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Educational Webinars

Navigating the healthcare system can be complicated and Accessia Health can help with that. Join us as we provide the education and tools to amplify your voice and take control of your health care. With the right information, you are better equipped to make informed decisions for the care of yourself and your loved ones.

 

Upcoming Webinars

Amplify Your Voice, Control Your Care: Understanding the Inflation Reduction Act and Upcoming Changes to Medicare

2-PART SERIES

In this 2-part webinar series, Accessia Health presents insights and practical guidance on the significant changes to Medicare and other insurance benefits brought about by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Tailored for patients, caregivers, social workers, and healthcare advocates, this series will empower you to navigate the evolving insurance landscape with confidence. Join industry experts as they break down the IRA’s key provisions, timelines, and practical steps you can take to maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs.

Part 1: An Overview of the Inflation Reduction Act with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Part 1 in our series, on October 3, 2024, offers a comprehensive overview of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and its impact on Medicare in the coming year. Hear from Kristi Martin, Chief of Staff at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Participants will gain an understanding of the most critical changes, including explanations of the new payment plan option, cap on Part D medication costs, and the timeline for changes. The session will conclude with an interactive Q&A segment.

Part 2: Practical Implications for Patients
Building on the foundation laid in the first session, PART 2, on October 10, 2024, will expand on the practical implications of the Inflation Reduction Act for patients and caregivers. William Sarraille, JD, Founder of Sarraille & Associates, is a nationally recognized legal expert in healthcare and life sciences, will guide participants through strategies for adapting to the upcoming changes, answer live Q&A, and highlight the resources and support services available through Accessia Health.

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Speakers

Kristi Martin, Chief of Staff
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Kristi Martin is the chief of staff and senior advisor to the deputy administrator in the Center for Medicare. As a policy strategist, she draws on her decades of experience working in the public sector, with private sector clients, and in philanthropy. She was previously the Vice President for Health Care at Arnold Ventures where she led the philanthropy’s prescription drug pricing portfolio and was the Managing Director of Waxman Strategies’ health practice where she worked alongside Congressman Henry Waxman driving toward progressive outcomes in health policy.

Kristi served several years in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Personnel Management, and Government Accountability Office. As a senior advisor in the Obama administration’s Office of Health Reform, she had primary oversight responsibility for the coordinated and timely implementation of cross-cutting departmental public health and prevention initiatives under the Affordable Care Act, including addressing the rising cost of drugs and setting up the women’s preventive services initiative.

Kristi received her bachelor’s and master’s in health communication from the University of Kentucky and a master’s of public administration from George Washington University.

 

William Sarraille, JD, Founder
Sarraille & Associates

Bill Sarraille is a nationally-recognized expert in health care, the Medicare program, and patient access to drugs, medical devices, and other treatments.

The founder of a consulting practice, Sarraille & Associates, Bill is an advisor to Accessia and other charities and patient advocacy groups.

Bill also serves as the General Counsel to another patient access organization and is a board member to a rare disease advocacy organization.

Watch Previous Webinars

  • Event Overview:

    Join us for an insightful webinar, “Understanding Healthcare Access Barriers: Industry Trends and the Patient Assistance Approach,” which will explore the complexities of healthcare access and strategies that can help overcome barriers. Learn about the pivotal role of patient assistance and how industry trends, advances in medicines, and health equity all foster improved access to quality healthcare. During this webcast, an expert panel will provide insights into identifying, understanding, and addressing the multifaceted challenges that hinder access to care.

    Key Learning Objectives

    • Understand the latest developments in medicines and policy that are shaping the healthcare industry
    • Identify key trends influencing access to care
    • Learn effective approaches that can be employed to address barriers and enhance healthcare access

    Who Should Attend

    • Pharmaceutical Companies
    • Healthcare Providers
    • Patient Advocacy Organizations
    • Community Organizations

  • Social Security benefits provide economic security to millions of Americans, including workers and their dependents when a debilitating illness or injury strikes.

    Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs provide critical financial assistance and access to healthcare through Medicaid and Medicare program, as well as other federal assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

    In this webinar, you will learn:

    • the differences between the SSI and SSDI programs
    • how you can help others apply for these benefits
    • more about related programs such as The Extra Help

     

    Speaker Bios

    Speakers:

    Jackie Weisgarber
    Public Affairs Specialist, Social Security Administration

    Jackie Weisgarber is a Public Affairs Specialist based in Richmond Virginia where she covers Social Security outreach and education throughout Central and Southwest Virginia. In this role, Jackie implements Social Security’s communication plan through local, regional, and national outreach while working closely with the Philadelphia Regional Communications Office and the Area’s Directors office.

    Jackie previously served as a Claims Specialist for 10 years based in the Charleston, SC field office where she implemented Social Security policy, adjudicated over 10,000 claims, managed special projects while serving the public with compassion, courtesy, and respect.

