August 2026 PULSE

The The PULSE PULSE COMMUNITY INMOTION

Address

More Than a Profession More Than a Profession

The work we do matters. The people we serve matter.

There are moments when it is worth pausing to reflect onwhoweareandwhatwedo.

Every day, people walk through the doors at PTSMC seeking help. Some are athletes trying to return to competition. Others are grandparents who want to pick up a grandchild without pain. Some are workers hopingtoreturntoajobtheylove.Otherssimplywant to walk farther, move better, or regain the confidence that an injury, illness, or surgery has taken away.These areourpeople.

Physical therapy is often described in terms of exercises, treatment plans, outcomes, and evidencebased care. In general, I am good with that. The conceptsdefineourprofessionandsupportourability to deliver exceptional results. Yet the true value of whatwedoextendsfarbeyondthewallsofourclinics

We are a community of people dedicated to improving the quality of people's lives.

That mission is powerful because it connects every role in our organization Whether in the clinicians and patient facing, or behind the scenes administrative support, each play a part in helping someone take a steptowardabetterlife.Whileourresponsibilitiesmay differ,ourmissionisshared.

What makes physical therapy unique is that we often have the opportunity to witness transformation firsthand. We see the patient who arrives frustrated and discouraged return with renewed hope. We celebrate milestones that may seem small to others but represent life-changing victories to the individual achievingthem.Afirstpain-freewalk.Areturntowork. Asuccessfulseason Afamilyvacationenjoyedwithout limitations

Those moments remind us that we are not simply treating injuries. We are helping people reclaim pieces of their lives.

The impact reaches even farther. When we help one personrecover,thebenefitspreadstofamilies,friends, coworkers, teammates, and entire communities. The positive change created by our work extends well beyond the patient standing in front of us. It creates a ripple effect that is difficult to measure but impossible toignore.

Your dedication and commitment places us in a unique position within the communities we serve. We coach, educate, encourage, and advocate. We sponsor local events, volunteer our time, support charitable causes, and invest in the places where we live and work Being part of this organization means more than providing healthcare services It means being an active and positiveforcewithinourcommunities

The main feature of this PULSE, is one example of the amazing things our people are doing for their communities ThereissomuchhistoryofPTSMCclinics and staff going above and beyond to support others What our people do to support people is unmatched. I encourage you to flip to the main feature, where we hear from Elena Kelleher about bringing together her passionsforacause.

Thank you for the skill, compassion, energy, and commitment you bring each day. The work we do matters. The people we serve matter. And together, we arehelpingcreatehealthier,strongercommunities.

Thanks for all you bring to those we serve!

Elena Kelleher, Janet Tarasuk, Amanda Leiss & Marilex Harwood

Getting

SavetheDate

the Most Out of Your

UHC Benefits

Enrolled in one of PTSMC’s UnitedHealthcare (UHC) medical plans? Join a “Getting the Most Out of Your UHC Benefits” webinar to learn how to make the most of your coverage

UHC representatives will share helpful tips, tools, programs, and resources available to you and your family

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 11:30 AM - 12:00PM

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 3:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Look out for email communications to sign up for a date!

DISCOUNTEDEDGE FITNESSMEMBERSHIPS ARELIVE!

AnewPTSMCemployeeperkishere!PTSMCemployees cannowaccessdiscountedmembershipratesatThe EdgeFitnessClubs.

READYTOJOIN?

AvailabletoallPTSMCemployees,includingcurrent Edgemembers

RegisterinpersonatanyCTEdgelocation

Bringtheflyeronpage3ofthepackettoreceive discountedpricing

CLICKHEREforfulldetailsandtheregistrationflyer.

Youcanalsofindtheflyerinthe: PTSMCBenefitsHub → Perks&Programs.

Mileage Reimbursement Increase

Effective August 1st

TheIRSstandardmileageratehasincreasedfrom72.50to76centspermile. PTSMCmileageexpensesfromAugust1,2026,forwardwillfollowthenew rate.PTSMC'supdatedreimbursementformswillbeavailableinADP BeonthelookoutforanemailfromSandraBoccialettiwithmoreinformation!

