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How Your Health Plan Might Cover A Hot Tub, And More Amazing Benefits!

Health insurance is just one of those things you need in life – after all, you want to stay as healthy as possible, without going broke. Let’s face it: going to the doctor can be pricey, and let’s not even get into how much it would cost if you had an emergency without having health insurance! But if you think that your healthcare plan is just there to keep you from spending an arm and a leg on medical care, you might want to consider how you can get more bang for your buck. Some health insurance companies offer extra benefits that many people don’t even know about – for example, want a hot tub for your bad joints? It might be covered! With the help of an EZ agent, you can find a plan with great extra benefits, like the following.

Massages

Got chronic back pain? Neck pain? Well, you’re in luck: some health insurance companies consider massages a form of physical therapy, and so will cover them in some of their plans. That means, if you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, whether due to an accident, or just wear and tear on your body, you could get massages covered by certain health insurance plans with a referral from your doctor (although some plans will not even require one).

Hot Tubs

What’s better than a massage? A hot tub you can get into whenever you need to to relieve your aching muscles, of course. It might sound crazy, but some health insurance companies will actually cover a hot tub! You will need to have a medical requirement for one, such as a spinal issue, or another chronic condition, and a prescription from your doctor, which would mean that your hot tub would be considered Durable Medical Equipment. So if you want your hot tub covered, be prepared to produce all the relevant medical documentation required, such as MRI’s, and any other tests that prove you have a medical condition.

Gym Memberships

Did you know that health insurance companies will pay either all or part of your gym membership? They want you to stay as healthy as possible, so to them, a gym membership is an investment in you, and a way to keep your medical expenses in check. Insurance companies usually work with specific gyms in your area, so be sure to find out which ones they will cover. Hey, free is free, and if it’s a discounted membership, it’s still a win!

Baby Formula

If you’re formula-feeding your baby, you know just how expensive that formula is. It can add up to a big monthly expense, but fortunately, formula is one of those surprising things that is covered by some health insurance plans. If your plan covers it, you can continue to purchase your formula as usual, and get reimbursed by your health insurance company, so remember to save all of your receipts. If this interests you, contact an EZ agent, who can compare all available plans and find one that covers baby formula.

The best way to find out if any of these benefits are offered in your plan is to call your insurance company and ask them, but if you are shopping for a plan and are interested in any of these benefits, 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 are 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.

Health Insurance Open Enrollment FAQ

The Open Enrollment Period for health insurance is a very important time, when you can change or enroll in a health insurance plan for coverage beginning the following year. It runs from November 1 to December 15, and is the only time during the year when you can purchase a plan, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. To better prepare you for the Open Enrollment Period, including what to expect and how to find a great plan, we’ve answered some FAQ below.

When Is The Annual Open Enrollment Period?

calendar with the date on november 1 — *Health insurance Open Enrollment begins on November 1st every year.*

The Open Enrollment Period is the one time of the year that you can buy or change your health insurance; if you do not buy health insurance during the Open Enrollment Period, you will have to wait until the following year to do so, unless you experience a qualifying life event.

The Federal Open Enrollment Period starts on November 1st and ends December 15, which gives you just about six weeks to choose a health insurance plan and sign up for one. However, some states have permanently extended their Open Enrollment Period until January 15th or 31st, with coverage beginning February 1st.

Am I Eligible To Enroll In Marketplace Health Insurance?

To be eligible to enroll in ACA Marketplace health insurance, you must:

Be between the ages of 18 and 64
Live in the United States
Be a U.S. citizen
Not currently be incarcerated

envelope in a blue circle — Be sure to review the ANOC letter you will receive about your current plan’s coverage for next year.

What Changes Can I Make During Open Enrollment?

If you currently have a health insurance plan, you will receive an annual notice of change (ANOC) letter in the mail prior to Open Enrollment; you’ll need to carefully review this because there might be changes being made to the price or coverage of your plan. But if your plan is not changing and you are happy with it, you will be automatically re-enrolled for next year.

