Some Countries Are Now Requiring Visitors To Have Travel Health Insurance

When the coronavirus hit the world last year, travel came to a halt, leaving many to be refunded or credited for their airplane and cruise tickets, hotel rooms, and more. It was a tough time for everyone around the world, with many people unable to see their friends or family, but now, with millions of people getting vaccinated, countries are opening their borders to visitors from abroad, and people are ready to travel. There is a catch though: depending on where you are going, you might have to purchase travel health insurance beforehand.

Where Will You Need Travel Health Insurance?

Some countries are currently requiring people to get travel health insurance before entering, and so far, one cruise line, Royal Caribbean International, is requiring it of all passengers. This requirement was originally only for unvaccinated Americans, but now many countries are insisting that all travelers be insured before making their journey, and are asking that the coverage be sufficient to cover Covid-19-related medical expenses, including quarantine and evacuation. 

cruise boat in the waters of aruba
Some cruise ships and countries, such as Aruba, are requiring visitors to have travel health insurance before coming.

Countries requiring travel health insurance include:

  • Anguilla
  • Aruba
  • Bahamas
  • Bermuda
  • Cambodia
  • Cayman Islands
  • Chile
  • Costa Rica
  • Cuba*
  • Dubai (United Arab Emirates)*
  • Ecuador*
  • Egypt*
  • French Polynesia
  • Israel
  • Jamaica
  • Jordan
  • Lebanon
  • Nepal
  • New Zealand*
  • Qatar*
  • Russia*
  • St. Maarten
  • Thailand
  • Turkey*
  • Turks and Caicos
  • Ukraine

*Country requires even non-Covid-19-related medical insurance for visitors.

How Much Is It?illustration of a hand with money in it handing it to another hand with a red cross in it

Fortunately, travel health insurance is not very expensive, generally costing around $30-$80 per traveler. Speak to your health insurance provider to see if they offer it, and to find out the exact cost for you. 

You should also know that some countries will require you to have a specific amount of coverage; for example, in order to visit Dubai, you will need at least $100,000 in general emergency medical coverage and $50,000 for medical evacuation. Aruba is requiring $75,000 for hospital costs, medical transportation costs, and more. For trips to Antarctica, where different nations control different areas, tour operators will most likely require at least $100,000 in both medical coverage and evacuation expenses.

The coronavirus has changed the world, and countries are trying to protect themselves by mandating that travelers get health insurance to cover their medical expenses in the event  they contract Covid-19. And this might be just the beginning when it comes to these types of requirements: many think this will remain the standard for countries from now on. 

Travel health insurance is offered by some health insurance companies, and you might be able to add it to your current policy; if not, you can always search for a plan that does offer it, with the help of an EZ agent. Our agents can compare plans for you in minutes to help you save money and time. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Could Your Frequent Infections and Anemia Be Sickle Cell Disease?

Do you often feel tired? While tiredness can be a symptom of many different health conditions, if it is accompanied by other symptoms like bacterial infections, anemia, and eye problems, you might be suffering from sickle cell disease, also known as sickle cell anemia. There are four main types of sickle cell disease, each caused by different gene mutations, and knowing which one you (or your child) have will allow you to better manage the condition and avoid the complications that can develop if it is not treated properly. To better understand this condition, you should know how it develops, and what treatment options are available for managing it. 

Sickle Cell Disease Defined

Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common types of inherited blood anemia, primarily affecting African Americans. Almost 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with sickle cell anemia in the United States each year, with the condition affecting 1 in 500 U.S. African American babies.illustration of a regular red blood cell and a crescent red blood cellIt is an inherited genetic condition that affects the red blood cells, making them fragile and abnormally shaped like a crescent, or sickle, which is why the disease is named sickle cell anemia. The red blood cells’ abnormal shape makes them sticky and rigid, making them more likely to get trapped in smaller blood vessels, blocking blood from reaching various parts of the body, and causing pain and tissue damage. These sickle-shaped red blood cells are also more prone to rupture; when they do rupture, it means you will have fewer red blood cells, leading to anemia. 