Employees pg 6

Spotlight: Meagan Hoffman, Westbrook Assistant Director

Main Feature pg 7-8

Community in Motion

Highlights & Happenings pg 9-13

CIA Report pg 14

Smarter Tools, Better Documentation

Money Beat pg 15-16

Federal Student Loans: The Rules Have Changed

Clinicians Corner pg 17-18

Gans SOP Test: An Assessment For Uncompensated Vestibulopathy

August DEI Forum

Thursday, August 27 2:30-3:00 PM

Topic: Ageism: What is it? How do we navigate it? RSVP by email to: Marilex.Harwood@ptsmc.com

BENEFITSHUB PTSMC’S

Whatyou’llfind:

Information about your PTSMC benefits

Resources to support you through life's important milestones and transitions

Mental, physical, and financial wellness tools

On-demand resources and helpful guides

United Healthcare programs and member resources

Employee perks, discounts, and additional support programs

HR and benefits contacts when you need assistance

Melissa Borsey

Ella Bowman

Om Brown

Jaiden Cavallo

Lillian Chapman

Jessica Cherwin

Savannah Diogostine

Abigail Fishbein

Chantel

Amanda Funari

Issac Gran

Brooke Kiazim

Ivelisse

Brenda

Caitlyn

Maeghan

Myelle

Kiely

WelcomeBack!

Not Pictured New Employees

Kareem Davis, Middletown PT Aide

Lauren Nones, Watertown PT Aide

Victoria Serna- Schuller, Plainville PT Aide

Congratulations to Mike Popolizio on his promotion to Glastonbury Assistant Director!

The Front Desk Training Team has expanded! Joining existing trainers Amanda Leiss (Wallingford PSA) and McKenzie Daniels (Newington PSA), are Alex Signore (Guilford PSC), Lauren Zehnder (Essex PSA, not pictured), and Megan Morgan (Manchester PSC) Led by Stevie Fell, (Operations Coordinator) this team of experienced front desk staff will support new hire onboarding, provide ongoing education for current team members, and serve as a go-to resource for front desk questions and process guidance.

They will be helping ensure every front desk team has the tools and support they need to succeed, through sharing best practices, reinforcing workflows, and helping create a consistent experience across all locations. Just as importantly, this expansion was about creating a meaningful growth opportunity for our nonclinical team members to develop their leadership skills while making a lasting impact across the organization. Stevie is looking forward to this groups’ expertise reaching each clinic and patients. She is already thankful for the time and efforts they will spend one on one training and helping other front desk staff members.

onherpromotionto PatientServices AdministratorinNewHaven!

MichaelastartedworkinginNewHavenasaPTAidein2024andquickly distinguishedherselfasadeeplycaring,smart,andhardworking individual.Thesecharacteristicsleadtohertwopreviouspromotionsof PCCandthenPSClaterthatyear.AsaPSCshecontinuedtogrow tremendouslyandbecamethego-topersonforallthingsfrontdeskand schedulerelated.Herexperienceinthegymandatthefrontdeskhave givenherawell-roundedperspectiveonboththepatientcareand administrativesidesofPTSMC.Inhernewrole,Michaelawilltakeon expandedofficeoperationsresponsibilitieswhilesteppingintoalarger leadershiprolewithintheclinic.Sheisespeciallyexcitedfortheopportunitytosupporttheteaminnewways andcontinuehelpingcreateapositive,efficientexperienceforpatientsandstaff.

Asaleader,sheholdsherselftoahighstandardandvaluesbeingapositiveexampleforthosearoundher. MichaelasharedthatsheabsolutelylovesworkinginNewHaven,wheresheenjoysworkingwithallofthe incrediblestaffeachday. FredHavlicek,NewHavenPartner,remarked“Michaelaperfectlyembodiesour“PT forLife”culture.Patientsandstaffloveher.Shemakesusallbetterandweareallthankfulforallhertalents andcontributions”.

Congratulationsto LexiShafmanonherpromotionto PatientServices AdministratorinWestbrook!

