In January, President Biden signed an executive order that opened up an ACA Special Enrollment Period, allowing people to sign up for health insurance outside of the usual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – December 15). This Special Enrollment Period, which began on February 15 and will run through August 15 of this year, is meant to provide greater access to health care during the Covid-19 pandemic – and it has already made a huge difference in the number of Americans now insured.
A Milestone
Thanks to the current Special Enrollment Period, one million people have signed up for health insurance since February, a milestone that President Biden has made note of: “That’s one million more Americans who now have the peace of mind that comes from having health insurance. One million more Americans who don’t have to lie awake at night worrying about what happens if they or one of their family members gets sick,” he said in a statement.
In addition to opening the Special Enrollment Period, the administration has also made more subsidies for health care available, which has further encouraged people to take advantage of the opportunity to shop for a plan. President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which passed earlier this year, made people earning above 400% of the federal poverty line eligible for premium tax credits for the first time ever, and those who were already eligible for premium tax credits will now pay even less for premiums, while some will pay nothing at all.
A Push For Permanency
President Biden is pushing for the health insurance subsidies to become permanent.
While these extra subsidies are slated to remain in effect for only two years, Biden noted that this milestone demonstrates the need to make them permanent. “Today’s milestone demonstrates that there is a need and a demand for high quality, affordable health insurance across this country. It is up to Congress to hear them, and act quickly to pass the American Families Plan,” Biden said.
Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra agreed on the push for making these premium subsidies permanent, stating “Now, it’s time for Congress to build on this progress with the American Families Plan, which would lower health care costs for families and make premium relief permanent. In addition, four million uninsured Americans could gain health coverage.”
Looking For An Affordable Plan?
The government’s recent actions have made affordable health insurance far more accessible, both through the opening of a Special Enrollment Period and through the expansion of premium tax credits, so if you’re looking for a new (or better) plan, now is the perfect time. Not sure where to begin looking? EZ can help! Our highly trained agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and can compare plans in your area in minutes. You might be missing out on savings you didn’t know you were eligible for, but our agents will make sure to check all available subsidies and savings for you. We want to help you find the best plan at the best price, and we won’t charge you for it: all of our services are free! To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local agent, call 888-350-1890.
President Biden recently signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) into law, which expanded access to health insurance subsidies to more Americans. These expanded subsidies, which became available on April 1, 2021, are making premiums more affordable to millions of people, saving many hundreds of dollars a year. Eligibility, though, depends on your income, so you might be confused about whether you qualify. That’s where EZ can help! We can help you determine if you qualify for any subsidies, and if you don’t, we can still help you find an affordable health insurance plan.
A subsidy is financial assistance that helps you pay for health insurance.
What Is A Subsidy?
In general, a subsidy is financial assistance that helps you pay for something – in this case, for your health insurance premiums. The subsidies now available to more people through the ARPA are known as Advanced Premium Tax Credits; these are basically tax credits that you can take in advance to lower your monthly health insurance payments. Subsidies available to you depend on your family size, how much health insurance costs where you live, and how your income compares to the Federal Poverty Level.
The New Subsidies
The ARPA has extended Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium subsidies to higher-income people who did not previously qualify for them, and increased subsidies for lower-income people. The Biden administration estimates that an additional 3.6 million uninsured people are newly eligible for ACA subsidies under the ARPA, and that, on average, premiums will decrease about $50 a month, with some people paying $0 and some families saving as much as $1,000 a month! Because of the ARPA:
People whose income is above 400% of the Federal Poverty Level are now eligible for premium tax credits for the first time ever. They can access these premium tax credits if their premiums exceed 8.5% of their overall household income.
Individuals whose income is between 100 and 400% the Federal Poverty Level will receive higher subsidies.
So, to know how much you can save on your premiums, you’ll need to know where you fall on the Federal Poverty Line. If you’re not sure, EZ will figure that out for you, and then let you know what kind of subsidies you can expect to receive – you could save anywhere from $200 to $1,000 a month on premiums, and we’ll help you save more if possible. We will compare plans from different insurance companies to find a plan that meets your needs and saves you as much money as possible!
Working With An EZ Agent
We understand that you want to save money, especially in today’s economy. With the new ARPA, you might qualify for subsidies that you didn’t know were available to you, or you could even have been missing out on other savings or subsidies under the ACA. It can be confusing trying to figure out what you qualify for, but we can help you every step of the way. We will go over all your information and sift through plans to find the ones with the most savings- whether you qualify for subsidies or not. We work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, and we are able to compare plans in minutes; not only that, but we offer our services for free! To get free instant quotes and guidance, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to one of our local licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.
Did you know that nearly 1 in 3 children in the U.S. are infected with cytomegalovirus (CMV) before the age of 5? According to the CDC, around 1 out of every 200 babies is born with congenital CMV, with many having long-term health problems because of it. Like shingles, the cytomegalovirus remains in the body for your entire life and can reactivate at any time. Most people have never heard of congenital cytomegalovirus, and since June is National Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month, we wanted to raise awareness by talking about this common virus, how it affects those who have it, and ways to prevent it.
