Health Insurance Archives - Page 13 of 52

The 3 Types of Asthma & How To Manage Them

If you’ve been diagnosed with asthma, do you know which type you have? There are actually 3 main types of asthma, and while they might have some similarities, there are different triggers for each type, as well as different treatments.

What Is Asthma?

illustration of a lung — *Asthma is caused by swelling of the airways, not allowing air to move through the lungs.*

Asthma is a long-term condition marked by breathing difficulties, which are caused by a narrowing and swelling of the airways, as well as excessive mucus production. When you have an asthma attack, the muscles in your airways tighten, making it hard for air to move in and out of your lungs, which can be a scary and serious situation. And while asthma can’t be cured, it is something that can be managed and treated.

There are many types of asthma, some that you are born with, and others that you can develop over time, meaning asthma can be caused by both genetic predisposition or environmental exposures.

Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

An attack can come on suddenly, and the symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, which is why it is important to recognize the symptoms and seek treatment/help as quickly as possible.

Symptoms of an attack include:

Tightness in the chest
Wheezing
Coughing
Weakness
Dizziness
Feeling Breathless

The 3 Main Types of Asthma

1. Nocturnal Asthma

This is the most common type of asthma, and as the name suggests, it comes on at night. Triggers include environmental irritants like pet dander or dust; attacks can also occur if you sleep with your window open. Heartburn can also cause nocturnal asthma, amongst other changes during the night.

The symptoms of nocturnal asthma are the same as the aforementioned symptoms, they simply occur at night and can interrupt your sleep. Nocturnal asthma can increase your risk of heart diseases, respiratory arrest, and asthma-associated death.

If your symptoms vary and you cannot pinpoint the trigger, you might be sent for a sleep study. Healthcare professionals will monitor you and your symptoms to figure out the exact cause and how to treat it. To treat this type of asthma, you will most likely take the same medications as with other types of asthma, such as using an inhaler, but you might have to adjust them.

2. Exercise-Induced Asthma

Up to 90% of people with asthma have exercise-induced asthma, meaning working out triggers an asthma attack. Symptoms develop when you start exercising and will get worse after you stop. Other symptoms include decreased endurance, upset stomach, and sore throat.

This type of asthma attack will generally go away on its own within 30 minutes, but it is safe to use your inhaler.

3. Allergic Asthma/Seasonal Asthma

Allergies, especially seasonal allergies, can bring on a type of asthma known as allergic asthma. Allergies can play a big role in asthma: in fact, allergies are involved in about 50-80% of asthma cases. Common triggers for allergic asthma include inhaling pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander.

In addition to traditional asthma symptoms, allergic asthma can have some additional symptoms including:

Nasal Congestion
Runny nose
Scratchy throat
Sneezing
Itchy, red eyes

If you want to find the exact trigger of your allergic asthma, ask your doctor to perform skin and blood tests.

Coverage For Testing & Medications

If you have asthma, it’s important to see your doctor regularly and have access to your medications. Being insured will give you peace of mind, and the coverage you need to make sure you can receive an inhaler regularly, and get any other treatments you might need. If you’re looking for an insurance plan, EZ can help: 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.

Clearing Roadblocks to Treating Your Stutter

For roughly 3 million Americans, stuttering is a daily struggle. Stuttering can be very frustrating, and treatment for it can be expensive, because it requires ongoing therapy. But this National Stuttering Awareness Week (May 10–15), we want to talk about treatment, and let you know that EZ can find a plan that meets your needs, so you don’t have to worry about paying for your treatment out-of-pocket.

Stuttering Explained

man's mouth open with letters coming out of it — *Stuttering generally begins at a young age, but can follow you into adulthood.*

Stuttering is a speech disorder that is marked by the involuntary repetition of sounds, syllables, or words, or interruptions in speech known as blocks. If you have a stuttering problem, you know exactly what you want to say but will have a hard time saying it. You might also experience rapid blinking of your eyes or tremors of the lips.

Stuttering can affect people of all ages, but is most often seen in children ages 2-6; boys and men are two to three times as likely to stutter as are girls and women as they get older. Approximately 75% of children outgrow their stutter, but for the remaining 25%, it can continue well into adulthood.

Causes of Stuttering

Stuttering can be either a developmental or neurological issue. Developmental stuttering is the most common form of stuttering, and according to scientists and doctors, it generally occurs when a child’s speech and language abilities are unable to meet what they are trying to say.

While developmental stuttering can be genetic, stuttering can also be caused by other factors, such as a stroke, head trauma, or brain injuries. This is known as neurogenic stuttering, a condition in which the brain has a difficult time coordinating the regions of the brain involved in speaking.

