On average, nearly 20 people are physically abused by an intimate partner every minute in the United States. This equates to almost 10 million people each year suffering domestic abuse. The sad reality is that many people in this situation feel like there’s no way out. And feel that they can’t manage alone or start fresh because their partner controls every part of their lives. But it is possible to seek help and start a new life, despite the incredible stress of taking that step forward.
If you’re worried about starting over, it might be helpful to know that you can enroll in a health insurance plan when leaving a domestic abuse situation. Meaning you’ll have one less thing to stress about.
A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) is a 60-day window when people can sign up for new health insurance coverage (or change existing coverage) outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Various situations (known as qualifying life events) can trigger a SEP, including leaving a domestic violence situation.
Since 2015, victims of domestic violence and spousal abandonment can apply for health insurance at any point during the year. Not only that, but they will face fewer restrictions than they would with a regular Special Enrollment Period. This SEP is available to both men and women and does not require documentation.
Several forms of domestic abuse qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.
How do you qualify for this SEP? According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), experiencing any of the following will open up a Special Enrollment Period:
Physical abuse
Psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse, including efforts by the perpetrator to control, isolate, humiliate, intimidate, or undermine your ability to reason independently
Spousal abandonment, which means you are unable to locate your spouse after trying diligently and “taking all facts and circumstances into account”
Need Help?
If you are a victim of domestic violence or abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. And if you are looking to find your own health insurance plan, call the healthcare.gov call center hotline at (800) 318-2596. Tell the representative about your domestic violence or spousal abandonment situation, so you can qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. After you are granted a SEP, you have 60 days to enroll in a plan. Once you’re ready to take that step and look for a plan of your own, come to EZ.Insure. We offer a wide range of health insurance plans from top-rated insurance companies in every state. And because we work with so many companies, and can offer all of the plans available in your area. We can find you a plan that saves you a lot of money – even hundreds of dollars – even if you don’t qualify for a subsidy. There is no obligation, or hassle, just free quotes on all available plans in your area. 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.
It’s been almost 3 years since the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) first declared the Covid-19 pandemic a public health emergency. And now, the Biden Administration is indicating that the emergency declaration will not be renewed this winter. And is telling healthcare providers to begin preparing for the end of the public health emergency.
When the public health emergency does end, HHS estimates that up to 15 million people will be disenrolled from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). With all of these people losing their insurance, the question becomes how will they get coverage?
“The Pandemic Is Over”
In September, President Joe Biden declared that the pandemic was over.
In September, President Joe Biden declared that the pandemic was over, even though Covid still presents a risk to Americans. His declaration means that HHS is unlikely to renew the emergency declaration that is set to expire on January 11.
HHS will give the public 60 days’ notice before lifting the public health emergency. Which not only allowed Americans to receive health insurance, but also to receive increased food benefits through government nutrition programs.
Nutrition experts fear that millions of families will face hunger. While hospitals are concerned that there will be a healthcare worker shortage. And pharmacies are concerned that it might be more difficult for people to access vaccines without a public health emergency.
“We’re in the third year of the pandemic. We’ve gone through hell. We’ve sacrificed. We’ve used all kinds of emergency powers,” said Lawrence Gostin, an expert on health law at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.
“So if you’re going to end all that, you have to end it in a transparent way honestly with the American public about what they gain and what they lose,” Gostin said.
Millions Will Lose Coverage
More people became eligible for Medicaid and CHIP during the public health emergency. So, enrollment increased 26% during the pandemic to a record of more than 89 million people. But with the public health emergency ending, 15 million people will no longer have Medicaid and CHIP. While some of these people might be eligible for subsidized coverage through the ACA, there is a fear that many will end up uninsured.
According to HHS, in 12 states that haven’t expanded Medicaid, as many as 383,000 people are expected to fall into a gap in which their incomes are too high to meet their state’s eligibility for Medicaid, which guarantees coverage for the poor. But too low to qualify for discounted insurance under the Affordable Care Act.
If you’re unsure if you can afford a healthcare plan, it’s worth looking into what is available in your area. There are currently provisions in place that could help you save a lot of money on insurance, like:
If you earn under 400% of the federal poverty level, you can receive subsidies to purchase health insurance through the ACA Marketplace.
The American Rescue Plan Act 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.
Speak to an EZ.Insure agent about what programs are available to help you save and get the coverage you need.
We get that trying to find a great plan while saving as much money as possible is not easy; it can be time-consuming and downright frustrating. But EZ is here to help. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, making it easier and faster to compare plans in your area. In fact, we can compare plans in your area for you and your family in minutes! We will provide you with an agent who will find a plan that covers your medical needs. And will allow you to stay within your budget.
And unlike other companies who just want to make a dime off you, we want to help you stay healthy by finding a great plan that won’t break the bank. That’s why 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 licensed local agent, call 888-350-1890.
Before choosing your health insurance plan, you should know what types of plans are available to you. As you do your research, you’ll come across 5 common types of health insurance plans, which might seem a bit confusing at first. What’s the difference between them? What can you expect with each one? Which one is right for you? Some you will immediately know are not the right fit for you, while others you might need a little more information to decide if it is a good fit. So the more you know about these plans, the easier your decision will be.
1. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
This type of plan includes a care network of medical professionals. You can technically see other doctors, but when you see a doctor who’s in the plan’s care network you will save money on copays and out-of-pocket costs. Most insurance plans have these networks, but the key difference when it comes to PPO plans is that their networks are more flexible.
As mentioned, if you have a doctor, specialist, or hospital that you prefer to see, and they aren’t in your PPO’s network, you can still see them, and your insurance will still cover some of the costs. This can be a real benefit to a PPO: being able to get healthcare outside of your network means that if you are out-of-state and get sick you can still get the help you need without having to pay full price.
Additionally, this type of plan does not require you to get a referral to see a specialist. Other healthcare plans can require you to see your primary care provider (PCP) and have them write you a referral before the plan will cover the cost of a specialist visit.
So what are the downsides of a PPO? The premiums and copays can be more expensive than those of other plans, and you will have a deductible to meet, as with many types of plans. The higher costs for the plan itself allow these plans to be more convenient and flexible.
2. Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
HMOs also have a healthcare network. The difference is that these plans limit you to seeing the healthcare providers in their specific network. An HMO will only cover care for services outside of their network in the case of an emergency. By keeping their coverage to just those providers in their network, they are able to offer lower premiums and little-to-no deductible.
With an HMO you will pay a yearly or monthly premium. But all of your medical expenses will be covered without having to first pay a large deductible out-of-pocket. In place of the high deductibles, you will instead have to pay a copay for each appointment, test, or prescription. The copay usually ranges from $5 to $20, so the out-of-pocket expense will be lower than with other plans.
These types of plans will require you to choose a PCP inside their network. And you will need to get a referral to see any type of specialist. There are certain services that do not need a referral, like mammogram screenings, OB/GYN visits, and emergency care.
3. Point of Service (POS)
PPO plans have no deductible for in-network care!
A POS plan is a mix between a PPO and HMO plan. If you have this type of plan, you will still be encouraged to use doctors within your network, but you will also be able to look for care outside of the network. You will have to select a PCP from within the plan’s network. The benefit of that is that PCP can help if you need care outside of your plan.
While it’s true that if you venture outside of your network with a PPO you will end up paying most of the cost, you can still get out-of-network healthcare covered. If your PCP writes you a referral for a specialist, your PPO will cover some of the bill. Even when that specialist is not part of their network.
The premiums for POSs fall between the lower cost of an HMO and the higher rates of PPOs. The advantage of these plans is that there are no deductibles for in-network care, and the coverage is nationwide. For some, a POS can be the best of both worlds.
4. Exclusive Provider Organization
EPOs are another hybrid of PPO and HMO plans. This type of plan will not cover any out-of-network costs. But their care networks tend to be more extensive, so you will have more providers to choose from than with an HMO.
Most, but not all, EPO plans will require you to choose a PCP. The difference here is that you will not be required to get a referral for a specialist. That means you will be free to make your appointments without any extra paperwork. If you do need to be seen in a hospital that is outside of your network, you will need prior authorization. Without prior authorization you will have to pay the full cost of the hospital visit and any care you receive there. The only exception to that rule is for emergencies. Emergencies are covered regardless of network coverage.
5.High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
As their name suggests, these plans have a high annual deductible. While a high deductible isn’t for everyone, it allows for benefits other plans don’t have.
Your deductible and out-of-pocket expenses will be higher than other plans, but your premium will be lower. Additionally, HDHPs cover 100% of most preventive care services without a copay before your deductible is met.
Another benefit of HDHP plans is that they are HSA-eligible. A HSA, or health savings account, is an account that allows you to put aside money pre-tax for healthcare expenses. You can then withdraw this money tax-free, as long as it’s used for things like copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Pairing a HSA and a HDHP will also offer you other tax breaks, since all of your HSA contributions are pre-tax and interest earned in the account is tax-free. Over time, the money in your HSA will add up and you won’t have to worry about any surprise medical costs.
Choosing the right insurance plan is important for everyone, but it definitely takes a lot of thought and research. For example, your lifestyle might require a lot of travel. So, you might need a plan with good out-of-network coverage, like a PPO. Or maybe you don’t use your health insurance quite so often. A plan with a higher deductible and lower premiums, like a HDHP, would be a better fit. No matter what your needs are, consider your personal situation, finances, and health to find the best fit for you.
Need help finding the right plan? EZ.Insure can help! Start by calling 888-615-4893 to speak to one of our highly trained agents. You can discuss your budget and ask any questions you may have, or simply enter your zip code into the bar above to get your free instant quote today.
We have been going through a tough time in this country, with the rising cost of gas, groceries, and so much more due to inflation. Keeping up with these increasing prices can feel incredibly frustrating, but there might be at least one light at the end of the tunnel that will help. Health insurance companies will be sending out rebate checks to millions of Americans. Find out why, and how much you can expect to see from your health insurance company.