What Is Cytomegalovirus?
Cytomegalovirus is a virus related to the herpes virus group of infections. Once a person is infected with it, they essentially have it for life, and it can reactivate at any time, particularly in those with weakened immune systems. It affects people of all ages, and about 0.6% of babies born in the U.S. are infected with it. Here are some important statistics to know:
About 10% of babies with congenital cytomegalovirus will have signs of the infection at birth.
About 20% of babies born with it will develop symptoms as they grow.
Nearly 1 in 3 children are infected with CMV by age 5.
Around 1 in 5 babies born with CMV will have long-term health issues.
Over half of all adults have been infected with CMV by age 40.
Causes
CMV is common in people of all ages because it is relatively easy to transmit: the virus lives in urine, tears, semen, blood, breast milk, and other bodily fluids and can be spread through direct contact with any of these fluids, including through sexual contact. Daycare centers and households can harbor the virus, and it is also often passed from mothers to babies during pregnancy. A pregnant woman can pass CMV to her fetus through primary infection, reinfection with a different strain, or reactivation of the infection. Risk of transmission is 30-40% in the first and second trimesters and 40-70% in the third trimester. The risk of complications for the baby is greatest if the infection occurs during the first trimester.
Symptoms
Seizures are a symptom of CMV.
Most people with cytomegalovirus have no symptoms and do not even know that they have been infected, which is another reason it is so easily transmitted to others. About 90% of babies with the infection will experience no immediate symptoms, but low birth weight can be one sign that they have the virus. Other signs of congenital cytomegalovirus include:
If your baby is treated early, there should be no issues stemming from CMV as they get older. But if treatment is delayed, they could suffer from serious health issues. About 40-60% of babies with congenital cytomegalovirus will have long-term health issues, including:
Hearing loss
Seizures
Intellectual disability
Vision loss
Small head size
Lack of coordination
Regular eye exams are necessary in order to prevent vision loss.
Diagnosis & Treatment
For adults, blood tests can be done to diagnose CMV, but this is not the case for babies. For congenital cytomegalovirus to be detected in newborns, tests on saliva or urine need to be done, preferably within 3 weeks of their birth. If there are signs of congenital CMV at birth, antiviral medications, such as ganciclovir or valganciclovir, can help reduce hearing loss later in life and the possibility of developmental delays. Regular hearing and vision tests should be conducted throughout the child’s life. Physical therapy might be recommended for children with delayed motor skills.
Prevention
CMV is a common infection, and there is no cure for it. Vaccines to protect against CMV are in the experimental stages of development. In order to prevent congenital cytomegalovirus, pregnant women should try to limit exposure to the virus by washing their hands thoroughly with soap and water, and by avoiding sharing food or drinks with other people during their pregnancy.
Most infants with congenital cytomegalovirus will grow up healthy, especially if the virus is detected early. Conducting regular hearing and vision tests is recommended, which can be costly for people with insufficient health insurance coverage. Having the right health insurance plan for your needs is important so you don’t have to face any large bills that can lead to medical debt. If you are considering a new plan or want to see the options available to you, EZ can help. Our agents will assess your financial and medical needs, and will compare plans from the top-rated insurance companies in your area in minutes. To get free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No hassle or obligation.
Having thick skin can be a positive thing if we’re talking about how well you respond to criticism, but what about having actual thick skin? Thick skin could be a sign of an autoimmune rheumatic disease known as scleroderma. June is National Scleroderma Awareness Month, so to better understand this rare condition, we’re going to look at its symptoms, how it is diagnosed, and the treatments available for it. This disease presents itself differently from person to person, but it can be very serious: as many as 10,000 people die each year from it. The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but there is some promising research that is examining the relationship between the immune system and scleroderma.
What Is Scleroderma?
Scleroderma is an autoimmune rheumatic disease that affects more women than men and occurs mainly in people between the ages of 30 and 50. People with this disease will experience issues with their skin and other organs. While symptoms vary from person to person, the most visible and common symptom is hardening of the skin. Other symptoms can range from mild to life threatening; the seriousness of each symptom depends on what part of the body is affected. If scleroderma is not treated, it can become more serious over time.
What Causes It?
Scleroderma is not genetic or contagious, and it is not a type of cancer or infection. Researchers are still looking into the disease to figure out exactly what causes it. What they do know is that something within the person’s immune system triggers it, and that it causes the body to produce too much collagen, which is what causes the hardening, thickening and tightening of the skin, tendons, joints, and internal organs. It’s possible that environmental factors can trigger scleroderma, and, although it is not necessarily genetic, babies who developed morphea, the most common type of scleroderma, are more likely to have a blood relative who has or has had it. More research needs to be conducted to figure out the exact cause.
