Health Insurance Archives - Page 16 of 52

High Fever That Lasts For A Week? Your Child Could Have Kawasaki Disease

Rare disease day is February 28, and so today, we wanted to shed some light on a rare childhood illness, Kawasaki disease. It is estimated that more than 4,200 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with Kawasaki disease each year. The average age of those affected by the disease is under 5 years old, and it occurs most frequently in children of Asian descent. Find out just what this rare condition is all about, its symptoms, when to call the doctor, and how you can treat it – because if left untreated, it can lead to some serious complications.

Kawasaki Disease

Also known as Kawasaki syndrome or mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome, Kawasaki disease is the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children in developed countries. It is an acute multisystem inflammatory disease of blood vessels that affects infants and young children. The average age of those affected is 2 years: around 77% of those affected are younger than 5. Not only that, but boys are 1.5 times more likely than girls to get Kawasaki Disease. And despite what people might think, it is not contagious and cannot be spread to other children or family members.

The exact cause of Kawasaki Disease is not known, but doctors think it is caused by the body’s immune system reacting to an infection.

Symptoms

Kawasaki disease causes inflammation of the blood vessels, and the resulting symptoms can be severe for a child. Symptoms to watch out for include:

Rash anywhere on the body, but more markedly in the diaper area
Swollen neck glands
Swollen hands and feet, with redness on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet
Red eyes without pus, drainage, or crusting
Very swollen and cracked lips
Strawberry tongue with rough, red spots

Additional symptoms include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Coughing
Irritability

When To Call The Doctor

person getting their blood taken — *To figure out if your child is dealing with Kawasaki disease, blood must be taken to be tested.*

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should contact your child’s pediatrician. This is especially important if your child has a fever for 4 or more days accompanied by any of those symptoms. It might take several exams to diagnose Kawasaki disease, because there is no specific test for it, but being familiar with the symptoms of the disease can make diagnosing it a little easier. The doctor will take blood to test white and red blood cells, as well as urine samples, and will monitor your child’s heart.

Complications If Left Untreated

If you don’t recognize the fever as Kawasaki disease, and it is left untreated, it could lead to some dire consequences. Your child’s blood vessels could become inflamed, which can be dangerous to your child’s coronary arteries: the inflammation could lead to an aneurysm, which is caused when damaged and weakened blood vessel walls expand.

If the disease is treated within the first 10 days, the risk of aneurysms will be significantly reduced.

Treatment For Kawasaki Disease

If your child is diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, they will be admitted to the hospital, where medication will be given to them through an IV. You can expect to be in the hospital for at least 24 hours after the medication is administered to make sure the fever is completely gone and does not come back. By the 14th day of illness, or after the resolution of the fever, a lower dose of aspirin is typically given for its antiplatelet effect to help prevent blood clots from forming.

In rare cases, coronary artery bypass surgery or heart transplantation may be recommended for individuals with severe heart involvement.

This condition, depending on the type, can end up having severe symptoms that require surgery, constant testing, mobility assistance, and/or physical therapy, so if your child has had Kawasaki disease, it’s very important that you have good health insurance to help pay for all of these medical expenses. EZ.insure will work with you to find an affordable plan that meets your medical needs, so you have one less thing to worry about while providing care to your child. To get free quotes on all available plans in your area, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890. No obligation.

4 Things That Can Turn Into an Out-of-Pocket Nightmare

Keeping on top of your health is one of your top priorities – or at least it should be! You know you shouldn’t put off getting that weird pain you’ve been feeling or that mole on your arm checked out, so that whatever is going on doesn’t get any worse. But maybe you’re avoiding a trip to the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. And we get it: if you don’t have health insurance you could be facing a big, and we mean BIG bill from any medical provider you see; but even if you do have insurance, you could still find yourself stuck with a big bill if you don’t have the right health insurance plan. Find out which things besides co-pays and deductibles can turn into out-of-pocket nightmares, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured.

1. Ambulance Rides

illustration of an ambulance — *Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily cost you $1,000 or more!*

As if having to take the ride to the hospital in an ambulance isn’t scary enough, wait until you see the amount that ambulance services charge. While ambulance rides are often covered by health insurance, your plan will usually not pay 100% of the bill: depending on your coverage and your policy limits, you could end up paying an average of around $550 out-of-pocket. And if you don’t have insurance? Ambulance services charge by the mile, and trips can easily exceed $1,000 and occasionally even reach $2,000. If you need an air ambulance, you’ll be looking at a bill of around $27,000.

