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Did You Know That Single Women Are Twice As Likely To be Uninsured?

Health insurance is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for women. The right policy will provide coverage for reproductive healthcare, and for preventative services that can detect diseases or cancers that are specific to women. Unfortunately, women are statistically less likely to be insured than men, and single women are even less likely to have health insurance coverage than are married women. Among single women, those who are younger are more likely to be uninsured than are older single women. At EZ, we believe that no one should go without insurance for any reason, so we make it our mission to find affordable, quality plans for everyone.

What The Data Shows

the state of texas shape with the flag colors on it — *Based on a study conducted, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured single women in the nation.*

Based on data from multiple studies, single women across multiple states are uninsured. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured single women in the nation. Other states like Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida do not fall far behind. Studies show that education plays a role in determining uninsured rates: women who have the most college experience have the lowest uninsured rates.

As mentioned, the younger the woman, the more likely she is to be uninsured. Generation Z and Millennials tend to have the highest uninsured rates. This may be because young single women without families don’t see a need to spend money on health insurance if they are relatively healthy.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the most common reason for single women to be uninsured is cost. Many fall into the coverage gap; in fact, approximately 12% of women make too much to be eligible for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance. While there are subsidies available that can reduce the cost of insurance, many do not know about them.

There Are Affordable Plans

While multiple factors determine whether a woman is likely to be insured or not, it seems clear that one of the main reasons that single women are not insured is the cost. Health insurance rates continue to go up every year, making it hard for many people to obtain health insurance. However, health insurance does not have to be a burden. There are hundreds of plans offered by different companies across the nation to choose from. For those who are relatively healthy, a high-deductible plan with low premiums might work best, while those who need more coverage might want to look into a low-deductible plan.

The high number of uninsured women in our country is worrying. Without insurance, women may skip regular, preventive care – not to mention that one medical emergency could lead to huge bills and debt. EZ wants to make sure that women around the country are protected from falling into debt, as well as to ensure that women get the healthcare they need. Preventive visits and testing are free on all plans, and these tests can help save women’s lives by catching diseases, reproductive issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancers early on. If reproductive issues are not taken care of early on, some (like HPV) can lead to infertility. And if cancers are caught too late, they can be fatal. Affordable plans with low monthly premiums can save lives. It is worth the cost.

At EZ.Insure, our licensed, highly trained agents can easily compare all plan options within minutes and find the one that suits each individual’s needs. We know that there is a health insurance plan out there that will fit each person’s medical needs and budget, and we can help find it. Our agents can also help lower costs by finding any subsidies or discounts that are available. We care and we want everyone to be prepared for the unexpected. To get started enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak directly to an agent call 888-350-1890.

How Much Should You Be Contributing To A Health Savings Account (HSA)?

How much money have you put into your health savings account recently? If the answer is “not much,” then you should put contributing to it at the top of your to-do list. As long as you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you can put aside money on a pre-tax basis into your health savings account, or HSA, and withdraw these funds (also tax-free) to cover current and future medical expenses. The money you save also accrues tax-free interest! So the question isn’t should you be contributing to your HSA, the question is only how much.

First, You Must Qualify For An HSA

piece of paper with checklist checked off and a blue pen on the clipboard — *In order to utilize savings for an HSA, you have to be eligible.*

Not everyone qualifies for an HSA, so in order to be eligible for one, you must:

Be covered under a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2020, a HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage.
Have a HDHP which meets the minimum deductible and the maximum out of pocket threshold for the year. For 2020, the out-of-pocket maximum for an HSA-qualified health plan cannot be more than $6,900 for self-only coverage or $13,800 for family coverage.
Not be covered by any other medical plan.
Not be enrolled in Medicare
Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Not be enrolled in TRICARE or covered by medical benefits from the Veterans Administration

Max Out Your Contributions

The IRS places a limit on how much you can contribute to your HSA each year. In 2020, as an individual, you can put in up to $3,550, and if you have a family, you can contribute up to $7,100. If you can, you should try to max out your contribution to your HSA. The more you contribute, the more you can benefit from your HSA’s triple tax advantages:

3 full jars of coins — *If you can, max out your yearly contributions.*

Pre-tax contributions
Tax-free earnings
Tax-free withdrawals

If you’re worried about contributing too much money to your HSA, and not using up all of the funds, you should know that whatever money you do not use at the end of the year rolls over to the next year and keeps growing. In addition, any interest earned from these investments is completely tax-free, so it makes sense to contribute as much as you can. But if you cannot afford to max out your HSA you can still reap the benefits.

