Nurtured By Vine – January 2026

Happy New Year! As we transition into 2026, we want to ensure your billing remains seamless. Please take a moment to review these three important reminders regarding your coverage and account:

Key Things to Consider:

• Insurance Updates: Many policies change on January 1st. Even if you are with the same provider, your Member ID or Group Number may have changed. Please notify us immediately of any changes to avoid billing delays.
• Deductibles Reset: Most deductibles reset on January 1, 2026. This means your out-of-pocket costs will likely increase until your deductible is met. Once reached, your standard copay or coinsurance will apply.
• Contact Information: If you have moved or changed your phone number recently, please let us know so we can keep your records current.

Understanding Your Billing Cycle

At Vine Counseling Center, we prioritize financial transparency. Because we coordinate directly with insurance providers to minimize your upfront costs, our billing follows a specific timeline rather than a “pay-at-the-door” model.

Key Things to Know:

• No Immediate Charges: You will not be billed at the time of your appointment.
• Insurance First: Our billing partner, Medical Office Services, Inc. (MOS), submits a claim to your insurance provider immediately following your session.
• The EOB Timeline: We wait to charge your account until we receive the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer. This document details exactly what your insurance covered and confirms your specific financial responsibility.
• Card Charges: Because we wait for insurance processing, the charge to your credit, debit, HSA, or FSA card reflects dates of service from earlier periods. There is no direct date-of-service link on the day the charge appears.

This summer, our family traveled to Wabakimi Fishing & Canoeing Outfitters, a place known for its vast wilderness, pristine lakes, and incredible opportunities for fishing and canoeing. For us, this trip was an adventure shaped by the reality of traveling with a disability and the belief that inclusion makes experiences richer and more meaningful.

My son, Gavin, and husband, Jim, have made this trip many times before. They know the lakes, the campsites, and paddling across long stretches of water. Over the years, Gavin has gained confidence and expertise in his outdoor skills, learning from experience and growing more capable with each adventure. For years, they talked about the beauty of Wabakimi and how much it meant to them. Gavin asked Kenny and me, Aimee (mom), to join them on this year’s trip. He wanted us to experience Wabakimi as they have over the past 10 years.

Planning this trip required extra thought and preparation. We considered accessibility, safety, and how to balance the physical demands of canoeing and camping with the unique needs of our family member with a disability. At Wabakimi, we found a community willing to listen, adapt, and provide resources, allowing us to participate in the journey together. Along the way, we met amazing people, including everyone at Wabakimi Fishing & Canoeing Outfitters and fellow travelers—whose kindness and encouragement made the experience more meaningful.

Gavin and Jim guided us with their knowledge and enthusiasm, while Kenny and I (mostly) embraced the challenges and joys of trying something new. Fishing and canoeing turned into lessons in patience and celebration, while evenings around the campfire consisted of sharing dinner and exploring our campsite. The disability did not prevent us from having an adventure—it simply meant we approached it differently, leaning on one another and adjusting as needed.

There were real challenges, too. The portages were demanding—lifting canoes onto shoulders, balancing heavy backpacks, and hiking uneven trails tested all of us. Sometimes the weight felt overwhelming, and the distance seemed endless. We all felt the strain and admitted we missed home comforts. To push through, we celebrated the small victories, including a rest at the end of a portage, taking pictures of the landscape, and even the reward of a Pepsi to keep spirits up and remind us that persistence pays off.

One of the most memorable moments came when Gavin and I went through the rapids. I ended up in the rushing water, and Gavin was understandably frustrated by our canoe upending in the rapids. But after taking a moment to regroup, he turned to fishing. From that, he caught the biggest fish he’s ever caught—transforming his frustration into triumph and giving us all a moment to celebrate.

Traveling with a disability underscores the importance of inclusion in outdoor recreation. For us, the trip was a time to spend together as a family, no matter what our abilities are, and to share in an adventure that belonged to all of us. Too often, families can feel excluded from opportunities because of physical or logistical barriers. Our experience at Wabakimi showed us that when inclusivity is prioritized, adventure is not limited to some but open to all. The memories we created together—catching fish, paddling, hiking rugged trails, and goofing around—allowed us to have an adventure that isn’t defined by perfection but by participation, connection, and the freedom to explore together.