2. Your Lifestyle

Are you a dare-devil? Like tough mudder runs? Or maybe just want to stay as fit as possible so you work out regularly? That’s all great, but if you break a bone, tear a ligament, or injure yourself in any other way, you could end up with thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you don’t have health insurance or if you don’t have enough coverage, your active lifestyle could mean paying a lot of out-of-pocket.

3. Outpatient Services

Surprisingly, outpatient services can land you with some large out-of-pocket bills. The average outpatient visit in the United States costs nearly $500, with recent studies showing that outpatient services account for 49% of medical debt. Doctors and specialists often push to provide services, including surgeries, at outpatient facilities rather than in the hospital; while these facilities are cheaper than hospitals, they are still expensive, and will often tack on extra fees that your health insurance will not pay for.

4. Hospital Expenses

illustration of a doctor standing over a hospital patient and looking at an Xray — *If you are not admitted, and are only under observation in the hospital, you can face some unexpected charges.*

Studies show that the most common unexpected charges include emergency room visits, health-related tests, and specialist visits while a patient is staying in the hospital “under observation.” If you are not admitted to the hospital, but only “under observation” and your doctor requests tests, or visits you, these services are not simply covered under your hospital stay (which you would normally have a one-time copay for). Instead, you will pay for each doctor or specialist visit as a copay as if it was a visit to your doctor’s office, and you will have to pay the coinsurance for each lab work and/or test conducted in the hospital. All of these things can add up to a few hundred dollars. In addition, if you need any medical equipment afterward, such as a boot or crutches, these will also cost you a lot of money out-of-pocket.

The health insurance Open Enrollment Period is still 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.

Don’t Qualify For a Subsidy? EZ’s Got You Covered!

Qualifying for health insurance subsidies has gotten much easier these days, now that President Biden has extended premium subsidies to those who earn up to 400% of the federal poverty level. That means that millions more Americans can save hundreds of dollars a year on insurance – but it doesn’t mean that everyone qualifies. So what if you don’t qualify for a subsidy? Can you still save money? When you work with an EZ agent, you will! Find out what the qualifications are for a subsidy and how we can help you save even if you don’t qualify.

Who Qualifies For A Subsidy?

Because of Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARP), qualifying for subsidies is not as difficult as it used to be. To be eligible, you now must either:

Have an income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Level.
Have premium payments that exceed 8.5% of your overall household income.

Individuals whose income is lower than 400% the Federal Poverty Level will receive higher subsidies.li

Because of this expansion, more than a third of the people who bought health insurance during the COVID/ARP Special Enrollment Period this year purchased plans for less than $10/month! So it is definitely worth it to take a look and see if you are eligible for a subsidy; an EZ agent can check for you at no cost. It can be confusing trying to figure out what you qualify for, but we can help you every step of the way.

If You Don’t Qualify…

You can still save money! There are still ways for you to save money when purchasing a health insurance plan, by working with a licensed and trained EZ agent: we know all the ins and outs of finding people affordable insurance that works for them. For example, did you know that if you are under 30, or if you qualify for a hardship exemption, you can get a catastrophic plan? These plans are ACA-compliant, and have high-deductibles, but low monthly premiums. They are generally for healthy people who do not foresee ever meeting their deductible because they are in good health.

But what if you are over 30 or don’t qualify for a hardship exemption, or have health issues and need a more comprehensive health plan? Well, you can still save money! EZ can help you because we offer a wide range of health insurance plans from top-rated insurance companies in every state. Because we work with so many companies and can offer all of the plans available in your area, we can help you enroll in 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.

Questions To Ask When Requesting Health Insurance Quotes

The Open Enrollment Period is coming to an end soon, and if you still haven’t looked into your health insurance options for the new year, now is the time to do so. But we get that picking a plan can be overwhelming because of all the options out there, so we want to give you the inside scoop on finding the best plan for you: your best bet is to work with an insurance agent. They know the ins and outs of health insurance and work with every insurance company, so they can get you the best possible plan. The best part? If you work with an EZ agent, we will compare plans for you for free! So if you’re ready to get started, we’ve got the most important questions to ask when requesting health insurance quotes from your EZ agent.

What Types Of Plans Are Available?

There are a lot of plans – and we mean A LOT – of different plans out there to choose from. There are metal tier plans, HMOs, PPOs, POSs, EPOs, and more. Each plan offers different levels of flexibility, coverage options, and rates; your available options also depend on where you live, so be sure to ask your EZ agent which plans are available in your region. We will gladly go over every single option and discuss the difference between each plan, so we can help you determine which one is right for you and your family.

What Are The Metal Tiers?