    Prior to joining Social Security Jackie was a Project Manager for a health benefits tech firm and a PR Specialist for a national nonprofit. Jackie has a BA in journalism from The University of South Carolina and an MPA from The College of Charleston.

     

    Amy Jackson, BSW, CCM
    Case Management Specialist, Accessia Health 

    Amy is a seasoned professional with over 25 years of experience in the Human Services field, specializing in direct case management. She has spent her career working with diverse populations, including individuals with criminal backgrounds, as well as those in the mental health and substance abuse communities. Most recently, she has focused her expertise on providing vital support to individuals living with rare or chronic health conditions.

    As a Case Management Specialist at Accessia Health, Amy helps individuals navigate the complexities of health insurance benefits and available resources. She conducts thorough benefit investigations, educates patients on their coverage options, develops informative materials, and leads engaging educational webinars. She is deeply committed to breaking down barriers to care by providing comprehensive healthcare education to patients, partners, and caregivers, ensuring that individuals living with rare or chronic conditions receive the highest quality of support and assistance.

    Amy’s commitment to serving vulnerable populations includes her tenure as a Corrections Institution Rehabilitation Counselor with the Virginia Department of Corrections. In this role, she worked with female offenders, developing tailored treatment plans, and facilitating educational and support groups aimed at rehabilitation and reintegration.

    Having spent almost two decades working with those with chronic conditions, Amy has developed a passion for serving this community. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Longwood University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude, with a secondary degree in Education from Southside Virginia Community College. Her educational background, along with her wealth of hands-on experience, uniquely positions her as a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate for those in need.

  • Join us for an informative conversation that will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of caring for someone with a chronic illness.

    Our expert speakers will equip you with practical tips and emotional tools that can help manage the challenges associated with caring for a loved one. You’ll also be connected to resources, support networks, and programs available to you. We’ll highlight the importance of caregiving within our communities and how it can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

    Speakers:
    Molly Martzke, Expecting Health
    Susan Kerber, CaringBridge

     

    Susan Kerber, Senior Manager, Partnerships
    CaringBridge

    Susan leads partnership outreach at CaringBridge, a nonprofit that partners with hundreds of organizations who share CaringBridge with their patients, members, and employees. She brings years of experience to CaringBridge as a marketing executive in branding, direct response and social marketing, and new business development.

     

    Molly Martzke, Senior Program Manager
    Expecting Health

    Molly Martzke brings passion and real-life experience to her role with the National Genetics Education and Family Support Center where she serves as the Senior Program Manager. Molly has extensive experience working with diverse groups from local to international in providing family leadership training. She has dedicated her life’s work to improving the experiences and outcomes of all families with children with special healthcare needs. Molly is committed to actively engaging families as equal partners in their child’s health care and ensuring that the family voice is represented throughout the family’s journey and within their system of care. She believes that this change happens at the system level when there is diverse representation and honest dialogue amongst all parties.

  • Allergies and asthma affect millions of people worldwide, yet they remain misunderstood and often underestimated conditions.

    As a trusted medical professional with 15 years’ experience, Dr. Naveen Sikka will have a conversation with Accessia Health, breaking down the myths that hinder proper understanding and care. Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking to enhance your understanding of allergies and asthma or an individual navigating these conditions firsthand, our “Clearing the Air” webinar is the perfect resource for you.

    Dr. Sikka will discuss information in a relatable manner, making it accessible to all, while dispelling common misconceptions and fostering a more informed approach to respiratory health. Join us for this enlightening conversation, where you will gain a better understanding of the comprehensive care provided by allergists, empowering you to make informed decisions about your own asthma and allergy care.

    Speaker Bio

    Dr. Naveen Sikka has been practicing in the field of allergy/immunology since 2008. Since completing his internal medicine and allergy/immunology training at the prestigious Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, he has worked in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for 15 years. His expertise covers all areas of allergies and immunology, but he specializes in nasal and eye allergies, asthma, sinusitis, hives, angioedema, chronic coughing, eczema, primary immune deficiency, and allergies to food and medications.

    In his daily practice, he is dedicated to teaching patients about their allergies, so they are better prepared to stay healthy. He incorporates evidence-based medicine to provide the latest up-to-date techniques such as allergy immunotherapy, biologic therapy, and oral immunotherapy.

    Dr. Sikka has treated thousands of patients and is committed to providing the best, personalized allergy care to the community.

  • The time is now to take advantage of your doctor visits! The key to effective medical treatment involves everyone being well-informed of their responsibilities in this process. Through the application of this knowledge, we will have a significantly increased understanding of patient-physician relationships as well as a simplified healthcare process, making it more accessible to all.