Treatment for Stuttering

Unfortunately, there is no one “cure” for stuttering, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be treated or outgrown with time. There are a variety of treatments, depending on several factors such as age and communication goals. Therapy can help you minimize stuttering when talking by teaching you to speak more slowly, to focus on regulating your breathing, and to progress from single-syllable responses to longer words.

There are medications that are used to treat stuttering, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved them for that purpose. Medications for epilepsy, anxiety, or depression have been used to treat stuttering, but side effects can make it difficult to keep using them for a long time.

Finding Health Insurance Coverage

One of the most important factors in getting the help you need for your stutter 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 stuttering. Some policies will list stuttering as a specific exclusion, and will not cover treatment for stuttering treatment and therapies, so you’ll need to look at the specific language of your policy. For example, it might say that treatment is only covered when it involves “restorative and rehabilitative care or treatment for loss of impairment of speech when the treatment is medically necessary because of an illness, injury or surgery.”

If all of this sounds a little confusing, and 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 stuttering is covered in yours.

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.

Stats About Health Insurance

Everyone knows they need health insurance, but it’s one of those things that people will often put off getting, for a variety of reasons. Some people think they don’t need it because they’re healthy, or that they won’t be able to afford it, since the cost of insurance has been on the rise. Not only that, but the pandemic caught everyone off guard and caused hardships for many people, including the loss of jobs and health insurance plans. In fact, we’ve got some very eye-opening stats on the state of health insurance in our country today that you need to see – some of them might just convince you that now is the time to finally find your plan!

Millions Of People Lost Coverage Because of Covid

Millions of Americans lost their jobs in the early days of the pandemic when so many businesses were forced to shut down for months. And when these people lost their jobs, they also lost the health insurance provided by their employer, and many remained without health insurance because it was too expensive to purchase their own individual plans.

Over 70% of Uninsured People Say The Cost is Too High, but There’s Something They Don’t Know

One of the main reasons people decide not to purchase health insurance, or to even look into purchasing a plan, is that they think the price is going to be too high. But what some people might not know is that President Biden has made health insurance cheaper and more affordable for people with low to no income by opening up subsidies to more Americans. The Biden administration estimates that ACA premiums will decrease by about $50 per month, with one administration official emphasizing that 4 out of 5 people enrolling “will be able to purchase a plan for $10 or less per month.” This could make a huge difference in the lives of the 14.9 million people who are currently not insured in the U.S.

Over 40% of Those Who Are Insured Don’t Have Enough Coverage

For those who do have health insurance, almost half of them are underinsured, and unfortunately don’t find this out until they receive big bills after getting treatment. Some people don’t review their plan or assume the plan they’ve had for years will be sufficient, when in reality it might not be adequate for their needs. If you think this might be the case for you, or you think that you can only afford the coverage you have and nothing more, it’s worth looking into other plans and speaking with an agent.

overdue bills stacked on top of each other — *Many Americans have overdue medical bills that lead to bankruptcy.*

Around 20% of Households Have Outstanding Medical Bills

Studies show that around 20% of Americans have bad credit reports because of outstanding medical bills. Because wages are low, inflation is rising, and medical services are extremely expensive, people are choosing to put their money towards other necessities, instead of paying their medical bills.

Medical Bills Are the Leading Cause of Bankruptcy

Over 60% of bankruptcies in America are caused by high medical bills! But what many people are unaware of is that you can have your medical debt forgiven: hospitals do have medical debt forgiveness programs, so if you are struggling with bills, speak to them about ways to have your bill reduced, or even waived completely.

Get Affordable Coverage

Health insurance can be expensive, but with professional, highly-trained agents on your side, you can find an affordable plan with the right coverage for your needs. We know it can feel like there are endless things to think about when looking for a health insurance plan for you and your family. Do you want more flexibility? Supplemental insurance? Cheaper prescriptions? But the easiest way to find the right plan for you and get the answers to these questions is to work with an EZ agent. We will compare plans, go over every option, discuss your needs, and help you sign up for the plan you need, all at no cost to you. Our services are completely free, with no hassle and no obligation. Get free health insurance quotes by entering your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.

What Preeclampsia Means For Your Pregnancy

High blood pressure complicates almost 10% of all pregnancies, and the incidence of this condition is even higher in women who have never given birth or are carrying multiple fetuses. This condition is dangerous during pregnancy because it can lead to preeclampsia, which is a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. Preeclampsia can affect both the mother and baby – and when it comes to the baby’s health, preeclampsia can have long-lasting effects.

