Refine Your Health Podcast

Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options before a crisis can make all the difference. In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon explains recent federal policy changes that may affect Medicaid long-term care eligibility, including new home equity rules beginning in 2028 and the current status of nursing home staffing standards. You'll also learn practi...

Recent federal healthcare policy changes have raised important questions about Medicare eligibility and coverage for certain immigrant populations. In this episode of Refine Your Health, Dr. Deon explains what changed under the 2025 federal reconciliation law, which groups may be affected, and why families, caregivers, and communities should pay attention. You'll learn about key implementation tim...

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 Me...

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...

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 co...

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 app...

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 stat...

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. Designe...

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. Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick acc...

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 decre...

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...

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.  Be...

May is considered National Asthma and Allergy  Awareness Month!  Asthma is impacting the lives of millions of Americans. Listen to this episode to learn some important information about asthma such as causes, risk factors and management  In addition, you will learn about some of the health disparities ,which  impact certain  ethnic groups with asthma when compared to others.  Congrats to  you on ...

Multiple Myeloma is the second most common blood cancer in the general population.   Check out this episode to learn more about this condition such as who is impacted the most by this disease, sign and symptoms, and the management of this disease.    Resources from the Multiple Myeloma Foundation: https://themmrf.org/resources/   Below is a link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick ac...

February is American Heart Month! Check out this latest episode to learn about a particular type of heart failure, congestive heart failure (CHF). This episode will provide you with quick information about congestive heart failure, such as who is at risk, symptoms  and ways to improve outcomes and even possibly decrease the risk of developing this health condition.  Share this episode with others...

Are you confused about what type of masks provide what type of protection? You are not alone! Check out this episode to learn about the recently updated guidelines about masks from the Center for Disease Control (CDC).  In addition, you likely will learn what will be the best mask option for you to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.   Resource regarding counterfeit respirators: https://www.cdc.gov/ni...

Do You Need Some Om In Your Life? Check out this episode to learn about yoga and some of its health benefits from my exciting interview with an expert, Deverell Austin.  Deverell Austin is a Yoga Teacher and Speaker, passionate about integrating yoga into schools, households, corporations and the healthcare system as a preventative and restorative medicine. Mr. Austin has been teaching Yoga for ov...

Is heartburn the same as reflux? Check out this episode to learn the answer! Reflux is a common medical condition experienced by many individuals in the United States. This episode will provide you with beneficial information about the causes, management and potential long-term complications of reflux. Congratulations on taking the steps to a healthier you.  Below is link to share with family/frie...

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Check out the episode to learn about who and when individuals should be screened. In addition, learn about the types of screening and the benefits of screening. In addition, please don't forget to check out my prior episode: episode #-5 Basics of Breast Cancer to learn more details about the disease and its impact on individuals.  Please click on the link...

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month! As I celebrate my one year anniversary of this podcast, I think this is a great topic to discuss for this special month. You will be able to gain some great insight about sickle cell including what is sickle disease, who is at risk,  and possible treatments. In addition, you will learn more details about sickle trait and is it considered  synonymous with s...

August is considered National Immunization Awareness Month! This episode will focus on why vaccines are important. In addition, you will learn more  about the recommended vaccines from infancy into adulthood. Hopefully, this episode will assist you on your journey to a healthier you. Please make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you can get the latest episode as soon as it is released.  Below is...

Whether it is a establishing care with a new physician or having a routine visit with your primary care physician/specialist , this episode is for you. Yes, showing up for your office visit may be half the battle, but there are some additional factors that play a role in making sure that you are prepared for your next office visit.  As you take the next steps to a healthier you, check out this epi...

Many adults in the U.S. report lack of the appropriate amount and quality of sleep.  Check out this episode to find out about the appropriate amount of sleep for your age, risks of insufficient sleep and ways to improve your sleep habits. Congratulations to you on taking  the 1st step toward a healthier you! Below is link to share with family/friends/colleagues for quick access to Refine Your Heal...

In continued support of Men's Health Month, which is recognized the entire month of June. This podcast episode focuses on Low-T or what is considered low testosterone. Statistics reveal that about 2 men in every 100 may have low-T? Could that be you?  Check out the episode to learn more about low-T including signs and symptoms, testing and possible treatments.  Below is link to share with family/f...

June is Men's Health Month! This episode will focus on high cholesterol, which often impacts men at an earlier age than woman.  Check out this episode to learn about what is high cholesterol and why it considered bad.  In addition, learn about potential risk factors, ways to manage and possibly prevent the  development of high cholesterol. Congratulations to you on taking the journey to a healthie...