Winter Newsletter

📰 BU Today and Daily Free Press Articles!

Read more about our organization and stay up to date with our current projects in BU Today and The Daily Free Press!

Hear directly from our CEO, Tanusha Tholla, as she describes the motivation behind HealthPair and where we’re headed as an organization: “Oftentimes, youth are moving away from networks of family and caregiver support, far away to new places for a new job or college, and [are] left to navigate one of the most important aspects of life, our health and health care, on their own… We worked with board-certified patient advocates, health care researchers and pediatricians, among other experts in the field, to compile a semester-long curriculum on how to navigate health care, designed for college-aged or the transition-aged youth.”

Learn more about our BU co-curricular course here! And, if you’re a BU student, don’t forget to sign up for HUB CC 110 next Spring 📅

🌟 Udemy Course: Unlock Your Health Potential

With holidays just around the corner, what better time to gift your loved ones with our online Udemy course, Health Insurance 101?

We know firsthand that health insurance can be complex and intimidating. That’s why we’ve created our online, asynchronous course to break down everything YOU need to navigate your healthcare with confidence.

🎁 Exclusive offer: For a limited time, use code HOLIDAY for a near 50% off discount on our Udemy course starting today!

🦠 Flu and Covid Vaccines

Be honest, are you up to date with your flu and COVID vaccines? Unfortunately, it’s that time of year again – rates are starting to climb in Massachusetts!

Avoid holiday illness by getting your shots today through your PCP or at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. You can also check Boston’s vaccine finder to locate which options are closest to you! And if you’re worried about getting both at the same time, evidence has shown that it’s perfectly safe. What are you waiting for?

❄️ Winter Health Literacy Glossary 

Stay on fire this winter with five bite-sized insurance terms!

1. Out-of-Pocket Maximum

   • What it is:  The most you’ll pay in a plan year before your insurer covers 100% of costs.

   • Why it matters: It’s important to know when your insurer will start to cover your care, especially when selecting a plan!

2. In-Network vs. Out-of-Network

   • What it is: In-network providers have a deal with your insurer for lower, negotiated rates when it comes to your medical care. On the other hand, out-of-network providers aren’t contracted.

   • Why it matters: In-network care usually means lower costs (copays, deductibles) and easier billing for you. Out-of-network care typically results in higher out-of-pocket costs, less coverage, balance billing risks, and more paperwork.

3. Preauthorization

   • What it is: Your insurer’s sign-off before certain procedures or medications, ensuring that they are medically necessary, safe, and cost-effective (of course).

   • Why it matters: Ask your provider if something requires pre-approval to avoid surprise bills.

4. Explanation of Benefits (EOB)

   • What it is: A statement explaining what was billed, what your insurer paid, and what you owe.

   • Why it matters: Before the benefit year ends, be sure to review your EOB to catch billing errors. The last thing you’d want is to be charged for a service you didn’t receive!

5. Telehealth Visit

   • What it is: A remote doctor’s appointment via phone or video.

   • Why it matters: Stay out of the cold and skip the waiting room! See if your provider offers Telehealth options, especially if you live far away.

📝 Guest Columns: Share Your Expertise

We’re always looking for fresh perspectives from medical professionals, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone with insightful health knowledge to share. If you have a passion for writing and want to contribute to our HealthPair community, we’d love to hear from you!

If you're interested, please reach out with your ideas – let's collaborate!

As always, we wouldn’t be here without you – thank you so much for your continued support. HealthPair wishes you a happy holiday season and a healthy New Year! We’ll see you in 2026 💚