Health Insurance Archives - Page 11 of 52

Does Your Insurance Plan Cover Lasik?

Do you wear glasses and/or contact lenses? Ever wish you could get rid of them and be able to see without them? Imagine the freedom of waking up and not seeing the world as a blur until you put on your glasses or pop in your contacts! That’s why people opt to get Lasik surgery – to live this dream – but is this surgery covered by your health insurance plan?

Glasses/Contacts Wearing by the Numbers

According to the Vision Council of America, approximately 75% of adults require some sort of vision correction. Around 64% of them wear eyeglasses, and around 11% wear contact lenses, either exclusively, or with glasses. Some other stats to consider:

Over half of all women and around 42% of men wear glasses. Similarly, more women than men, 18% and 14% respectively, wear contacts. Of those who use both contacts and eyeglasses, 62% wear contact lenses more often.
Approximately 30% of the American population is near-sighted and needs to wear glasses for activities like driving. In general, though, these people have no trouble with activities that require seeing things up close, such as reading.
Around 60% of Americans are far-sighted, and have trouble reading or sewing without glasses, but can focus well at a distance.
The majority of young people who wear glasses are near-sighted.
As people age, they are more likely to need vision correction for far-sightedness.
Around 25% of people who wear glasses to see distances will end up needing reading glasses or bifocals as they grow older.

Lasik Surgery

If you’re tired of wearing glasses or contacts, Lasik surgery could be an option for permanent vision correction. Lasik is a type of eye surgery during which a surgeon uses a laser to create a flap in the cornea, then raises the cornea and reshapes it.

Around 700,000 Lasik surgeries are performed each year, and the surgery has a good track record, often helping people achieve 20/20 vision or better! Certain side effects, particularly dry eyes and temporary visual disturbances (such as glare), are fairly common. But these usually clear up after a few weeks or months, and very few people consider them to be a long-term problem.

Does Health Insurance Cover Lasik?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans don’t cover Lasik or other types of corrective eye surgery because they view it as an elective, or voluntary, procedure. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you will have to pay full price. Your insurance company may offer discounts on Lasik as a policyholder perk, and if you would like to find a plan that offers this, EZ can help!

We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare all available plans in your area within minutes. That means we’ll be able to find you a more comprehensive health insurance plan that offers great vision care! It is possible to find a great plan that will help with the cost of Lasik surgery, if you would like to have it. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation!

Does Health Insurance Cover Treatment for Opioid Addiction?

If you’ve been paying attention to the news and other forms of media in the last few decades, you’re probably well aware that we have been struggling with an opioid addiction epidemic in this country for many years now. According to the CDC, the opioid epidemic began in the 1990s, when overdose deaths involving prescription opioids surged, and deaths have been steadily increasing since 1999. But a clear second wave of this epidemic began in 2010, and with these highly addictive medications still being prescribed in the United States, abuse of them is not likely to end any time soon. So what can health insurance companies do to help people who are dealing with an opioid addiction? Do health insurance plans provide coverage for treatment?

The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act

gray illustration of a gavel — *The 2008 Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires health insurance and group health insurance plans to provide benefits for mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.*

In 2008, the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act was passed, which requires health insurance and group health insurance plans to provide the same level of benefits for mental health and/or substance abuse treatment and services that they do for medical and surgical care. In short, insurance companies are now required to provide some form of both mental health care and substance abuse treatment coverage to members. In addition, the ACA regards substance abuse treatment as an essential health care benefit, so most insurers cannot completely deny coverage for treatment of substance abuse.

With that being said, your specific coverage for rehab and detox programs will depend on the state where you purchase your healthcare plan, and the specific plan that you choose, such as a PPO or HMO plan, as well as the treatment program you choose. For example, in some cases, if you are seeking treatment, you will have to get a referral from your primary care physician before your insurer will pay for treatment. And while some insurance plans will cover 100% of detox and treatment expenses once you meet your deductible, others will require you to pay copayments for each service the facility charges for.

Which Insurance Carriers Cover Substance Abuse Programs?

Many health insurance companies provide substantial healthcare plans that will cover treatment for opioid addiction. But, as we pointed out above, how much they cover and how much you will have to pay out-of-pocket for a specific program will vary.

The best way to find a plan that best suits your needs is to work with a licensed agent who is familiar with all of these plans. EZ can help you in your search, since 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.

12 Things to Know About Children’s Eyes and Vision

As children grow, their eyes go through a lot of changes, including a lot of growth and development. In fact, their eyes will grow rapidly after birth and then will continue to grow during puberty until age 20 or 21. At this point, they will stop growing in size but will continue to increase in weight, as well as undergo age-related changes.

It is important to pay careful attention to your children’s eyes as they grow so you can catch any problems that might arise, and deal with them immediately. August is Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month, so to raise awareness this month, we have 12 things you need to know about children’s eyes and vision.