SincejoiningtheteaminNovember2024,Lexihasbeenafamiliarand welcomingpresenceforeveryonearoundher.Herpositiveattitudeand commitmenttocreatinganoutstandingpatientexperiencehavemade heraninvaluablepartoftheWestbrookteam.Inhernewroleshewill makeagreaterimpactbytakingonleadershipresponsibilitiesatthe frontdesk,helpingtosupportclinicoperationsandcontinuingtofostera positiveandpatient-centeredenvironment.Lexisharedthatsheismost excitedabouttheopportunitytogrowasaPSA:“Withthisnewrole,I havemoreofaleadershipposition“upfront”.Iamlookingforwardto learningandgrowingasaleader.”ShebelievesherexperienceatPTSMChaspreparedherwellforthis transition.

Workingcloselywithpatientshasstrengthenedherabilitytoadapttochangingsituations,communicate effectively,andtacklechallengeswithconfidence.Theseskillshavehelpedherbuildstrongrelationshipsand contributetothesuccessoftheclinic.WhenaskedwhatsheenjoysmostaboutworkingatWestbrook,Lexi pointedtotheconnectionsshehasbuiltalongtheway:“IhavefeltincrediblysupportedbythepeopleIwork with,andItrulyenjoygettingtoknowthepatientswhocomethroughourofficeeachday.” ScottCameron, WestbrookPartner,sharedhisexcitementforLexi’spromotion:“Lexihasconsistentlydemonstratedapositive attitude,exceptionalorganization,andagenuinecommitmenttohelpingbothourpatientsandteam.Her reliability,positiveenergy,andpatient-firstmindsethavemadeheravaluablememberoftheteam,andwe're excitedtoseeherthriveinthisnewrolesupportingourpatientsandclinicoperations.”

SPOT SPOT LIGHT LIGHT

Meagan Meagan Hoffman Hoffman

Just over a year ago, Meagan Hoffman became the Assistant Director in Westbrook. She joined the team back in 2015 and has been a constant there ever since. Meagan manages Westbrook’s PT Aide schedules and is the Prompt Champion. She is passionate about helping clinical staff build confidence in their documentation skills, ensuring compliance through review and support, and mentoring new team members as they acclimate to the clinic and get into their own rhythm.

Aside from the team, Meagan’s favorite thing about Westbrook is the p She has a lot of repeat patients who have been coming to the clinic for many years (Can you say PT For Life!?) She currently enjoys treating patients who need the LSVT Parkinson’s Program She obtained this certification in 2024 after a long-term patient of hers was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Together with Heidi Bridge (Westbrook PTA), they work together to treat a number of patients in need through the 16-visit protocol Seeing how much these patients improve when they come back for a check-in a few months later is really rewarding

Meagan grew up in CT and currently lives in Niantic with her husband Jeff and two daughters, who are seven and five years old She went to Springfield College for their 3 & 3 undergrad-doctorate PT program where she was also a cheerleader! She says this tends to come as a surprise to people since she’s a quieter person, yet she spent 15 years cheering. Now, her oldest daughter has started to cheer, which has been so much fun to experience together. She had her first competition recently, which was just as cute as you can imagine!

As a family, the Hoffmans love to go to the beach, and spend most of their free time out in the sand or on the water. Meagan grew up going to her family’s beach cottage in Old Lyme and now her daughters are having so much fun visiting it too. They also make an annual summer trip to Cape Cod, continuing the family beach traditions. Whether they are on a boat, biking, or swimming, they are always super active together!

A lot of Meagan’s personal time is spent doing housework. If she has moments to sit and relax, she loves to read; Colleen Hoover, Freida McFadden, and Emily Henry are a few of her favorite authors.

She also loves to travel. Whether it is with her kids, just her husband, friends, or extended family, she’s always up for a trip. She likes to explore new places, travel to see family on the west coast, or revisit traditions like Cape Cod

Meagan is a certified pediatric sleep consultant. She helps parents foster independent sleep skills with their little ones- from newborn to 8 years old. She started this with a friend of 20+ years, and together they are able to help so many families

COMMUNITY INMOTION

Fromyear-roundclinicpartnershipstothestartingline,PTSMCemployeesarefinding meaningfulwaystoservetheircommunities.