What Is Preeclampsia?

pregnant woman getting blood pressure checked — *Preeclampsia is when a pregnant woman’s blood pressure is high after the 20th week of pregnancy and can be dangerous.*

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-related hypertensive disorder that is marked by the elevation of the mother’s blood pressure after the 20th week of pregnancy. If it is not monitored or treated, it can progress to severe preeclampsia quickly. Most women who deal with preeclampsia will deliver healthy babies and fully recover, but others will experience complications.

Preeclampsia Risk Factors

The cause of preeclampsia is unknown, but research suggests that women who are obese or have diabetes and chronic hypertension are more likely to develop it. It can happen to any woman during pregnancy, occurring in 5-8% of all pregnancies in women with no known risk factors. Incidences of it are on the rise: the rate of preeclampsia has increased 25% in the last two decades.

The most common risk factors include:

Previous history of preeclampsia
Multiple fetuses
History of chronic high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, or organ transplant
Never having been pregnant before
Obesity, particularly with a BMI of 30 or greater
Being over 35 or under 20 years of age
Family history of preeclampsia
Gestational diabetes
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Lupus or other autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, and multiple sclerosis
Sickle cell disease
Obstructive sleep apnea

How Preeclampsia Affects the Mother

Preeclampsia can develop at any time during pregnancy, delivery, or up to six weeks postpartum, though it most frequently occurs in the final trimester of pregnancy. It usually resolves within 48 hours of delivery. Symptoms include:

Persistent nausea
Severe headaches
Abdominal pain
Vision loss or blurred vision.

Preeclampsia can have long-term effects, especially if it begins early in pregnancy, including damage to vital organs, such as the kidneys, livers, and brain. It can even cause seizures and stroke.

How Preeclampsia Affects the Baby

Preeclampsia is also risky for the fetus and can have long-lasting effects after birth. It depends on how severe the condition is, and how long the mother has had it. Some possible issues include:

Lack of oxygen and nutrients that can impair fetal growth
Premature birth– The baby’s growth can be restricted in the womb, causing early delivery
Stillbirth if placental abruption (separation of the placenta from the uterine wall) leads to heavy bleeding in the mother
Infant death- In the U.S., approximately 10,500 babies, and an estimated half-million worldwide, die from preeclampsia each year. If the baby is not growing how they should be, or scores poorly on a stress test, they might not survive in the womb.
Ongoing life challenges- This condition can lead to learning disorders, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, blindness, and deafness.

blood pressure machine with high numbers and medicine next to it — *There is no cure for preeclampsia, but you will have to be monitored closely throughout the pregnancy.*

There is no cure for preeclampsia. The mother and baby will need to be carefully monitored throughout the pregnancy if it is diagnosed. If you develop preeclampsia, your OB/GYN will monitor your blood pressure and assess your lab tests to make sure your organs are functioning properly, and that the baby is growing in the womb as they should be. You will be prescribed antihypertensive drugs if your blood pressure rises to dangerously high levels of 160/110 or higher.

If you need a health insurance plan that covers pregnancy, childbirth, and everything after, EZ can help you find a plan that covers all of your medical needs. 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.

Appealing Insurance Claim Denials

Having health insurance is important, so you won’t have to pay a lot out-of-pocket when the bill for your doctor visit or treatment comes. But even if you do have health insurance, you could end up being denied coverage for treatment, lab work, or other medical services you have received, meaning you will be required to pay for those services out-of-pocket. But don’t lose hope: if you have health insurance and one of your claims is denied, know that you have the right to appeal the denial.

Why Was Your Claim Denied?

Health insurance companies can make mistakes, or can sometimes be persuaded to change their minds about a claim, so it’s always worth exercising your right to appeal a health insurance claim denial presented to you. And fortunately, appealing a denial is easier than you might think.

The first step to appealing a denial is to review your health insurance plan’s benefits to make sure that the service is covered by your plan. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can contact your insurer’s customer service department and ask for assistance.

If it seems as if the service should have been covered by your insurance plan, the next step is to understand why you were actually denied the coverage. Reasons for denials can include:

The provider you saw was not in the insurance company’s network. This is a common mistake, so remember that it is important to always check if your doctor is in-network before seeing them.
The treatment you received is not FDA-approved.
The services you received were not deemed medically necessary for your condition. If you need to appeal on these grounds, you’ll need a note from your doctor stating why the treatment is medically necessary.

The Next Steps for Appealing Your Denial

1. Appeal The Insurer

Once you have a better idea of why your claim was denied, you should obtain an appeal form from your insurer. Be sure to also contact your provider and request any documentation that you will need from them, so you have everything ready before you even fill out the appeal application. You can include an appeal letter stating why the treatment was medically necessary for your condition, with backing from your doctor. Keep records of all communication you have with your insurer regarding your appeal.

