health insurance help Archives - Page 18 of 29

Adapting To Life With A Colostomy Bag

Did you know that approximately 1 in 500 Americans are living with a stoma, or a surgical opening in the body created for the discharge of bodily waste? According to the United Ostomy Association, more than 500,000 Americans have had an ostomy, which is surgery that creates a stoma in order to treat certain diseases of the digestive or urinary tract. There are 3 different kinds of ostomies; colostomies are the most common type, and leave those who undergo the surgery with a colostomy bag to collect waste removed from their body. But are colostomy bags a temporary fix or are they permanent?

What Is A Colostomy?

operating room with someone on the table and doctors surrounding — *Colostomy occurs when a part of your colon needs to be removed, leaving a stoma.*

A colostomy is surgery that removes a part of the colon that is diseased or has been damaged by illnesses like inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or diverticulitis. During the procedure, surgeons will create an opening, called a stoma, and bring out a portion of the large intestine through the belly so that waste has an alternative way to leave the body after the diseased part of the colon is removed. To collect that waste, a plastic pouch, or colostomy bag, will be fitted over the stoma to collect the stool that leaves through the opening.

This kind of surgery will keep you in the hospital for a few days to a week. While there, you will be taught how to change your colostomy bag and keep the skin around the stoma clean.

Is a Colostomy Bag Permanent?

There are 4 different types of colostomies, and the type of surgery you have will generally determine if your colostomy bag is going to be temporary or permanent. If the colostomy is performed due to injury, then in most cases the colostomy bag will be a temporary fix while your body heals. However, if you have colon cancer and you need to have surgery to remove your colon, the colostomy bag might be permanent.

You can have a temporary colostomy bag for weeks, months, or even years depending on the condition. Your colostomy bag might become permanent if you are diagnosed with:

Blockage
Diverticulitis
IBS
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis
Colorectal cancer
Abnormal growths in the colon called polyps

Caring For Your Colostomy Bag

In order to prevent leakage from your colostomy bag, The American College of Surgeons recommends changing the bag when it is between ⅓ and ½ full. How often you will need to change your colostomy bag will depend on the size of the bag: the smaller the bag, the more frequently you will have to change it, while bigger bags will need to be changed less often and can last overnight. When it is time to change the bag, you will need to :

Wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
Push down on your skin and peel the bag from the stoma.
Remove the bottom of the bag and empty it into a toilet.
Clean the stoma with a washcloth, warm water and soap.
Pat the area dry.
Attach the new bag with adhesive on the outside of the stoma.

Washing and drying the stoma completely is key to avoiding the most common problem of redness and soreness. If the skin is ever raw, red, or leaking fluid, you will need to contact your doctor right away.

Life With A Colostomy Bag

caucasian woman running — *You can still exercise, shower, and have sex with a colostomy bag.*

While being given a colostomy bag is a huge life change that can feel overwhelming in the beginning, you can still live a normal life with one. You will most likely be able to eat the same things you ate before, shower, take baths, have sex, and exercise after you get clearance from your doctor. As we stated, colostomies are more common than you think, but if you are embarrassed, uncomfortable, or just don’t want people to know that you have a colostomy bag, you can hide it. The pouches are small and flat enough to hide under your clothes, and they are made to trap odors. No one needs to know you have one, unless you want them to!

A health condition that requires a colostomy can occur at any time: you could get an infection or abscess, or an injury to your colon that causes a partial or complete blockage of the large bowel. In these cases, surgery, and a colostomy bag after the surgery, will be required in order to save your life, and if you do not have good health insurance, you will face a large bill.

Having the right health insurance plan can make a situation like this less scary, because you know you will get the best care and won’t have to worry about bills afterwards – after all, you will have enough on your plate adjusting to a colostomy bag!If you are looking to compare health insurance plans in your area, EZ can do so for free. We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare quotes and plans at no cost to you. We will find the best plan for your budget and medical needs. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

What Type Of Cancer Is Sarcoma?

Cancer is a scary word, and rightly so: an estimated 1,898,160 new cases of cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, and 608,570 people will die from the disease in that same time. But while most of us know that cancer is common, and that it can be deadly, many of us don’t have a full understanding of this disease, including all of the many different types of cancer that can occur. For example, we often think of types of cancer being described by the body part they originated in (like lung or breast cancer), but because some body parts contain multiple types of tissue, cancers are additionally classified by the type of cell that the tumor cells originated from. One such type of cancer is known as a sarcoma, which is cancer that occurs in the connective tissues in the body. This Sarcoma Awareness Month, we want to highlight this little understood form of cancer, including its symptoms, causes, treatment, as well as who it is most likely to affect, so you can know what to look out for and catch it early on.