Health plans available on the ACA Exchange are separated into four metal tiers. These tiers do not indicate the level of care you will receive; rather, the tiers let you know how much you will pay for care and how much your insurer will pay. The tiers are:

Bronze– Lower monthly premiums, but a higher deductible and copays. You will usually pay an average of 40% of costs of care, and your insurer will pay 60%.
Silver– Moderate monthly premiums and moderate medical costs. You will pay 30%, and your insurer will pay 70%.
Gold– Higher monthly premiums with lower out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 20% and your insurer will pay 80%.
Platinum– Highest monthly premiums and lowest out-of-pocket costs. You will pay 10% and your insurer will pay 90%.

We will be able to go over this in more detail, including what each type of plan will cover and how much you will pay, so you can have a better understanding of how these plans work.

Can I Add Supplemental Insurance?

Dental and vision are considered supplemental insurance plans; some health insurance plans do not offer these, so you will have to ask if they are part of the plan you are looking into. If they are not, we can help you find affordable dental and vision plans.

What is A HDHP & Will It Work For Me?

High deductible health plans are exactly what they sound like: these plans have high deductibles, but in exchange, you will have low affordable monthly premiums. These plans are generally for healthy people who only see the doctor for annual physical exams and do not have any chronic conditions that require constant medical attention, and who will most likely not have to pay their whole deductible. For 2022, the Internal Revenue Service has defined a HDHP as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual, or $2,800 for a family.

How Are Medications Covered?

money made out of medication pills — *Medications are covered differently on plan’s drug formulary, which determines how much your medications cost.*

Figuring out the cost of your prescriptions can be a little complicated since different insurance companies can charge differently for the same drug – some drugs might even be covered differently by the same insurer depending on the plan you choose. Basically, insurers put medications into a drug formulary, which is divided into four tiers:

Tier 1– Inexpensive generic drugs
Tier 2- Brand name drugs and more expensive generic drugs
Tier 3– Non-formulary drugs, generic or brand name
Tier 4- Specialty drugs

To find out which plans cover your medications and how much you will be charged based on their placement in the insurer’s drug formulary, you need to speak with an EZ agent. We will review each plan available in your area and their drug formularies to make sure that your medications are covered, and that they will not cost you an arm and a leg.

What About Out-of-Network Coverage?

Some plans, like HMOs, will not cover out-of-network coverage, but PPO and POS plans do cover out-of-network coverage in case of an emergency. If you travel or visit family in other parts of the country often, you’ll definitely want to consider a plan that covers out-of-network emergencies; otherwise, if you have an accident while away from home, you could be stuck with a bill that you have to pay out-of-pocket.

Do I Need Referrals?

With some plans, you’ll need a referral from your primary care physician (PCP) to see a specialist, like a gastroenterologist or an orthopedic doctor. If you want to skip this step and see a specialist whenever you feel necessary, we can help you find a plan that does not require a referral. You’ll have more flexibility with a plan that doesn’t require referrals, and you won’t have to pay a PCP copay just to get a referral to see a specialist.

There are so many 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? 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. Speak to an EZ agent now, before the OEP ends! 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.

How to Avoid Astronomical Out-of-Pocket Medical Bills in 2022, Even if You Contract Covid

New reports surfacing show that people who dealt with Covid-19 in 2021 are now facing thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket medical costs from their hospitals, doctors, and ambulance companies. When the pandemic first started in 2020, doctors and hospitals were waiving fees such as co-pays and deductibles, when it came to Covid patients. That is no longer the case, leaving many people surprised with devastating out-of-pocket medical bills of $3,000 or more. Find out how you can avoid these debilitating costs this year.

Average Medical Charges

evelope with the words final notice on it coming out of a red mailbox — *People have been getting astronomical medical charges due to Covid hospitalization and treatment.*

The average Covid hospitalization costs approximately $40,000, researchers have found; many patients with job-related or self-purchased private insurance who did not have a waiver for medical services had to pay on average about $3,800 out-of-pocket for hospital care or other medical services due to Covid.

The study also suggests that insurer cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 hospitalizations don’t always cover all hospital-related care. Overall, about 71% of insured patients who had a waiver still received a bill for any hospitalization, with an average cost of $788.

So why were Covid patients required to pay so much more out-of-pocket medical bills in 2021 than they were in 2020? Well, as already pointed out above, most insurance companies stopped waiving fees, changing their policies once the Covid vaccines became readily available to the public.

“Many insurers claim that it is justified to charge patients for COVID-19 hospitalizations now that COVID-19 vaccines are widely available,” said study lead author Dr. Kao-Ping Chua, a health policy researcher and pediatrician at Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor.

“However, some people hospitalized for COVID-19 aren’t eligible for vaccines, such as young children, while others are vaccinated patients who experienced a severe breakthrough infection. Our study suggests these patients could [have] substantial bills,” Chua said in a university news release.