AcrossPTSMC,communityinvolvementdoesn’thappenduringjust oneseasonorthroughonecompanywidecampaign.Throughoutthe year,clinicsbuildrelationshipswithlocalorganizations,organize collections,volunteertheirtime,supportcommunityevents,and respondtotheneedstheyseearoundthem.

Thoseeffortsoftenbeginwithoneemployeeorclinicaskingasimple question:Howcanwehelp?

WindsorwasamongthefirstPTSMCclinicstoturnthatspiritof serviceintoacommunityrace,hostingitsRacetotheWeekend Wheels5KRun&Walkaneventtosupportfoodinsecuritybackpack programWeekendWheelsbackin2023and2024.Afterrunningin bothraces,ElenaKelleher, WallingfordAssistantDirector&PT sawanopportunitytocarryitsspirit forwardinherownclinic’scommunity.

Thatrealizationbecamethisyear’sinauguralStridetoProvide5KRun/Walk, benefitingMaster’sMannainWallingford.WetooksometimetoaskElenasome detailsabouttheraceandtoseehowourPTSMCcommunitycansupport.

Whatmadeyoudecidetoorganizearace?

“IlikedhowtheWindsorofficedidit,andwhenIfound outtheyweren’tgoingtodoitanymore,Iwassad.But thenIrememberedthatIcouldjustmakeithappen myself.”

Asalongtimerunner,Elenaalsolovedtheideaof creatinganeventthatwouldbringemployees, patients,andcommunitymemberstogether.

“Ilovetheenergyaroundracesandhoweveryonein thecommunitycomestogether.Ialsolikegettingall ofthePTSMCclinicstogether.It’sgreattosee everyone.”

WhydidyouchooseMaster’sManna?

TheWallingfordclinicalreadyhadarelationshipwith Master’sMannathroughpreviousfood,clothing,and shoedrives.Supportinganorganizationthatdirectly servestheclinic’sowncommunityfeltlikeanatural choice.

Master’sMannahelpsWallingford-arearesidents facingfoodinsecurityandfinancialhardshipthrough itsfoodpantry,FamilyDiningCenter,clothing distributionprogram,anddeliveriestoresidentswho arephysicallyhomebound.

Whathassurprisedyouaboutorganizinga

5K? Creatingtheeventrequiredmuchmorethanselecting adateandinvitingpeopletoparticipate.Elenahadto navigatepermits,roadlogistics,eventexpenses, timingservicesandthedeceptivelydifficulttaskof creatingacoursemeasuringexactly3.12miles.

ElenaandfellowWallingfordPSA AmandaLeisseven testedpossibleroutesthemselves.Oneearlyoption lookedpromisinguntiltheydiscoveredthatmuchofit wasuphill...

“Wewerejustrunninguphillandcouldseetheground infrontofus.Wewerelike,‘Wellthat’snot happening.’”

ThefinalcoursebeginsandendsatDagMiddleSchool andisdesignedtoberelativelyflatandapproachable forrunnersandwalkers.

STRIDETOPROVIDE 5KRUN/WALK

Sunday,September13 9AM-1PM

DAGMiddleSchool Wallingford,CT

Visittheracewebsite& registernow

Doparticipantshavetoberunners?

Notatall.

“It’sgoingtobeverylow-key.Ifyou’retryingtorun fast,youcanrunfast,buttherearealsogoingtobe lotsofwalkers.Takeitatyourownpace!Youdon’t havetorunasix-minutemile.”

AwelcomingatmosphereiscentraltoElena’svisionfor theevent,andreflectswhatshehopespeople experiencewhentheywalkintotheWallingfordclinic.

“WhenpeoplecometoPThere,theyalwayssaywe’re differentfromotherplacesthey’vebeenbecausewe alllookhappytoworktogether.We’reavery welcomingenvironment,soIhopeourraceissimilar.”

