Category: Dear Addy

Dear Addy: The Marketplace

Dear Addy,  I am looking at health insurance options for 2024 and keep seeing terms like “marketplace” and “open enrollment.” What does this mean? What options may be available to me if I don’t receive insurance through my job?   Signed, Unsure about Insurance  Dear Unsure,  The Marketplace, short for Health Insurance Marketplace, is a shopping and […]

Dear Addy: SSI Eligibility

Dear Addy, I receive disability benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program and, through SSI, qualify for Medicaid. I am concerned about hidden pitfalls that might cause me to lose eligibility for both programs. What do I need to watch out for? Signed,Worried Dear Worried, Unfortunately, you are right to be concerned about hidden […]

Dear Addy: Medicare Enrollment 2024

Dear Addy, I’ve been enrolled in Medicare for a couple of years now and am weighing my plan options for 2024. What do I need to know about choosing a plan for the coming year? Signed, Medicare Beneficiary Dear Beneficiary, Every year Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the […]

Dear Addy: Back to School

Dear Addy, With school back in session, I want to make sure that my son’s needs as someone with a bleeding disorder are accounted for at school. I have heard of 504 plans – what does this entail? What steps can I take to ensure that my son receives reasonable accommodations at school? Signed, Caring […]

Dear Addy: In-District Legislative Meetings

Dear Addy, With Congress in recess, how can I continue to participate in legislative advocacy? Signed, Bleeding Disorders Advocate Dear Bleeding Disorders Advocate, Every August, the United States Congress embarks on a recess, temporarily adjourning its legislative business and allowing members to return to their home states and districts. The August recess tradition serves as […]

Dear Addy: Finding Community

Dear Addy, I am the only person I know who has a bleeding disorder. I don’t know any other patients at my HTC, and I live pretty far away from my nearest member organization, so I don’t usually get the chance to attend community events. I want to connect with others in the community, but […]

Dear Addy: Eager to Advocate

Dear Addy, I am in my teens and am looking to get involved in advocacy within the bleeding disorders community. Can you share any tips on how to get involved and ways to learn more?Sincerely, Eager Teen Sincerely, Eager Teen Dear Eager Teen, Advocacy is a great way for our youth to engage with the […]

Dear Addy: Financial Assistance

Dear Addy, I am a full-time university student who was recently diagnosed with a bleeding disorder. While I’m relieved I finally have a diagnosis, getting to that point was time-consuming – and expensive! Between doctors’ visits, working part-time, and attending classes, I am still struggling. Does HFA have any resources it can recommend to someone […]

Dear Addy: International Travel

I recently travelled internationally and, I have to say, it was not easy traveling with my factor. My bag was searched over three times and I was almost denied entry to the plane. I made sure to travel with a travel letter and my factor was in its original prescription packaging. How can I ensure […]

Dear Addy: Unwinding Medicaid

Dear Addy, I’ve heard that states have begun unwinding Medicaid, what does that mean for me and my family? Will we still have coverage, and what do we need to do? Signed, Unwinding Undertaker Hi Undertaker, You may have heard about Medicaid unwinding/ the public health emergency/eligibility redeterminations in the past few months. We understand […]