If you are unhappy with your health insurance plan, you can switch to a new one, but you will have to review all of the plans in your area, including new ones that might have been added. If you don’t review plans in your area during the Open Enrollment Period, you won’t know if there is a better plan for you; the best way to do this is by working with one of EZ’s licensed local agents, who can compare plans easily for you in minutes.

What If I Miss The Open Enrollment Period?

If you miss the Open Enrollment Period, your choices will be very limited until next year’s Open Enrollment Period, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), you’ll need to have experienced one of the following qualifying life events:

Getting married or divorced
Death of a spouse or policyholder
The birth or adoption of a child
Loss of health insurance coverage
Moving to a new area where the health plans are different from what you currently have

If you are looking for health insurance temporarily until the next Open Enrollment Period, you have the option of short-term health insurance, which will cover you for up to 36 months, but this type of plan has limited coverage.

Can I Afford Health Insurance?

The first thing you should do if you’re looking to save money is work with an agent who can compare plans for you and find one that fits your budget. Next, check to see if you qualify for subsidies, such as premium tax credits and cost-sharing subsidies. Premium subsidies are available in every state, and help make health insurance more affordable. Eligibility for subsidies is based on your household income; it’s definitely worth checking to see if you qualify, since President Biden recently extended premium subsidies to millions of Americans, making them easier to get, even for those with an income of 400% of the federal poverty level or higher.

How Do I Find A Plan?

If you have any further questions, or need help finding a plan during the Open Enrollment Period, an EZ agent can help you. We will provide you with a local licensed agent who will search all available plans in your area and find the best one for your medical and financial needs. We will also double check to see if you qualify for any subsidies to save you even more money. All of our services are done in minutes and at no cost to you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local license agent call 888-350-1890.

Biden Administration Extends ACA Open Enrollment Period!

The Biden Administration is doing all it can to encourage Americans to sign up for health insurance, including extending enrollment periods and subsidies. And now, because the Covid Special Enrollment Period that ended in August was so successful (3 million Americans signed up for health insurance during that time!) President Biden has decided to extend the fall Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment Period (OEP) by 30 days. The OEP will now run from November 1- January 15, 2022, meaning you will have 75 days to purchase health insurance this year instead of the usual 45 days (the OEP usually ends on December 15). And not only will the OEP be extended, but the Administration is also offering more ways to make health insurance affordable for millions more people.

OEP Extended

The Biden Administration has made getting as many Americans insured as possible a top priority, which is why they are issuing this extension.

“Health care is a basic human right, and the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to making health coverage more accessible than ever. With the Affordable Care Act and the American Rescue Plan, the President has brought affordable health coverage to millions—many of whom now have insurance for the first time,” said Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Today’s action to extend the Open Enrollment Period by a month, to continue our investment in local health care Navigators, and to establish a special enrollment period for many low-income people further demonstrates our commitment to connect families to coverage.”

Low-Income Health Insurance SEP

In addition to extending the OEP and premium tax credits for millions of Americans under the American Rescue Plan, the Biden Administration is also planning to to help low-income households sign up for health insurance by establishing a monthly Special Enrollment Period for low-income households with incomes no greater than 150% of the federal poverty line. This will make it easier for low-income people to enroll in marketplace coverage all year long, and will help the millions of people who are expected to lose Medicaid coverage at the end of the declared public health emergency successfully transition to exchange coverage.

illustration of a family of 4 in a bubble with hands holding the bubble — *The new low-income SEP will make it easier for low-income people to enroll in marketplace coverage all year long.*

Those wanting to take advantage of the low-income SEP will only be able to purchase plans through the marketplace exchanges, and state-based exchanges can choose to implement, or not implement, the SEP. Buyers will be able to purchase any metal-tier plan, but those wanting to switch their coverage will be limited to purchasing Silver plans.

“We’re continuing to answer the clear call from the American public for affordable, accessible care,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Biden-Harris Administration has already made historic investments to help connect communities to coverage. By continuing to build a policy framework that can support this momentum, we’re also building back better for communities in need.”

