The Face of Healthcare as a Provider (Nurse Practitioner) and a Mother

I have been a Family Nurse Practitioner for almost seventeen years.  I worked at Kosair Hospital (now known as Norton Children's Hospital) for six years, prior to that as an Onocology/Renal/Transplant nurse.  I also worked at Norton Hospital while attending nursing school at the University of Louisville.  I have spent all of my professional years working with children and families.  I cannot imagine doing anything else.  But the face of healthcare and insurance and its cost has changed dramatically in my years of practice.

The ever changing dilemma of health insurance coverage for ourselves and our family affects us all.  As a mother and wife keeping up with what is covered in my plan, annual deductibles, pharmacy benefits, co-pays and in and out of network providers is a huge undertaking.  Once you think you have it down a new enrollment period is upon you and it changes again.  One thing that I am certain of is you need to understand your plan and be an advocate for yourself.  Take advantage of the programs your insurance company has in place to keep costs down, ask questions, be friendly with your health insurance representatives and ASK QUESTIONS.  With the passage of "Obamacare" a few years back one of the most beneficial components is wellness benefits for all at no or minimal cost.  This is especially important for our children as they grow.  They need to be seen at each recommended and scheduled time for Well Baby-Child/Adolescent/College Age student visits.  The importance of seeing a trusted and well informed Pediatrician/Osteopath/Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant is imperative for health guidance and illness prevention in our next generation of adults.  The rise in healthcare costs and a US population that seems to get less fit each year should be a concern for us all.  Our children truly are our future and how we raise them and teach them will impact who they are as adults.  I believe healthcare is a basic right but the idea that it should come without financial responsibility and accountability is a reality we likely will not see again in our lifetime.  So plan and prepare, realize that health insurance is part of a famly budget.  Here are some websites to help you begin to get informed.  A healthy mind and body is essential for us all.

http://www.aap.org/en-us/advocacy-and-policy/Documents/

MAP/KY.pdf

http://www.heathcare.gov

http://www. kyvoicesforhealth.org

votesmart.org

http://www.aappublications.org