health insurance help Archives - Page 20 of 29

Insurance Fraud Is On The Rise, Worry Less With EZ

The coronavirus pandemic has changed almost everyone’s life and finances. It has also changed the insurance industry. Many insurance companies switched to handling all of their day-to-day operations online, including handling claims, receiving payments and selling plans. While all of this has been happening, insurance scammers have seen an opportunity to steal information from innocent people. Unfortunately, if you do not use a trusted company that protects your information, you could end up the victim of insurance fraud. You need to work with a trusted company like EZ; we make sure to protect your information with state-of-the-art technology.

Types of insurance fraud to watch out for:

illustration of a hand holding a cell phone with a chat on the screen and a robot next to the phone with a chat box — *You can fall victim to insurance fraud from illegitimate chatbots offering insurance quotes that steal your information.*

Bot quotes: Many companies have chatbots ready to answer your questions, with some even providing insurance quotes! Be careful with giving any information to these bots, though: some websites will use them to take out fake policies using your information stolen from lead generators. It is always best to use trusted websites and to speak with a licensed agent on the phone. This way you know you are giving your information securely. EZ not only secures our website so that your information is 100% safe, but our agents are your advocates and are highly trained to handle your information securely.
Fake insurance companies and agents: Some scammers create fake insurance companies trying to sell you bogus health insurance plans. The General Accounting Office found 144 fake insurance companies that were pulling this scam, selling bogus health insurance plans to more than 200,000 policyholders, resulting in more than $252 million in unpaid claims. In addition to fraudulent insurance companies, there are also people who pose as agents and promise low premiums to get your attention. These fake agents will take your information and your money, pay the carrier, but then cancel the policy and keep your money.
Identity theft: In addition to stealing your money, scammers who pose as agents will also steal your information, including your social security number. Some will use your personal information to collect benefits and payments under your name without you even knowing, until after the damage has been done.

Avoiding These Scams

In order to avoid these scams you have to be aware of them. Keep yourself safe by never giving out your personal information to any company that contacts you unsolicited. Most importantly, you need to work with a reputable company, like EZ.Insure. EZ values you and is committed to keeping your identity secure, which is why we promise to protect your information against scammers with the best fraud prevention software. EZ’s website is 100% secure and you will always know who you are speaking with: after you fill out our form, we will give you your dedicated agent’s name and picture so you are familiar with them.If you are in the market for health insurance, EZ’s agents will get you covered, securely. You will speak to a live agent after filling out our form, and we will assess your needs and find you a budget-friendly plan that checks off everything on your list. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, we will be able to compare plans in minutes and find the right plan for you and your family. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

Biden’s Plan Making Health Insurance More Affordable for Millions of Americans

President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package, was signed into law on March 11, and Americans have already started receiving their stimulus checks. But that is not the only benefit Americans are going to receive from the American Rescue Plan Act. The law includes a provision to expand healthcare coverage and lower healthcare costs by boosting subsidies for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. The new lower-priced insurance plans will be accessible to Americans starting on April 1.

The Cost of Insurance Is Too High For Many

The ACA has been going strong since 2010, providing access to quality health insurance for millions of Americans. However, many Americans earning over the income limit required to qualify for a subsidized plan are still finding health insurance too expensive, and have been opting out of purchasing plans.“There has been considerable discussion over the fact that while the ACA clearly increased affordability of and access to insurance coverage for millions of people, many people still find the premiums and out-of-pocket costs they face to be high and sometimes too burdensome,” says Linda Blumberg, a health economist at The Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit social and economic research organization. With the American Rescue Plan Act, the Biden Administration hopes to change all of this by making more people eligible for subsidies.

The Subsidies Broken Down

Before this new law, you could only qualify for a subsidized health insurance plan if your modified adjusted gross income was between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. For 2021, that’s between $12,760 (100% of the federal poverty level) and $51,040 (400% of the federal poverty level), for an individual. So before the American Rescue Plan Act, if you earned above those amounts, you would have to pay full price for a Marketplace health insurance plan.

But the American Rescue Plan Act allows those who earn over 400% of the federal poverty level to receive subsidies to purchase health insurance through the ACA Marketplace. It also requires that Americans pay no more than 8.5% of their income on health insurance premiums, and provides a larger tax credit to people who already receive financial assistance.

Cheaper Premiums

money bills laying on top of each other — *Biden’s new plan will reduce health insurance costs for millions of Americans, helping them save more.*

The Biden administration estimates that ACA premiums will decrease by about $50 per month. One administration official emphasized that 4 out of 5 people enrolling “will be able to purchase a plan for $10 or less per month.” This could make a huge difference in the lives of the 14.9 million people who are currently not insured in the U.S.