What Is A Sarcoma?

Sarcoma is a form of cancer that usually begins in the bones or forms within the tissues that connect and surround other body parts (soft connective tissues). Because these soft tissues are nearly everywhere in your body, sarcomas can grow in any part of your body, appearing in fat cells, muscle, blood vessels, nerves, and tendons.

Around 60% of sarcomas start in an arm or leg, 30% start in the torso or abdomen, and 10% begin in the head or neck. Soft tissue sarcomas start out small and can go unnoticed, but will grow and eventually cause pain and interfere with the body’s functions. There are roughly 70 different types of sarcomas; each are named according to the normal tissue cells that they most resemble. For example, Fibrosarcoma resembles fibroblasts, which are the most common type of cells in connective tissue.

Risk Factors & Causes

Sarcoma is fairly rare in adults; in fact, according to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, adults only account for 1% of those who have the cancer. This type of growth is more common in children, representing about 15% of all childhood cancers. Unfortunately it is not clear what causes most sarcomas, and they sometimes occur seemingly at random in people with little or no family history. However, some risk factors have been identified by researchers:

light gray circle with little balls all around it; virus — *The herpes virus can increase the risk of Kaposi’s sarcoma.*

Inherited syndromes– Certain inherited syndromes can increase the risk of this type of cancer, such as neurofibromatosis type 1.
Radiation– Radiation therapy for other cancers increases the risk of developing soft tissue sarcoma later on.
Exposure to chemicals- Certain chemicals, such as herbicides, vinyl chloride, and dioxins can increase the risk of sarcomas that affects the liver.
Exposure to herpesvirus 8– This virus can increase the risk of Kaposi’s sarcoma, which typically occurs in people with weakened immune systems.
Chronic swelling, or lymphedema- If the lymphatic system is blocked or damaged, swelling from a backup of lymph fluid can occur, which can increase the risk of angiosarcoma.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of sarcoma will depend on the type of sarcoma a person has. People with soft tissue sarcomas rarely experience any symptoms in the early stages, but symptoms will become more pronounced as the cancer progresses, and can include:

A lump or swelling that may or may not be painful
Pain in the bone, muscles, or nerves of the area where the sarcoma is located
An unexpected broken bone that occurs with little or no injury
Weight loss
Abdominal pain

Diagnosis & Treatment

IV bags hanging up with a hand near one of them — *Chemotherapy can be used to kill any sarcoma cancer cells left throughout the body after surgery.*

If you experience unusual pain, a lump that is more than 2 inches across, or any of the above symptoms, you should see your doctor, who will refer you to a pathologist if they suspect sarcoma. This type of doctor specializes in sarcoma; they will examine tumor samples to identify what type of sarcoma it is, and will perform an exam, run tests, and request imaging scans, such as an MRI or X-ray.

In the event that you are diagnosed with a sarcoma, your doctor can recommend:

Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue
Radiation therapy to destroy the cancer cells
Chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells left after surgery
Medications

If you have any unusual symptoms, it is important to get checked out by your doctor. We want you to have a great health insurance plan so you can see your doctor whenever you need to, without having to worry about the cost – so if you are looking for an affordable plan, come to EZ.Insure for help! EZ works with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing and finding the best plan for you easier, and means you’ll get the best price possible. We provide quotes, compare plans, assess your needs, and sign you up for a plan at no cost to you – our services are free! To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

1 Million Sign Up For Health Insurance During Special Enrollment Period!

In January, President Biden signed an executive order that opened up an ACA Special Enrollment Period, allowing people to sign up for health insurance outside of the usual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – December 15). This Special Enrollment Period, which began on February 15 and will run through August 15 of this year, is meant to provide greater access to health care during the Covid-19 pandemic – and it has already made a huge difference in the number of Americans now insured.

A Milestone

Thanks to the current Special Enrollment Period, one million people have signed up for health insurance since February, a milestone that President Biden has made note of: “That’s one million more Americans who now have the peace of mind that comes from having health insurance. One million more Americans who don’t have to lie awake at night worrying about what happens if they or one of their family members gets sick,” he said in a statement.