The 4 Types Of Sickle Cell Disease

There are 4 main types of sickle cell anemia that are caused by different mutations in the hemoglobin genes. Hemoglobin is the protein in red bloods cells that help carry oxygen throughout the body; in healthy individuals, there are two hemoglobin alpha chains and 2 hemoglobin beta chains, but a mutation in the hemoglobin beta chain (which is sometimes absent) causes sickle cell anemia: The four types of this condition are:

  1. Hemoglobin SS Disease– This is the most common and most severe type of sickle cell disease, which occurs when a child inherits the hemoglobin S gene from both parents.
  2. Hemoglobin SC Disease– This is the second most common type of sickle cell disease, occurring when a child inherits the hemoglobin beta S gene from one parent and the hemoglobin C gene from the other. People with this type of sickle cell disease will have similar symptoms to individuals with hemoglobin SS disease, however symptoms are less severe.
  3. Hemoglobin SB 0 (Beta Zero) Thalassemia– This occurs when a child inherits the hemoglobin beta S gene from one parent and a hemoglobin beta 0 thalassemia gene mutation from the other parent.
  4. Hemoglobin SB+ (Beta) Thalassemia– This occurs when a child inherits the hemoglobin beta S gene from one parent and a hemoglobin Beta+ thalassemia gene from the other parent. This form of sickle cell is less severe and symptoms are usually milder.

Signs & Symptoms

illustration of a thermometer with the red shooting up near the top
Fever in infants can be a sign of sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease is usually diagnosed at birth with a standard newborn screening, but as far as symptoms go, they usually do not show up until 4 to 6 months of age, because before this age, infants are protected by fetal hemoglobin. Signs and symptoms in infants include:

  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • Painful swelling of the hands and feet
  • Pneumococcal bacterial infection

For adolescents, teens, and adults, symptoms include:

  • Feeling tired or weak
  • Anemia
  • Swelling and inflammation of the hands and/or feet
  • Lung and heart injury 
  • Leg ulcers
  • Bacterial infections
  • Eye damage
  • Bone infarcts, or the death of portions of bone

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, with the environment and other conditions influencing symptoms. Sickle cell disease can become worse under certain conditions, including:

  • Dehydration
  • Illness
  • Stress
  • High altitude
  • Menstruation
  • Changes in temperature
  • Intense exercise

Diagnosis

All newborns in the United States are screened for sickle cell disease in the hospital. Testing is normally performed on a smear of blood using a special low-oxygen preparation, also referred to as a sickle prep. The disease is then confirmed by using hemoglobin electrophoresis to determine the types of hemoglobin present. 

Treatments of Sickle Cell Disease

Treatments will vary depending on the type of sickle cell disease present. Different forms of treatment include:arm of a man getting a blood transfusion

  • Blood transfusions
  • Receiving oxygen through a mask
  • Rehydration through an IV to help red blood cells return to a normal state
  • Pain medication when needed
  • Bone marrow transplant to help treat sickle cell anemia in children younger than 16 with severe complications
  • Sticking to a healthy diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
  • Drinking more water 
  • Regular exercise 

Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

Diagnosing and treating sickle cell disease is very important, because a number of complications can result from the disease, including:

  • Severe anemia
  • Hand-foot syndrome, which causes swelling of the hands and feet, as well as leg ulcers
  • Splenic sequestration, or the sudden and painful enlargement of the spleen
  • Delayed growth
  • Neurological complications, such as strokes caused by brain blockages
  • Eye problems
  • Heart disease and acute chest syndrome (a term used to cover conditions characterized by chest pain, cough, fever, low oxygen level, and lung infiltrates)
  • Lung disease
  • Priapism, or a painful erection that can lead to impotence if left untreated
  • Gallstones

If you get treatment for sickle cell disease, and change your lifestyle as necessary, you can remain symptom-free for many years; if sickle cell anemia is left untreated, however, many people will not live more than 40 years. To stay as healthy as possible, blood transfusions, medications, and even possibly a bone marrow transplant might be necessary; if you don’t have sufficient health insurance coverage, you could find yourself facing large medical bills. If you need a better plan, come to EZ: we’ll compare plans in your area at no cost to you, and find a plan that offers you the coverage you need at an affordable price. Our agent will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision on your health insurance plan. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

What Is Usher Syndrome?

Usher Syndrome Awareness Day is Sept 18. You might not have heard of Usher syndrome, but this rare, inherited disorder causes hearing and vision loss in infants. The hearing loss can be mild to complete, and the vision slowly deteriorates over time. Scientists have identified 3 major types of Usher syndrome, characterized by how severe the hearing loss is. Treatment for this condition will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, health, as well as what type of Usher syndrome they have; early diagnosis of the condition, as well as proper management of it, can help improve your child’s overall quality of life. 

What Is Usher Syndrome?

black and white illustration of an ear with a line going through it
Usher syndrome causes deafness in young children and adults.

Named after Charles Usher, the British eye surgeon who identified the condition in 1914, Usher syndrome causes deafness because of an impaired ability in the inner ear and auditory nerves to transmit sound to the brain. The vision loss associated with it is caused by retinitis pigmentosa, a disorder that affects the retina, in which the light-sensing cells of the retina break down and cause vision loss over time. Blind spots develop first, and over time, they enlarge and merge to create tunnel vision. 

How Common Is Usher Syndrome?

The National Institute of Health reports that Usher syndrome affects approximately 4 to 17 children out of 100,000 people, and accounts for about 50% of all hereditary deaf-blindness cases.

Causes Of Usher Syndrome

Usher syndrome is a genetic disease, passed down from parents to children when both parents are carriers of the gene. It is caused by mutations in several different genes that make up proteins involved in normal hearing, vision, and balance. 

Usher syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder, meaning:

  • Both men and women are equally likely to have the disorder; it does not affect one gender more than the other. 
  • The condition occurs only when a child inherits both copies of the same gene from each parent.

Types and Symptoms of Usher Syndrome 

There are 3 different types of Usher syndrome, each with a different level of severity. Types 1 and 2 are the most common, making up 95% of Usher syndrome cases. The types are characterized in the following ways:

  1. Type 1- Children with this type will have hearing loss or deafness at birth and severe balance issues. Babies will be able to sit without support, but at a later age than normal; they will also be late walkers, rarely walking before 18 months. Vision problems will begin before age 10, starting with difficulty seeing at night, and progressing quickly to total blindness. Many children with this type of Usher syndrome will not benefit from cochlear implants, an electronic device that can help people with hearing loss. toddler sitting down touching his ear
  2. Type 2– This type is characterized by hearing loss from birth and gradual vision loss that begins in either adolescence or adulthood. At birth, babies with type 2 Usher syndrome will have moderate to severe hearing loss, but normal balance. They will develop night vision problems as teenagers, with vision loss progressing more slowly and generally not resulting in total blindness. Children with this type will benefit from hearing aids. 
  3. Type 3– People with type 3 Usher syndrome will experience hearing loss and vision loss beginning later in life. Babies will have normal hearing, with hearing loss beginning during late childhood or adolescence. Most children will have normal to near-normal balance, but may develop problems later in life. Night blindness starts in puberty, with blind spots occurring by late teens and total blindness by middle age. People with type 3 can benefit from hearing aids, as well. 

Diagnosis

All newborn babies are screened for hearing problems when they are in the hospital, and if there is a problem, there will be follow-up testing. If there are any additional signs and symptoms of the syndrome, genetic testing might be done to find out if they have the Usher syndrome gene. Your child’s healthcare provider will also check your infant’s eyesight with the following tests:

  • Electronystagmography (ENG)– A test that checks eye movements to help diagnose balance problems.
  • Vision Testing Physical examination of the retina to detect changes in blood vessels. Visual field testing will be done to measure the peripheral vision, as well as an electroretinogram (ERG), an exam based on the retina’s response to light, which confirms the diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa.

Early diagnosis is important because it improves the likelihood of treatment success. 

Treatment 

Unfortunately, there is no known cure for Usher syndrome, but treatment will help manage hearing, vision, and balance problems. Early diagnosis is important, because it improves the likelihood of treatment success; treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and health, as well as how severe the condition is. Treatment can include:hearing aids with one side red and the other blue

  • Cochlear implants
  • Hearing aids
  • Hearing or auditory training
  • Use of American Sign Language
  • Speech, physical, and occupational therapy
  • Low vision support, such as magnifiers (hand held and for digital or computer use), large-print reading materials, or audio recordings.
  • Orientation and mobility training to help with balance
  • Vitamin A, which a long-term clinical trial from the National Eye Institute and the Foundation for Fighting Blindness suggests can slow the progression of retinitis pigmentosa. 
  • Counseling

Although there is no cure for Usher syndrome, children with the condition can live full, happy lives with ongoing treatment to help manage it. Seeing your child battling a condition like Usher syndrome is not easy, and the last thing you need in this situation is stress over how to pay the medical bills for treatments. But if you have the right health insurance plan, you won’t have to worry about medical bills, and will be able to simply focus on your child’s health. With EZ.Insure, it’s possible to get great affordable health insurance with the coverage you need: our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare all available plans in your area and provide you with quotes and information about each plan, 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.

2021 Special Enrollment Period Is Almost Over! Look Into A Plan Now!

The Open Enrollment Period for purchasing health insurance on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace is usually only from November 1 – December 15, unless you experience a qualifying life event. But this year, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Biden Administration opened up a Special Enrollment Period so Americans would have the opportunity to purchase a health insurance plan without a qualifying life event. This Special Enrollment Period began on February 15, 2021, and has been extended until August 15, 2021, allowing millions of Americans to sign up for health insurance coverage. In fact, according to a report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as of July 14, more than 2 million Americans have signed up for an insurance plan! But the deadline to get a plan is coming up, so now is the time to look at your options, with the help of an EZ agent. 

Get More Savings

hundred dollar bills spread out
The American Rescue Plan has helped millions of Americans save more money by expanding premium subsidies to everyone.

Not only did the Biden Administration create this Special Enrollment Period, but they have also passed the American Rescue Plan (ARP), which has expanded subsidies for health insurance premiums, making them available to millions of Americans, and making plans far more affordable. Premium subsidies have been expanded for people at every income level, including those with incomes more than 4 times the federal poverty level. 

Before the ARP was passed, individuals and families with incomes above 400% of the federal poverty line were not eligible for premium subsidies, but the new law has made premium tax credits available to them. It also caps premium payments at 8.5% of household income, based on the cost of a benchmark plan – this means that, as long as the cost of a benchmark plan is equal to or more than the 8.5% of your household income, you will receive tax credits. 

These expanded subsidies also mean that people making up to 150% of the federal poverty level can now get Silver plans on the Marketplace for $0 a month, with reduced deductibles. The report released by the CMS also showed that, of the new and returning consumers who have selected a plan since April 1, 1.2 million consumers (34%) have selected a plan that costs $10 or less per month after the American Rescue Plan’s (ARP) premium reductions.

red alarm clock ringing with lightning bolts on each side of it
The Special Enrollment Period will be ending August 15!

Find A Plan Before It’s Over

“The American Rescue Plan has made health coverage more affordable and accessible than ever – and people are signing up. Health coverage provides the peace of mind that every American deserves,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “Through August 15, the American people have an opportunity to select a quality health care plan that works for them, with costs that are at an all-time low. CMS is dedicated to ensuring people in our communities have the coverage they need.”

The opening of the Special Enrollment Period and the expansion of premium subsidies has been a lifesaver for many people, especially for the millions of Americans who have been struggling financially during the pandemic. But this Special Enrollment Period is coming to an end, which means that, while you can still qualify for the subsidies until the end of the year, you will have to wait until the Open Enrollment Period begins November 1 to enroll, unless you experience a qualifying event. 

You only have fewer than 3 weeks to find a plan – don’t wait until it’s too late to get insured and have the peace of mind that comes with being covered. EZ.Insure’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we can compare plans in your area in minutes, helping you find a plan that meets your medical needs, while saving you as much money as possible. No obligation, just free quotes! To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a license agent, call 888-350-1890.

Is That Rash Psoriasis Or Eczema?

Are you experiencing dry, scaly, or itchy skin? And have you been hoping that it will eventually go away on its own? Well, if it’s not going away on its own, but is persistent, you might have a skin condition like psoriasis or eczema. These two similar conditions, which both cause rashes, are very common: more than 7 million Americans have psoriasis, while over 30 million have some type of eczema. Knowing the difference can help you identify your condition, learn what is causing it, and determine how best to treat it. And because August is Psoriasis Action Month, there is no better time to learn how to take care of your rash.

What Is Psoriasis?round patches of red rashes on the skin

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that is not contagious, and which causes skin cells to  overproduce; as the excess skin cells die, they build up into scales, making the skin red, inflamed, and itchy. There are multiple types of psoriasis, but plaque psoriasis is the most common one, accounting for 80-90% of cases of the condition. There is no cure for it, but there are some topical pharmaceutical treatments that can help control the condition.