With the new law:

An individual making $19,000 or less will not have to pay a monthly premium for health insurance.
Couples who earn more than $70,000 together will save $1,000 per month on their health insurance monthly premiums.
A family of 4 with an income of $90,000 will pay about $200 less in health insurance premiums.

Anyone buying their own health insurance through the ACA Marketplace will be able to receive the tax credits beginning April 1. Comparing plans is the best way to find an affordable plan that provides the right level of coverage for you. Before you start doing the work of comparing on your own, come to EZ. We will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes. Our licensed agents work with all the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can go over your budget and needs, and find the best plan for you and your family. We compare plans and offer guidance at no cost to you. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Why IBS Is More Common In Women

There’s no doubt about it: women have extraordinary abilities, including an intense sense of smell and the ability to see more colors and use more brain function than men. However, with the good comes the bad, which can include being diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer, going through menopause, and experiencing more gastrointestinal issues than men do. In fact, women are more likely to get bloated and experience discomfort and irregularity, and are twice as likely to have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). There is no clear explanation as to why women are at higher risk, but scientists believe it could be due to hormones.

stomach area of a woman in her blue pajamas with her hands over her stomach. — *Abdominal pain and cramping are common signs of IBS.*

IBS Explained

Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is not something that even doctors can clearly explain, because there are so many different variables and symptoms. It is a chronic disorder that includes a collection of symptoms that have been going on for at least 6 months, and occur at least 3 times in a month. Symptoms include:

Abdominal pain or cramping
Bloating
Excess gas
Diarrhea
Constipation
Alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhea
Mucus in the stool

If you meet the criteria for IBS, your doctor might refer you to a gastroenterologist. In some cases, depending on your symptoms and other factors, your provider may recommend a flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy, which will allow them to examine your colon in more detail. Both procedures will require a scope to be entered into the rectum to view the colon.

Different Types Of IBS

There are 3 different types of IBS:

IBS with constipation (IBS-C): Most of your stool is hard and lumpy.
IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D): Most of your stool is loose and watery.
IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M): You have both hard and lumpy bowel movements and loose and watery movements on the same day.

You are at higher risk for IBS if you have:

Family history of IBS.
Emotional stress, tension or anxiety.
Food intolerance.
History of physical or sexual abuse.
Severe digestive tract infection.

Why Women Are More Prone to IBS

Although researchers and scientists don’t know exactly what causes IBS, there are a few reasons why they think IBS is more common in women. For one thing, according to the American Psychological Association, women tend to be more stressed than men, which can throw off the balance of their gut health. Hormones could also be to blame, and women with IBS might find that symptoms flare up during their periods.

In addition, some studies have shown that the gastrointestinal (GI) system behaves differently in women because of sex-related features in the brain. According to a study conducted in 2015 by Tanja Babic, a researcher at Penn State Hershey College of Medicine, “Women are more likely to develop gastrointestinal disorder than men, but very little research has been done to investigate the reasons behind this. Females also show differences in brain structure and function compared to males, including higher levels of GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), an inhibitory neurotransmitter.”

Babic explained, “Since GABA influences the activity of neurons that control digestion, I wanted to investigate whether GABA activity in these neurons is different in males and females. If we can selectively change the activity of these neurons in females, we would have a potential therapeutic target for better treatment of GI disorders in women.” To investigate her theory, she used rats to measure nerve signals in the brain and the nerves’ responsiveness to the signals. She found that the female rats in her study received more signals that suppressed the intestinal movement of food than the males did.

teal clock with the little hand on 10 and the big hand on 2 — *Eating small meals at regular hours can help relieve some IBS issues.*

Treatment Options

Although there is no real treatment for IBS, if you are experiencing symptoms, there are some things you can do to help reduce flare-ups and manage your condition. Lifestyle changes that can help manage IBS include:

Eating at regular hours
Regularly exercising
Eating smaller meals
Avoiding excess caffeine
Taking probiotics
Avoiding deep-fried or spicy foods

If all else fails, your doctor may prescribe medication to help relieve symptoms like constipation or diarrhea.

The Cost of Treatment

If you need to see a specialist, like a gastroenterologist, need a colonoscopy to make sure nothing serious is going on in your colon, or need to get medication to manage your IBS symptoms, you will need a good health insurance plan. If you don’t have one, all of this could cost you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars out-of-pocket. This will only lead to more stress, which could make your IBS symptoms worse. Having the right insurance plan will help you better manage your condition, and not have to worry about the costs.