WhatdoyouhopeStridetoProvide accomplishes?

Elenahopestheeventraisesmeaningfulsupportfor Master’sManna,strengthensconnectionsthroughout WallingfordandgivesemployeesfromacrossPTSMC anotheropportunitytocometogether.

“ThereareotherwaysofhelpingpeopleoutsideofPT,” andthiseventdemonstratesthatimprovinglivescan extendbeyondthecareprovidedinsideclinics.

Ultimately,ElenahopesStridetoProvidebecomesa recurringWallingfordtradition,andperhaps encouragesotheremployeestoconsiderwhatthey couldcreateintheirowncommunities.

ANDRE DRUMMOND ALL STARS CAMP

Forthesecondyearinarow,PTSMC wasproudtobepartoftheAndre DrummondAllStarsCamp!

ChristinaSwankickedoffthedayby leading250youngathletesthrougha dynamicwarm-up,withJanet Tarasukjumpingintolendahand. Later,Christinawasjoinedby MarilexHarwoodforaninteractive leadershipsessionfocusedon dreamingbig.Christinaroundedout thedaybyjoiningapanelfor parents.

Thefreecampbringstogetherkids ofallageswhoshareapassionfor basketball.

Congratulations to Conner Gavin, PTSMC’s newest Partner! Conner will be opening the next clinic in Swansea, Massachusetts on September 21.

Plainville celebrated their 10 year milestone with a gathering of staff, patients, family and friends! Kevin Connellan and his wife Annie are pictured with Plainville's first patient Christine and her husband Michael.

Clinicians from Danbury, New Milford & Newtown met with Kristie VonWinkle PA-C from Connecticut Children’s.

Clinicians from multiple locations met virtually with Dr. Cheyenne Beach and her team from Yale Pediatric Cardiology to discuss POTS

Clinicians from East Hampton, Manchester, Plainville, Southbury & Waterbury met with Dr. Michael Weber and Ethen Mester PA-C from UCONN.

Alex Jones (Windsor) met with Oral Surgeon, Dr. Nicolas Saggese, DMD from CT Maxillofacial Windsor to talk about TMD, jaw/neck pain, & vestibular therapy.

Bri Boulerice (Waterbury) & Janet attended Comprehensive Orthopaedics' Grand Opening They met with Dr. Covey, Dr. Wolf, Dr. Driscoll, Dr. Ferguson, Dr Stockton & Dr. Comer.

CAUGHT IN THE MEDIA!

Roadwith Road with thePLs the PLs

Brittany Anderson (Glastonbury) shadowed Dr. Alex Dukas during clinical hours, branched a connection and observed his patient care approach/style.

Clinicians from Bristol, Plainville, Southington & Wallingford met with Comprehensive Orthopaedics, specifically Dr. Seidel, Dr. Charette & Dr. Comer, at their new Southington Location for a tour & lunch discussion.

Jillian Cristaldi (Wethersfield), Katie Redman (West Hartford) & Heather Marosz (Middletown) met with providers from Women's Health CT: OBGYN and Midwifery of CT Manchester for a lunch & learn. Heather represented PTSMC shoreline pelvic health clinicians in an introduction to Jill McEachern, APRN of Dahlia Midlife Health, Guilford.

Adam Rosenblatt (Norwich) met with the NFA High School Athletic Trainer.

I’veworkedwithEmily(Searle)forthree differentissues,andshe’sfixedmeeverytime! Thestaffarealsofriendly,appointmentsareon time,andeasytoschedule.I’veonlyhadgood experiencesthere!

-Lock Street

EveryoneatPTSMCisverywelcomingand friendly It'sevidentthatAdam(Rosenblatt)has alotofknowledgetoshareandsupportshis patients.

-Norwich

Iamimpressedwiththecompetenceand friendlinessofthisstaff Thisgroupseemsto enjoyhelpingtheirpatientsimprovetheir situations.Iamguessingthattheyhaveahigh rateofsuccess.A+

-Putnam

Mytherapist,Mike(Stofko),isamazingand helpsmemakemeaningfulprogressinmy recoverypost-surgery.