Smoking can harm an unborn baby’s eyes; in addition, if a baby is born premature, as many babies born to smokers are, they are more likely to have permanent vision loss or even blindness.
By 3 months old, babies’ eyes should focus and follow objects; by 5 months old, babies are seeing in three dimensions and developing perception.
At around 9 months old, a baby’s eyes have nearly turned their finalized color.
Strabismus, also known as hypertropia and crossed eyes, occurs in around 4% of children in the US. This condition is a misalignment of the eyes, which causes one eye to deviate inward (esotropia) toward the nose, or outward (exotropia), while the other eye remains focused. If you suspect your child has this condition, seek evaluation so it can be corrected.
Young children are more likely than adults to get eye damage from chemical burns, because these burns can permanently damage the external and internal eye structures as they are developing. That means there are multiple reasons why it’s important to make sure that children don’t have access to any cleaning products or chemicals. If an accident does happen, flush their eyes with plenty of water and go to the nearest emergency room.
Looking at a TV screen or tablet too much can cause myopia (nearsightedness), and digital eye strain. In order to prevent myopia, it is important to have your children follow the 20-20-20 rule: make sure they look up from the screen every 20 minutes and focus at least twenty feet away for at least 20 seconds.
There are some more subtle signs of childhood vision problems you should be aware of, including loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy, losing their place when reading, and turning their head to look at something in front of them.
Many people think that only older adults get cataracts, but children can get cataracts, too- they can either be born with them or develop them after birth.
Taking photos of your children can help to diagnose certain eye problems. If you see what’s known as a “red reflex” on their eyes in a photo (a reflective phenomenon that creates a reddish-orange glow when light passes through the pupil and is reflected back off the retina to a viewing aperture) this is a warning sign that something might be wrong with your child’s eyes. Also, if there is a reflection of the camera flash off the retina that is white, yellow, or black in one or both eyes, this is also a sign that something is wrong.
Color blindness is more common in boys than in girls, but it can be harder to detect. One of the signs to look out for is the inability to tell the difference between shades of the same or similar colors.
Eye injuries are the most common cause of vision loss in children, and most often occur when they’re playing sports. Eye injuries can be prevented by having your child wear protective goggles when they are playing sports such as baseball, basketball, football, etc.
Eyes can get sunburned just like skin can – a condition called photokeratitis – which causes pain, redness, and tears. Make sure your children (and you) wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from harmful UV rays.
It is very important to get your children’s eyes checked as recommended by The American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Getting Checked Regularly

Eye health is very important for your children, especially as they are physically developing, and learning in school. That’s why you should never skip their regular vision screenings; these screenings can help detect and correct any eye problems early before they get worse. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends vision screenings for children when they are in preschool and elementary school, as well as if they are experiencing any vision problems.

Taking your child to the eye doctor can help catch any conditions that your child’s pediatrician or school nurse cannot, but some health insurance plans don’t cover vision care – so if you are interested in a more comprehensive health insurance plan that does offer great vision care, EZ can help! Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we can compare all available plans and find the best, most affordable plan for your family’s needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation!

New Food Allergy? Here Are Your Next Steps!

Have you ever eaten something that suddenly gives you a bad physical reaction? It can be scary and confusing especially if you’ve never dealt with a reaction before. It doesn’t matter how old you are, food allergies can pop up out of nowhere and really throw you for a loop. Don’t trudge through meals worried when your next reaction will rear its ugly head. Let’s help navigate an unexpected food allergy and see if a visit to a dietitian might help and if it would be covered by your health insurance.

dad and kids eating — A new food allergy can develop in adults.

How Can You Tell If You Have A Food Allergy?

A true food allergy causes an immune system reaction after eating a certain food. The smallest bit of food that a person is allergic to can trigger a response and can potentially be life-threatening.

doctor taking notes — According to the Food and Drug Administration, approximately 30,000 Americans go to the ER each year to be treated for severe food allergies, and up to 200 Americans die each year due to allergic reactions to food.

There are 9 foods that make up 90% of food allergies: peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, shellfish, fin fish, soy, wheat, and sesame. If you are eating one of these items and you have a physical reaction there is a good chance you have developed a food allergy. The only way to confirm you are in fact allergic to a particular food is to go through an oral food challenge, usually administered at an allergist’s office.

If you’re not familiar with what an oral food challenge is, here is a brief rundown of what to expect. You will eat small measured doses of food that you believe is causing a reaction while being monitored by a healthcare professional. If you have no significant symptoms the doses will increase and if a reaction occurs the food challenge will stop and from there you’ll determine the best course of action. An oral food challenge can let you know how mild or severe a food allergy is in a safe environment.

Consult With A Dietitian

Once you confirm that you have a food allergy, going to see a RDN (registered dietitian) is important to ensure you’re confident in knowing what foods and/or ingredients need to be avoided, especially if it’s a severe allergy. Dietitians can also help give recommendations to replace foods that you’re not able to eat anymore. Dietitians will go through your individual needs and give you a specific, personal nutrition plan that will keep you on track with your limitations and goals.

