AHN News | October 2019
Your monthly news & updates from AHN!
What you need to know...
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their life time 

  • Mammograms have helped reduce breast cancer mortality by 40% since 1990

  • Annual mammograms can detect cancer early when it is most treatable 
Get FREE Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment
Women's Health Connection
The Women’s Health Connection (WHC) program administered by Access to Healthcare Network provides breast and cervical cancer screenings and diagnostic services to low-income women who are uninsured or underinsured (cannot afford the cost of care). Thanks to the generosity of WHC providers, Nevada women who meet certain qualifications may be eligible to receive free cervical and breast cancer screenings at no charge.

Women's Health Connection covered breast services:
  • Clinical breast exams: An exam of the breast done by a doctor to find lumps and changes in the skin.
  • Mammogram: An x-ray picture of the breast. Mammograms are the best way to detect cancer early before it causes symptoms.
  • Diagnostic Mammogram & Ultrasound after and abnormal screening result: A diagnostic mammogram may include more x-rays than the original mammogram. An Ultrasound can be used to look at a specific area of the breast.
  • Care Coordination Services: After any abnormal findings, a Women’s Health Connection care coordinator will help you navigate through your care until you obtain your diagnosis.
*NEW at AHN*
Access to Health Podcast
Hosted by Sherri Rice, CEO
Andy Pasternak, MD, MS is a practicing family medicine physician with Silver Sage Center.

Join Pasternak as he discusses the Opioid crisis with Sherri Rice, AHN CEO.
Nick Martinez is Community Relations Manager for the Ryan White Program with Access to Healthcare Network. Alisha Barrett is Ryan White Grant Administrator for Clark County Social Services.

Join Sherri Rice, Martinez and Barrett as they discuss HIV in Nevada and what the Ryan White program does for our communities.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Since its inception in 1993, SHIP has become known as a trusted source for unbiased information about Medicare and related insurance providers, fraud and abuse, and consumer assistance.

SHIP staff and volunteers operate throughout the state providing services to Nevada's beneficiaries.

What SHIP does?
  • EDUCATION: Provide unbiased information to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers about Medicare and related health insurance benefits.
  • ASSISTANCE: Help with enrolling or changing Medicare Part D plans.
  • HERE TO HELP YOU: We cannot sell anything--we only provide information on your Medicare options.
  • OUTREACH: We offer presentations at Senior Centers, Health Fairs, agencies, and many other outreach events.
Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 - December 7
Open Enrollment is from October 15th through December 7th every year.

If you use the Open Enrollment period to choose a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan, that new coverage will begin on January 1.

Call SHIP at 844.826.2085 for one-on-one assistance with your Medicare plan. SHIP services are free and unbiased, we won’t pressure you into a plan or sell you any health insurance products.
Meet Our Board - Carol Ann Surprenant
Carol Ann Surprenant has been with the AHN Board of Directors since August 2018. She chose to become a board member due to her love for the non-profit aspect and opportunity to give back to her community.

Surprenant says, "I love that I am part of an amazing team of people that strive to take each and every subject we discuss very personal and every decision we make is made with sincere care for each and every member and our community.”

Surprenant has been in dentistry since 1981 and has been practicing in Reno since 1992. She has been an Office Manager in two office's here in Reno and has helped trained staff for doctors in our area both for front office and back dental operatory positions.  
National Healthcare News
Need for More RNs Growing
The job market for Registered Nurses is projected to increase by 15% from 2016 to 2026. One of the reasons is an increased demand for healthcare services as the population ages. Another reason is because of financial pressure from hospitals to discharge patients as quickly as possible. This may result in a greater amount of people being admitted to outpatient care centers, long-term care facilities, and a larger need for care at home. Additionally, growth at outpatient care centers, where patients do not stay overnight, is estimated to be higher than average.
25 Percent of Health Care Spending Is Waste: JAMA
About one quarter of all health care spending in the U.S. is waste, according to a new study released in JAMA last week. The estimated cost ranged from $760 billion to $935 billion from January 2012 to May 2019. What is driving the numbers? Waste is mostly due to failure of care delivery, failure of care coordination, over treatment or low-value care, pricing failure, fraud and abuse, and administrative complexity. The lead author was William Shrank, Humana's chief medical officer. He and his colleagues say the waste is paid for through higher premiums, out-of-pocket spending, and taxes. 
Access to Healthcare Network is a registered 501(c)3 Nonprofit
Consider making a tax-deductible donation to AHN!
Learn more about our programs: