health insurance help Archives - Page 12 of 29

African American Women Defy the National Trend of Declining Life Expectancy

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans, and African Americans ages 18-49 are two times as likely to die from heart disease as are Caucasians. Not only that, but according to the CDC, one out of every three African-American adults suffer from high blood pressure, and fewer than half have the condition under control. And while African American women have a lower incidence of breast cancer, they are 41% more likely to die from it. The reason behind these health disparities? Most likely they are due to lack of access to adequate insurance and issues like higher instances of obesity, as well as stress from being overworked. And yet, with all of the stats seeming to be stacked against African American women, they are defying the negative trends, and are making changes to live longer.

Why Are These Diseases More Common in African American Women?

Researchers have found that there might be a gene that makes African Americans more sensitive to the effects of salt, which is the reason for the increased risk of high blood pressure. Not only that, but they tend to have higher rates of obesity and diabetes, putting them at a higher risk for heart disease and high blood pressure. They also have higher rates of unemployment and poverty, which can mean greater difficulty accessing medical care, and so can be unaware of their risks.

blood pressure cuff with medicine laying on top of it — *“African Americans have the highest hypertension rates in the world.”*

Dr. LaPrincess Brewer, a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, points out the risks to African American women, as well as the dangers of being aware of these risks: “Each year, more African American women die from heart disease than breast cancer, lung cancer, and strokes combined, which makes heart disease the number one killer of African American women in our nation. However, studies have also revealed that less than half of African American women are aware that heart disease is their number one cause of death.”

“African Americans have the highest hypertension rates in the world. African American women are also the least physically active group of women in the United States. Now’s the time that we focus on changing the narrative on heart health and African American women,” says Dr. Brewer.

African American Women Are Turning Things Around

Despite everything working against African American women, they are making the changes to turn these stats around. They are seeking medical care more, changing their lifestyles to become healthier, and working hard to keep each other on track. Not only have they been holding on to an average lifespan of about 78 years, but other recent studies have shown that African American women are also the most optimistic group in the country.

“What we are seeing is that the message about the importance of health is getting through to black women,” said Linda Goler Blount, president, and chief executive of Black Women’s Health Imperative. “The data show that the majority of us know that we need to improve and are working on it. We also understand the importance of having a positive attitude. When black women are asked to define what good health means, we say things such as ‘being calm’ or ‘being at peace.’ We don’t use diseases to define it. We don’t let a condition like obesity define who we are, even though we work on getting into shape.”

“The good news is that black women are coming together to help each other,” Blount said. “We are learning the importance of self-care. We have to take care of ourselves first if we expect to help others.”

And, thanks to the passing of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010, millions more Americans have been able to access healthcare, and President Biden’s recent premium tax credit expansion has allowed even more people to get affordable plans. With health insurance being more accessible to everyone, African American women are more likely to seek the medical care they need, without worrying about being hit with huge bills.

All of this means that rates of heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health conditions are lowering among African American women. They are understanding their heightened risk more, seeking care, and adopting preventive lifestyle measures to live longer. African American women are exceptional, and this just proves it even more!

Find An Affordable Plan That Fits Your Budget

Having the right health insurance plan means being able to get tested and treated for conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or heart disease without having to worry about forking out a lot of money for medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance, or your current plan is not sufficient for your needs or is too expensive, EZ can help. Depending on your circumstances, and with the extra Affordable Care Act subsidies that are currently on offer, we might be able to find you a great plan for as low as $0 a month! Come to us, and we’ll match you with your own agent, who will compare all available plans in your area, and find a plan that suits your needs – we’ll even sign you up for free. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

High Fever That Lasts For A Week? Your Child Could Have Kawasaki Disease

Rare disease day is February 28, and so today, we wanted to shed some light on a rare childhood illness, Kawasaki disease. It is estimated that more than 4,200 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease each year. The average age of those affected by the disease is under 5 years old, and it occurs most frequently in children of Asian descent. Find out just what this rare condition is all about, its symptoms, when to call the doctor, and how you can treat it – because if left untreated, it can lead to some serious complications.

Kawasaki Disease

Also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. It is an acute multisystem inflammatory disease of blood vessels that affects infants and young children. The average age of those affected is 2 years: around 77% of those affected are younger than 5. Not only that, but boys are 1.5 times more likely than girls to get Kawasaki Disease. And despite what people might think, it is not contagious and cannot be spread to other children or family members.

The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease is not known, but doctors think it is caused by the body’s immune system reacting to an infection.

Symptoms

Kawasaki disease causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and the resulting symptoms can be severe for a child. Symptoms to watch out for include:

Rash anywhere on the body, but more markedly in the diaper area
Swollen neck glands
Swollen hands and feet, with redness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Red eyes without pus, drainage, or crusting
Very swollen and cracked lips
Strawberry tongue with rough, red spots

Additional symptoms include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Coughing
Irritability

When To Call The Doctor

person getting their blood taken — *To figure out if your child is dealing with Kawasaki disease, blood must be taken to be tested.*

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should contact your child’s pediatrician. This is especially important if your child has a fever for 4 or more days accompanied by any of those symptoms. It might take several exams to diagnose Kawasaki disease, because there is no specific test for it, but being familiar with the symptoms of the disease can make diagnosing it a little easier. The doctor will take blood to test white and red blood cells, as well as urine samples, and will monitor your child’s heart.

Complications If Left Untreated

If you don’t recognize the fever as Kawasaki disease, and it is left untreated, it could lead to some dire consequences. Your child’s blood vessels could become inflamed, which can be dangerous to your child’s coronary arteries: the inflammation could lead to an aneurysm, which is caused when damaged and weakened blood vessel walls expand.

If the disease is treated within the first 10 days, the risk of aneurysms will be significantly reduced.

Treatment For Kawasaki Disease

If your child is diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, they will be admitted to the hospital, where medication will be given to them through an IV. You can expect to be in the hospital for at least 24 hours after the medication is administered to make sure the fever is completely gone and does not come back. By the 14th day of illness, or after the resolution of the fever, a lower dose of aspirin is typically given for its antiplatelet effect to help prevent blood clots from forming.

In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery or heart transplantation may be recommended for individuals with severe heart involvement.

This condition, depending on the type, can end up having severe symptoms that require surgery, constant testing, mobility assistance, and/or physical therapy, so if your child has had Kawasaki disease, it’s very important that you have good health insurance to help pay for all of these medical expenses. EZ.insure will work with you to find an affordable plan that meets your medical needs, so you have one less thing to worry about while providing care to your child. To get free quotes on all available plans in your area, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

4 Things That Can Turn Into an Out-of-Pocket Nightmare

Keeping on top of your health is one of your top priorities – or at least it should be! You know you shouldn’t put off getting that weird pain you’ve been feeling or that mole on your arm checked out, so that whatever is going on doesn’t get any worse. But maybe you’re avoiding a trip to the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. And we get it: if you don’t have health insurance you could be facing a big, and we mean BIG bill from any medical provider you see; but even if you do have insurance, you could still find yourself stuck with a big bill if you don’t have the right health insurance plan. Find out which things besides co-pays and deductibles can turn into out-of-pocket nightmares, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

1. Ambulance Rides

illustration of an ambulance — *Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily cost you $1,000 or more!*

As if having to take the ride to the hospital in an ambulance isn’t scary enough, wait until you see the amount that ambulance services charge. While ambulance rides are often covered by health insurance, your plan will usually not pay 100% of the bill: depending on your coverage and your policy limits, you could end up paying an average of around $550 out-of-pocket. And if you don’t have insurance? Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily exceed $1,000 and occasionally even reach $2,000. If you need an air ambulance, you’ll be looking at a bill of around $27,000.

2. Your Lifestyle

Are you a dare-devil? Like tough mudder runs? Or maybe just want to stay as fit as possible so you work out regularly? That’s all great, but if you break a bone, tear a ligament, or injure yourself in any other way, you could end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough coverage, your active lifestyle could mean paying a lot of out-of-pocket.

3. Outpatient Services

Surprisingly, outpatient services can land you with some large out-of-pocket bills. The average outpatient visit in the United States costs nearly $500, with recent studies showing that outpatient services account for 49% of medical debt. Doctors and specialists often push to provide services, including surgeries, at outpatient facilities rather than in the hospital; while these facilities are cheaper than hospitals, they are still expensive, and will often tack on extra fees that your health insurance will not pay for.

4. Hospital Expenses

illustration of a doctor standing over a hospital patient and looking at an Xray — *If you are not admitted, and are only under observation in the hospital, you can face some unexpected charges.*

Studies show that the most common unexpected charges include emergency room visits, health-related tests, and specialist visits while a patient is staying in the hospital “under observation.” If you are not admitted to the hospital, but only “under observation” and your doctor requests tests, or visits you, these services are not simply covered under your hospital stay (which you would normally have a one-time copay for). Instead, you will pay for each doctor or specialist visit as a copay as if it was a visit to your doctor’s office, and you will have to pay the coinsurance for each lab work and/or test conducted in the hospital. All of these things can add up to a few hundred dollars. In addition, if you need any medical equipment afterward, such as a boot or crutches, these will also cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket.

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is still open until January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan or looking into your current one and making sure it will cover all of the above-mentioned costs. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible. If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

Questions To Ask When Requesting Health Insurance Quotes

The Open Enrollment Period is coming to an end soon, and if you still haven’t looked into your health insurance options for the new year, now is the time to do so. But we get that picking a plan can be overwhelming because of all the options out there, so we want to give you the inside scoop on finding the best plan for you: your best bet is to work with an insurance agent. They know the ins and outs of health insurance and work with every insurance company, so they can get you the best possible plan. The best part? If you work with an EZ agent, we will compare plans for you for free! So if you’re ready to get started, we’ve got the most important questions to ask when requesting health insurance quotes from your EZ agent.

What Types Of Plans Are Available?

There are a lot of plans – and we mean A LOT – of different plans out there to choose from. There are metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, POSs, EPOs, and more. Each plan offers different levels of flexibility, coverage options, and rates; your available options also depend on where you live, so be sure to ask your EZ agent which plans are available in your region. We will gladly go over every single option and discuss the difference between each plan, so we can help you determine which one is right for you and your family.

What Are The Metal Tiers?

Health plans available on the ACA Exchange are separated into four metal tiers. These tiers do not indicate the level of care you will receive; rather, the tiers let you know how much you will pay for care and how much your insurer will pay. The tiers are:

Bronze– Lower monthly premiums, but a higher deductible and copays. You will usually pay an average of 40% of costs of care, and your insurer will pay 60%.
Silver– Moderate monthly premiums and moderate medical costs. You will pay 30%, and your insurer will pay 70%.
Gold– Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 20% and your insurer will pay 80%.
Platinum– Highest monthly premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 10% and your insurer will pay 90%.

We will be able to go over this in more detail, including what each type of plan will cover and how much you will pay, so you can have a better understanding of how these plans work.

Can I Add Supplemental Insurance?

Dental and vision are considered supplemental insurance plans; some health insurance plans do not offer these, so you will have to ask if they are part of the plan you are looking into. If they are not, we can help you find affordable dental and vision plans.

What is A HDHP & Will It Work For Me?

High deductible health plans are exactly what they sound like: these plans have high deductibles, but in exchange, you will have low affordable monthly premiums. These plans are generally for healthy people who only see the doctor for annual physical exams and do not have any chronic conditions that require constant medical attention, and who will most likely not have to pay their whole deductible. For 2022, the Internal Revenue Service has defined a HDHP as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual, or $2,800 for a family.

