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Open Enrollment is Here! Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits Post-Covid

There’s no doubt that our country has been deeply affected by the pandemic, physically, mentally, and financially. It has opened the eyes of many Americans as to how important health insurance is. And now that the health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is finally here, it’s time to focus on your health and find a great affordable plan that meets your needs while saving you some money. Before you know it, the OEP will be over, so consider the following tips to help maximize your benefits post-Covid.

Health Insurance Options

The first thing you should do now that the Open Enrollment Period is here is think about your current healthcare expenses, including premiums, deductibles, and any other out-of-pocket costs. If your current plan isn’t working for you financially, try:

Checking if you qualify for a health insurance subsidy. The American Rescue Plan has allowed millions more Americans to save money on their health insurance premiums, with some even qualifying for $0 premiums.
Looking at all of your available health insurance plan options. If the type of plan you have isn’t working for you, look at another type, like metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, or any other plans that are available in your region. Comparing plans and their coverage options is the best way to ensure that you find a plan that will provide you with the best coverage without costing you an arm and a leg.

Health Savings Accounts

The next thing you should do is look into ways that you can save with plan add-ons. For example, one thing that has been overlooked by many people, but is now making a comeback thanks to the pandemic, is the health savings account (HSA). These accounts, which are only available with high-deductible health plans (HDHP), will help with healthcare costs by allowing you to save up money in a tax-advantaged account to use for medical expenses.

You can use your pre-tax money to cover any out-of-pocket expenses, including prescription drugs and doctor visits. Any contribution that you add to this health savings account will grow on a tax-free basis, and any money that you do not use will be rolled over to the following year.

Wellness Resources

And speaking of extras, the final thing you should do is take advantage of any wellness resources that are available to you through your workplace post-pandemic. These wellness resources are programs that are offered by your employer that can help you in a variety of ways, with things like financial coaching, stress management classes, tuition assistance, tutoring services, mental health counseling, gym memberships, and more.

Taking advantage of these wellness resources could help improve your health and wellbeing, which could in turn help get you better health insurance rates, especially if your health improves because of them. Not only that, but they can help you with your finances, which is important for so many of us post-pandemic.

Find Great Insurance

One of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family is getting a comprehensive health insurance plan that will allow you to get the preventive care and treatments you need. EZ.Insure can help you find a great plan that will save you money on your doctor visits, medications, and monthly premiums. Because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, we can search through all the available plans in your area and find the right one for you. And all of our services are free of charge! No hassle or obligation. 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.

Your Guide to Healthcare Options During Open Enrollment

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is here, and you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. Sifting through all the different health insurance options available to you in your region can be tricky, but you know you and your family need to have health insurance to be protected. Don’t worry, though, if you work with a knowledgeable EZ agent, you’ll be able to find an affordable plan that will give you exactly what you’re looking for. Before you do that, we’re going to give you some guidance on how to start looking for the right plan for you.

What Is Open Enrollment?

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.

Terms You Need to Know

If you’re looking at plans, you will come across some terms that might be unfamiliar to you, or that maybe you’ve never fully understood. To get a full understanding of your options, you should feel comfortable with the following terms::

Premium– The amount you need to pay per month to keep your health insurance plan active.
Deductible– The amount you will need to pay for healthcare services before your health insurance kicks in and pays the rest of your bills. For example, if you have a $2,000 deductible, you will have to pay that amount in medical bills before your plan covers your healthcare expenses.
Network- A group of hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare professionals that are covered by your plan.
Copay– A set amount you will pay when you see a healthcare professional. For example, you might have to pay $20 every time you see your primary care doctor and $30 when you see a specialist.
Coinsurance– The percentage you’ll pay for healthcare services after you meet your deductible. For example, you might have to pay 20% of a covered service, so if a procedure costs $200, you’ll pay $40.
Out-of-pocket maximum- The most you will pay out-of-pocket per year for your healthcare. Typically this will include your copays, coinsurance, and deductible.
High-deductible health plan (HDHP)- A type of plan that has a high deductible and lower premium. You can also get a health savings account (HSA) alongside a HDHP that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars towards qualified medical expenses. These types of plans are typically best for people who are healthy and do not see the doctor often.
Exclusion- What your plan will not cover – for example, cosmetic surgery.

Choosing A Plan

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. You should also take into consideration if you have children, especially if they play sports and might need to go to the emergency room.

You will also need to think about any possible changes in your life in the upcoming year. For example, will you be starting a family, getting married, going through a divorce, or any other life-changing event that will affect how much health insurance you need? Any of these events will mean you’ll need to reconsider your coverage.

