health Archives - Page 3 of 22

Renewing Your Health Insurance? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

It’s easy to simply purchase a health insurance plan, get comfortable with it, and not review it at the end of your year-long policy period. But if you automatically renew your plan and don’t look at other options, you could be missing out on savings, or a plan that provides more coverage. When you receive a “renewal notice” from your health insurance company, you should read through it carefully in order to decide if your current plan is still right for you.

It can be stressful to research and compare plans, which is why EZ.Insure was created. We want the best for our customers, so we provide you with a dedicated EZ.Insure agent who will go over your current plan, its price, and its coverage. We’ll then compare it to all other plans in your area so you can decide whether you should sign up for a better plan or renew your current one.

november 1st on a calendar in red with a red thumbtack on it — *You can renew your health insurance plan, or change it, during open enrollment Nov 1-Dec 15.*

When Can You Renew?

In general, you can only renew your health insurance plan during Open Enrollment. But if you have employer-based insurance, then your enrollment period might be at a different time, so make sure to check with your employer. Open Enrollment is November 1st through December 15th.

There are two ways that you can renew a plan:

Active renewal – you personally cancel the policy that you had and pick a new one.
Passive renewal – your health insurance company automatically re-enrolls you into the same plan for the coming year.

What You Need To Review

When you receive a renewal notice, you should go over the following things to make sure that your plan still suits your needs:

Premium– Your monthly payment for your health insurance plan.
Deductible– The amount you pay before your health insurance company starts paying for services.
Copay- how much you pay for each doctor visit, hospital visit, prescription medication, and specialist visit.
Coinsurance– the percentage of costs you have to pay after meeting your deductible.
Out-of-pocket maximum– The maximum amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services in a given year.
Your Current Network- the doctors, pharmacies, and specialists that are covered by your plan
Some health plans will offer a gym membership stipend.

Other Benefits To Review

Check to see if other benefits have been added to your plan, if benefits that you want are not covered, or if other plans might have benefits that you want included for free. Some of the benefits to look for include:

Gym discounts
Covered annual physical exam
Weight loss programs
Discounts on glasses and contact lenses

Change In Status

When deciding whether to renew your plan or find a new one, you should also consider whether you’ve had a change in income, or if your family has grown or has become smaller. Adding or removing dependents can change the cost of your plan and its coverage, so you might find that your current plan is more expensive, or that it is going to provide less coverage.

Although it is easy to sit back and let your health insurance plan renew, you should take a closer look at your plan and how it will change in the coming year. You don’t want any surprises, like to find out that your doctor is no longer in your network, you have less coverage, or your deductible went up, etc. Any of those things could end up costing you a lot of money.

If it feels like a lot of work to go over your current plan and research new ones, don’t worry: EZ will help you. We will compare all of the plans available to you, as well as go over all of your financial and medical needs. We’ll make sure that your current plan has the coverage you need, and if it doesn’t, we’ll find you a great new one! If you allow us to help you, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars a year. And remember, our services are always provided at no cost to you. To start comparing quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak directly to one of our agents call 888-350-1890.

Telehealth Is Changing The Landscape of Senior Healthcare

For seniors, access to healthcare can be a real issue. Research has shown that, despite the universality of Medicare, seniors in the United States face greater barriers to healthcare and are overall sicker than their counterparts in other high-income countries. With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing shelter-in-place orders and a particular risk for seniors, we are now faced with an even more pressing need for accessible healthcare. Telehealth can help bridge this gap, and we are seeing seniors and healthcare facilities turn to it in large numbers – one medical center in New York saw telehealth visits increase from 300 per day pre-COVID to 7,000 per day in the peak of the pandemic. Will this much usage continue after the pandemic has died down? It’s possible that telehealth is changing the landscape of healthcare, so let’s look at what telehealth is, and how it can play a role in supporting seniors’ health for the long term.

