Healthcare Reform 101

Healthcare reform can be a sticky subject, filled with politics, legal jargon, and layers of detail. This can make healthcare reform confusing and unapproachable. Don’t run far now that the topic is in front of you here! Blue-Cross Blue-Shield and Walgreens have teamed up to show their commitment to helping people understand Healthcare Reform, specifically the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which took effect back in 2010. Big changes are to come in 2014, so we are helping Blue-Cross Blue-Shield and Walgreens with their efforts by spreading the word here on our blog.

Instead of going into all the details here, visit www.LearnAboutReform.Com and read up on a short description of what the ACA is, how it affects the insured, uninsured and underinsured, and a very informational FAQ that breaks down the information so you know what action to take and what to hold onto as your little FYI (for your information) notes. For example, one Q & A reads:

“What is the new healthcare law? The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010. It was designed to expand access to and improve the quality of healthcare for Americans. Some of the healthcare changes took effect immediately while others are being phased in over time. Large parts of the law will become effective on January 1, 2014. The biggest effect of the ACA is that people who previously couldn't afford or qualify for coverage will now be able to sign up for health insurance.”

While healthcare reform may seem overwhelming, hopefully, this resource and educational tid-bit will ease your mind and help prepare you for the road ahead. Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org

We Love Social Media!

     Hospice of Southern Illinois is always working on ways to show our community involvement and commitment to be with our patients and their loved ones through the changing needs of the end-of-life process and the grief experience. That includes our online community. Read about what we are up to online!

CaringBridge
The newest resource we are promoting is through another nonprofit organization, CaringBridge. This nonprofit refer to themselves, "as an online space where you can connect, share news, and receive support. It’s your very own health social network, coming together on your personalized website... available 24/7 to anyone, anywhere, at no cost."

We want it to be an opportunity for patients, families, and friends of Hospice of Southern Illinois to have another support resource. Several health care organizations recognize www.CaringBridge.org as a reputable source, and encourage their patients and families to utilize it too. We encourage you to check it out: http://www.caringbridge.org/about. Feel free to share it with someone you know who needs it, or create your own if and when you need it! They have two services which you can explore below:

• CaringBridge Sites
  Our personal, protected sites make it easy to stay connected during any type of health event. Family and friends can visit the site to stay informed and leave supportive messages.


• SupportPlanner
  Our SupportPlanner is a calendar that helps family and friends coordinate care and organize helpful tasks, like bringing a meal, offering rides, taking care of pets and other needs.

Social Media
As most of our online community is aware we are on social media, however may not know all the places you can find us online. We want to invite you to all our social media pages because we love social media! It is a great way to learn about you, stay connected, share stories, and give you what you need! We are posting on Facebook and Twitter to connect with the community for updates on hospice news, health care topics, Hospice of Southern Illinois upcoming events, and Hospice of Southern Illinois community involvement. We have a blog page and YouTube channel to educate the community about all topics hospice and Hospice of Southern Illinois. Finally, we have just joined Pinterest as a way to interact with the community and tell stories through pictures. Find us, get to know us, and interact with us so we can be the best we can for YOU!

     Help us share, educate, and reach out by subscribing to our blog and suggesting it to friends who will spread our message: Hospice of Southern Illinois is here to teach you what hospice is, what we are about, and what we can do for you and your loved ones. No one has to go through the dying process alone. Hospice of Southern Illinois can help.

Live well, laugh often, and love much,

Christine Juehne

Hospice of Southern Illinois

Community Education

1-800-233-1708

www.hospice.org