Are You Prepared for Life’s Surprises? Advice from a Board-Certified Patient Advocate

On April 10, 2025, at Ocean University Medical Center in Brick, NJ, Seawind Health Advocacy Group founder and board-certified patient advocate Stephanie “Stevie” Kiziukiewicz joined a panel of experts at a Lunch & Learn presented by the Brick Township Chamber of Commerce. The event, “Are You Prepared? Planning for Life’s Surprises,” was a collaborative discussion alongside Bob Brogan of Brogan Law Group and Tracy Grafton of Hackensack Meridian Health.

In her portion of the presentation, Stevie offered insight about navigating the healthcare system, protecting your financial wellbeing, and preparing critical documents ahead of a health crisis. Her message was direct and empowering: Ask questions, stand up for yourself, and don’t be afraid to demand answers. Because when life throws the unexpected your way, preparation and advocacy can make all the difference.

Key Takeaways from Stevie’s Presentation:

Speak Up in Healthcare Settings

If you or a loved one is in the hospital and facing a confusing discharge or a sudden change in treatment, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask to speak with a board-certified doctor. Use language like “unsafe discharge” if you feel the decision is premature. As Stevie reminded attendees, residents and nurses often follow protocols—but your questions and concerns can change the outcome.

Medical Bills: Don’t Panic

Stevie emphasized not to panic over your first round of hospital bills. Wait until insurance has processed claims. Always request an itemized bill and ask questions. Mistakes happen—especially when secondary insurance like Medigap is billed before Medicare. Stevie shared examples where a patient’s hospital stay generated $25 million in charges, and patient advocacy made the difference in correcting billing errors.

Documents Matter—Have Them Ready

If you or a loved one is hospitalized, critical documents should be easily accessible:

HIPAA forms
Advance Directives
Living Wills
POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment)
Medication list
Names and phone numbers of your top two trusted contacts

Stevie recommends placing these in a Ziploc bag on the refrigerator—emergency responders know to look there.

Prepare Your Family—Young and Old

If you’re a caregiver, adult child, or senior citizen, everyone should have a plan. College-aged children should sign HIPAA authorizations. Adult children should help their aging parents gather legal documents like Social Security cards, Medicare cards, and insurance information.

Stevie also highlighted the importance of having two named individuals for healthcare decisions—not just the eldest child or closest relative. Choose people who will honor your wishes.

Understand Your Medicare Coverage

Medicare Advantage plans are often misunderstood. Stevie explained how they limit coverage for physical, speech, and occupational therapy, and require frequent prior authorizations. She encouraged attendees to review their insurance annually and understand what’s actually covered. If you’re eligible for programs like Medicaid, the Medicare Savings Program, or state-based assistance, it’s worth exploring them.

“Loose Lips Sink Ships”: Choose Your Support Wisely

When selecting someone to attend a medical appointment with you, choose carefully. Not everyone who offers to help will keep your personal health information confidential. Stevie warned against relying on informal community volunteers or unvetted neighbors—especially when they might not respect your privacy or advocate for your best interests.

Hire the Right Help

If you need a caregiver, always go through a licensed home health agency in New Jersey. Never hire someone independently without proper taxes, liability coverage, or background checks. A fall or injury could expose you to legal risk.

Long-Term Care and Financial Planning

For those with long-term care insurance, Stevie advised consulting an elder law attorney before filing a claim to avoid triggering lower-value benefits too early. Policies vary greatly in benefit amounts and eligibility, so timing matters.

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What Do You Want for Your Life?

Stevie closed her talk by encouraging everyone to think about their five wishes—their medical, emotional, and spiritual care preferences. These conversations and documents aren’t just about death—they’re about ensuring your dignity and autonomy while living.

Even with a busy life and business to run, planning ahead means fewer surprises, better outcomes, and peace of mind for your family.

Stevie Kiziukiewicz serves individuals and families throughout Ocean and Monmouth County, New Jersey with compassion, professionalism, and decades of experience.