-Shelton

Greatservice.Briana(Boulerice)isan awesometherapist.Myson’sanklewasinjured threetofourtimes,hewasnotplayingsoccer howheusedtobecauseoftheinjury,butBriana workedwithhimstagebystagetogethimas closetowhatheusedtobe.Thankyou.Iwould recommendPTSMCanyday Theywere recommendedtomeanditwasagreat recommendation.

-Waterbury

Pat Coley is taking PTSMC Guilford followers along for his ACL recovery journey! Now experiencing rehab from the patient side, Pat will be sharing his pre and post-op treatment along the way. Wishing you a smooth recovery, Pat we’re cheering you on!

New Haven was recently featured on WTNH “What’s Right with Schools” segment. Recent Amity Regional High School graduate, Caleb, was interviewed about his time as an intern for the clinic

CLINICAL EXCELLENCE

OCS CERTIFIED

DAN VALA PT, DPT, CSCS

Congratulations to Dan Vala, Middletown PT & class of '25 PTSMC Residency, who achieved his OCS!

Why did you pursue OCS?

The biggest reason for me

pursuing my OCS was to be able to practice at the top of my license and there were still lar my knowledge when first graduating. I a like to eventually get into teaching or m and I felt that doing a residency would h better prepared for that down the road

Congrats DOCS Grad! Lexie Lamontagne, PTA

Groton Physical Therapy Assistant Themostinfluentialpartofthe DOCSprogramwasbeingableto collaboratewithmentorsand peerswithinthecompanyto improveourskillsasclinicians. IamcurrentlyinaPTAtoDPT

SIPTA GRADUATE

Congrats to the following PT Aide who completed the Skills Introduction for PT Aides Program

Emma Coelho, Southbury

Isabella Giordano, New Haven

Oliver Kabel, New Haven

Landon Manzi, Danielson

Thomas Morgan, Newtown/Monroe

Casden Parker, Easthampton, MA

Jacob Ross, Orange

Aaron Sullivan, Shelton

Arianna Tomassi, Guilford

Amanda Wall, Avon

Natalie Wiencus, Easthampton, MA

Clinicians attended the second PTSMC Dry Needling Lab, led by Liza Peressini & Meaghan Blanusa. They met up at the Newington clinic to review skills and share updated practices.

Student Program Update

CI’s with August Students CI’s with August Students

Shawn Nash, Manchester, will host Jordan Wiggins from Graceland University.

Mike Popolizio, Glastonbury, will host Cass LaSaracina from Florida Southern College

“Thank you for such an amazing experience! All of the therapists are amazing and such hard workers This company takes a lot of time to ensure that not only its patients are treated well, but also its employees, and it is very apparent I also love how many locations in CT there are” -Student on first affiliation

New Milford celebrated Bryan O’Neill one last time together before his move!

visited

to check out the

and for some friendly competition & team building together.

Janet Tarasuk represented at Hartford’s River Front 4 mile race placing 2 in her age division! nd

Smarter Tools, Better Documentation

5 Simple ways to save time, improve documentation quality, and make better use of tools already available in your workflow

UseSidekickforEducation Documentation

Patienteducationisavaluableskilled serviceanditneedstobedocumented clearlyandspecifically.

WhenusingSidekick,providespecific promptssuchas:

Evaluation Objective Templates

Save time by using evaluation templates that contain commonly used objective measures.

Standard templates:

1 Obj Body Part PTSMC

Templates with drop down menus:

2 Obj Body Part PTSMC

Take Advantage of the Quick Add Treatment Feature

Use the Quick Add feature when adding exercises and interventions rather than searching through opening up the exercise box

oper lifting ding home

“Document education on monitoring wound ecautions as

Favorite Your Most-Used Exercises in Engage

Favoriting exercises provides easier access to frequently used exercises, making HEP creation and additions to treatment session quicker.

