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I am new to this site, but having been advocating since 2014 for myself, and 2015 for others.

Welcome!!!

Welcome!

Hi, I'm Amanda Trask, Founder of WellGuide Advocacy, LLC, based in southwestern New Hampshire. I provide patient advocacy services with a focus on chronic pain and complex health conditions, bringing together a background in acupuncture, pain neuroscience, and integrative and complementary health to help clients.

I started my career in higher education and added community health program implementation, with advocacy always in the back of my mind. Early on, the independent advocacy field in my area was small and hospital-based advocates dominated the landscape, so I held off. It took personal and family experience with the healthcare system, along with the disruption COVID brought, to finally push me to open my advocacy business.

I hold a Master's Degree in Acupuncture alongside a Master’s of Science in Pain Research, Education and Policy, and I have training in various alternative medicine modalities, stress management, biofeedback, and mindful meditation. I draw on all of it when it fits a client's needs and goals. I also serve as a community educator with The Care Partner Project, and regularly provide community education on both pain and advocacy.

I'm currently pursuing board certification through the PACB, and I'm genuinely here to learn as much as I hope to contribute. I look forward to connecting with you all and learning with and from you all.

Website: www.wellguideadvocacy.com/

Hi everyone, I’m Sheri Gaynor, and I’m so grateful to have found this group. Joining this community has truly helped confirm that starting my advocacy practice is the right next step for me, and I’m excited to learn from all of you along the way.

I’ve been a nurse since 1991, and my career has taken many different paths over the years based on the needs of my family and the experiences life brought my way. My background includes hospital nursing, home health, school nursing, case management, and working on the health plan side of healthcare. While my experience is diverse, caring for moms, babies, and children has always held a special place in my heart.

As my parents have gotten older, I’ve also developed a growing interest in Medicare, aging care, and helping families better understand and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Life has also shaped me personally in profound ways. In 2022, I lost my 22-year-old son to a fentanyl overdose, and that experience changed me deeply. It has strengthened my compassion, broadened my perspective, and reinforced my desire to support families during some of the most overwhelming and vulnerable moments of their lives.

I’m looking forward to connecting, learning, and growing alongside all of you. Thank you for welcoming me into this space.

Excited to join this group who speak the same language I do…Advocacy! 😀

I am a career nurse case manager with the last 20 years in hospital case management leadership. Retiring in December!

I owned an independent advocate business from 2019-2025. In 2026, I founded The American Senior Citizen, LLC to focus on written and video content expanding the reach for patients, families and caregivers who are seeking real-world solutions quickly.

I look forward to connecting, collaborating and celebrating the wins with all of you 👏

THANK YOU for sharing!

Wow, this conversation truly feels like a blessing! I’m actually in the middle of renewing my insurance policy, and after having to pay $2,500 last year, I’ve been really hoping to find something more affordable. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your comments and suggestions!

I'll add in to say that Biberk is who many advocates mention in the prior conversations on this topic as well.

And also double down on what Victoria said…
those advocates who are NP or PA tend to have the most complex challenges in figuring out insurance.
those who are MD/DO/DPT also may have some specific requirements

I don't and can't give any guidance on this topic; just sharing the themes from prior conversations.

Like Victoria and Jeff I switched to BiBerk and found them to be very reasonable in price.

Hi Marty! Your question is very interesting.

Medicare eligibility due to disability is usually connected to SSDI, not SSI. In most cases, once a person is approved for SSDI, there is a 24-month waiting period before Medicare coverage can begin.

Because every situation is different, the best next step would be for the patient to contact the Social Security Administration directly to confirm whether he may qualify for SSDI. My understanding is that the 40-quarter requirement is mainly related to retirement benefits, and SSA may apply different work-credit rules for disability benefits, especially for younger individuals who have not had enough time to build a long work history.

It may also be helpful for the patient to ask SSA to explain the possible benefits, limitations, and long-term impact before making a final decision. If disability benefits are approved at a young age, it may have future implications for earnings and benefits, so it is important that he receives guidance directly from SSA.