In addition, you should look carefully at the different types of plans available, including HMOs and PPOs. With an HMO, you will get lower premiums, but you will be limited to a restricted network. PPOs, or preferred provider organizations, on the other hand, have a larger network. You will also have different metal tears to choose from 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.

Last but not least, 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?

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.

Need to Unplug? How (and Why) to Cut Down on Screen Time

Screens are a big part of our lives. They’re here to stay and the use of them is only growing: in fact, it’s estimated that by 2025, US households will have an average of 20 connected devices. And while there are a lot of good things about being so connected, there are also a lot of negative things. By being conscious of the potential negative effects of screen time, and making a plan to counteract these negative effects, you can get on a path to keeping a healthy relationship with screen time. So why is it necessary to cut down on your screen time, and how can you do it?

Why Reduce Screen Time?

Like anything in life, screen time is a mix of positive and negative – and it’s all about balance. While technology has vastly improved everyday life, there are some ways that having screens of all types so readily available can be detrimental to both our physical and mental health:

Screens can contribute to packing on the pounds. Spending a lot of time watching TV or scrolling on your phone can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Before you know it, you’re binge watching hours of a show without moving from your couch, or trying to get to the next level on your favorite video game – and days of doing this can really add up.
Screen time can exacerbate depression and anxiety. Social media and influencers only show the highlight reels. You get hand-picked content shown to you by the people that are producing it, and no one is going to choose between a picture of themselves after they just woke up over one where their hair and makeup have been done, right? And not only that, but most people only choose to share the best parts of their lives. If you suffer from depression or anxiety, seeing these carefully curated photos and stories is not going to help.
Screens can take a toll on your eyes and body. If you look at a screen for too long, you could experience digital eye strain. Digital eye strain causes headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. In addition, sitting at a computer working for 8+ hours a day can cause back pain and posture issues. People who text a lot can develop “text neck,” or the neck pain and damage sustained from looking down at your phone or any screen too much and for too long.

Small Changes, Big Differences

Since screens are probably not going anywhere anytime soon we have to find a balance, so we can protect our mental and physical health. It’s easy to get sucked into our devices, but there are ways you can cut down on your screen time:

Schedule bedtime on your phone. This feature can be found on iPhones or Androids, with a wide range of customization available, so you can play around with this feature to make it work for you. If you don’t like the bedtime feature that’s on your phone, check out the app store and find something that works for you. Even turning your screen to grayscale after a certain time at night is one small step toward using your phone less and less.
Take time to move. If you work in front of a computer, set a timer and make yourself stand up and get away from your monitor at regular intervals. It can be as often as once every hour, or once every 2 hours. The thing that matters is that you give your eyes and body a rest from the same position and blue light exposure for a little while. Bonus: you get some exercise if you use that time to take a walk around the block or up and down the hallways.
Keep your bedroom screen-free. Don’t bring your phone into your bedroom at night. We’ve all been there: one minute it’s 9pm, the next it’s 1am and you realize you’ve gone down an internet rabbit hole. But if you don’t have your phone next to you when you lay down, the temptation is removed. But a screen free bedroom also means no TV! How many times have you said “just one more episode”? And then you’ve blown through a season of your favorite show. If you can manage to keep screens out of your bedroom, it will feel like a sanctuary, one that is reserved just for sleep.

If you are suffering from the effects of screen time, such as sore muscles or eye problems, your best bet is to see a doctor. If you need help finding health insurance that’s right for you, contact EZ today for a free instant quote. Simply enter your zip code in the bar above or call 888-350-1890 to speak to a local agent. There is no obligation or hassle, just free quotes from the top-rated insurance companies in your state.

7 Steps to Help Prevent SIDS

Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is every parent’s worst nightmare. This occurrence, defined as the unexpected death of a healthy baby under a year old (usually in their sleep) is responsible for around 3,400 deaths each year. For many new parents, this terrifying possibility often means staying up all night checking on their babies. But while there is no sure way to prevent SIDS, there are some tips new parents can follow to lower their baby’s risk.

