AKG Advocacy

If you’re not sure where to begin, follow this step-by-step guide to get the most out of our resources

1. Start Here – Message from Our Founder

Before you dive into insurance and healthcare basics, start with A Message from Our Founder, Carley Cook. This page explains who Carley is, what inspired AKG Advocacy, and why this resource exists. It will help you understand the heart behind this work and how it’s meant to support you.

2. Next: Dive into Insurance Basics

Begin by learning the essentials of health insurance. This section explains key terms, helps you understand how coverage works, and includes overviews of:

• Medicare

• Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)

• Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

This foundation will make everything else on the site easier to understand.

3. Next: Tips for Dealing with Insurance Companies

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, explore our practical advice for communicating with insurers, documenting interactions, and getting results.

Here you’ll also find information on Insurance Gaslighting—how to recognize manipulative denial tactics, misleading explanations, or inconsistent reasoning—and how to respond professionally and effectively to protect your rights.

4. Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare

Self-advocacy isn’t only about insurance—it starts in the exam room. Learn how to prepare for appointments and assert your needs with these pages:

• Advocating Starts at Your Doctor’s Office – how to plan ahead, ask the right questions, and stand firm when your concerns are dismissed

• Pre-Appointment Checklist – what to bring, how to track symptoms, and how to ensure your voice is heard

• Patient Bill of Rights – understand your protections as a patient and what to do if those rights are ignored

• Chronic Pain Management – resources for patients struggling to get adequate pain care, including how to discuss treatment options confidently, address stigma, and respond if you’re unfairly labeled as “drug-seeking”

• Healthcare Provider Gaslighting – how to recognize medical gaslighting, real-world examples, and proven strategies to respond firmly but professionally. This section is broken down into healthcare provider gaslighting and health insurance gaslighting.

5. Advocating for a Loved One

Sometimes you’re not advocating for yourself—you’re advocating for someone you love. That can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

Visit the Caregiver Corner to learn how to navigate healthcare and insurance as a caregiver. Be sure to explore:

• The Caregiver Advocate Toolkits

• Templates to help you organize appointments, medications, and records

• The difference between Power of Attorney (POA) and HIPAA

Also check out the Templates page for downloadable tools such as tracking forms for medications, diagnoses, and provider contacts.

6. Stuck in the Prior Authorization or Appeals Loop?

We’ve got you covered. Visit:

• Steps to Take

• The Guidebook

• What “Medical Necessity” Really Means

• The Medicare Appeals Process
  
  

Don’t forget the List of Templates and Sample Documents to help you draft strong, evidence-based requests and appeals.

7. Save Time with Trusted Tools & Find Financial Assistance

Visit Research and Resources for websites, apps, and reference tools that make managing your care easier. You’ll also find a list of organizations that provide financial assistance.

8. Get Involved in Advocacy

Want to make a bigger impact? Visit Advocacy, Petitions, and Government Updates.

You’ll find ready-to-use letters and templates to contact policymakers and a curated list of professional contacts—no more digging for email addresses.

Connect with Us

Share your story, ask for help, or collaborate on future projects through the Contact and Additional Information page. Whether you want to be featured on our blog or need support in your current battle, we’d love to hear from you.

Need One-on-One Assistance? Contact Us!

Schedule a 20–30 minute phone call with us to go over your situation.

When you begin working with us one-on-one, we will ask you to complete a few forms, which may include:

• Demographics Form

• Release of Information

• Intake Form

• Other relevant documents

We may also ask for a photo or scan of the front and back of your insurance card(s). We request this information so we can help you as efficiently and effectively as possible. There is no fee for one-on-one meetings.

Once your paperwork is completed, please email:

• Completed forms

• Photos of the front and back of your insurance card

• Any documentation, EOBs, denial letters, or related records

to AKG.Advocacy@outlook.com.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. We’re here to walk with you. 💙