My suggestion is for the patient to call SSA, confirm his eligibility, ask about the pros and cons, and then decide whether moving forward with the SSDI application is the best option for his situation.

I truly hope this info helps you guide your patient toward the next steps that are best for her/his/their situation. Have a great day!

If someone is receiving SSI/SSDI under the age of 65 they will be eligible for medicare after 2 years. I would find out why the procedure is not covered and go from there.

I believe after 2 years they become eligible for Medicare. What’s their diagnosis and what is the procedure?

Thanks for sharing! And welcome to this space for fellow patient advocates!

This is an awesome background story behind your reason for advocacy

Good information to know. Thank you Dalia.

Good information. I have an investigative journalism piece on WISeR that will likely be published later this month and will share.

This is great information. Thank you Dalia.

Kim this is a great idea. Although I am not a social worker, I would love to join!

Hi Kim, I would love to join. Please add me to the event list. I look forward to talking soon! — Lauren

This is such a thoughtful and meaningful topic, Kim. You really made me reflect!

I’m not a social work advocate, but I truly enjoy learning from different perspectives and experiences. I’ll work on my list over the next three weeks so I can be ready for your roundtable.

Looking forward to it!

I'd love to attend

looks good.

Thanks so much for being here Kim, and also for being a great volunteer to GNA's Advocacy Support Center team!

Thank you for sharing such a powerful and personal story. Your message is an important reminder that every patient deserves dignity, respect, and compassionate care, regardless of their size or health condition. I appreciate your willingness to speak up for those who often feel unseen or unheard. You are a force!!!

Dalia,
First, i'm so incredibly sorry for what your family went through. NO ONE should ever be treatd that way, for any reason whatsoever.

Second, YES! THANK YOU for saying what is so often unsaid — that weight is about so much more than willpower.

My youngest was a competitive bicyclist. She regularly went, literally 100 miles in a day on her bike. When we were seeing docs about her post-exertional malaise and her orthostatic intolerance, EVERYONE tried to blame her weight. When i explained how fit the girl was, then they would blame overtraining and yet also somehow come back to it being due to her weight. Drove me CRAZY and drove her away from medical care for a long time.

THANK YOu for saying what needs to be said.

Nice to meet you, Sasha!
I noticed that your work is bilingual and accessible, and your profile also mentions that you understand Spanish, so I wanted to say: Mucho gusto, compañera. Muchas bendiciones para ti y tu familia.

Sasha,

I'm so glad you're here and that you introduced yourself! I now realize I never introduced myself, so I'm going to do that now! Kim

Sasha,
THANK YOU for such a great introduction! We're so glad you're here. we hope you find helpful information and connection with us here.

I do not know any SLPs in that area, however, you can check the state licensing board to see if they have a directory. shp.ohio.gov/for-the-public

also, here are advocates within 75 miles of that location that may have some guidance for you:
gnanow.org/advocates?search_type=speciality_id&speciality_id=18&locations=Columbus%2C+OH+43085%2C+USA&distance=75

Here are adovcates who are m ost likely to have those connections:

Angie Galatas, SLP gnanow.org/advocates/medi.html
Shlomit Liberty, SLP gnanow.org/advocates/shlomit.html
Hannah Klassy, SLP of Dementia Dimensions gnanow.org/advocates/hannah-klassy.html

Casandera,
Thank you SOOO much for sharing this!

If you don't mind, I'd love to add a few thoughts…

1. If a newer advocate is looking to get out of their comfort zone, to learn types of things clients ask and to connect with other advocates, please contact me about volunteering with GNA's Advocacy Support Center («ASC»). We aren't a live hotline, but advocates are talking to real clients in need, helping to route them to the best resources.

2. If any advocate ever has a case they need help finding other advocates to consult, to contract under, or to make a warm handoff — again the ASC is here for you. POSTS LIKE THIS ARE IDEAL — and also, you're very welcome to ask our team to do a deep dive search of our directory and look for advocates who have the knowledge you're seeking.

Hav a GREAT day and thanks again for posting!