UtilizeTreatmentTemplatesto SaveTimeonExerciseSelection

Optimizeyourexerciseselectionprocess byusingtreatmenttemplates.For instance,ifyouusuallybeginwithspecific exercisesforapost-opTKA,youcan createatemplatewiththeseexercises alreadyincluded,reducingthetimespent searchingforexercisesrelatedtothat condition.

Treatmenttemplatescanbecreatedby goingto:

Library → Treatment Templates → Add New

What borrowers should know about the changes effective July 1, 2026

MajorchangestofederalstudentloanrulestookeffectonWednesday,July1,2026,limitinghowmucha studentcanborrowandnarrowingtheirrepaymentoptions.

Theoverhaul,madeunderthe2025WorkingFamiliesTaxCutsAct(WFTCA),willaffectmillionsofpeoplewho takeoutloanstofinancetheireducation,orwhohaveexistingstudentloandebt.Herearesomeofthe significantchangestoborrowingandrepayingFederalStudentLoans:

BEFORE ON/AFTER

LEGACY BORROWER

Older repayment options remain available NOTE: SAVE plan ending

SAVE PLAN EXPIRING

Borrowers enrolled in the Saving On A Valuable Education (SAVE) plan are among those affected. If you graduated from school prior to July 1, 2026, you are classified as a "legacy borrower" (or a pre-July 2026 borrower). This means you are exempt from the strict new borrowing caps and retain access to older income-driven plans, with one major exception- the SAVE plan is officially ending.

July

1 2026

NEW BORROWER

New borrowing & repayment rules

THE 90-DAY SAVE PLAN EXIT MANDATE

If you were one of the millions of borrowers enrolled in the SAVE plan, your loan servicer will issue you an official notice of the expiring SAVE plan.

THE DEADLINE

Once you receive the notification from your servicer, you have a strict 90-day window to choose a new plan. As a pre-July 2026 borrower, you can choose from any of the older income-driven repayment (IDR) plans or the new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP).

THE PENALTY

If you fail to act within those 90 days, you will be automatically enrolled in a Standard Fixed Plan, which could spike your monthly payment

BEFORE YOU CONSOLIDATE

If you choose to consolidate your older federal loans into a new Direct Consolidation Loan, doing so will permanently strip away your legacy status. The federal system will view the consolidation loan as a "new loan," forcing all your debt entirely into the new system, meaning you will lose access to IBR, ICR, and PAYE, leaving you with only the Tiered Standard or RAP options.

For help with what new plan to choose if you are currently in the SAVE plan that is expiring, there is an online calculator at www.edcapny.org that may help you decide which plan to choose.

NEW LIMITS ON STUDENT BORROWING

Newrulesintroducedunderlastyear’staxandspendingbillimposestricterlimitsonhowmuchstudentscanborrowto financetheirstudies.

PARENT PLUS LOAN PROGRAM

$65K per student total

OnemajorchangeistotheParent PLUSloanprogram,whichallows parentstotakeoutafederalloanfor theirchild'sundergraduate education.Historically,parentscould borrowuptothefullcostof attendingschool.StartingJuly1, 2026,parentswillbecappedat $20,000ayearand$65,000totalper student.

GRADUATE PLUS LOANS & GRADUATE STUDIES PROFESSIONAL DEGREES (INCLUDES DPT)

$100K per student total

AsofJuly1,newstudentloan borrowersareblockedfrom GraduatePLUSloanswhichallowed peopletoborrowasmuchasthey neededtofundtheirdegree.Current GradPLUSborrowerswillbe grandfatheredandwillstillbeableto accesstheloans.

Gradstudentswillstillbeabletotake upto$20,500peryear,however, beginningJuly1,2026,anewcapwill preventthemfromtakingoutmore than$100,000fortheirdegree

LIFETIME LOAN CAP

$200K per student total

The new rules also affect people pursuing professional degrees, with students in certain fields restricted to borrowing $50,000 per year and $200,000 total

FOR OUR PT COMMUNITY

The new rules include Physical Therapy (DPT) among the professional degrees affected by new borrowing limits.

Finally,asidefromafewcarveouts,anyonewhogetsaloanonorafterJuly 1,2026willhavealifetimeloancapof

PERBORROWER

meaningoverthecourseofyourundergraduateand graduate/professionalschooling,thatisaperson’scap.