Nobody should have to go without health insurance, especially during these difficult times. So to help provide health insurance to more Americans, the Biden Administration is making changes to the health insurance system in this country, allowing everyone more time to get coverage and more opportunities to find an affordable plan. If you would like to review your options in your area, contact a local licensed EZ agent. Our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, making comparing plans fast and easy. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

What Information Will You Need in Order To Enroll in a Health Insurance Plan for 2022?

The Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period, or ACA Open Enrollment Period, begins on November 1st and runs through December 15 in most states, or through January in a select number of states. You can change your healthcare plan during this time, or if you don’t have health insurance, this is the time of year to enroll. In fact, this is the only time you can enroll in an ACA plan, unless you experience what’s known as a “qualifying event” (like getting married or having a child), which would open up a Special Enrollment Period for you. Before you enroll in a plan, though, it’s important to first find out what kind of information you will need to complete your application.

Finding A Plan

illustration of a person holding a large magnifying glass looking through — *The best way to find a plan is to compare each plan in detail, and the easiest way to do this is by working with an EZ agent.*

Before we get into what you will need to enroll in a plan, let’s review how to find the best plan for your needs. The only way to make sure you’re getting the best plan for your needs is by comparing every available plan in your area, but this can be overwhelming and time-consuming, so make things easier on yourself by working with a licensed agent, who will have access to info on every plan’s coverage and price. An EZ agent can compare plans in minutes for you for free, saving you time and money, while finding the best plan for your medical and financial needs.

Be Prepared

While searching for a plan, you will need some important information to not only find the right plan, but to save you as much money as possible. To make the process go more smoothly, be prepared with:

Your name, address, email address, social security number, and birth date.
Your household size and income, with proof in the form of your pay stub, W2, or tax return. You’ll need this info for any plan you want to enroll in, but you’ll definitely want to use your financial info to check if you qualify for any premium subsidies or cost-sharing reductions, which could save you hundreds of dollars.
All of your doctors’ names and locations so you can make sure that the plan you’re considering covers them. If your doctors are not in the plan’s network, you could end up with some surprise medical bills.
Any medications you are taking. Each plan has its own drug formulary, meaning each plan places medications in one of 4 tiers, which affects how much the drug costs. It is important to make sure that your medications are covered, and that they will not be too expensive for you.
Payment information, preferably a credit or debit card.

black question mark in a yellow circle — *The OEP normally ends December 15, but it is important to check within the state you live in, as some have extended the deadline.*

When Your Plan Will Go Into Effect

Once you’ve given all of this information to your agent, and you are all set with an affordable plan, your next question might be “When will my plan go into effect?” In states where the ACA Open Enrollment Period ends December 15, coverage will take effect on January 1st. If you already have a plan, and are switching to a new plan, your current plan will end December 31st, and the new one will begin January 1. If you are in one of the states that has an extended Open Enrollment Period through the month of January (California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington, and Washington D.C.), your new plan’s coverage will begin February 1st.

Need Help?

It is possible to find affordable plans, and with President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which expanded premium subsidies to more Americans, you could save anywhere from $50 to $1,000 a month. Finding an affordable plan can be time-consuming and confusing if you’re doing it on your own, but it’s so much easier with an EZ agent; with help from one of our agents, you can cut down on time and stress, and save as much money as possible. Our highly trained agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare plans for you in mere minutes; not only that, but our services are completely free. To get free instant quotes and guidance, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our local licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Covid-19 Has Not Only Led To Academic Issues In Children, But Mental Health Issues Too

The pandemic forced many schools to close down in 2020, meaning many children spent the rest of the 2019-2020 school year and most, if not all, of the 2020-2021 school year learning online. It was not an easy transition for many children or for their parents, with reports from KFF Vaccine Monitor reporting that around four in ten parents of school-aged children ages 5-17 say at least one of their children fell behind academically. And academic issues have not been the only side effects of online schooling: mental health issues have also become much more common among children in the last year.