How Are Medications Covered?

money made out of medication pills — *Medications are covered differently on plan’s drug formulary, which determines how much your medications cost.*

Figuring out the cost of your prescriptions can be a little complicated since different insurance companies can charge differently for the same drug – some drugs might even be covered differently by the same insurer depending on the plan you choose. Basically, insurers put medications into a drug formulary, which is divided into four tiers:

Tier 1– Inexpensive generic drugs
Tier 2- Brand name drugs and more expensive generic drugs
Tier 3– Non-formulary drugs, generic or brand name
Tier 4- Specialty drugs

To find out which plans cover your medications and how much you will be charged based on their placement in the insurer’s drug formulary, you need to speak with an EZ agent. We will review each plan available in your area and their drug formularies to make sure that your medications are covered, and that they will not cost you an arm and a leg.

What About Out-of-Network Coverage?

Some plans, like HMOs, will not cover out-of-network coverage, but PPO and POS plans do cover out-of-network coverage in case of an emergency. If you travel or visit family in other parts of the country often, you’ll definitely want to consider a plan that covers out-of-network emergencies; otherwise, if you have an accident while away from home, you could be stuck with a bill that you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Do I Need Referrals?

With some plans, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist, like a gastroenterologist or an orthopedic doctor. If you want to skip this step and see a specialist whenever you feel necessary, we can help you find a plan that does not require a referral. You’ll have more flexibility with a plan that doesn’t require referrals, and you won’t have to pay a PCP copay just to get a referral to see a specialist.

There are so many things to think about when looking for a health insurance plan for you and your family. Do you want more flexibility? Supplemental insurance? Cheaper prescriptions? The easiest way to find the right plan for you and get the answers to these questions is to work with an EZ agent. We will compare plans, go over every option, discuss your needs, and help you sign up for the plan you need, all at no cost to you. Our services are completely free, with no hassle and no obligation. Speak to an EZ agent now, before the OEP ends! Get free health insurance quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

Start the New Year Right with These Healthcare Tips

The new year is here, and we could all definitely use a better year than we’ve had the past couple of years. Maybe you’ve made some resolutions to help make this a better year – but is being healthier one of those resolutions? If not, it should be, because the healthier you are, the better you feel! One of the best ways to get healthier is by having great health insurance, and since the Open Enrollment Period is still ongoing, you still have the chance to find a plan that meets your needs and your budget. But aside from being insured, here are some other things you can do for your health that will help you start off the year right!

Schedule A Physical

blood pressure cuff next to other medical instruments on the wall — *It is very important to catch any hidden issues you might have by getting a yearly physical.*

92% of Americans agree that it is important to get an annual physical, however only 62% actually do get a physical. If you haven’t been having a yearly physical, now is the time to get on it! It’s very important to have your annual checkup, because having one allows your doctor to catch any early symptoms of issues that you may be unaware of. Annual checkups help you keep your relationship with your doctor going, and allow them to understand you and your needs better: they can track your health conditions, and help you stay on top of them, by recommending routines or prescribing medications that will help.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned

According to a study by Delta Dental, 31% of Americans fail to brush their teeth at least twice a day, with 2% admitting to not brushing at all. That’s a pretty alarming statistic! Not only that, but only 79% of people who have dental insurance, and 50% of people without dental coverage, actually see the dentist once every year. It’s very important to get your teeth checked twice a year by a dentist in order to prevent cavities, and to avoid a root canal in the future.

In addition, if you aren’t brushing properly and seeing your dentist regularly, you could develop gum disease or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been associated with higher risk of kidney disease, dementia, and certain types of cancers, so make sure to call your dentist and schedule an appointment!

Get Your Eyes Checked

Did you know that 5% of Americans have never even seen an eye doctor? 46% of people haven’t had an appointment in the past year, with 1 in 6 seeing an eye doctor more than two years ago! If you think your eyes are healthy because you can see well, and that you don’t need to go to the eye doctor, you could end up with an undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment. In fact, 16 million Americans have an undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Dr. Chris Marquardt, a recent past president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, says many people equate good vision with healthy eyes, but that isn’t always the case:

“..There are a lot of conditions that can be detected in a regular eye exam, an in-person exam with a Doctor of Optometry. You may go years without seeing any sorts of signs or symptoms. Things like glaucoma, macular degeneration, even systemic things like diabetes or high blood pressure can be going on in the back of the eyes and you would never know it…”

So what are you waiting for? Get your eyes checked!