What Is Telehealth?

older man holding a tablet with a doctor on the tablet and holding medicine bottle in the other hand. — *Telehealth offers you the ability to speak to your doctor from the comfort of your home.*

Telehealth is a variety of methods for remote healthcare services, communications, and education. The four main categories of telehealth are:

Live, synchronous video calls: A two-way conversation in real time between patient and provider.

Asynchronous transmissions: Recorded health histories that are transmitted electronically to another healthcare provider. This is particularly useful in rural areas, as it allows a primary care physician to consult with specialists in another location.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Often used for seniors, especially those living in senior communities, RPM collects patients’ health data and then electronically transfers it to healthcare providers for monitoring and review.
Mobile Health (mHealth): mHealth makes use of health-based apps that can be used on tablets, laptops, or smartphones. Apps range from ones that can monitor a diabetic’s blood sugar levels to daily reminders to drink enough water.

Post-COVID Benefits for Seniors

Telehealth has been a great healthcare option for seniors (and everyone else) during the coronavirus crisis, as it has meant fewer visits to the doctor and less risk of virus transmission. But its benefits go beyond helping to flatten the curve during a pandemic. Some experts foresee that telehealth is around for the long haul, because it allows for:

Routine monitoring of chronic conditions. With aging comes more chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis. These conditions require regular monitoring by healthcare professionals. Telehealth can save on the cost of frequent visits, while still allowing doctors to keep tabs on things like blood pressure, sugar levels, and pain.
Regular sick visits. Many people forego visits to the doctor when they’re sick due to cost, scheduling issues, or lack of transportation. Telehealth makes seeing the doctor easier, and means doctors are more likely to catch an illness before it turns into something more serious, like a common cold that could become pneumonia.

With telemedicine, you can see any doctor from different cities or states.

Improved communication. When monitoring multiple conditions, as many seniors are, it can be helpful to have a second person in the doctor’s office, noting things like medication changes, symptoms to look out for, and risk factors. Telehealth makes it easier for a family member or caregiver to keep track of what happens at appointments, making for better continuity of care.

Range of care. With telemedicine, seniors have access to a wider range of providers, such as specialists in other cities or even across the country. This improves quality of care and makes treatment that was previously inaccessible much more realistic.
Removal of barriers. Pandemic or not, there are always barriers to treatment, such as location and mobility. For seniors who live in rural areas, are unable to drive, do not feel comfortable with or are unable to navigate public transportation, or have mobility issues, telehealth makes a visit to the doctor’s office much less stressful.

What Happens Next?

In order to make telehealth a reality nationally, a lot needs to change. To start with, over 19 million people in the United States lack access to the internet speeds required for telehealth, and others would need technology like a smartphone or tablet with a camera. Furthermore, funding is a huge issue. Currently, some insurers have temporarily expanded coverage to support telehealth throughout the pandemic. Some representatives in Congress have recently introduced a bipartisan bill called the HEALTH Act, which calls for Medicare reimbursement to support telehealth services in community health centers and rural health clinics. The bill notes that “access to telehealth has become more than just a convenience, but rather a critical necessity in America”.

What do you think? Have you used telehealth? How was your experience? Tell us about it in the comments section!

How You Can Save Thousands On Health Insurance & How EZ Can Help

If you feel like healthcare costs are out of control, you’re not alone. It seems like costs are constantly rising, making it hard for many to afford a health insurance plan or their medications. Because of this, many people end up going without health insurance and avoiding doctor visits, which can mean missed diagnoses and delays in treating major health conditions. But health insurance doesn’t have to be unaffordable or unattainable. EZ knows how to save you thousands on health insurance without sacrificing coverage, so you can remain insured and healthy, while saving money at the same time.

Opt For A Higher Deductible Plan

Your first option for saving money? Cut your monthly premium by switching to a high deductible health plan. One of these plans could work for you if you don’t go to the doctor often, or if you don’t need any ongoing treatments, because if this is the case, you probably won’t ever need to meet your deductible. High deductible plans can be risky, though: if something ends up happening to you, you’ll have to pay a lot out-of-pocket to meet your deductible.