In addition to opening the Special Enrollment Period, the administration has also made more subsidies for health care available, which has further encouraged people to take advantage of the opportunity to shop for a plan. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which passed earlier this year, made people earning above 400% of the federal poverty line eligible for premium tax credits for the first time ever, and those who were already eligible for premium tax credits will now pay even less for premiums, while some will pay nothing at all.

A Push For Permanency

time for change written with scrabble letters — *President Biden is pushing for the health insurance subsidies to become permanent.*

While these extra subsidies are slated to remain in effect for only two years, Biden noted that this milestone demonstrates the need to make them permanent. “Today’s milestone demonstrates that there is a need and a demand for high quality, affordable health insurance across this country. It is up to Congress to hear them, and act quickly to pass the American Families Plan,” Biden said.

Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra agreed on the push for making these premium subsidies permanent, stating “Now, it’s time for Congress to build on this progress with the American Families Plan, which would lower health care costs for families and make premium relief permanent. In addition, four million uninsured Americans could gain health coverage.”

Looking For An Affordable Plan?

The government’s recent actions have made affordable health insurance far more accessible, both through the opening of a Special Enrollment Period and through the expansion of premium tax credits, so if you’re looking for a new (or better) plan, now is the perfect time. Not sure where to begin looking? EZ can help! Our highly trained agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare plans in your area in minutes. You might be missing out on savings you didn’t know you were eligible for, but our agents will make sure to check all available subsidies and savings for you. We want to help you find the best plan at the best price, and we won’t charge you for it: all of our services are free! 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.

Find Out If You Qualify For Health Insurance Subsidies With EZ

President Biden recently signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law, which expanded access to health insurance subsidies to more Americans. These expanded subsidies, which became available on April 1, 2021, are making premiums more affordable to millions of people, saving many hundreds of dollars a year. Eligibility, though, depends on your income, so you might be confused about whether you qualify. That’s where EZ can help! We can help you determine if you qualify for any subsidies, and if you don’t, we can still help you find an affordable health insurance plan.

different money bills rolled up — *A subsidy is financial assistance that helps you pay for health insurance.*

What Is A Subsidy?

In general, a subsidy is financial assistance that helps you pay for something – in this case, for your health insurance premiums. The subsidies now available to more people through the ARPA are known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits; these are basically tax credits that you can take in advance to lower your monthly health insurance payments. Subsidies available to you depend on your family size, how much health insurance costs where you live, and how your income compares to the Federal Poverty Level.

The New Subsidies

The ARPA has extended Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies to higher-income people who did not previously qualify for them, and increased subsidies for lower-income people. The Biden administration estimates that an additional 3.6 million uninsured people are newly eligible for ACA subsidies under the ARPA, and that, on average, premiums will decrease about $50 a month, with some people paying $0 and some families saving as much as $1,000 a month! Because of the ARPA:

People whose income is above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level are now eligible for premium tax credits for the first time ever. They can access these premium tax credits if their premiums exceed 8.5% of their overall household income.
Individuals whose income is between 100 and 400% the Federal Poverty Level will receive higher subsidies.

So, to know how much you can save on your premiums, you’ll need to know where you fall on the Federal Poverty Line. If you’re not sure, EZ will figure that out for you, and then let you know what kind of subsidies you can expect to receive – you could save anywhere from $200 to $1,000 a month on premiums, and we’ll help you save more if possible. We will compare plans from different insurance companies to find a plan that meets your needs and saves you as much money as possible!

Working With An EZ Agent

We understand that you want to save money, especially in today’s economy. With the new ARPA, you might qualify for subsidies that you didn’t know were available to you, or you could even have been missing out on other savings or subsidies under the ACA. It can be confusing trying to figure out what you qualify for, but we can help you every step of the way. We will go over all your information and sift through plans to find the ones with the most savings- whether you qualify for subsidies or not. We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we are able to compare plans in minutes; not only that, but we offer our services for 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.

Got Thick Skin? It Could Be Scleroderma

Having thick skin can be a positive thing if we’re talking about how well you respond to criticism, but what about having actual thick skin? Thick skin could be a sign of an autoimmune rheumatic disease known as scleroderma. June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month, so to better understand this rare condition, we’re going to look at its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatments available for it. This disease presents itself differently from person to person, but it can be very serious: as many as 10,000 people die each year from it. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but there is some promising research that is examining the relationship between the immune system and scleroderma.

What Is Scleroderma?