2. Appeal The Insurer Again

If you have done all of the above, and are not happy with your insurer’s response, you can request a second-level review by the insurance company.

illustration of a hand with a magnifying glass looking at papers — *You can appeal to the insurer and then ask for a third party to review your appeal as well.*

3. Appeal to an Independent Review Organization

If you have submitted an appeal to your insurance company, and have also appealed a second time, and still have not received a satisfactory reply, you can request a third-level appeal to an outside organization, known as an independent review organization. Your claim might be reviewed by a doctor or another clinician who is board-certified and licensed in the same or similar specialty as the treatment.

Find A Better Health Plan

Unfortunately, sometimes you will find that your health insurance plan doesn’t cover everything you need it to, leaving you with a big bill that you will have to pay out-of-pocket. If your plan isn’t adequate for your needs, it’s time to find a plan that is, 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.

Most People Are Iron Deficient, But What If You Have Too Much?

Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency, and the leading cause of anemia, in the United States. This deficiency is caused by an increased need for iron in the body, or a decrease in the absorption of iron. But in rare cases, people can absorb too much iron in their body, which causes a condition known as hemochromatosis. Too much iron stored in your body can cause many complications and even lead to life-threatening conditions. So what is hemochromatosis, and how is it treated?

What Causes Hemochromatosis?

red blood cells — *Hemochromatosis is when you have too much iron in your blood.*

As mentioned above, hemochromatosis is a medical condition marked by an inability to get rid of excess iron. Iron can build up in your liver, skin, heart, pancreas, joints, and pituitary gland, and cause serious problems.

In the United States, around 1 in 300 Caucasian people have this condition, and many do not realize they have it. It is more common in males than it is in females; if females do have it, symptoms generally will not appear until after menopause. There are two forms of hemochromatosis: primary and secondary.

1. Primary hemochromatosis

Primary hemochromatosis, also known as hereditary hemochromatosis, is a genetic disorder caused by the inheritance of two defective hemochromatosis (HFE) genes, or the gene that controls how much iron your body absorbs from food. If you inherit only one abnormal HRE gene, you’re unlikely to develop hemochromatosis, but you will be a carrier of the gene mutation, and will be able to pass the mutation to your children.

2. Secondary hemochromatosis

Secondary hemochromatosis is a buildup of iron that is not caused by a genetic abnormality, but rather by a separate condition. With this type of hemochromatosis, your red blood cells release too much iron into the body because the cells are too fragile to hold the iron. Risk factors for secondary hemochromatosis include:

Alcohol dependency
Family history of diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease
Taking iron and vitamin C supplements
Blood transfusions

Symptoms

Many people who have hemochromatosis are unaware they have it because there are not many noticeable symptoms. Some early signs and symptoms of it will look like those of other conditions, which can mean that doctors will often mistake it for something else. Some common symptoms include:

Fatigue and weakness
Joint pain
Abdominal pain
Diabetes
Impotence
Heart failure
Bronze or gray skin color
Weight loss
Memory fog

If you have hereditary hemochromatosis, you will have the condition from birth, but most symptoms will not appear until later in life. Symptoms do not usually become apparent until around age 40 in men, and after age 60 in women. This is because women typically won’t develop any symptoms until after menopause, when they are no longer losing iron due to menstruation.

Complications

If you leave hemochromatosis untreated, it can lead to complications in joints and organs where the excess iron tends to be stored. The complications can include:

Liver problems– Cirrhosis, or permanent scarring of the liver, can occur. A liver transplant may be necessary in this case.
Diabetes– Excess iron can damage the pancreas, leading to diabetes.
Reproductive problems– Too much iron can lead to erectile dysfunction and/or the loss of sex drive in both men and women.
Heart disease– Your heart’s ability to circulate enough blood for your body’s needs will be affected, causing congestive heart failure. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms.

Treating hemochromatosis

There are several different treatments that can help manage the high iron levels in your body, including:

Phlebotomy– This is the main medical treatment for hemochromatosis. It involves taking blood and iron from the body: a pint of blood will be removed once or twice a week until iron levels are normal, then treatment will be every two to four months.
Chelation– This involves a doctor injecting drugs or giving you pills to help your body expel the excess iron in your urine or stool. This is a more expensive treatment option, and can have side effects such as pain and flu-like symptoms.

You can also take measures to change your lifestyle to help manage the condition. Make sure to have annual blood tests to monitor your iron levels and avoid any vitamin supplements, especially vitamin C and iron. In addition, you should stick to a healthy diet, avoid any alcohol, and keep a log of your iron levels to monitor any changes.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, speak to a doctor immediately. If you are worried about the cost of treating this disease, remember that having a good health insurance policy is key.

EZ offers 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.