If You Can’t Max Out…

When it is time to decide your yearly contribution, you have to take into account how much you think you will spend on medical expenses for the year. Consider that you are responsible for paying your deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses, so try to put as much of these costs as you can into your HSA.

For example, if you have a set deductible, put that amount into your HSA. Or, if you have prescriptions that you need to purchase on a monthly basis that cost $200, contribute $2,400 (a year’s cost of the medication) into your account. That way you can enjoy the tax advantages on the money that you need to spend on that prescription drug anyway.

Consider Your Age

While you should always consider putting as much money into your HSA as you can, it may not be as important to max out your contributions if you are young and healthy. In this case, you will have fewer health care expenses than someone who is older or who has a chronic condition. But when you’re approaching retirement age, the likelihood that you will need more money for medical costs is greater. It makes more sense in this case to put as much money as you can into your HSA so that you can build interest on it, and use it tax-free for your out-of-pocket medical expenses. Taking advantage of your HSA is another way to help save your money, as well as to have spending money for any medical costs that may come up throughout the year.

If you are enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan, you should absolutely be utilizing your HSA. Not only are you putting money into an account that accumulates interest, but you will also be able to use it without paying taxes on it. And, because accidents or medical emergencies can happen, having a health savings account is important for helping you prepare for the unexpected.

Have questions? Need some guidance? We can help! EZ.Insure understands that insurance can be confusing, but we can go over any questions that you have and help you make an informed decision. We will go over how it all works, let you know what plans are available in your region, and offer help on how much you should contribute to your HSA if you have a high-deductible plan. And we offer all of our services for free! To view our accurate quotes within minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

You’ve Got Health Insurance Questions, We’ve Got the Answers (& the Deals!)

Health insurance is complicated, and sometimes searching for a plan can leave you with a lot more questions than answers. Purchasing a health insurance plan is a huge investment, so you need to make sure that you ask your agent the right questions before you spend your hard-earned money. EZ.Insure wants to make the process easier for you, so we have answered some of your most common health insurance-related questions.

How Much Does It Cost?

costs with arrows pointing outwards all around word written on a blackboard. — *There are many different costs to consider when purchasing a health insurance plan.*

This is one of the hardest questions to answer, because the amount you spend on healthcare will depend on your:

Premiums– When you purchase a health insurance plan this is the first bill that you’re going to get. It’s the amount that you pay every month to stay covered and keep your health insurance. This amount is calculated based on your age, tobacco use, plan type, and number of dependents covered.
Copays– This is a set fee that you have to pay when you see a doctor or specialist. Depending on your plan, you will have different copays for doctor visits, specialist visits, and prescriptions.
Deductible- This is the amount that you have to pay for covered services before your health insurance begins to pay. For example, if you have a deductible of $1,000, and you have surgery that costs $10,000, you will have to pay your $1,000 deductible and then your health insurance plan will begin to pay their share.
Coinsurance– The percentage of allowed charges for covered services that you have to pay. For example, some plans will cover 80% of the costs of services, and you will have to pay the other 20% after you meet your deductible. In the example above, if you had an 80/20 plan, you would pay 20% of the remaining $9,000, or $1,800.
Out-of-pocket maximum– This is the maximum amount of money that you have to pay for covered services during a benefit period, which is usually a calendar year. So, in the example above, you would have spent $2,800 on your surgery – if your plan has an out-of-pocket maximum of $5,000, then you would be more than halfway to meeting your maximum. If you spent $2,200 more on healthcare costs in the course of that year, your insurance plan would begin paying 100% of your costs.