Go With A Lower Drug Formulary Tier

pill bottle sitting on top of a dollar bill with pills on the bill too — *Save money on your prescription medication by opting for a different drug tier.*

Another way to lower your healthcare costs is by taking a look at your prescription drugs, and at your plan’s drug formulary. If your doctor is prescribing you a name-brand medication that has a high copay, check to see if there are any less expensive generic drugs available – you could end up saving 30-50%.

Check your plan’s drug formulary (the list of medications included in your plan, and their costs), as well, and see how your insurance company classifies your medications. Every plan’s formulary has four different pricing tiers, and each insurance company – and every plan! – has a different formulary, so comparing them all can get quite confusing. EZ’s agents are here to help, though – our agent will go over your medical needs, and compare plans and their drug formulary tiers to help you find a plan with affordable drug costs.

Enroll In A Wellness Incentive

If you are enrolled in your employer’s health insurance plan, find out if they offer any wellness programs or incentives. Some companies will offer a lower premium to employees who participate in wellness challenges or other incentivized programs. This could end up saving you a lot of money, or could even get you free coverage!

Use A Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you decide to opt for a high deductible health plan, or if you already have one, then start contributing to a health savings account (HSA). HSAs are only available to those with a qualified high deductible health plan, and they allow you to put money aside tax-free to pay for qualified healthcare expenses. You will accrue tax-free interest, and you will also be able to withdraw money from the account tax-free. Not only are these accounts triple tax-advantaged, but the funds in your account rollover automatically each year and continue to grow until you use them!

white question mark in a blue circle — *Before getting any lab work or tests done, make sure to ask it it is covered!*

Make Sure Tests Are Covered

Avoid surprise medical bills – before you agree to any tests ordered by your doctor, make sure that they are covered under your plan. Be aware that, even if your doctor prescribes a test, such as blood work to confirm a diagnosis or rule out health conditions, it may not be covered. If it isn’t, ask your doctor for other options.

Not knowing what’s covered in your plan can end up costing you thousands of dollars. If you find that you are often being sent for tests that are not covered, consider finding a different plan that offers more coverage. Our agent can compare plans for you and find a plan that offers the coverage you need to get any necessary tests done, so you can avoid surprise bills – and save money.

Negotiate

If you receive a high bill from your doctor’s office or hospital, don’t automatically assume that it is correct – as many as 8 out of 10 times, higher than expected medical bills have some type of error. If a bill seems off to you, then contact your provider and ask them to go over it with you and explain why it is so much. If your high bill is not due to a billing error and you are having trouble paying it, then negotiate with your provider – ask if they can lower the bill, or if they can offer you a monthly payment plan.

african american man with his daughter on his lap checking her temperature while sitting in front of a laptop with a doctor on the screen. — *Telehealth can save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding a doctor visit copay or emergency room visit.*

Utilize Telemedicine

Going to the ER should be your last resort. When you are not feeling well or need immediate care then you should consider more affordable options like urgent care or telemedicine. Telemedicine is a great option, because it allows you the convenience of speaking to your doctor over the phone and getting prescription medication sent over to your pharmacy. This eliminates having to pay a doctor visit copay, or a huge hospital bill. If your plan doesn’t offer telemedicine, EZ can help you find an affordable plan that does offer this option.

Health insurance is not cheap, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find an affordable plan. EZ understands the need for affordable health insurance, especially in times of uncertainty. Don’t stick with the plan that you already have if it’s too pricey, or doesn’t offer the coverage you need. One of our agents can find you a more affordable plan with just as much coverage, or more. We can easily compare all available plans in your area within minutes, at no cost to you. Taking advantage of our free services is just another way you can save money with EZ. To get started, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly, call 888-350-1890.

What Causes Epilepsy?

