New Year, New Insurance: What Patients Need to Know

Brain Chat with the Nerdy Neurologist is a podcast hosted by Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, created to connect clinical neurology with the real-world challenges patients face in navigating their care. Through conversations with experts across healthcare and beyond, the series explores how brain health, access to care, and everyday decision-making intersect, offering practical, patient-centered insights that extend beyond the clinic. Each episode aims to translate complex systems and scientific concepts into clear, actionable understanding for both clinicians and patients alike.

In this episode, Williams is joined by Carol Coleman, operations manager and prior authorization specialist at Joy Life Wellness Group, to break down the complexities of insurance at the start of the year. The discussion covers key concepts such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance, while also unpacking why medication costs and access to care can shift in January. They provide a behind-the-scenes look at prior authorizations, common causes of delays, and how patients can better prepare, advocate for themselves, and navigate insurance-related barriers to timely treatment.

EPISODE BREAKDOWN:

• Why healthcare costs rise at start of year
• Breaking down deductibles, copays, coinsurance
• Differences between HMO and PPO plans
• Prior authorizations and approval timelines explained
• Common insurance delays and appeals process
• Practical tips for patient advocacy and preparation

Other formats:

Listen to the show on Apple Podcasts.

Watch the episode on YouTube.