How Can You Avoid These Charges?

The first way to avoid these charges? Protect yourself by getting the Covid vaccine. With that being said, even if you are vaccinated, you can still get a breakthrough infection, and you can still expect a bill if you seek care. So, the best way to avoid these charges is with a comprehensive and affordable health insurance plan: there are plenty of health insurance plans that will cover the majority of the costs, you just need to find the right one. In fact, with the right insurance plan, you could receive a waiver if you are hospitalized due to Covid, saving you usually around $2,000 or more.

Fortunately, you still have time: the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) has been extended until January 15 this year, so speak to an EZ agent now about how to enroll in a great plan without having to wait for a Special Enrollment Period qualification. Nobody should have to go without health insurance, especially during these difficult times, so if you would like to review options in your area, contact a local licensed EZ agent. Our agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, making comparing plans fast and easy. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890.

Start the New Year Right with These Healthcare Tips

The new year is here, and we could all definitely use a better year than we’ve had the past couple of years. Maybe you’ve made some resolutions to help make this a better year – but is being healthier one of those resolutions? If not, it should be, because the healthier you are, the better you feel! One of the best ways to get healthier is by having great health insurance, and since the Open Enrollment Period is still ongoing, you still have the chance to find a plan that meets your needs and your budget. But aside from being insured, here are some other things you can do for your health that will help you start off the year right!

Schedule A Physical

blood pressure cuff next to other medical instruments on the wall — *It is very important to catch any hidden issues you might have by getting a yearly physical.*

92% of Americans agree that it is important to get an annual physical, however only 62% actually do get a physical. If you haven’t been having a yearly physical, now is the time to get on it! It’s very important to have your annual checkup, because having one allows your doctor to catch any early symptoms of issues that you may be unaware of. Annual checkups help you keep your relationship with your doctor going, and allow them to understand you and your needs better: they can track your health conditions, and help you stay on top of them, by recommending routines or prescribing medications that will help.

Get Your Teeth Cleaned

According to a study by Delta Dental, 31% of Americans fail to brush their teeth at least twice a day, with 2% admitting to not brushing at all. That’s a pretty alarming statistic! Not only that, but only 79% of people who have dental insurance, and 50% of people without dental coverage, actually see the dentist once every year. It’s very important to get your teeth checked twice a year by a dentist in order to prevent cavities, and to avoid a root canal in the future.

In addition, if you aren’t brushing properly and seeing your dentist regularly, you could develop gum disease or periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has been associated with higher risk of kidney disease, dementia, and certain types of cancers, so make sure to call your dentist and schedule an appointment!

Get Your Eyes Checked

Did you know that 5% of Americans have never even seen an eye doctor? 46% of people haven’t had an appointment in the past year, with 1 in 6 seeing an eye doctor more than two years ago! If you think your eyes are healthy because you can see well, and that you don’t need to go to the eye doctor, you could end up with an undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment. In fact, 16 million Americans have an undiagnosed and untreated vision impairment, according to the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Dr. Chris Marquardt, a recent past president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association, says many people equate good vision with healthy eyes, but that isn’t always the case:

“..There are a lot of conditions that can be detected in a regular eye exam, an in-person exam with a Doctor of Optometry. You may go years without seeing any sorts of signs or symptoms. Things like glaucoma, macular degeneration, even systemic things like diabetes or high blood pressure can be going on in the back of the eyes and you would never know it…”

So what are you waiting for? Get your eyes checked!

Is It Time For A Mammogram Or Colonoscopy?

Going to get a mammogram or a colonoscopy is probably not anywhere near the top of your list of things you want to do – the words alone are enough to send people running, but these screenings are very important. If you are the recommended age for these tests, you need to make an appointment and get the mammogram, or colonoscopy as soon as you can.

Consider this: according to information released by John Hopkins Medical Center, “40% of diagnosed breast cancers are detected by women who feel a lump. Establishing a regular breast self-exam is very important.” So, if you examine yourself and find a lump, get checked right away! That also means, though, that 60% of diagnosed breast cancers are found by other means, so make sure you’re seeing your gynecologist regularly, and scheduling mammograms every year after you turn 40. anatomy of the stomach

As for your colon health? “There are more than 20 million adults in this country who haven’t had any recommended screening for colorectal cancer and who may therefore get cancer and die from a preventable tragedy,” said CDC Director Tom Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “Screening for colorectal cancer is effective and can save your life.”

Get 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 see the above doctors, and have the screenings that can keep you healthy. 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 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.

Tag: Health Insurance