Is It Time For A Mammogram Or Colonoscopy?

Going to get a mammogram or a colonoscopy is probably not anywhere near the top of your list of things you want to do – the words alone are enough to send people running, but these screenings are very important. If you are the recommended age for these tests, you need to make an appointment and get the mammogram, or colonoscopy as soon as you can.

Consider this: according to information released by John Hopkins Medical Center, “40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” So, if you examine yourself and find a lump, get checked right away! That also means, though, that 60% of diagnosed breast cancers are found by other means, so make sure you’re seeing your gynecologist regularly, and scheduling mammograms every year after you turn 40. anatomy of the stomach

As for your colon health? “There are more than 20 million adults in this country who haven’t had any recommended screening for colorectal cancer and who may therefore get cancer and die from a preventable tragedy,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Screening for colorectal cancer is effective and can save your life.”

Get Great Insurance

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is getting a comprehensive health insurance plan that will allow you to see the above doctors, and have the screenings that can keep you healthy. EZ.Insure can help you find a great plan that will save you money on your doctor visits, medications, and monthly premiums. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance insurance companies in the nation, we can search through all the available plans in your area and find the right one for you. And all of our services are free of charge! No hassle or obligation. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

Which States Run Their Own Health Insurance Exchanges?

The Open Enrollment Period is almost over: you only have until January 15 to purchase or change your plan! With that being said, though, some states have chosen to extend their deadline; they can do this because, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), each state can run its own health insurance exchange, or Marketplace, in which people can shop for health insurance.

This state-based Marketplace is a government agency that is created and maintained by the state, and that offers subsidized ACA plans for residents of that state. You can buy a plan from your state’s Marketplace, or you have the option of buying off-exchange coverage from an insurance company; if you do this, you will not get premium subsidies and cost-sharing reductions– those are only available through the exchange. So which states run their own Marketplaces and what does that mean for you?

State-Run Vs. Federally Run Exchanges

When the ACA was passed in 2010, it provided funding and laid out rules for states to be able to establish their own exchanges; if states chose not to have their own exchange, the federal government would then step in and offer insurance for that state’s residents. So, many states chose to do it themselves so they could have more control of their Marketplace, and make it more profitable and sustainable. The federally run exchange, accessible through Healthcare.gov, is used in 36 states. The other 14 states (and Washington D.C.) have their own exchanges.

States With Their Own Exchanges:

California (Covered California)
- Deadline is January 31
Colorado (Connect for Health Colorado)
Connecticut (Access Health CT)
District of Columbia (DC Health Link)
Idaho (Your Health Idaho)
Maryland (Maryland Health Connection)
Massachusetts (Massachusetts Health Connector)
- Deadline is January 23
Minnesota (MNsure)
Nevada (Nevada Health Link)
New Jersey (Get Covered NJ)
- Deadline is January 31
New York (New York State of Health)
Pennsylvania (Pennie)
Rhode Island (HealthSource RI)
- Deadline is January 31
Vermont (Vermont Health Connect)
Washington (Washington Healthplanfinder)

If you live in a state that has its own exchange, your health insurance plan options and prices might be a little different than if you only have the option of using Healthcare.gov or going off-exchange. In addition, depending on where you live, your OEP might be extended! But just because your state is in control of the Marketplace, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great affordable ACA-compliant health insurance plan that is right for you by working with an EZ agent.

Looking For Insurance?

The best way to get the right plan for you and your needs is by working with a licensed health insurance agent. At EZ, our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, in every state! We will connect you with a local agent who will go over your medical needs and budget, and sift through all the available plans in minutes. We’ll quickly find you a plan that will save you money – especially now, with the premium subsidies President Biden has extended to all Americans. You could save hundreds of dollars a year! No hassle and no obligation. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

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