One of the most common causes of repeat seizures is epilepsy. A diagnosis of this disorder usually comes after someone has experienced at least 2 seizures that were not caused by another medical condition, such as low blood pressure. While the seizures might have different symptoms, they are all caused by a temporary change in the brain’s electrical functioning. Epilepsy is more common than you might think, so this November, for Epilepsy Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight this disorder and look at its causes, its symptoms, and ways to treat and possibly prevent it.

Common Causes Of Seizures

premature baby's little foot with cuff around it with red light inside. — *Epilepsy is very common amongst kids within the first year of their life, especially in newborns.*

Approximately 65 million people around the world live with epilepsy, and 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. It can develop in a person at any time and at any age, but most new cases occur in children during their first year of life. In about 50% of cases the causes of epilepsy are unknown, but, in general, the most common include:

Genetics and family history
Metabolism changes
Trauma during birth, such as oxygen deprivation
Premature birth or low birth weight
Brain malformations
Congenital conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Angelman’s syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and neurofibromatosis
Infectious disease such as meningitis
Head trauma
Alzheimer’s disease
Stroke
Alcohol or drug abuse
Immune system abnormalities

The Different Types of Seizures

Generally, the different types of epileptic seizures can be grouped into 2 broad categories:

Primary generalized seizures– begin with a widespread electrical discharge that involves both sides of the brain at once, and can result in a loss of consciousness, falls, or muscle contractions. A predisposition to this type of seizure is generally hereditary, Absence, Atonic, Tonic, Clonic, Myoclonic, Tonic-clonic seizures fall into this category.
Partial (or Focal) seizures– begin with an electrical discharge in one area of the brain. Some of these seizures are related to head injury, infection of the brain, stroke, or tumor, but most of the time the cause is unknown. This kind of seizure affects about 60% of people with epilepsy and can turn into generalized seizures. Motor focal, Sensory focal, Autonomic focal, and Psychological focal seizures fall into this category.

Factors That Increase Risk

medication bottles with 2 different kinds of pills in each, one yellow and one orange. — *Failing to take prescribed medications increases your risk factor of epilepsy.*

While it is not always clear why someone begins having seizures, there are some known risk factors that increase the chances of predisposed people having one, including:

Stress
Sleep deprivation
Failure to take prescribed medications
Insufficient food intake

Epilepsy is also more common in men than it is in women, and children are more likely to have epilepsy of a genetic origin than to experience seizures for another reason.

In addition, having one seizure also increases the likelihood of having more. Half of all people who have an unexplained seizure will most likely have another one within 6 months of the first one. If someone has had a seizure due a head injury, then that person becomes twice as likely to have another. If someone has 2 seizures, then the likelihood of them having another one is 80%.

Diagnosis & Treatment

caucasian person sitting in an MRU machine with the red lasers cross pointed on their head. — *An epilepsy diagnosis can be done with an MRI, or CT scan.*

The good news is that epilepsy is treatable. Once a doctor makes a diagnosis based on symptoms, and tests such as electroencephalograms (EEG), CT scans, or MRIs, they can prescribe antiepileptic drugs, which reduce the brain cells’ tendency to send excessive electrical signals.

Approximately 70% of both children and adults that take medication for the disorder can go 5 years without having a seizure and enter remission. Once they are in remission, an additional 75% can be weaned from the medication over time. For those looking for extra help, diet can have a positive effect on some patients with specific forms of epilepsy. The keto diet and modified Atkins diet have been shown to reduce seizures in half of patients, mainly children.

Epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects people of all different ages in different ways, but most people with epilepsy can live active lives. As long as those diagnosed with epilepsy take their medications, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a healthy diet, they can control the disorder.