Causes of SIDS

While experts aren’t 100% sure what causes SIDS, there could be a combination of physical and sleep environmental factors that make a baby more vulnerable to it. These factors include:

Physical:

Brain defects– Some infants might be born with brain defects that make them more likely to die of SIDS.
Low birth weight- Premature birth increases the probability that a baby’s brain hasn’t matured completely, so they have less control over automatic processes such as breathing.
Respiratory infection

Environmental:

Sleep position – Sleeping on their stomach or side can make it more difficult for babies to breathe.
Sleep surface – Sleeping on a soft surface such as a fluffy comforter or mattress can block a baby’s airway.
Overheating

Prevention

As mentioned, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, but there are things that you can do to help your baby sleep more safely. For example:

1. Put a sleeping baby on their back. Instead of placing your baby on their stomach or side, make sure to put them on their back for the first year of their life.
2. Keep the crib as bare as possible. Use a firm mattress and try not to put any fluffy padding or quilts in the crib. Also avoid pillows, fluffy toys, or stuffed animals because they can block a baby’s airway.
3. Don’t overheat your baby. Use light clothing or a sleep sack if you want to keep your baby warm. Never cover a baby’s head while they are sleeping.
4. Have your baby sleep in your room. For the first 6 months of your baby’s life, it’s best to have them sleep in your room with you in a bassinet or crib.
5. Use a pacifier. Sucking on a pacifier might reduce the risk of SIDS.
6. Breastfeed your baby, if possible. Breastfeeding for at least 6 months lowers the risk of SIDS.
7. Try swaddling your child. Swaddling helps to keep babies in a safe position at night.

SIDS can occur anytime during a baby’s first year of life, but the risk decreases after 6 months, and it’s extremely rare after one year of age. And there’s no doubt that it’s a very scary thought, but following the above tips will help keep your baby as safe as possible. Make sure your baby is checked regularly by a pediatrician and if you have concerns, reach out and speak to them.

In order to be able to do this, it’s important to be insured, so you can get the medical care that you and your baby need. If you’re not sure what plan is right for you, speak to an EZ agent! EZ agents are highly trained and knowledgeable and will sort through all available plans to make sure that you’re completely covered from babyhood and beyond.

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.

HHS Announces New Policy to Make Coverage More Accessible and Affordable for Millions of Americans in 2023

In April, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they have new measures that will allow consumers to more easily find the right form of quality, affordable health care coverage. Beginning November 1st, 2022, health insurance coverage will be more accessible and affordable to millions of Americans.

The 2023 Notice of Benefits and Payment Parameters Final Rule

gavel next to a book — *The new policy, beginning November 1st, will help grant health insurance access to millions of Americans.*

This new policy will make regulatory changes in the individual and small-group health insurance market, establishing parameters and requirements.

“The Affordable Care Act has successfully expanded coverage and provided hundreds of health plans for consumers to choose from,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. “By including new standardized plan options on HealthCare.gov, we are making it even easier for consumers to compare quality and value across health care plans. The Biden-Harris Administration will continue to ensure coverage is more accessible to every American by building a more competitive, transparent, and affordable health care market.”

“The recent Open Enrollment Period demonstrated the demand for high-quality, affordable health coverage. These steps increase the value of health care coverage on HealthCare.Gov and further strengthen the health insurance Marketplace,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “This policy will make it easier for people to choose the best plan that meets their needs by standardizing plan options, like maximum out-of-pocket limitations, deductibles, and cost-sharing features.”

Policies Include:

Advancing Standardized Plan Options -President Biden’s Executive Order 14036 on Promoting Competition in the American Economy helps simplify the consumer shopping experience by establishing standardized plan options for issuers offering Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) to maximum out-of-pocket limitations, deductibles, and cost-sharing features.

Implementing New Network Adequacy Requirements – Patients will have access to the right provider at the right time, and inaccessible locations. The new rule also set standards requiring routine Primary Care appointments to be available within 15 business days of the enrollee’s request, as well as review the distance between provider and enrollees, and make sure that it is not an issue that they are not too far apart.

Increasing Value of Coverage for Consumers – The CMS will be updating the allowable range and medical coverage levels for non-grandfathered individual and small-group market plans.

hundreds of people — *The new policy will expand health insurance access to essential community providers.*

Increasing Access for Consumers and Removing Barriers to Coverage – This will protect consumers from discriminatory practices related to the coverage of essential health benefits. They will refinance the EMS non-discrimination policy, specifically, the one that limits coverage for essential health benefits on a base that is protected from discrimination.

Expanding Access to Essential Community Providers – CMS is increasing the Essential Community Provider (ECP) threshold from 20% to 35% of available ECPs in each plan’s service area to participate in the plan’s provider network. The higher ECP threshold will increase access to a variety of providers for consumers who are low-income or medically underserved.

