Every week, we track the biggest health policy and access stories shaping your care, your wallet, and your plate. Here’s what you need to know:

Wellworthy Resource Hub

Access Community Resources

We’re building a state-by-state resource hub with vaccine info, SNAP/WIC access, food bank directories, and insurer contacts.

• 👉 Explore the resources here or below
• 👉 Suggest a new resource
• 👉Need help if your provider is suddenly out-of-network? Read our step-by-step guide here

Your input helps make this stronger. If you know a resource that’s helping your community, please share it so others can benefit too.

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When insurers like Cigna or UnitedHealthcare end contracts with major health systems, patients can be left scrambling. This guide offers clear steps to protect your care and your wallet.

1. Confirm the change

• Don’t rely on headlines alone.
• Call your doctor’s office and your insurer to verify whether your provider is still in-network.

2. Ask about transition coverage

• Many states require insurers to offer a “continuity of care” period (often 60–90 days).
• This lets you keep seeing your doctor at in-network rates if you’re in the middle of:
  • Pregnancy care
  • Active cancer treatment
  • Post-surgery follow-up
  • Chronic illness management

3. Request a continuity-of-care form or ask what is required for continuity-of-care

• Insurers often have a form that your provider can sign to extend in-network coverage temporarily.
• Ask for this right away if you’re receiving ongoing treatment.

4. Check your options to switch insurance

• Open Enrollment: typically each fall, you can switch to another plan that covers your provider.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Regulators sometimes allow members to change plans immediately when contracts end.
• Medicare Advantage: You may be able to return to traditional Medicare outside of normal windows if your provider leaves the network.

5. Get alternative in-network options

• Ask your insurer for a case manager to help you find in-network doctors.
• Double-check that new providers are truly in-network (insurer directories can be outdated).

6. File an appeal or complaint (if needed)

• If you’re denied coverage for ongoing care, you can file:
  • An internal appeal with your insurer.
  • An external appeal to your state’s Department of Insurance.
• State insurance departments and attorneys general can step in during big disputes.

6. Keep records of EVERYTHING

• Save all letters, emails, and call logs with your insurer and provider.
• Documentation helps if you need to appeal or file a complaint later.

Key Tip: Don’t wait until your next appointment. Call your doctor and your insurer now to understand your options.

Save this post. Share it with your people.
We can fight for each other.

The post What to Do if Your Doctor or Hospital Goes Out-of-Network appeared first on Gwell - Nutrition, Wellness, and Healthcare Advocacy.

On July 4, 2025, the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law. And while the name sounds harmless, the reality is anything but. This legislation will drastically reshape Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), and social services for millions of Americans, especially those living with chronic illness.

We’re not just frustrated, we’re angry, tired, and over it. Despite this, it is important to us that you have the tools to protect yourself and your community.

Who’s Affected?

– 12–14 million people are expected to lose Medicaid coverage
– 3.2 million may lose SNAP benefits
– 75% of adults on Medicaid live with at least one chronic illness
  > Nearly 1 in 3 live with three or more chronic conditions
Source:  Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease

When Do the Changes Take Effect?

– Some Medicaid and tax provisions are already active (as of July 2025)
– Most major healthcare and food benefit cuts begin in 2027
– Work requirements, eligibility reviews, and state-level implementations may roll out earlier depending on where you live

What You Need to Do Right Now

If you or someone you love relies on Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, or other benefits:

1. Check Your Benefit Status
– Log in to your state’s Medicaid/SNAP portal
– Confirm your renewal dates and mailing address
– Look for notices about work requirements or eligibility reviews

2. Gather Documentation
– Get a letter from your doctor outlining any chronic health conditions
– Collect pharmacy receipts, medical visit summaries, or disability paperwork
– Organize your documents digitally and on paper (just in case)

3. Understand Work Requirement Exemptions
– Many people with chronic illness may qualify for an exemption
– But you’ll need documentation and may need to submit it more than once
– Contact your local agency or legal aid group to confirm your status

4. Support Your Community
– Help loved ones navigate these steps
– Start a walking group or host a form-filling session
– Share this post or the checklist to help others prepare

How to Show Up for Each Other

Now’s the time to be loud, informed, and deeply in community:

– Help someone complete their checklist
– Join or start a community garden or food share
– Walk with a neighbor and prioritize health together
– Share reliable info so no one gets left behind

Sources

– Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease: https://www.fightchronicdisease.org/post/medicaid-patients-at-risk
– KFF: https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/5-key-facts-about-medicaid-coverage-for-adults-with-chronic-conditions/
– Newsweek: https://www.newsweek.com/when-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-takes-effect-2094718
– CBS News: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/whats-in-trump-big-beautiful-bill-senate-version/
– Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Big_Beautiful_Bill_Act
– Business Insider: https://www.businessinsider.com/snap-food-stamp-cuts-republican-could-hurt-red-states-most-2025-5

Final Thoughts

This bill wasn’t built with your health or safety in mind, but Gwell is. We’ll keep sharing resources, tools, and actions to help you stay informed and supported.

Save this post. Share it with your people.
We can fight for each other.

The post The Big Beautiful Bill Just Passed. Here’s What It Means and What You Need to Do Now appeared first on Gwell - Nutrition, Wellness, and Healthcare Advocacy.

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