While it may seem that the most stressful part of developing a food allergy is finding out what the trigger is, most people would agree that the financial ramifications involved are equally stressful. The good news is many health insurance plans cover registered dietitians. If coverage is denied you can ask for a letter of necessity from your physician and dietitian to appeal the denial of coverage.

Just remember if you suddenly develop a food allergy there are solutions that will get you on the right path to a new normal! If you want to find out if a dietitian would be covered under a new health insurance plan, contact an EZ agent now. Our agents can help you compare plans because they work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation. Get free instant quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or call 888-350-1890 to speak to a local agent.

CDC Issues Health Alert on Rare Cases of Hepatitis in Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating a spike in cases of hepatitis amongst children in the U.S. They have issued a nationwide alert, asking that parents and healthcare providers stay on the lookout for symptoms of this disease in children. Find out what the symptoms are so you can keep your children safe and healthy.

When the Rise in Cases Began

On October 21, 2021, the state of Alabama reported 9 cases of hepatitis in children between the ages of 1 and 6. Around the same time, countries including Scotland, Spain, and Ireland all reported cases of the disease. The children affected had liver damage, and some were in liver failure when they were admitted to the hospital. Four other children with the same liver conditions also reportedly had adenovirus 41 infections, which can cause “pediatric acute gastroenteritis,” according to the CDC.

parents holding a thermometer over a young girls head who is in bed — *One of the hepatitis symptoms to look for in children is a fever accompanied with fatigue.*

Symptoms To Look For

Symptoms of hepatitis can include:

Fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark urine
Light-colored stools
Joint pain
Jaundice

It is very important to get your children immediate care if they experience any of these symptoms.

Still Investigating

“CDC is working with state health departments to see if there are additional U.S. cases, and what may be causing these cases,” the CDC said in their alert. “We continue to recommend children be up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and that parents and caregivers of young children take the same everyday preventive actions that we recommend for everyone, including washing hands often, avoiding people who are sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth. CDC will share additional information as it becomes available.”

Investigations are still ongoing, as the CDC works to find a common cause behind these illnesses, and tries to rule out any other possible causes and identify contributing factors.

What Are Oral Clefts and Can They Be Prevented?

Approximately 1 in 1,000 babies in the United States each year is born with an upper lip and mouth that doesn’t form completely, a condition known as cleft lip or cleft palate. This malformation often happens early in pregnancy, generally between the 6th and 10th weeks of gestation, and can range from mild to severe. July is National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month, so to bring awareness to this issue, we want to look at what causes oral clefts and how to help prevent them.

What Causes Cleft Lip & Palate?

During the first 6 to 10 weeks of pregnancy, the bones and skin of a baby’s upper jaw, nose, and mouth normally come together to form the roof of the mouth and the upper lip. A cleft palate happens when parts of the roof of the mouth do not fuse together completely.

Unfortunately, doctors and researchers are not 100% sure what causes oral clefts, but some believe that there are factors that can increase the risk. In general, male babies are more likely to develop an oral cleft; the other factors are usually genetic and environmental, and can include:

A family history of oral clefts
Substance use during pregnancy
Nutrient deficiency, specifically of folic acid
Having diabetes before pregnancy
Use of certain anti-seizure medications
Obesity during pregnancy
Certain infections
Asian, Hispanic, or Native American descent

What Other Conditions Are Associated with Cleft Lip & Palate?

If your baby is born with an oral cleft, there could be some other complications that go beyond the physical appearance of the cleft lip and palate. Babies born with this condition can also experience:

Hearing difficulties
Speech difficulties
Difficulty feeding
Ear infections
Dental issues

Are Oral Clefts Preventable?

Cleft lip and palate are typically not preventable, but there are things you can do to help lower the risks of your baby developing this condition. These things include avoiding alcohol and smoking during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy weight before pregnancy, and taking at least 400 micrograms of folic acid a day before conception. It is important to note that, even if you do follow all of the recommendations for preventing oral clefts, and you still find out that your baby has developed one, it’s not your fault: this condition can happen regardless of the choices you make.

Treatment for Cleft Lips & Palates

Children born with cleft lips and palates will need several treatments as they grow. Generally, the cleft is treated with surgery, followed by speech therapy and dental care. But before your child has surgery, there are a few techniques that can improve the outcome of the repair, including:

A lip-taping regimen, which can narrow the gap in your child’s cleft lip.
A nasal elevator, which is used to help form the correct shape of the baby’s nose.
A nasal-alveolar molding (NAM) device, which can be used to help mold the lip tissues into a more favorable position in preparation for the lip repair.

Around 30-40% of children with a cleft palate will need further surgeries to help improve their speech, usually after their speech is assessed between ages 4 and 5. Repairing a cleft might seem like a long process, but most children will end up being able to talk and eat without any issues with the help of surgeries and therapies.

Finding Health Insurance Coverage

One of the most important factors in getting the help your child needs for their cleft is your health insurance plan. Before purchasing a plan, make sure you understand what coverage it offers, and make sure it will cover evaluation and treatment for a cleft.

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 throughout the lengthy process of repairing your child’s cleft.

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.

Tag: Health Insurance