If you’re looking for a plan, or want to upgrade your current plan, come to EZ. EZ.Insure works with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and our licensed agents can compare plans in your area instantly at no cost to you. Affordable health insurance is possible when working with an EZ agent. We will go over your medical and financial needs, and we guarantee to find you a plan that suits your needs. To compare free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Individual State Health Insurance Taxes To Watch Out For

It’s tax time again! In addition to the federal and state taxes you are required to pay, this year you might find yourself getting hit with a tax penalty for not having health insurance. But how? After all, after multiple court battles, the health insurance mandate penalty, also known as the individual mandate penalty, was done away with as of January 1, 2019. Or was it? Well, although it is no longer a federal law, states can have their own individual mandate, and some do. If you live in a state that has an individual mandate, and are not insured, get ready to pay a fine.

Which States Have An Individual Mandate?

Currently there are 5 states and the District of Columbia that require you to have health insurance or pay an individual mandate penalty if you do not. If you live in the following states, prepare for a tax penalty for not being insured last year:

California- The penalty in this state for not having a health insurance policy is 2.5% of household income, or $696 per adult and $375.50 per child, whichever is greater.

Washington D.C. – The penalty here is either 2.5% of gross household income, or $695 per individual and $347.50 per child.

Massachusetts- In this state, the penalty varies by income, age and family size; it can be up to 50% of the minimum monthly premium payment the person would have qualified for through Health Connector, the Massachusetts health insurance exchange.

New Jersey- The penalty here is based on household income (which includes the income of any dependents), as well as family size.

Rhode Island- Similar to other states, the penalty here is the same as it would’ve been under the federal individual mandate: a family penalty of $695 for each uninsured adult and $347.50 for each uninsured child, or 2.5% of the household income, whichever amount is greater.

Vermont- While Vermont does have a mandate, the penalty for being uninsured in Vermont was $0 as of last year, but that is subject to change.

Why A Mandate?

The individual mandate was created to encourage more people to sign up for health insurance. Because health insurance operates on a risk sharing model, the more people who are signed up, the cheaper premiums will be, especially if healthier individuals sign up. And even though there is no national mandate, some states decided to pass their own mandates to ensure that more people could get affordable healthcare.

Avoiding The Penalty

exclamation point in a yellow triangle. — *You have the opportunity to avoid the penalty next year by signing up during the Covid Special Enrollment Period!*

If you live in one of these states, and you did not have health insurance last year, unfortunately you will be facing a penalty this tax season. But that does not mean that you cannot avoid the penalty for next year. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has issued a Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families to sign up for health insurance, which will last until May 15.

Whether you live in a state with an individual mandate or not, you can get coverage during this Special Enrollment Period that meets your financial and medical needs. EZ.Insure can find you a comprehensive, affordable plan, because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation. We can help find any available subsidies to save you money, as well as plans with extra perks, such as gym memberships, and more. We will assess your needs and compare all available plans in your area in minutes, for free! No obligation.

To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

Ways To Use Your Benefits When You’re Healthy

If you’re healthy, you might not think you need health insurance. You might look at it as an unnecessary expense – but health insurance can be affordable! That is not the only reason you should get it, though. Having a plan offers financial protection in case of an emergency or in the event you do get sick, and will mean not having to worry about a large bill after seeing the doctor. It can also help keep you healthy, if you know how to take advantage of your benefits. Check out the many free benefits and ways to save that your plan offers.

Preventive Care

Most ACA-approved insurance plans cover a set of preventive services. Preventive care benefits will help you stay healthy, and what’s best about them is that most are free. With your healthcare plan, you can go to the doctor for an annual wellness visit, during which your doctor will conduct exams, screenings and offer any necessary immunizations. Your doctor can screen you for multiple conditions during your exam, including:

black and white picture of someone sitting with their hands across their knees. — *Health insurance plans will provide preventive care, such as screening for depression, and providing counseling for it.*

High cholesterol
Depression
Type 2 diabetes
HIV
Lung cancer
Obesity
Breast cancer

You will also be able to get free immunizations, including shots for: :

The flu
Measles, mumps, and rubella
Varicella
Herpes
Hepatitis A and B
Pneumonia
HPV
Tetanus

After your wellness visit, any follow-up doctor visits will require a copay, coinsurance or deductible for any tests required.

Discounts

One of the biggest perks you can get with insurance? The discounts and rebates! Your plan might offer the following:

elliptical machines lined up in a gym — *Some plans will offer gym membership stipends.*

Gym membership stipends- some plans offer a stipend that pays a portion of your monthly gym membership.

Smoking cessation help– some plans cover medication to help you quit smoking.

Weight loss counseling– some plans offer rebates for weight loss programs.

Free Medical Equipment

Did you know that some plans offer free medical equipment? If you get injured or are sick, you could be covered for crutches, walkers, and oxygen supplies. Health insurance plans will also offer diabetic supplies for free. And if you have a baby? Many women are unaware that they can get a breast pump for free!