This is a lot to take in, but EZ’s highly-trained agents can help you balance your financial needs and health needs, and find you an affordable, quality plan. They will go over each and every one of these costs in all available plans, and will even help you find discounts and subsidies that can help you pay for your health insurance.

What Type Of Plan Do I Need?

Determining which plan coverage is right for you depends on your health and your financial situation. When it comes to ACA plans, there are four main categories, or metal tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These categories basically determine the ratio of your premium to your deductible. If you want to keep your monthly premium bill low (but have a higher deductible), then a Bronze or Silver plan is best for you. But if you have some serious health conditions that require treatment, prescriptions, tests, or surgery, then a Gold or Platinum plan with a low deductible (and higher premium) is a better choice to keep your out-of-pocket costs down.

The most common types of plans are what is known as managed care plans, including PPOs and HMOs. PPOs have a more flexible network of providers that are considered in-network, while HMO plans require that you choose a primary care physician and get referrals for in-network specialists.

Is My Primary Care Doctor Covered?

If you’ve been going to the same doctor for years, then it’s only natural to want to make sure that you can continue to see them. So, when searching for a plan, you need to check that your primary care doctor is in the network covered by your plan. If you do go to any doctors that are out of your health insurance plan’s network, you will end up paying for the visit out-of- pocket, and that can be very expensive.

Our agents will make sure that your primary care physician is covered in the plan that you choose. We will go over all the plans within your area within minutes and search for your physician in each of these plans to make sure they are part of the network.

What Happens In Case Of An Emergency?

Accidents happen, life is full of uncertainty, and in the event that you need to go to the hospital, you want to make sure that you are covered. Some plans will require you to contact your primary care physician within 24 hours of an emergency room visit in order for your expenses to be covered. If that seems like it is too much to remember during an emergency, then we can find you a plan that does not have this requirement.

Are There Any Perks?

Some health insurance plans do include perks, such as free gym memberships. Some offer discounts for people who are on the right track to getting healthier, and many allow you to see your doctor virtually with telemedicine. That’s right, feeling under the weather? Call your doctor and get your prescription medication sent to your pharmacy without having to go see them in person. No waits, no headaches, just the ability to talk to your doctor or see your doctor, in the comfort of your own home.

illustration of two people with headsets on with the word support over them — *Make sure that the health insurance company that you choose has excellent customer service.*

Who Do I Call When I Need Help?

You should also make sure that the health insurance company that you choose has excellent customer service. All too often, people call their health insurance company and either get the run-around, get the wrong answers, or hang up leaving more confused than when they called. This can be especially frustrating when you’ve received a large bill in the mail and have no idea why you received it. EZ understands this frustration, which is why our agents work with the top-rated health insurance companies in the nation. We will find you a health insurance plan with a company that has a proven track record of great customer service, and that will be ready, willing, and able to answer all of your questions.

We understand that health insurance is complicated and confusing. That is why we have agents ready to help search and compare plans from top-rated companies across the nation, for free. Our main goal is to help you find great health insurance that is affordable and that meets your health care needs. To compare quotes within minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

High Prescription Drug Costs Leave Many To Shop Abroad

Prescription drug prices have been soaring over the past decade, leaving millions of Americans unable to afford the medications that they need. If you have a great health insurance plan, then you have access to prescription drugs at a fair price; however, for many Americans, necessary medications are financially out of reach. Now, more than ever, as our country is being hit by a pandemic and a related financial crisis, Americans are looking for cheaper prescription drugs. All of this is forcing millions of Americans to shop abroad for their prescription drugs.

The Continuous Rise in Prices

Prescription drug prices continue to rise every year. A study published in JAMA, from 2012-2017 shows that insurer and out-of-pocket costs of 36 top-selling brand-name prescription drugs increased by more than 50%, and the cost of 16 of them more than doubled. Insulins such as Novolog, Lantus, and Humalog, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (Humira and Enbrel) were some of these high price increases. The reason these drug prices have been on the increase over the past year is because they are biologics, meaning they are made of large, more complex compounds which makes it hard to make generic brands of them. Not to mention, these are highly used medications within the U.S.