Scleroderma is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that affects more women than men and occurs mainly in people between the ages of 30 and 50. People with this disease will experience issues with their skin and other organs. While symptoms vary from person to person, the most visible and common symptom is hardening of the skin. Other symptoms can range from mild to life threatening; the seriousness of each symptom depends on what part of the body is affected. If scleroderma is not treated, it can become more serious over time.

What Causes It?

Scleroderma is not genetic or contagious, and it is not a type of cancer or infection. Researchers are still looking into the disease to figure out exactly what causes it. What they do know is that something within the person’s immune system triggers it, and that it causes the body to produce too much collagen, which is what causes the hardening, thickening and tightening of the skin, tendons, joints, and internal organs. It’s possible that environmental factors can trigger scleroderma, and, although it is not necessarily genetic, babies who developed morphea, the most common type of scleroderma, are more likely to have a blood relative who has or has had it. More research needs to be conducted to figure out the exact cause.

Types of Scleroderma

There are four different types of scleroderma, which affect different parts of the body, and which are classified in two different ways. The two classifications are localized scleroderma, which is usually found on a few patches of skin or muscles and rarely spreads anywhere else. The other classification is systemic scleroderma, which affects connective tissues in many parts of the body, including the internal organs. The four different types that fall under the two classifications are:

oval shaped dry patch of skin that is pink — *Morphea is the most common type of scleroderma, causing an oval-shaped dry patch on the skin.*

Localized Scleroderma:

Morphea– This is the most common type of scleroderma. Firm, oval-shaped patches can occur on the chest, stomach, back, face, arms, and legs.
Linear– With this type, a single line of thickened skin typically runs down the leg, arm, or forehead.

Systemic Scleroderma

Limited– Thick skin is restricted to certain areas of the body, such as fingers, hands, face, lower arms, and legs. The symptoms of this type include calcinosis (calcium deposits in tissue), visible blood vessels, and impaired esophageal function.
Diffuse– Thick skin covers a lot of the body in a symmetrical pattern. Skin can swell and become itchy; over time, it will affect your organs, including your kidneys, lungs, heart, and digestive tract. This is a rare type of scleroderma.

Symptoms

There are a variety of signs and symptoms of scleroderma to watch out for, including:

Hard, thickening, or tight skin- Typically there will be at least 1 or 2 patches of hard, thick skin on the body. The patches will feel hard and as if you cannot move them.
Hair loss and reduced sweating- The area where there is hardened skin will be shiny, hairless, discolored, and will not produce sweat.
Dry, itchy skin
Skin color changes- The affected patches of skin might be lighter or darker than your natural skin color. If a patch is violet in color, that means the scleroderma is growing.
Stiff joints– You will have difficulty moving your joints because of the hard, thickening, or tight patches that have formed over the skin.
Muscle shortening and weakness
Loss of tissue beneath the skin
Loss of muscle, cartilage, and bone, also known as Parry-Romberg syndrome
Bone deformities- These usually occur in children who are still growing
Skin sores
Visible blood vessels near the surface of swollen skin
Calcium deposits beneath the skin, also known as calcinosis

heartbeat with 2 hearts in the background — *Abnormal heartbeat is one of the signs of scleroderma.*

There are specific signs that scleroderma is affecting your internal organs, including:

Problems swallowing
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Bloated feeling after eating
Weight loss without trying
Abnormal heartbeat
Lack of sex drive

Diagnosing Scleroderma

If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should see a dermatologist (skin specialist) or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist). They will conduct a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and give you a blood test, X-rays and a CT scan to determine if the condition is only affecting your skin or is affecting your internal organs as well.

Treatment

If your doctor confirms that you have scleroderma, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Physical and occupational therapy can help you straighten and bend your joints so you can maintain a normal life. If caught early, there are treatments such as phototherapy and medications that can actually clear up your scleroderma. If the condition mainly affects your skin, a dermatologist can offer different forms of treatment ranging anywhere from a moisturizer for dry skin to light and laser treatments for darkened skin or morphea. There is also a lot of ongoing research into new treatments for scleroderma.

There is no known cause of scleroderma, meaning we don’t know who could end up being affected by it. That is why it is important to shed light on this disease: if people learn about the symptoms and get checked out, they will have a better chance of treating it and getting rid of it before it gets worse. It’s important to know that, while the hardened skin can clear up on its own within a couple of years, the more serious forms of scleroderma can be life threatening. Treating it early can prevent any serious issues, and having good health insurance will help with costs.

