To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Ventura and San Diego Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jan. 22, 2024, and ending Mar. 25, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Feb. 3, 2024, and ending Apr. 4, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Alameda, Butte, Glenn, Lake, Mendocino, Monterey, Sacramento, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Sonoma, and Sutter Counties affected by the winter storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Feb. 3, 2024, and ending May 21, 2024. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
On Feb. 21, 2024, the cyber event reported by Change Healthcare, a company that assists healthcare providers with claims submissions and payments, has created a significant impact to health care providers, including hospitals, individual practitioners, practice groups, diagnostic centers, laboratories, and pharmacies. We have determined Aflac’s primary operations are not impacted. Further, Aflac and its subsidiaries do not have any direct connection to Change Healthcare systems in any of Aflac’s systems or applications. At this time, we are not aware of any impact to customer data but we are monitoring for any communications from our critical third-party suppliers. While Change Healthcare’s cyber event was not directed at Aflac, we will provide flexibility with claims submissions related to this incident should it be needed. If you believe you have a claim impacted by Change Healthcare’s event, please contact Aflac at 800-992-3522.
Teosha Harrison’s best friend, Lola, was 28 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. For 10 years, Teosha was at Lola’s side — to support and encourage her every step of the way through her cancer journey. Teosha was not only a friend to Lola, but also an advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection. Sadly, Lola passed away. Soon after, Teosha had her first mammogram at age 38.
Knowing your body
A few months after the mammogram, Teosha noticed a lump in one of her breasts but dismissed it as scar tissue from a medical procedure two years prior. During a visit to the doctor for swimmer’s ear, she mentioned the lump to her physician, who encouraged her to have it checked right away. On Sept. 18, 2018, Teosha was diagnosed with Stage 1A Progesterone Positive Breast Cancer.
“I knew something wasn’t right because I know my body. I discovered the lump after a self-check,” said Teosha. “Knowing your body is so important because it can help you talk to your doctor and get in front of something like breast cancer.”
Walking through the darkness of breast cancer
Teosha’s type of cancer had the propensity to spread quickly. Her treatment journey began with eight rounds of aggressive chemotherapy followed by a double mastectomy. The treatment was challenging, both physically and mentally. The disruption of breast cancer had stripped her independence.
“Before I was diagnosed, I was on the go. My three sons were really active in basketball and band. I was working full time. Everyone leaned on me,” said Teosha. “Honestly, some days I thought dying would have been easier than enduring the physical and mental fight cancer presented. There were sad, dark times and low valley moments. But then I realized I was not walking alone. It was hard for me to accept help, but I did, thanks to the encouragement of my mother. It was humbling as I began to lean on others.”
Finding light in the darkness
Teosha’s supporters rallied around her as she completed treatment, surgery and reconstruction. As her life was getting back on track, Teosha lost her father and faced other personal challenges that inspired her to shift her perspective.
“After overcoming breast cancer and the other obstacles in my life, I found strength to become the best version of myself that I could be,” said Teosha. “Cancer changed me completely. I liked the old Teosha, but she was gone. I didn’t have to be a diminished version of myself. I am different now, and that’s okay. I am still Teosha but stronger than ever before!”
Unapologetically, Totally Teosha
Teosha used to be her biggest critic. Now, she’s her biggest fan.
“I am not the person I was before cancer. Some days, I don't know who I am, and I give myself grace,” said Teosha. “I had to walk through sadness and pain to rediscover myself. I’m now unapologetically ‘Totally Teosha, Stronger Than Before.’”
Teosha Harrison journal for flip book
In October 2023, Teosha will reach a milestone — five years since diagnosis — and will be in remission. She will mark the occasion with Aflac colleagues who will join her to participate in the 33rd annual Walk for Life, a breast cancer fundraising and awareness event in Columbia, South Carolina.
“I’m excited to be on Team Aflac at Walk for Life,” said Teosha. “And hearing the word ‘remission’ has been a long time coming. I’m looking forward to it.”
Teosha Harrison, who has been in the insurance industry for more than 25 years, is an implementation manager on the Client Onboarding and Implementation team at Aflac in Columbia, South Carolina.
This article contains the personal story and opinions of an Aflac employee, who is also an Aflac policyholder. This information is not intended to portray any specific benefits or details of Aflac cancer insurance (also known as specified-disease insurance in some states) and is not a solicitation for insurance.
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