Overall, the median cost of the drugs included in the study increased 76%. This year, medication costs are going up an average of 5.2%, which will make many drugs unaffordable for the majority of Americans, especially those who have lost their jobs.

Hard Times

The coronavirus pandemic has left millions of people without jobs – and without health insurance. Those who are in need of prescriptions for chronic conditions or serious medical issues still need their medications, and so many are getting their prescription drugs from other countries, where they can be half the price of what they cost in the US. It is illegal for Americans to import prescription drugs into the US for personal use, but for many, it is a matter of life and death.

“With the economic and health consequences of COVID-19 disproportionately impacting minority and low-income populations, more people in those groups may be seeking an alternative way to meet their medication needs,” said Young-Rock Hong, an assistant professor of health services research, management and policy at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Safety Concerns

illustration of persons hand with a coin and risk assessment next to it with the arrow pointing at orange — *Buying medication from other countries can pose safety risks to those taking them.*

Buying medication from other countries can pose safety risks to those taking them. Roughly 1 in 10 medications sold in the world are substandard or fake, according to the World Health Organization, and taking these drugs can lead to medical issues or even death.

“Patients need to be knowledgeable of these potential dangers they will encounter, and insurance policies that search to pursue drug importation ought to reinforce high quality assurance and strict monitoring processes to advertise protected administration of imported remedy within the U.S. market,” Hong mentioned.

It is best to purchase medication from a trusted source to reduce the risk of any possible consequences of taking a fake drug, or a drug with a lower dose than labeled. If that is not possible, especially for the millions of Americans who have lost their job and health insurance, there are other solutions to get an affordable health insurance plan. EZ can help find a great affordable plan within budget so that medication does not have to be sought out from abroad. An EZ agent will compare plans and find the right plan for anyone’s needs. Our service comes at no cost, because we simply want to help people find a great insurance plan, and get the medications that they need. To find an affordable plan and medications, enter your zip code and a bar above or to speak to one of our agents call 888-350-1890.

Domestic Violence & Health Insurance

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), around 20 people are physically abused every minute in the United States by their partners. That equates to over 10 million women and men each year. During the recent pandemic, domestic abuse reports rose by over 100,000 cases in just two months.

Each of these statistics is someone who might face the difficult situation of picking up and starting over, finding a new place to live, finding a job, repairing their credit, and getting health insurance. Health insurance may not be the first thing people think of when they think of the things that survivors of domestic violence need, but it is extremely important. Domestic violence survivors battle psychological and emotional scars and even PTSD stemming from their experiences. They need health insurance to get treatment, and for their children.

Up until 2014, being a survivor of domestic violence was actually considered a pre-existing condition. This meant anyone who had a documented history of this type of abuse could be denied insurance during the underwriting process, or could have to pay a lot more for their policy. Now, the ACA allows any domestic violence survivor to get health insurance at any time without worrying about being denied or paying extra.

The Definition of Domestic Violence

According to the NCADV, domestic violence can include any of the following:

- Physical abuse– hitting, biting, slapping, battering, shoving, punching, burning, cutting, etc. This also includes denying someone medical treatment, and/or forcing drug/alcohol use.
- Sexual abuse– being forced into having sexual contact or sexual behavior without consent. This includes marital rape, and physical violence after sex.
- Emotional abuse– making the victim feel worthless or lowering their self esteem by criticising and name-calling.
- Economic abuse– making someone financially reliant on their abuser. The abuser takes over financial resources or keeps the victim from accessing funds. It also includes being kept from going to school or work.
- Psychological abuse- using fear and intimidation tactics such as threatening to physically hurt themselves, the victim, children, or loved ones.
- Threats
- Stalking and cyberstalking

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or 1-800-787-3224 for anonymous, confidential help. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Getting Insured After Escaping Domestic Violence

woman with her head down and another womans hands on her shoulders — *ACA-approved plans must cover essential health benefits including mental health services for domestic abuse survivors.*

All ACA-approved plans must cover essential health benefits including mental health services for domestic violence survivors. This includes counseling and screening for domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), which gives survivors a 60-day window outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period to sign up for a Marketplace plan. This Special Enrollment Period is available to both men and women, whether or not they are still married to their abuser, and no documentation is required to prove domestic violence.

