Refine Your Health Podcast

Episode #41: Healthcare Changes Affecting Immigrant & Mixed-Status Families

Changes affecting immigrant communities and mixed-status families continue to create confusion, fear, and uncertainty around healthcare access and coverage.

In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we discuss:

• How recent healthcare policy and funding changes may affect immigrant families
• Why mixed-status households are often unsure about eligibility rules
• Common concerns surrounding Medicaid, Medicare, and state-funded programs
• The impact fear and misinformation can have on seeking medical care
• Why understanding your options and asking questions matters

Many individuals and caregivers are navigating complicated healthcare systems while also trying to protect their families and avoid unintended consequences.

This episode is intended to provide general educational information and encourage informed healthcare conversations — not legal advice or individualized eligibility determination.

If you or your family feel overwhelmed trying to understand healthcare information, MYMEDI-PAL provides educational patient advocacy support to help patients and caregivers better understand healthcare systems, medical information, and questions to discuss with providers or appropriate agencies.

Learn more at www.mymedipal.com

Disclaimer

This podcast episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, financial, insurance, or immigration advice. Policies and eligibility rules may change over time and vary by state and individual circumstances. Listeners should consult qualified professionals or appropriate agencies regarding their specific situation.

Episode #40: Medicaid Redetermination: How to Avoid Losing Coverage

Medicaid renewals are back, and many people are losing coverage due to missed paperwork—not because they no longer qualify.

In this episode, we break down what redetermination means, why it’s happening now, and the simple steps you can take to protect your coverage or support a loved one.

You’ll learn:
• What Medicaid redetermination is
• Why people are losing coverage
• How to avoid gaps in care
• What to do if coverage is denied

Need help navigating next steps? Visit www.mymedipal.com
👉 Schedule a Clarity Call
👉 Download the Free Appointment Preparation Cheat Sheet 

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid policy discussions as of 2026. Policy implementation may vary by state. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice.

Episode #39: Medicaid Copays — What the $35 Rule Could Mean for Families

Could Medicaid copays reach $35 per visit? In this episode, we break down how new federal policy could change cost-sharing and what the 5% income cap may mean for families.

Download the Medicaid Copay Impact Worksheet:
Visit www.mymedipal.com - go to Downloads section to access free worksheet 

Episode Summary

In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain how potential Medicaid copay changes discussed in the federal reconciliation law could affect healthcare costs for some Medicaid enrollees. While implementation will depend on state policies, the proposal allows copays of up to $35 per service, with total monthly copays generally limited to 5% of household income.

In this episode we discuss:

• What the proposed $35 copay rule means

• How the 5% household income cap works

• Which services may remain exempt from copays

• Why implementation may vary by state

• How to estimate potential monthly copays

Educational Support

For additional information about Medicaid policy and navigation topics discussed in this episode, visit:
www.mymedipal.com 

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid policy discussions as of 2026. Policy implementation may vary by state. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice.

Episode #38: Medicaid Work Requirements — What 80 Hours a Month Really Means

Medicaid work requirements are often described as simple — work, volunteer, or train for 80 hours a month. But in reality, these rules can be confusing, inconsistent, and difficult to navigate, especially for caregivers, people with chronic illness, or those in unstable jobs.

In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain what Medicaid work requirements actually mean, who they apply to, who is exempt, and why so many eligible people lose coverage because of reporting issues — not because they failed to comply.

This episode is especially important for adults in states considering or implementing work-related Medicaid policies.

In this episode, we cover:

• What “80 hours per month” really includes

• Who is required to report work or activities

• Common exemptions (caregivers, disability, illness, pregnancy)

• Why reporting — not work — is the biggest barrier

• How paperwork and missed deadlines can lead to coverage loss

• What to do if coverage is suspended or terminated

Educational support:
For educational support and access to related information discussed in this episode — including optional updates — visit www.mymedipal.com.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid rules and policies as of 2026. Medicaid work requirements have been enacted under federal law but are not yet in effect nationwide, as implementation is scheduled for a future date and may vary by state. This episode discusses upcoming requirements, state-level considerations, and historical context to help listeners understand how such policies may affect coverage once enforced. This episode does not provide medical or legal advice. No personal health information is collected or shared.

Episode# 37: Medicaid Eligibility Explained (2026) — Who Qualifies, Coverage Gap & Income Rules

Medicaid eligibility can be confusing — especially when income limits, state rules, and federal policy overlap. In this episode of Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon, we explain who qualifies for Medicaid, how traditional Medicaid differs from Medicaid expansion, and why millions of adults fall into the Medicaid coverage gap.

This episode breaks down how income, Federal Poverty Level (FPL), and state decisions affect access to Medicaid and marketplace coverage in 2026. If you’ve ever been told you earn “too much” or “too little” for health coverage, this episode explains why — and what it means for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Medicaid eligibility requirements in 2026

• Who qualifies for traditional Medicaid

• What the Medicaid coverage gap is and why it exists

• Why some adults are ineligible for marketplace subsidies

• How Medicaid rules vary by state

• Educational support:
  For educational support and access to related information discussed in this episode, visit www.mymedipal.com

• Disclaimer:
  This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and reflects Medicaid rules and policies in effect as of 2026. It does not provide medical or legal advice. No personal health information is collected or shared.

We’re Back: Relaunching Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon

Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon returns after a two-year hiatus with a renewed focus on preventive care, improving health outcomes, and empowering communities through health education and advocacy. Hosted by Dr. Deon, a primary care physician and healthcare advocate, this relaunch trailer introduces the updated direction of the podcast and what listeners can expect in the upcoming season.

Designed for patients, caregivers, and community members seeking reliable, evidence-based health information, this podcast breaks down complex medical topics into clear, actionable insights. From disease prevention and wellness strategies to navigating today’s healthcare system, Refine Your Health with Dr. Deon helps listeners take control of their health with confidence.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other major platforms. Share this episode with someone who’s ready to take a proactive approach to their health.

Episode# 36 - What’s Allergic Rhinitis?

Do you have seasonal allergies ( hay fever) or know someone who does? This is the episode for you! Check out this episode to learn about what is allergic rhinitis, common triggers, and typical treatments.  This is a great episode to listen to as we enter the spring and summer months when this condition can be the most prevalent.

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Refine Your Health Podcast 

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Episode #35 - What is a Heart Healthy Nutrition Plan?

February is American Heart Month! Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States for both men and women. This episode focuses on making a healthier lifestyle choice with a healthy nutrition plan, which includes a type of heart healthy plan called the DASH diet plan. Check out this episode for quick information about what is the DASH plan and how it provides health benefits in decreasing risk of heart disease and/or improving health outcomes in individuals living with heart disease.

 Resource Link for Heart Healthy Foods at Local Grocer:

https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/heart-check-foods

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Episode #34 - Why is RSV Bad Now?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infection has become a major concern over the past few weeks. There have been recent reports about emergency rooms being overwhelmed and hospitals reaching bed capacity due to significant increases in RSV infections especially among children.  Check out this episode to learn more about RSV, including reason behind possible spike in cases within the U.S., who is at higher risk for severe infection, and ways to decrease the spread. 

Link for further information via Center for Disease Control (CDC): 

https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/index.html

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Episode #33 - Monkeypox - Is It Deadly ?

Since early May 2022, cases of monkeypox have been reported from countries where the disease is not commonly seen, including the United States. Therefore, this podcast episode focuses on providing a better understanding of the recent outbreak of the monkeypox virus, such as what is monkeypox, how it spreads, symptoms and preventative measures.  Please do not forget to subscribe to the podcast. 

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Refine Your Health Podcast 

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