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is open until January 15 (depending on your state), so now is the perfect time to reconsider getting a health insurance plan or looking into your current one and making sure it will cover all of the above-mentioned costs. And if your plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, it’s time to find a plan that does, so you can save as much money as possible. If you’re shopping for a plan, your best bet is to speak to a licensed EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, so we can compare plans in minutes. We will not only find a plan that has all the benefits you’re looking for, but we will also make sure the plan meets your financial needs. 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. No obligation.

Stretch For Success

When it comes to physical health, exercise is rightfully one of the first things people think of. But most people think “getting in shape” just means vigorous activities like running or weightlifting. After all, “gentler” forms of exercise like stretching won’t give you a smaller waistline or bigger biceps, and if you’re putting in the work, it’s only natural that you’ll want to see tangible results.

But just because you won’t see any visible results from stretching doesn’t mean it won’t benefit you, or that you shouldn’t do it! In fact, stretching is more important than you think, and should be part of everyone’s exercise routine. And because there’s no equipment required to stretch, it’s easy to do anywhere, anytime. Your body will tell you what feels good and what doesn’t, so take it slow and enjoy the benefits. Get some tips on why and how you should stretch today!

Why Should You Be Stretching?

If you think that only gym rats and athletes should be stretching, you’re wrong. Even if you wouldn’t classify yourself as an athlete, stretching is something that you should do everyday regardless of age, fitness level, or abilities. Here’s why:

Stretching keeps your muscles strong, healthy, and flexible. After a stretch session you’ll see your range of motion increase, and you’ll feel less tight and restricted in your movements.
Stretching helps improve your posture. Tight muscles that don’t get stretched can cause poor posture. A good stretch routine paired with some core exercises can help set you back on the straight and narrow.
Stretching improves circulation by increasing blood flow through your tissue and muscles. This is particularly beneficial for those with diabetes and/or high blood pressure. Add on some cardio, such as walking or cycling, to really set your circulatory system in motion.

Types Of Stretching

Now you know what stretching can do for your body, but what kind of stretches should you be doing? See if the following types feel right for your body:

Static Stretching. This type of stretching involves moving into an end range of motion and then holding that position. Some examples would be crossing your arm across your body and holding your elbow to stretch your shoulder, or grabbing your heel and pulling it to your bottom for a nice quad stretch. These types of stretches are great to try after a workout, to help cool you down and prevent soreness.
Dynamic Stretching. When you engage in dynamic stretching, you’ll be performing active, controlled movements with larger ranges of motion. Arm circles, walking lunges, and squatting all fall into this category and are usually done before working out to prepare your muscles for exercise.
Ballistic Stretching. A ballistic stretch involves bouncing or repeatedly pushing your body past its natural range of motion using momentum, force, or gravity. Remember those gym class days bouncing your knees up and down doing the butterfly stretch? That’s a ballistic stretch. These types of stretches have generally been phased out of everyday routines, because they have been known to cause injury. So, unless you’re a trained athlete, these more aggressive stretches are not necessarily recommended, and you should definitely consult with your doctor before doing any sort of ballistic stretching.

Simple Stretches To Incorporate Into Your Daily Routine

If you find yourself feeling tight when you wake up, why not start your day with a morning stretch? Adding stretching to your morning routine will really energize and invigorate you, and put you in a positive mindset to tackle the day. Try one of the following easy stretches to loosen up and get your blood flowing:

Neck rolls. Slowly roll your neck clockwise 5 times, then roll it counterclockwise 5 times. Try to touch your ears to your shoulders to extend your range of motion.
Shoulder shrugs. In a sitting position, shrug your shoulders to your ears 10 times.
Shoulder stretches. Lace your fingers together and reach up to the ceiling with your palms upward. You’ll feel a stretch in your shoulders and rib cage. Try holding for 10 seconds.
Prone press up. Lay on your stomach with your palms on the ground just above your shoulders. Slowly push up and straighten your arms so you will feel a stretch in your back. Many people have chronic tightness in their lower backs, and this stretch will help to extend and strengthen your back muscles. Trust us, give it a try and you’ll be hooked!

It’s easy to let stretching take a back seat to your workout or everyday routine, but don’t let that happen. If you don’t feel comfortable beginning a stretching routine or don’t know where to start, your best bet is to see a physical therapist for guidance. Physical therapy is usually covered under most health insurance plans – and if you’re looking to find a plan that covers physical therapy, EZ can help! Contact EZ today for a free, no obligation, no hassle quote. We work with the top insurance companies in your area and can help find a plan that’s right for you – and save you money in the process. Enter your zip code in the bar above or call 888-350-1890 to speak with an agent.

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