As this school year begins, though, most schools are transitioning back to in-person learning, which could end up being a mixed bag. Being physically at school can help with children’s development, but many will also experience some anxiety and panic as they return, so it is important to know how to help get your child back into the swing of things.

illustration of a girl sitting at a desk with her hands over her face — *One of the symptoms of mental health issues within children is difficulty concentrating or frequent headaches.*

Studies Show…

The Kaiser Family Foundation researchers recently asked more than 1,200 parents of children younger than age 18 about their children’s’ mental health; more than a third said their child had fallen behind in their social and behavioral development during the pandemic. Children whose school was at least partially online last year were more likely to have had their well being negatively impacted; not only that, but around 42% of the parents surveyed said their children showed at least one new mental health symptom during the pandemic.

Some of the symptoms included:

Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork (27%)
Problems with nervousness, or being easily scared or worried (19%)
Trouble sleeping (18%)
Poor appetite or overeating (15%)
Frequent headaches or stomach aches (11%)

Recognizing Signs of Stress & Other Mental Health Issues

Your child might not know how to express how they are feeling, so it is important to be able to recognize any signs of mental distress in your child. Each child or teen will exhibit different signs, but there are some common symptoms and changes in their behavior or development to look out for, including:

Irritability
Waking up more during the night
Separation anxiety
Bedwetting
Stepping back from personal relationships
Loss of interest in activities they previously enjoyed
Difficulty falling asleep
Change in appetite
Memory problems
Thoughts about death or suicide

What You Can Do To Help Prepare Your Child

While the transition back to in-person learning is undoubtedly good for children and their development, it might also be challenging for some, so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open. “Keep checking in with your kids,” Dr. Kyle Monk, a pediatrician at Cedars-Sinai, says. “Ask them how they’re doing and let them know how you’re feeling as well.”

If your child is anxious or scared about returning to school, have an open conversation with them, and take the time to listen to and validate their feelings. Here’s how you can help get them back into the swing of things:

Have an open conversation about the new year and what they can expect as they return to school.
Ween them off of their summer schedule by starting an earlier, consistent bedtime, and prepare them for getting up early. You might want to get them an alarm clock so they know exactly when they need to get up.
Make sure your child has a daily, predictable routine, with regular times for healthy meals, naps, and night sleep at home. Having a rested body and knowing what to expect at home helps children cope.
Sit down with your kids and have them put forward a couple of academic goals for the semester.
Establish a quiet zone or zones at home where kids can do homework, without the distractions of TV, videos, music, etc.
Reassure children about safety measures in place to help keep them safe and healthy, and prepare them to stay safe by talking about socially distancing, washing their hands, and wearing a mask all day.
Be on the lookout for any emotional or physical changes after the start of the school year, so you can help them cope, or get professional help if needed.

All ACA-approved health insurance plans cover mental health needs, including therapy, inpatient services, and any medications needed. Get free quotes on plans with great coverage and affordable prices by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Facts About Dyslexia

Did you know that dyslexia is the most common learning disability in the United States? Approximately 1 in 5 people are dyslexic, and although it is considered a learning disability, being diagnosed with it does not mean you are not intelligent: in fact, studies show that people with dyslexia are often more creative and actually have a higher level of intelligence than others. While the cause is not fully understood, there are some factors that are known to affect the brain’s development and that might contribute to the development of learning disabilities. In honor of October being Dyslexia Awareness Month, we will take a look at this condition, including signs to look for, and how to help treat it.

What Is Dyslexia?

illustration of a head cut in a half so the brain and spine is visible — *People with dyslexia only use the right side of their brain to process language.*

Dyslexia is a learning disability that is usually detected in children, but it is not often outgrown and usually persists into adulthood. Experts believe that between 5 and 10% of people have dyslexia, and around 40% of people with dyslexia also have ADHD.