The ABCs of CBD

The marijuana plant has been the topic of heated conversations in recent years. Most people know Marijuana has a reputation for recreational use, but what about the impressive medical research and benefits this plant has to offer? Cannabidiol, or CBD, is one such derivative, and has been called a “miracle” by doctors across the country. Unlike THC, the psychoactive substance in the marijuana plant, CBD is legal in all 50 states, and is used to treat many common ailments.

a glass container with liquid in it and a dropper on the table — *CBD can be used to treat many different conditions.*

The ABCs of CBD

A: About. CBD is just one component of the cannabis (marijuana) plant. CBD affects the body’s endocannabinoid system, a series of receptors throughout the body that regulate appetite, experience of pain, mood, and memory in the central nervous, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. CBD is not a psychoactive substance, which means it does not affect your mind. So, unlike THC, the psychoactive compound in the marijuana plant, CBD will not cause the user to feel high.

B: Benefits: CBD can be used to treat an incredibly wide variety of conditions, with more uses being discovered each day. Some of the benefits of using CBD include:

Pain relief
Sleep support
Appetite stimulation
Improved heart health
Addiction management
Mental health support

C: Consumption. CBD is not a leaf or plant; it is an oil extracted from the plant. Unlike the drug, it is not smoked, which may have harmful effects on the mouth, throat, and lungs. The extracted oil can be used in a variety of forms:

Topical gels or creams
Tinctures
Edible products
Capsules

Benefits For Seniors

xray of a knee — *CBD can help with chronic pain and arthritis issues.*

For those of us seeking holistic methods to improve quality of life as we age, CBD could be a very useful tool. It could help to replace some daily medications, support pain management, and improve the symptoms of a variety of conditions, including:

Chronic pain. 75-85% of seniors deal with chronic pain, which is what CBD is currently primarily used for. CBD stops the body from absorbing anandamide, one of the compounds associated with pain regulation. This results in increased levels of anandamide within the bloodstream and reduced pain.
Arthritis. Not only does CBD help with pain management, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for treating arthritis, which affects nearly half of all people over the age of 65. CBD can also be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and joint dysfunction.

Osteoporosis. Research has shown that CBD can help strengthen bones and promote cellular repair, which can speed up the healing process should a fracture or break occur.

Cardiovascular issues. A variety of studies have shown that CBD impacts cardiovascular function in myriad ways, including reducing high blood pressure, reducing cardiac inflammation, and stopping cell death due to oxidation. It supports vasorelaxation, which promotes healthy blood pressure and increases blood flow to the heart.

Insomnia. Sleep disorders impact individuals of all ages, but are especially common in seniors. Some medical professionals believe this to be a result of chemical imbalances, and others suggest it may be caused by stress and anxiety. CBD helps with the latter, as it promotes relaxation by impacting the central nervous system.

Neurological conditions. Many experts believe that CBD can be used as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s. While these studies are still in clinical trials, they have seen overwhelming success thus far. CBD could also be used to treat glaucoma by reducing the intraocular pressure that causes pain and eventual blindness.
Mood Disorders. CBD interacts with neuroreceptors involved in regulating mood, like serotonin and oxytocin, and has been proven to relieve stress and anxiety, support relaxation, and improve cognitive function.

For seniors seeking a natural way to improve their lives and fight pain, CBD can be a miracle oil. A non-invasive, non-addictive way to manage inflammation, mood, and a variety of medical conditions, CBD is a harmless alternative to many prescription medications. Talk to your primary care doctor to see if CBD might be a good fit for you!

Don’t Wait! Start An Emergency Fund Today

If the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that sometimes the unexpected happens. Unfortunately, has also taught many families that they are financially underprepared for a crisis. In 2019, research by the Federal Reserve revealed that 22% of Americans regularly expect to forgo or make late payments on some of their bills. In fact, 40% of Americans can’t afford a $400 emergency. Many of us are that close to financial danger. That’s one veterinarian’s bill, two flat tires, or a few days of missed work.