It is unclear what causes the immune system to become overactive and trigger psoriasis, but genes and family history can play a role in who develops it: approximately 40% of people with psoriasis have a family member with the condition, and if one parent has psoriasis, their child has a roughly 30% chance of also having it. Stress, smoking, and certain infections, such as strep throat, can trigger psoriasis, but it usually appears when you are young (between the age of 16 and 22).

What Is Eczema?

bar of soap wrapped up in brown paper.
Allergies to soap, and other products can cause eczema.

Eczema is a long-term condition that is marked by inflammation of the skin, often as a reaction to dyes, fabrics, soaps, and other irritating substances. It is actually a group of skin conditions, including the common types: atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema, with over 18 million Americans suffering from it.

Eczema typically occurs in people with a family history of asthma, hay fever, or other allergies, and if a parent has eczema, their child is 2-3 times more likely than other children to develop it, as well. In fact, although adults can develop the condition, eczema is most common in babies and children, and usually appears as early as 6 months; while many children will outgrow the condition, many will have it for their whole lives.

What Do Psoriasis & Eczema Look Like?

In looking at the two conditions, it can be hard to tell the difference visually between the two. “You have to look at all the clinical aspects of a rash to distinguish between eczema and psoriasis, including the history and the patient’s other medical problems,” according to dermatologist Anthony Fernandez, MD, PhD.

Symptoms of psoriasis include:

  • Patches of red, thick, raised skin
  • Scaling of the plaques
  • Different sizes of plaques
  • Itchy plaquescaucasian skin with a rash on the hand and elbow

Symptoms of eczema include:

  • Dry skin
  • Inflamed, peeling, or cracked skin
  • Blistered or pus-filled skin
  • Itchy skin
  • Rashes on the elbows, behind the knees, or on the face, hands, and feet

One of the most obvious clues that can help differentiate the two is fluid leaking from the skin, which points to eczema. “When we see that, we definitely think about eczema instead of psoriasis,” he says. “But there are definitely times when we cannot tell the difference. And, in those cases, we will perform biopsies.”

Easing Symptoms

You can ease symptoms of these skin conditions by using over-the-counter treatments, such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, calamine, and coal tar. Other things you can try include:

moisturizer being pumped out on a hand

  • Practicing good skin care by keeping your skin moisturized, especially after you shower and in dry environments
  • Avoiding hot water, harsh soaps, washcloths, or other things that can irritate your skin
  • Avoiding long, hot baths or showers
  • Avoiding triggers that can worsen symptoms
  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Drinking more water
  • Exercising regularly

If none of the above helps, and the symptoms of your psoriasis or eczema are staying the same or getting worse, speak to a dermatologist. They can prescribe topical medicated treatments that reduce inflammation, redness, and itching. Your doctor can also prescribe:

  • Immunosuppressive drugs, or oral medications to reduce your body’s immune activity
  • Phototherapy, or ultraviolet light treatment
  • Topical cortisol
  • Biologics, which are shots that target a specific molecule in each disease

If you have eczema or psoriasis, you are not alone. You can live an active life with either condition, but they can be very uncomfortable, so if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, see your doctor to determine which condition you have, as well as to learn how to treat it and avoid triggers. 

If you have a condition like psoriasis or eczema that needs to be treated by a specialist and requires medications to control, you could end up with big medical bills, especially if you do not have insurance, or if your current plan is insufficient. If you are looking for health insurance to cover dermatologist visits or treatments for skin conditions, EZ can help. We can compare plans from the top-rated insurance companies in the country in minutes, and find an affordable one that provides the coverage you need, so you can pay less out-of-pocket. Our services are free, so you can focus on finding a great plan with no hidden costs. No obligation. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)?

Is your child showing signs of motor delays? If so, this could be an early warning sign of a serious medical condition known as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a rare neuromuscular disease that causes the muscles to become weak and waste away. Approximately 10,000 to 25,000 children and adults have spinal muscular atrophy in the U.S., and around 1 in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier. There is no complete cure for SMA, and since August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, we hope to bring awareness to this condition, so more research can be done to find a cure.