Looking For An Affordable Plan?

Being healthy does not mean you do not need health insurance; in fact, the best time to get insurance is when you’re healthy! The right plan can offer you many freebies to take advantage of, including the preventive care you need to stay healthy. In addition, if you are healthy, your health plan will be more affordable, especially if you consider a high deductible health plan. EZ.Insure’s agents work with many insurance companies in the country, which allows us to compare plans in your area in minutes. We will find you an affordable plan that will protect you against the unexpected, while saving you money on things you want, like gym memberships. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Normal Skin Conditions

During your teenage years, you might have had your fair share of acne. And unfortunately for some people, acne is an issue well into their adult years. But acne is not the only skin condition that some adults struggle with; there are others that can be frustrating and painful. Many people are unaware of how normal some skin conditions are.

Acne

Acne: it’s one of those things you either have or you don’t. And unfortunately, you can develop it in your adult years, especially if you’ve had a baby and your body is going through hormonal changes. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting 40-50 million people, with more women than men having it. It is caused by hair follicles and oil glands getting blocked, or by hormonal changes. It includes whiteheads, cysts, blackheads, pimples and nodules, and does not only affect the face, but can also appear on your chest, back, backside, and arms.

Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide can help, but you might need to seek help from a dermatologist, who can prescribe antibiotics and stronger topical creams.

Psoriasis

According to current studies, more than 8 million Americans have the psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder that creates abnormalities of the skin, including scaly skin, white flaky skin, dryness, or red and itchy skin. Some people with psoriasis suffer from joint pain and heart disease. People will normally see psoriasis on their knees, elbows, arms, and back.

person's mole with a magnifying glass over the mole — *Skin cancer is more normal than people think, with over 20 million people in the US diagnosed with it.*

Unfortunately there are no known causes of psoriasis, but a doctor can help you manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. They might prescribe topical medications such as steroids, antibody injections, or light therapy with UVB light.

Skin Cancer

Nearly 20 million Americans die from melanoma, a life-threatening type of skin cancer, every day. This is a scary statistic, but it is the reality. Abnormal moles can lead to melanoma. If you have a mole that changes over time, or have cuts, sunburns, or ingrown hairs that take a long time to heal, it is important to get them checked out.

When you visit a dermatologist, they will take a sample or remove the mole if it is worrisome. If it turns out to be melanoma, you will most likely need to have surgery to remove it before it spreads. The sooner you catch this type of cancer, the less likely it will be to spread to other areas of your body.

Rosacea

If you have redness on your face or chronic swelling of the face, then you might have rosacea. Rosacea is common in women over 30, and is related to problems with the immune system or veins. Depending on the symptoms, a dermatologist might prescribe topical solutions, including antibiotics.

Eczema

Also known as dermatitis, eczema is commonly found in infants and young children. It can continue into adulthood as well, with symptoms including rashes on the face, scalp, elbows, back of the knees, hands, and feet. It is characterized by dry, very itchy, red skin, and while there is no known cause for eczema, researchers believe it may be due to genetics or an allergic reaction.

A doctor will prescribe topical steroids to treat flare-ups.

Warts

Warts are raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can appear anywhere on your body, including your genitals. Sometimes they will go away on their own, but if they don’t, a visit to your doctor will be necessary for treatment. Treatments can include freezing, cutting or lasering the warts.

If the warts are in your genital area, it is very important that you see your doctor. If left untreated, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

Shingles

red inflamed bottom of a caucasian foot. — *Athlete’s foot is common and can occur in damp, warm conditions.*

Many people are unaware that shingles does not only occur in older people. Skin conditions like shingles can develop in anyone who has had chickenpox. This painful condition lies dormant in the nervous system and can appear when your immune system is compromised. It can be treated with antivirals. It is recommended that people aged 50 and over get vaccinated against it.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, damp conditions, gets its name because these conditions are often present in athletes’ shoes. This fungal infection causes itching, redness, and cracked skin. It can take a while to clear up, and a doctor might have to prescribe topical cream. If it is under your nails, a visit to a podiatrist will more than likely be needed to treat it.

Seeing a dermatologist is important for managing and treating some of these skin conditions, which is why having the right insurance plan is important. If you do not have health insurance, it could end up costing you a lot of money to seek treatment, or you could need to treat yourself, which could end up making your condition worse. If you are interested in finding an affordable plan that will cover getting checked and treated for any of these skin conditions, EZ.Insure can help! We will compare all available plans in your area in minutes and guide you towards one that will cover your medical needs and fit in your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: health insurance help