A common misconception about dyslexia is that people with the disability “see” words backwards, but it is actually an issue with the way the brain processes language: those who are diagnosed with it have trouble reading fluently and will often read slowly and make mistakes while reading. This is because people with disability use only the right side of the brain to process language, while non-dyslexics use three areas on the left side of the brain to process language. Difficulties can spill into other subjects such as spelling, writing, and math. All of this means that those with the disability use about 5 times more energy to complete mental tasks.

There are different types of dyslexia that range from mild to severe, but the sooner it is treated, the better the quality of life for the individual.

The Different Types Of Dyslexia

Primary dyslexia– This is the most common type of dyslexia, and does not change with age. It causes difficulties processing sounds, letters, and numbers, which negatively affects abilities in spelling, reading and math. It is genetic and is often found more in boys than in girls.
Secondary, or developmental dyslexia– This type of dyslexia is caused by issues with brain development during the fetal stage, but slowly disappears with age. It is also more common in boys than in girls.
Trauma, or acquired, dyslexia– This type occurs after trauma to the area of the brain that controls reading and writing.
Visual dyslexia– This is a condition in which the brain does not interpret visual signals properly, and does not receive the full picture of what the eyes are seeing.
Phonological dyslexia– With this condition, there are issues with the brain’s processing of sounds and speech. 75% of people who have dyslexia experience difficulty in breaking speech into individual sounds.
Surface dyslexia– With this form of dyslexia, a child takes longer to process language when they move beyond the decoding stage.

Possible Causes

There is no known cause for dyslexia, but researchers believe that it could be caused by genetics and brain differences. It often runs in the family: children have a 50% chance of having dyslexia if one parent has it, and a 100% chance if both parents have it.

Brain anatomy plays a role, as well: brain imaging studies show a difference in the brain between people with and without dyslexia, mainly in the part of the brain that controls key reading skills.

Signs & Symptoms

Dyslexia does not look the same for everyone, but one of the major signs in a child is trouble decoding words, or matching letters to sounds. Dyslexia can affect everyday skills and activities such as social interaction, memory, and ways of dealing with stress. Other signs and symptoms to look for include:

Avoiding reading out loud
Slow learning of new vocabulary words
Difficulty copying from a book or board
Difficulty remembering content
Problems with coordination, and difficulty with organized sports or games
Difficulty with telling the difference between left and right, and with establishing dominance for either hand
Difficulty remembering or understanding what they hear
Difficulty recalling sequences
Missing words or parts of whole sentences when talking
Difficulty expressing thoughts
Withdrawal and depression
Loss of interest in school-related activities
Problems with self-esteem

Treatment Options

In some cases, dyslexia might not be diagnosed until later in childhood, when a child has trouble with more complex skills, including grammar, reading comprehension, reading fluency, sentence structure, and more in-depth writing.

woman and a little girl looking down at a piece of paper on a table — *Once diagnosed, a detailed therapy plan will be created to help manage the disability.*

If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs or symptoms, consult with your doctor about your child’s development so they can conduct tests to determine your child’s functional reading level and compare it to comparable reading levels. They will also assess how your child processes information and offer advice on how they can improve their learning skills.

After your doctor has more of an idea of the type of dyslexia present, a treatment plan will be created, which will focus on your child’s weaknesses and ways to work on strengthening them. School professionals will come up with an academic treatment plan to help your child succeed, and will guide you on how to continue working with your child at home. Early intervention and support is important to help manage the disability.

Dyslexia has nothing to do with how intelligent someone is, it merely means that they have a hard time with reading and comprehension. It is something that can be detected and managed, which is why many people with dyslexia go on to be successful in all aspects of their lives; the best way to make sure this happens, though, is to have a treatment plan in place. In many cases, you can get your child tested for dyslexia for free at their school, but if you get private testing, it can cost you a lot of money, even with health insurance. And, if you do find out that your child is dyslexic, it is important to be insured so you can get them the best treatment possible to manage the disability and to continue to manage it as they grow up.

If you are interested in an affordable health insurance plan with great coverage, EZ can help. We can compare plans in your area at no cost to you. We take the worry out of finding a good plan to cover your bills, so you can focus on helping your family. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

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