What Is Spinal Muscular Atrophy? neuron in the colors blue and orange

SMA is a rare genetic disease that affects approximately 1 in 10,000 children in the United States, and is the number one genetic cause of infant mortality. People with SMA are either missing a part of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene or have a mutated gene; having this defective gene means that they do not produce enough survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is vital for the health of nerve cells in the spinal cord that control muscle movement. If these nerve cells are not functioning, the muscles do not receive the signals that tell the muscles to contract, which causes the muscles to atrophy, or become smaller and weaker. The condition mainly affects the muscles closest to the torso and neck, and the muscle weakness will generally worsen with age. 

The 5 Types Of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There are 5 types of spinal muscular atrophy:

  • Type 0– This is very rare and very serious, and can be detected before birth, usually because of decreased fetal movement in the weeks prior to delivery. After birth, babies will have weak muscle tone and weak respiratory muscles, which makes it hard for them to breathe and eat. Infants with this form of SMA might only survive a few months.
  • Type 1– Also referred to as Werdnig-Hoffman disease, this type of SMA accounts for around 60% of cases. It is a severe form of muscle weakness that is evident before 6 months of age; infants with this form of the disease have limited movement, cannot sit without support, and have trouble eating and breathing. Most children with type 1 will die before age 2. 
  • Type 2– Also referred to as Dubowitz disease, this type of SMA is usually diagnosed after 6 months of age, but before age 2. Children can sit without support, but cannot walk or stand without aid. Most children with type 2 SMA will live into adulthood. 
  • Type 3– Also referred to as Kugelber-Welander disease, this type causes muscle weakness that begins after early childhood. Type 3 can also be diagnosed in the teenage years, and those who suffer from it will be able to walk, but will have limited mobility as they grow, and will need a wheelchair. Life expectancy is normal. 
  • Type 4– This is a rare adult form of SMA, accounting for less than 1% of all diagnosed cases. It does not appear until the mid-30s, and will lead to mild motor impairment. Most people with this type of the disease have a normal life expectancy.

How SMA Is Diagnosed

hand with a blue glove holding a needle
One way SMA can be diagnosed is by an electromyography.

If a doctor suspects SMA, usually after observing weakness or a delay in reaching developmental milestones, they will perform a blood test to look for mutations of the SMN1 gene. The blood work can identify 95% of SMA types 1, 2, 3, and 4, and can show if someone is a carrier of the gene, meaning that they can pass the condition on to their children. If the blood work shows that the gene is normal, but there is a family history of the genetic mutation, other tests can be done, including:

  • Electromyography– records electrical activity of the muscles during rest and contraction
  • Nerve conduction velocity study– measures the nerves’ ability to send electrical signals
  • Other blood tests performed by a neurologist

If SMA is suspected at birth, a small blood sample will be taken and screened for genetic conditions; if the test is positive for SMA, follow-up testing will be done to confirm the gene. 

Treatment For Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There is no complete cure for spinal muscular atrophy, but if you or your child is diagnosed with the disease, the earlier you seek treatment, the better. The treatment depends on the type of SMA and the symptoms, but can range anywhere from occupational therapy to medical equipment such as braces, crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs. There is now also a prescription medication available to treat SMA: in December 2016, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nusinersen (Spinraza™),  the first drug to receive approval to treat children and adults with SMA. The drug is an injection that goes into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord, which helps increase the production of the SMN protein. 

Research to find a cure for SMA is ongoing, and, in 2019, the FDA approved a gene therapy for children under 2 years of age. This gene replacement therapy, known by the brand name Zolgensma, is a one-time infusion that delivers a functional copy of the defective or missing gene to affected cells.

Spinal muscular atrophy, while rare, is one of the more common rare diseases according to the SMA Foundation; it can occur in any child, especially if the gene runs in your family. If you’re concerned, you can get tested to find out if you carry the gene, and your baby will get tested when born, as well. If your baby does have the gene, more testing will be done to get a proper diagnosis. child sitting on a stone row with crutches leaning on the stone row next to child.

Treatments and therapies for children and adults with SMA have come a long way, and there is hope: many people living with the condition can live a long life with therapy. Having a good health insurance plan can help reduce the out-of-pocket costs for the testing and therapy required for illnesses like SMA; if your current plan is not sufficient, and you would like to compare plans to find the most coverage with the most savings, EZ can help. Our agents will compare all plans in your area and find the right plan for you and your family’s needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Speak with an agent today!
Get Quotes