The medical loss ratio provision requires insurance companies that cover individuals and small businesses to spend at least 80% of their premium income on healthcare claims and quality improvement. That means only 20% can be spent on administration and marketing expenses, or kept for profit. When private insurance companies don’t meet this standard, they are required to issue refunds to policyholders.
The rebates are calculated based on a three-year average, meaning this year’s rebates will be calculated based on the figures from the years 2019, 2020, and 2021. This year, insurance companies will be distributing an aggregate total of $1 billion to customers, down from the $2 billion issued in 2021, and a record $2.5 billion in 2020.
“In the last couple of years we’ve seen some really large rebates — twice the size of this year’s amount,” said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation and director of its Affordable Care Act program. “But I’d say $1 billion is still significant.”
How Much Can You Expect To See?
Of the $1 billion in rebates going out, the majority (an estimated $603 million), will generally go to people with a health plan through the public exchange. The refunds are expected to average $141 per participant in plans through the marketplace, $155 for those in plans through small employers, and $78 for enrollees in large-group plans. However, the rebate amount can vary widely, depending on your location and insurer.
If you’re wondering when you will see your check, get ready, because over eight million Americans can expect a rebate in the coming weeks.
Each year, starting on November 1st, Americans have the opportunity to make changes to their health insurance plans. It’s important to take advantage of this time, because a lot of things can change in your life throughout the year, such as having a child, getting married, or changing your job, which could require changes to your health insurance plan, as well. But what if you haven’t had any major changes in your life? Is it necessary to apply for a new health insurance plan every year? Well, it depends.
Do You Have To Apply?
The Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the one time during the year when you can change, cancel, or purchase a new health insurance plan. Depending on what state you live in, it begins on November 1st and lasts until mid-to-late January. It is the perfect time to assess your current health insurance plan, check if it’s going to change in the new year, and decide if it will fit your future needs, or if it’s time to get a new plan.
A common misconception every year when the health insurance Open Enrollment Period begins is that you have to make changes to your current plan. That’s not necessarily true. If you have reviewed any changes to your current plan that will be going into effect for the following year, and you are happy with the changes, there is no need to find or apply for a different plan.
However…
It’s in your best interest to review all of your available options so you know if there are policies out there that might be better for you. You should look carefully at the different types of plans available, including the different metal tiers, which offer a range of coverage options and price points. Generally, the difference between the tiers lies in what percentage of your expenses the plan covers.
In addition, you should look into subsidies that you might qualify for, especially now that they have been extended through the American Rescue Plan Act. You may now qualify for subsidies that you might not have qualified for a year or two ago. This is why it’s very important to work with a knowledgeable agent who can go over all of your needs to make sure you find the perfect plan for you and your family.
Need Help?
If you do not know where to begin, EZ will make the process quicker and easier by comparing available plans in your area in minutes.
When trying to select the right health insurance plan for you and your family, you will come across many different choices. The right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, the doctors you want to see, and any medical equipment you need or medications that you take regularly.
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.
It might seem like the Covid pandemic is slowly becoming a bad memory, but the sad reality is that for some people this is not the case. Many people who contracted Covid-19 have experienced additional, ongoing health conditions. One of the lingering symptoms of Covid that some people have experienced is the loss of smell (and often taste), known as parosmia. This condition can also be experienced as otherwise normal things smelling (and tasting) unpleasant. If you are experiencing parosmia, you’re probably wondering how long it will last, and if you will ever smell and taste normally again.
What Is Parosmia?
People dealing with parosmia can shy away from smells like vinegar because it smells like ammonia.
Parosmia can be caused by respiratory infections, seizures, brain tumors, and now Covid-19. It is identified as the loss of the sense of smell, or a disruption to the sense of smell that changes how things smell. For example coffee, fruit, or things with vinegar in them can smell like ammonia, egg, or even garbage. It’s generally caused by some of your receptors getting damaged, causing your nose to perceive smell incorrectly.
How Long Will Parosmia Last?
In most cases, parosmia will improve over time, typically anywhere from 2 to 4 months after being diagnosed with Covid-19. Around 65% of people who have experienced it have reported regaining their taste and smell 18 months after infection, with 80 to 90% getting it back within two years.
Is There a Treatment?
It can be very frustrating not to be able to eat things you like because they don’t smell right to you. And unfortunately, there is no known treatment for Covid-19-induced parosmia, but you can try smell training therapy, or nose therapy. Smell training therapy involves smelling strong odors such as cloves, citrus, and eucalyptus every day to help retrain the brain to remember how to smell. In the meantime, you can try eating simple, bland food so that the smells don’t bother you, or just avoid the foods that smell and taste foul to you.
If You Need To See A Doctor…
Having a great health insurance plan is important so you can determine what exactly has caused your parosmia. Speaking to your doctor will allow you to get a better understanding of what to expect, and figure out if there is a more serious underlying issue. When trying to select the right health insurance plan for you and your family, you will come across many different choices. The right one for you will depend on your lifestyle, the doctors you want to see, and any medical equipment you need or medications that you take regularly.
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.