Financial insecurity means more than overdue bills and missed payments. Debt causes stress that can have pretty drastic physical and psychological repercussions. If you are worried about your financial future, or if you feel like you’re in dire straits right now, know that it’s not too late to turn things around. We’ve compiled some financial tips and tricks from the experts to get you on the road to rebuilding your savings account and starting an emergency fund.

The Physical Side of Stress

If financial issues have you feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone: 62% of adults report often feeling stressed about money. That stress can wreak havoc on our bodies. Considering that American debt has increased by a whopping 300% since the 1980s, is it a coincidence that we are also experiencing higher rates of chronic diseases? Experts have mixed opinions, but there is some speculation that the amount of stress Americans are under is the culprit, along with other systemic, environmental, and psychological factors. For example, high levels of stress are associated with:

blood pressure machine with a weekly pack of pills in front of it — *Being stressed out can lead to high blood pressure , which can lead to other serious health conditions with your heart.*

High blood pressure. Often linked to heart attacks, strokes, and a myriad of other health issues, high blood pressure can be triggered by stress. This could be due to the body’s overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol, or due to poor coping mechanisms like binging on snacks.
Diabetes. Evidence suggests that chronic stress can increase the risk of diabetes in adults. To make matters worse, financial uncertainty can limit a person’s access to healthy foods and time or ability to exercise, which can further add to the problem. Evidence also suggests a link between a family’s financial struggles and the incidence of type 1 diabetes in children.
Digestive issues. There is a well documented connection between stress and gastrointestinal issues. When under heavy financial stress, many don’t follow regular eating habits. Healthy food may not even be accessible or affordable for those in financial trouble. In addition, 27% of people with high debt stress reported having ulcers or other digestive tract problems, compared to just 8% who did not report high levels of financial-related stress.
Muscle tension. Over half of all people who experience high debt stress report muscle tension and back pain. When you’re worried about supporting yourself, or your family, it really can feel like you’re “carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders”. To help relieve these symptoms, consider simple stretching and de-stressing exercises!

Of course, it doesn’t help that people who are under financial stress often avoid seeing the doctor out of fear of medical bills. In fact, 1 in 5 people say they have skipped or have considered skipping a routine or sick visit to the doctor’s office. This is understandable, considering that 56 million Americans have difficulties paying their medical bills – just one of the many reasons to work on building an emergency fund!

Turn It Around Today!

It’s not too late to take steps towards lightening your financial load. The best way to start is by saving for an emergency fund. Having money put aside can grant you some peace of mind: you’ll know that your expenses would be covered for a while should you lose your job or become unable to work, or that you would be able to cover a surprise expense, like a large medical bill or automotive repairs. Some financial experts suggest squirreling away three to six months of expenses in an emergency fund that you can access if you need it – so, not in an IRA or 401k account. For some people, three to six months worth of expenses is an unimaginable amount of money, so start with these five small, but meaningful steps:

Learn about the cycles and struggles of debt. Understanding how debt compounds and impacts your psychological and physical wellbeing is the first step to breaking out of that cycle.
Reevaluate your budget and begin saving money so you can be prepared for the worst.

Re-evaluate your budget. Nothing in life is constant, so it is important to evaluate your budget regularly. Turning to auto-payments is a great place to start, and reduces the risk of late fees.

Pay yourself first. Treat your savings account like a bill, and pay it. Some people deposit a percentage or a flat amount of each paycheck, others deposit monthly. Whatever schedule works for you, stick with it!

Turn your savings into profit. Make sure you’ve got your savings funds in an account that accrues interest. It might not add up to much – the average return for most bank accounts right now is between around 0.3% and 0.8% – but every bit counts!
Turn your debt into savings. After you pay off a debt, continue budgeting for it – but, instead of funneling money into that debt, use it to overpay on another balance owed; otherwise, put it right into your savings account.

You’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed by the stress of debt and the fear of unexpected financial crises. Digging yourself out of debt is hard, but with some simple changes you can get back on track. And doing so, even with baby steps, will help to ease your mind and support your good health.