If you are living at or below 138% of the federal poverty line, you will qualify for free Medicaid coverage. If your income is not low enough to qualify for Medicaid, but low enough that you cannot afford a Marketplace plan, there are subsidies available to help you.

Getting out of an abusive relationship takes a lot of courage and strength, and it can leave long lasting scars. Looking for health insurance, or worrying about getting treatment for you and your children can just bring on more stress. EZ cares and knows the importance of getting the healthcare you need for your recovery. We will provide you with an agent who will go over all the plans and find subsidies for you so you can find an affordable plan for yourself and your children. Our services are completely free, because we want to help you get insurance without the stress. To get free quotes, enter your zip code in the bar bove, or to speak to one of our trained agents, call 888-350-1890.

Out-of-Pocket Maximum Explained

Medical bills can be a huge source of stress. They can seem like they are never ending, but there is actually a limit on how much you can spend on out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The out-of-pocket maximum, which is the annual limit that you are required to pay for covered health services, is your financial saving grace. Each health insurance plan has different out-of-pocket maximums. Understanding yours will help you get a better handle on how much you will be paying out-of-pocket with your policy.

What Is an Out-of-Pocket Maximum?

An out-of-pocket maximum is the amount that you will have to pay for covered health services. Once you reach that amount, your insurance will pay for all covered services. All copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance count towards your out-of-pocket maximum. However, your monthly premium payments do not go towards your out-of-pocket maximum.

How It Works

If you need a medical procedure, generally you and your insurance company will each pay a portion of the cost. You will pay enough to meet your annual deductible, and your insurance company will pay for the rest of the procedure, unless you have to pay coinsurance as part of your policy. If your plan does require you to pay coinsurance then you will also have to pay 20% (usually) of the cost of the procedure, even after meeting your deductible.

After you have met your deductible, you will continue to pay copays and coinsurance until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum. After you meet your maximum, insurance will then pay 100% of any medical costs. You will not have to pay for copays or coinsurance after meeting your maximum.

calculator on paper with a pen sitting on top of it in the paper. — *After you have met your deductible, you will continue to pay copays and coinsurance until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum.*

Here’s an example to illustrate how out-of-pocket maximums work. Let’s say Mary has a health insurance plan with a $2,000 deductible, a 20% coinsurance requirement for all care after meeting the deductible, and a $5,000 out-of-pocket maximum. She has to have surgery and the total hospital bill is $20,000. The costs will break down like this:

Mary will pay her $2,000 deductible, leaving $18,000 of the bill.
Her coinsurance requirement is 20% of the $18,000, which is $5400. But because Mary’s plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, she and her insurance company will end up each paying part of this cost.
Mary has already paid $2,000 to meet her deductible, and her out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000 so instead of owing $5,400 in coinsurance payments, she only owes $3,000 ($2,000 deductible + $3,000 coinsurance = $5,000 maximum out-of-pocket payment).
Her insurance company will now cover the remaining $13,000 of the cost of the procedure.

Do All Plans Have a Maximum?

All plans that meet ACA standards have out-of-pocket maximums. For 2020, that number is $8,2000 for individuals and $16,400 for families. Some plans may have a lower maximum, but none will be higher than those amounts. Plans with higher monthly premiums generally have lower out-of-pocket maximums, while plans with lower monthly premium plans, like catastrophic or high-deductible health plans, have higher out-of-pocket maximums.

In order to find the right plan for your needs and budget, you have to take into account everything that it has to offer, including things like out-of-pocket maximums. Doing all the research alone is time-consuming and can cause confusion and missed opportunities. EZ will make the process quick and painless; we’ll explain everything clearly, give you real-world examples of how the plan would work for you, compare quotes, and calculate costs for you. We will set you up with one agent that will help you find the right plan for your medical and financial needs. To start saving, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: health insurance help