Module 1: Demystifying the Dollar in Healthcare
This module breaks down the complex financial terms and concepts that often confuse patients. The goal is to make participants feel confident when discussing costs.
Lesson 1: The Healthcare ABCs: Premiums, Deductibles, and Copays
We'll define these key terms using relatable examples, like car insurance or a gym membership. A simple worksheet will help participants calculate their potential out-of-pocket costs based on a hypothetical medical visit.
Lesson 2: Sticker Shock vs. Real Price
This lesson reveals the difference between the inflated "list price" on a medical bill and the negotiated rate an insurance company actually pays. We'll discuss why this happens and how to get a more accurate estimate.
Lesson 3: The Economic Value of Prevention
This lesson directly connects the cost of a weight loss medication to the savings gained by avoiding future chronic conditions. We'll show a simple "before and after" cost comparison: the cost of preventative care (medical weight loss) versus the long-term, expensive management of conditions like heart failure or a stroke.
Module 2: A User's Guide to Your Healthcare Journey
This module gives participants a roadmap for finding and paying for care. It's about turning knowledge into action.
Lesson 1: Finding an Affordable Doctor
We'll teach participants how to navigate insurance company websites to find in-network providers. We'll also cover the importance of asking for a "good faith estimate" before a visit or procedure, which is a key patient right.
Lesson 2: Unlocking Financial Aid
This lesson provides a toolkit for finding and applying for financial assistance. We'll cover hospital charity care programs, medication manufacturer's patient assistance programs (PAPs), and other non-profit resources that can reduce costs. We'll provide a checklist of necessary documents to streamline the application process.
Lesson 3: Leveraging the Save a Heart Partnership
This lesson is a clear, step-by-step guide on how our organization helps. We'll explain that our referral to a partner clinic like California Living Medical Weight Loss can waive consultation fees and grant access to other services. This reinforces the tangible value of the organization.
Module 3: Becoming an Advocate for Yourself and Your Communi
The final module moves beyond personal navigation to community empowerment. It's about sharing knowledge and influencing change.
Lesson 1: Mastering the Medical Bill
Participants will learn to read and scrutinize a medical bill for common errors. We’ll provide a script for contacting a billing department to challenge a charge or negotiate a lower cost.
Lesson 2: From Patient to Advocate
This lesson encourages participants to share their knowledge with family and friends. We'll discuss how a shared understanding of healthcare economics strengthens a community's ability to demand more equitable care.
Lesson 3: The Bigger Picture
We'll conclude with a discussion on broader health policies and how they impact everyday lives. The goal is to help participants recognize that healthcare isn't just a personal issue — it's a systemic one — and that their voices can contribute to a healthier society for everyone.