NEW REPAYMENT OPTION LIMITATIONS

NEW LOAN BORROWERS

BeginningJuly1,2026borrowerswhotakeoutanewfederalstudent loanwillhaveonlytworepaymentoptions:the TieredStandardPlan andanewincome-drivenrepaymentplancalledthe Repayment AssistancePlan,orRAP.

BorrowerswithexistingloanswhotakeoutanewloanafterJuly1, 2026willalsobesubjecttothenewrules.Oncethenewloanenters repayment,alltheirfederalloansmustberepaidunderoneofthe twonewplans.

CURRENT BORROWERS

Currentborrowerswhodonottakeout newloansafterJuly1,2026cancontinueto accesstheexistingrepaymentoptions, whichinclude:

Standard Repayment Plan

Extended Repayment Plan

Graduated Repayment Plan

Income Based Repayment Plan

Pay As You Earn Plan

Income Contingent Repayment Plan

Repayment Assistance Plan

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Tocontinuetolearnmore,gototheFederalStudentAidwebsite: https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates/definitions

CliniciansCorner

Matt Salisbury, PTA

Bristol Physical Therapist Assistant

Apart from “I have pain,” there is another complaint all too commonly heard by physicians and clinicians alike: “I’m dizzy.” An estimated 15-20% of adults are affected by dizziness yearly and the overall incidence of dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance is 5–10%, reaching 40% in patients older than 40. It is also estimated that 85% of dizziness and balance dysfunction is related to the inner ear. 1 2

Dizziness and difficulty with balance can arise from a number of factors. One test used to determine if one of those factors is uncompensated vestibulopathy is the Gans SOP Test. This bedside assessment is broken up into seven semi-progressive test positions, each maintained for 20 seconds: 1) feet shoulder width apart, eyes open; 2) feet shoulder width apart, eyes closed; 3) one step forward, loose tandem, eyes open; 4) one step forward, loose tandem, eyes closed; 5) standing on foam, eyes open; 6) standing on foam, eyes closed; 7) Stepping Fukuda marching in place with eyes closed For the most accurate results, the test should be performed without shoes. For positions 1-6, if a patient has to step outside of the test position to maintain balance during the twenty seconds or the clinician must intervene for safety reasons it is marked down with an “F” for “Fall.” Otherwise, it can be marked with an “N” for “normal” or “S” for “Sway.” For position 7, Stepping Fukuda, scoring is either “N” for normal or “L/R” if the patient rotated more than 30 degrees left or right by the conclusion of the test.

If a patient is unable to complete any portion of steps 1-4 of the assessment, the remainder of the test cannot reliably be performed to rule in or out uncompensated vestibulopathy, indicating the patient’s balance issues are likely multifactorial. That said, vestibulopathy could still be one of those factors, but this specific test will not be able to assess for that possibility. Assuming the patient can complete steps 14, if the patient “falls” in position 6, they are 75% likely to have uncompensated vestibulopathy If they “rotate” left or right during position 7, they are 50% likely to have uncompensated vestibulopathy If they “fall” in position 6 AND rotate in position 7, they are likely to have uncompensated vestibulopathy with 95% sensitivity.3

As noted above, the inner ear is related to 85% of dizziness and balance dysfunction. Uncompensated vestibulopathy is one component of that 85% Another component is BPPV, which can be assessed and treated through specific canalith repositioning maneuvers. Other factors that could be affecting a patient’s dizziness or balance deficits include but are not necessarily limited to: neuropathy, visual impairments, CNS dysfunction, orthostatic hypotension, or cervicogenic causes. Why mention this?

Because the Gans SOP test may indicate uncompensated vestibulopathy, but in the case a patient “fell” during the first 4 test positions, these other factors may be contributing to, or be the cause of, their complaints of dizziness or imbalance. Either way, the Gans SOP Test will give you a good foundation from which you can tease out what specifically is affecting your patient’s dizziness and balance deficits, and then more accurately treat them.

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