access to care differs by state Finding trusted health information Tips for becoming a stronger healthcare advocate Key Takeaway: Staying informed and asking questions are essential steps in navigating today's healthcare system with confidence. Learn More: Visit www.mymedipal.com to discover how MYMEDI-PAL™ empowers patients, caregivers, and families through healthcare advocacy, education, and personalized navigation support. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, financial, or insurance advice.

Why are prescription medications still so expensive—even with insurance? In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon explains the role of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs), recent policy changes affecting prescription drug pricing, and practical ways to become a more informed healthcare consumer. In This Episode: The role of PBMs Why prescription drug prices vary Recent policy updates Questions to ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist Key Takeaway: Understanding prescription drug pricing can help you make informed decisions and become a stronger advocate for your healthcare. Learn More: Looking for help navigating your healthcare journey? Visit www.mymedipal.com to learn more about MYMEDI-PAL™'s healthcare advocacy, patient education, caregiver support, and appointment preparation services. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical, legal, financial, or insurance advice.

Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options before a crisis can make all the difference. In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon explains recent federal policy changes that may affect Medicaid long-term care eligibility, including new home equity rules beginning in 2028 and the current status of nursing home staffing standards. You'll also learn practical tips to help families prepare for future care needs. In This Episode: ✔ The difference between Medicare and Medicaid for long-term care ✔ How the new home equity rules may affect Medicaid eligibility ✔ The latest on nursing home staffing requirements ✔ Questions caregivers should ask when exploring long-term care options ✔ Why planning ahead can help reduce stress and improve decision-making Healthcare planning doesn't have to begin during a crisis. Understanding these changes now can help you make more informed decisions for yourself or a loved one. Learn more about MYMEDI-PAL and our health advocacy services: www.mymedipal.com If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Refine Your Health, leave a review, and share it with someone who may find it helpful. Next Episode: Drug Pricing, PBMs, and Why Prescriptions May Still Cost More Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical, legal, financial, or insurance advice. Policies and regulations may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult the appropriate professionals regarding your specific situation.

Recent federal healthcare policy changes have raised important questions about Medicare eligibility and coverage for certain immigrant populations. In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon explains what changed under the 2025 federal reconciliation law, which groups may be affected, and why families, caregivers, and communities should pay attention. You'll learn about key implementation timelines, the role of Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and practical steps individuals can take to stay informed as policies continue to evolve. Healthcare policy can be complex, but understanding these changes can help people navigate uncertainty and make more informed decisions about coverage and benefits. For additional healthcare education and advocacy resources, visit www.mymedipal.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, insurance, or financial advice.

Changes affecting immigrant communities and mixed-status families continue to create confusion, fear, and uncertainty around healthcare access and coverage. In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we discuss: How recent healthcare policy and funding changes may affect immigrant families Why mixed-status households are often unsure about eligibility rules Common concerns surrounding Medicaid, Medicare, and state-funded programs The impact fear and misinformation can have on seeking medical care Why understanding your options and asking questions matters Many individuals and caregivers are navigating complicated healthcare systems while also trying to protect their families and avoid unintended consequences. This episode is intended to provide general educational information and encourage informed healthcare conversations — not legal advice or individualized eligibility determination. If you or your family feel overwhelmed trying to understand healthcare information, MYMEDI-PAL provides educational patient advocacy support to help patients and caregivers better understand healthcare systems, medical information, and questions to discuss with providers or appropriate agencies. Learn more at www.mymedipal.com Disclaimer This podcast episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, insurance, or immigration advice. Policies and eligibility rules may change over time and vary by state and individual circumstances. Listeners should consult qualified professionals or appropriate agencies regarding their specific situation.

Medicaid renewals are back, and many people are losing coverage due to missed paperwork—not because they no longer qualify. In this episode, we break down what redetermination means, why it’s happening now, and the simple steps you can take to protect your coverage or support a loved one. You’ll learn: • What Medicaid redetermination is • Why people are losing coverage • How to avoid gaps in care • What to do if coverage is denied Need help navigating next steps? Visit www.mymedipal.com 👉 Schedule a Clarity Call 👉 Download the Free Appointment Preparation Cheat Sheet  Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid policy discussions as of 2026. Policy implementation may vary by state. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice.

Could Medicaid copays reach $35 per visit? In this episode, we break down how new federal policy could change cost-sharing and what the 5% income cap may mean for families. Download the Medicaid Copay Impact Worksheet: Visit www.mymedipal.com - go to Downloads section to access free worksheet  Episode Summary In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain how potential Medicaid copay changes discussed in the federal reconciliation law could affect healthcare costs for some Medicaid enrollees. While implementation will depend on state policies, the proposal allows copays of up to $35 per service, with total monthly copays generally limited to 5% of household income. In this episode we discuss: What the proposed $35 copay rule means How the 5% household income cap works Which services may remain exempt from copays Why implementation may vary by state How to estimate potential monthly copays Educational Support For additional information about Medicaid policy and navigation topics discussed in this episode, visit: www.mymedipal.com  Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid policy discussions as of 2026. Policy implementation may vary by state. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice.

