All Things Insurance with Vanessa de la Llama

In this episode of the NICU Alumni Podcast, Andrea Hickson speaks with Vanessa de la Llama, a licensed mental health counselor, about the complexities of navigating insurance and healthcare for families with NICU graduates. 

They discuss the importance of being proactive in seeking appointments, understanding insurance coverage, and the necessity of mental health support for parents. Vanessa emphasizes the need for self-care and especially for planning for post-NICU care. Their conversation also touches on the importance of early intervention services, the occasional need for letters of medical necessity, and effective communication with insurance providers.

Quick Notes from the Episode:

• Insurance is a major concern for families post-NICU.
• Finding the right specialist is crucial for ongoing care.
• Proactive planning when possible can ease the transition home.
• Early intervention services can significantly benefit children.
• Understanding insurance coverage can prevent unexpected bills.
• Use online tools like Psychology Today to find detailed listings for mental health professionals in the United States.

Additional Resources from Vanessa:

• Understanding Anxiety in Adults
• Understanding Depression in Adults
• Understanding Anxiety in Children and Teens
• Understanding Depression in Children and Teens
• Mindfulness

You can reach out to Vanessa through her instagram.

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A special thanks to the Prolacta Bioscience Foundation for supporting the NICU Alumni podcast!

You can also support our mission and help create brighter futures for babies that have graduated from the NICU (who we affectionately refer to as NICU Alumni) and their families by donating here.

The purpose of this podcast is for entertainment only and should not be viewed as medical advice.