Undergoing testing for conditions like scleroderma can be costly, and if you need any therapy, that could end up costing you even more money. Health insurance plays a big role in how much everything will cost, and having a plan that meets your needs can save you a lot of money. If you would like to compare plans in your area to find the one that is right for you and saves you money, we can help. We will compare plans in minutes and find a more personalized and affordable plan, for free. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No hassle or obligation.

Is The Cost Of Health Insurance Your Biggest Problem? Find An Affordable AND Comprehensive Plan With EZ

Looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan but working with a tight budget? You can absolutely find a plan that offers you the coverage you need, while still staying in your price range. But in order to find the plan that offers you the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to understand how much you’ll actually end up spending out-of-pocket for your policy. Don’t worry: that’s what EZ is here for! EZ understands how important it is to find a plan that fits in your budget, but also has the right coverage, so we’ll break down everything that determines the price of your health insurance plan, and we’ll show you how you can find an affordable, comprehensive plan. And we’ll do it all for free, so you can save even more money!

Monthly Premiums

calculator with the numbers 549 on it and paper behind it in the background — *Your monthly premiums will depend on the type of plan you have and other factors.*

One of the main expenses when it comes to your health insurance policy is the monthly premiums. This monthly rate partially depends on the size of your family, your age, and your location, but the amount you pay will also depend on what type of plan you choose. For example, when purchasing a plan on the ACA Marketplace, you’ll have to decide between Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze plans, which will affect how much you pay in premiums versus how much of your medical expenses the plan will cover. You’ll also have multiple options when it comes to policy type, like PPO or HMO, which will affect the type of network you have access to. Each type of plan offers different levels of coverage with different monthly premium prices, so the best way to find a policy with a premium that meets your budget but still covers your medical expenses is to work with an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can find you an affordable plan with low monthly premiums.

Deductible

In order for your plan to start paying its share of costs, you will first have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket for your care, otherwise known as your deductible. Meeting your deductible is generally where a lot of your money goes when it comes to your policy; for example, your plan might have a $2,500 deductible, which means you will have to pay this amount in medical bills before your insurance company will begin to pay your medical expenses.

When it comes to health insurance plans, you have the option to choose between a lower deductible or a higher deductible. High-deductible plans have low monthly premiums, so if you are looking to save money, these plans are tempting. But know that if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, you will have to pay the high deductible before your plan begins to cover you. High-deductible plans are generally more suitable for healthy people who do not need to see the doctor very often; if this is the case for you, one of these plans can save you a lot of money, because your premiums will be lower. Our trained agents can help guide you in the right direction to make sure you are covered completely.

Copays & Coinsurance

persons hand with gloves on drawing blood from another person's arm — *After meeting your deductible, when you receive medical treatments, you will have to pay a coinsurance.*

When budgeting for your health insurance plan, you’ll also have to take into account other expenses in addition to your premiums and deductible: copays and coinsurance. Copays are a fixed amount you will pay when you see a doctor or specialist and for medications.

Once you meet your deductible, you will also most likely have coinsurance to pay. This is the amount of money your health insurance company expects you to pay towards your care once they begin contributing. Coinsurance is normally 20% after you meet your deductible.

Your EZ agent will not only look for plans with lower copays, but they will also go over each plan and break down how things like coinsurance will affect the price of your policy. This means you will know exactly what to expect when it comes to your actual healthcare expenses.

Out-Of-Pocket Maximum

Every plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which means once you have reached a certain amount of out-of-pocket expenses, your plan will begin to cover everything. For example, if your out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000 and you reach that amount before the year is over, your health insurance plan will pay for all of your medical expenses until the new calendar year begins. We can help you find a plan that has a lower out-of-pocket maximum, so that you’re more likely to end up having your medical expenses fully covered by your plan. This is especially vital if you have a medical condition which requires ongoing treatment: having a plan with a lower deductible and a low out-of-pocket maximum could help you save hundreds of dollars. The key to finding a plan like this is comparing plans with an EZ agent!

We all want to save as much money as we can, especially when it comes to a health insurance plan. Health insurance can be quite expensive, but with professional, highly-trained agents on your side, you can find an affordable plan with the right coverage for your needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, and will compare plans at no cost to you. Health insurance is expensive enough, which is why we offer our services for free. We genuinely want to help you find a great affordable plan, not make money off of you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

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