Medicaid work requirements are often described as simple — work, volunteer, or train for 80 hours a month. But in reality, these rules can be confusing, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate, especially for caregivers, people with chronic illness, or those in unstable jobs. In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain what Medicaid work requirements actually mean, who they apply to, who is exempt, and why so many eligible people lose coverage because of reporting issues — not because they failed to comply. This episode is especially important for adults in states considering or implementing work-related Medicaid policies. In this episode, we cover: What “80 hours per month” really includes Who is required to report work or activities Common exemptions (caregivers, disability, illness, pregnancy) Why reporting — not work — is the biggest barrier How paperwork and missed deadlines can lead to coverage loss What to do if coverage is suspended or terminated Educational support: For educational support and access to related information discussed in this episode — including optional updates — visit www.mymedipal.com. Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid rules and policies as of 2026. Medicaid work requirements have been enacted under federal law but are not yet in effect nationwide, as implementation is scheduled for a future date and may vary by state. This episode discusses upcoming requirements, state-level considerations, and historical context to help listeners understand how such policies may affect coverage once enforced. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice. No personal health information is collected or shared.

Medicaid eligibility can be confusing — especially when income limits, state rules, and federal policy overlap. In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain who qualifies for Medicaid, how traditional Medicaid differs from Medicaid expansion, and why millions of adults fall into the Medicaid coverage gap. This episode breaks down how income, Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and state decisions affect access to Medicaid and marketplace coverage in 2026. If you’ve ever been told you earn “too much” or “too little” for health coverage, this episode explains why — and what it means for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: Medicaid eligibility requirements in 2026 Who qualifies for traditional Medicaid What the Medicaid coverage gap is and why it exists Why some adults are ineligible for marketplace subsidies How Medicaid rules vary by state Educational support: For educational support and access to related information discussed in this episode, visit www.mymedipal.com Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid rules and policies in effect as of 2026. It does not provide medical or legal advice. No personal health information is collected or shared.

Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon returns after a two-year hiatus with a renewed focus on preventive care, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities through health education and advocacy. Hosted by Dr. Deon, a primary care physician and healthcare advocate, this relaunch trailer introduces the updated direction of the podcast and what listeners can expect in the upcoming season. Designed for patients, caregivers, and community members seeking reliable, evidence-based health information, this podcast breaks down complex medical topics into clear, actionable insights. From disease prevention and wellness strategies to navigating today’s healthcare system, Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon helps listeners take control of their health with confidence. Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Share this episode with someone who’s ready to take a proactive approach to their health.

Do you have seasonal allergies ( hay fever) or know someone who does? This is the episode for you! Check out this episode to learn about what is allergic rhinitis, common triggers, and typical treatments.  This is a great episode to listen to as we enter the spring and summer months when this condition can be the most prevalent. Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This episode focuses on making a healthier lifestyle choice with a healthy nutrition plan, which includes a type of heart healthy plan called the DASH diet plan. Check out this episode for quick information about what is the DASH plan and how it provides health benefits in decreasing risk of heart disease and/or improving health outcomes in individuals living with heart disease.  Resource Link for Heart Healthy Foods at Local Grocer: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-check-foods Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection has become a major concern over the past few weeks. There have been recent reports about emergency rooms being overwhelmed and hospitals reaching bed capacity due to significant increases in RSV infections especially among children.  Check out this episode to learn more about RSV, including reason behind possible spike in cases within the U.S., who is at higher risk for severe infection, and ways to decrease the spread.  Link for further information via Center for Disease Control (CDC):  https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from countries where the disease is not commonly seen, including the United States. Therefore, this podcast episode focuses on providing a better understanding of the recent outbreak of the monkeypox virus, such as what is monkeypox, how it spreads, symptoms and preventative measures.  Please do not forget to subscribe to the podcast.  Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth

May is considered National Asthma and Allergy  Awareness Month!  Asthma is impacting the lives of millions of Americans. Listen to this episode to learn some important information about asthma such as causes, risk factors and management  In addition, you will learn about some of the health disparities ,which  impact certain  ethnic groups with asthma when compared to others.  Congrats to  you on  listening to  this episode and taking the steps to improving your health.    Resources as referenced in episode:  Instruction for inhaler use:  https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/inhaler_video/default.htm Asthma action plan:  https://youtu.be/dvcBapdEFaU Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Health Facebook page please like and follow for great content and includes links to choose a preferred podcast streaming platform. Refine Your Health Podcast  https://linktr.ee/refineyourhealth