    Maximizing Your Provider Visit
    Speaker: Dr. Naveen Sikka, MD, Physician, US Allergy & Asthma

    Speaker Bio

    Dr. Naveen Sikka has been practicing in the field of allergy/immunology since 2008. Since completing his internal medicine and allergy/immunology training at the prestigious Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI, he has worked in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for 14 years. His expertise covers all areas of allergies and immunology, but he specializes in nasal and eye allergies, asthma, sinusitis, hives, angioedema, chronic coughing, eczema, primary immune deficiency, and allergies to food and medications.

    In his daily practice, he is dedicated to teaching patients about their allergies, so they are better prepared to stay healthy. He incorporates evidence-based medicine to provide the latest up-to-date techniques such as allergy immunotherapy, biologic therapy, and oral immunotherapy.

    Dr. Sikka has treated thousands of patients and is committed to providing the best, personalized allergy care to the community.

  • Join us for this insightful webinar on self-advocacy. Be your own advocate when it comes to getting the care you need. This webinar will help you understand the basics of insurance, learn about the different types of patient assistance and options for affording your healthcare, and more about how you as a patient can advocate for yourself and your care.

    Be Your Own Advocate
    Speaker: Elizabeth Johnson, CEO, MedicoCX

    Speaker Bio

    Elizabeth Johnson started her career in allergy and immunology and fell in love with the challenge of specialty medication access. Currently, she serves as Chief Executive Officer for MedicoCX, a group of independent specialists unified by patient-centric access to biologics in a timely and cost-effective manner, as well as President, and co-founder, of NAMAPA.

    Elizabeth is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) with a rich background in patient care and holds multiple certifications: Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Prior Authorization Certified Specialist (PACS), and Board-Certified Patient Advocate (BCPA). These certifications exemplify her knowledge of the most integral parts of medication access and the healthcare spectrum. Combining this knowledge with her love of training, Elizabeth has been able to successfully educate facilities and physician practices on the various methods of acquisition for injectable and infused biologics and biosimilar medications. Her efforts have resulted in millions of dollars of unrecognized revenue for medical practices across the US, all while maintaining the patient and their access to treatment as the highest priority.

  • Diet, exercise, and activity all impact our mental health and well-being, and the ultimate goal is to live life to the fullest. Join us for a unique webinar where we will discuss the importance of understanding food ingredient labels, the cons of a sedentary lifestyle, and the role that chiropractic care can play in the quality of life.

    Speaker: Dr. Grant Lisetor, Chiropractor, Greater Life Chiropractic

    Speaker Bio

    Dr. Lisetor received his undergraduate degree in nutrition in 2010. In 2014, he received his doctorate in chiropractic from Life University. He has been in private practice for the last 7 years. His Charlotte-based practice has grown to be one of the largest in the area. He has focused his career on serving and educating patients, allowing them to regain control of their health. The majority of his postgraduate education has centered around pediatric and perinatal chiropractic care. He is a board member of All Things Possible Medical Fundraising and personally takes on multiple philanthropic initiatives every year. One of the largest is an annual Thanksgiving drive where he oversees the preparation and delivery of over 300 meals on Thanksgiving Day in an effort to feed families that would likely go hungry otherwise.

  • Medicare Open Enrollment will be here before we know it. Join us for an insightful webinar where we will dive into everything there is to know about navigating this process. First time? Not a problem! Learn tips and tricks on how to prepare, enroll, and everything in between — whether this is your first time reviewing plans or this is something you do every year.

    Medicare Open Enrollment Preparation and Navigation
    Speaker: Julia Willis, Vice President, Maximus

    Speaker Bio

    Julia Willis currently serves as a Vice President of Maximus, leading the successful delivery of The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Contact Center Operations, which handles over 35 million customer inquiries annually, and she has over 11 years of government-financed healthcare experience, including Medicare and the Affordable Care Act. Julia Willis also serves on the Maximus Foundation Board of Directors and is a member of the Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation.

    She holds an exceptional track record for delivering at the speed and scale required to execute high-priority initiatives including successfully managing a qualified customer service workforce of more than 13,000 employees at its peak. Her transformative leadership style, customer experience knowledge, and deep health expertise have enabled ongoing innovation and operational efficiency wherever she serves.

  • WATCH HERE

    Tis the season for Marketplace Open Enrollment beginning November 1st. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry! Join us for this informational webinar on everything you need to know about Marketplace insurance and the Affordable Care Act. Let us help you navigate plan options so you can be confident when making your decision about health coverage in 2023.

    Speaker Bio

    Jessica first started as a corporate trainer in 2013 with Genera Dynamics Information Technology instructing customer service representatives (CSRs) about the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Marketplace and how to assist consumers throughout the process. Today, as a part of Maximus, Jessica supports Marketplace as a liaison between CMS and the Maximus contact centers. She works closely with CMS and its partners to help plan and track major initiatives and legislation and to understand the impact initiatives like the American Rescue Plan act have on CMS Marketplace offerings.