Types of Scleroderma
There are four different types of scleroderma, which affect different parts of the body, and which are classified in two different ways. The two classifications are localized scleroderma, which is usually found on a few patches of skin or muscles and rarely spreads anywhere else. The other classification is systemic scleroderma, which affects connective tissues in many parts of the body, including the internal organs. The four different types that fall under the two classifications are:
Morphea is the most common type of scleroderma, causing an oval-shaped dry patch on the skin.
Localized Scleroderma:
Morphea– This is the most common type of scleroderma. Firm, oval-shaped patches can occur on the chest, stomach, back, face, arms, and legs.
Linear– With this type, a single line of thickened skin typically runs down the leg, arm, or forehead.
Systemic Scleroderma
Limited– Thick skin is restricted to certain areas of the body, such as fingers, hands, face, lower arms, and legs. The symptoms of this type include calcinosis (calcium deposits in tissue), visible blood vessels, and impaired esophageal function.
Diffuse– Thick skin covers a lot of the body in a symmetrical pattern. Skin can swell and become itchy; over time, it will affect your organs, including your kidneys, lungs, heart, and digestive tract. This is a rare type of scleroderma.
Symptoms
There are a variety of signs and symptoms of scleroderma to watch out for, including:
Hard, thickening, or tight skin- Typically there will be at least 1 or 2 patches of hard, thick skin on the body. The patches will feel hard and as if you cannot move them.
Hair loss and reduced sweating- The area where there is hardened skin will be shiny, hairless, discolored, and will not produce sweat.
Dry, itchy skin
Skin color changes- The affected patches of skin might be lighter or darker than your natural skin color. If a patch is violet in color, that means the scleroderma is growing.
Stiff joints– You will have difficulty moving your joints because of the hard, thickening, or tight patches that have formed over the skin.
Muscle shortening and weakness
Loss of tissue beneath the skin
Loss of muscle, cartilage, and bone, also known as Parry-Romberg syndrome
Bone deformities- These usually occur in children who are still growing
Skin sores
Visible blood vessels near the surface of swollen skin
Calcium deposits beneath the skin, also known as calcinosis
Abnormal heartbeat is one of the signs of scleroderma.
There are specific signs that scleroderma is affecting your internal organs, including:
If you experience any of the symptoms above, you should see a dermatologist (skin specialist) or rheumatologist (arthritis specialist). They will conduct a physical exam, ask about your medical history, and give you a blood test, X-rays and a CT scan to determine if the condition is only affecting your skin or is affecting your internal organs as well.
Treatment
If your doctor confirms that you have scleroderma, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Physical and occupational therapy can help you straighten and bend your joints so you can maintain a normal life. If caught early, there are treatments such as phototherapy and medications that can actually clear up your scleroderma. If the condition mainly affects your skin, a dermatologist can offer different forms of treatment ranging anywhere from a moisturizer for dry skin to light and laser treatments for darkened skin or morphea. There is also a lot of ongoing research into new treatments for scleroderma.
There is no known cause of scleroderma, meaning we don’t know who could end up being affected by it. That is why it is important to shed light on this disease: if people learn about the symptoms and get checked out, they will have a better chance of treating it and getting rid of it before it gets worse. It’s important to know that, while the hardened skin can clear up on its own within a couple of years, the more serious forms of scleroderma can be life threatening. Treating it early can prevent any serious issues, and having good health insurance will help with costs.
Undergoing testing for conditions like scleroderma can be costly, and if you need any therapy, that could end up costing you even more money. Health insurance plays a big role in how much everything will cost, and having a plan that meets your needs can save you a lot of money. If you would like to compare plans in your area to find the one that is right for you and saves you money, we can help. We will compare plans in minutes and find a more personalized and affordable plan, for free. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-350-1890. No hassle or obligation.
Looking for a comprehensive health insurance plan but working with a tight budget? You can absolutely find a plan that offers you the coverage you need, while still staying in your price range. But in order to find the plan that offers you the most bang for your buck, you’ll need to understand how much you’ll actually end up spending out-of-pocket for your policy. Don’t worry: that’s what EZ is here for! EZ understands how important it is to find a plan that fits in your budget, but also has the right coverage, so we’ll break down everything that determines the price of your health insurance plan, and we’ll show you how you can find an affordable, comprehensive plan. And we’ll do it all for free, so you can save even more money!
Monthly Premiums
Your monthly premiums will depend on the type of plan you have and other factors.
One of the main expenses when it comes to your health insurance policy is the monthly premiums. This monthly rate partially depends on the size of your family, your age, and your location, but the amount you pay will also depend on what type of plan you choose. For example, when purchasing a plan on the ACA Marketplace, you’ll have to decide between Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze plans, which will affect how much you pay in premiums versus how much of your medical expenses the plan will cover. You’ll also have multiple options when it comes to policy type, like PPO or HMO, which will affect the type of network you have access to. Each type of plan offers different levels of coverage with different monthly premium prices, so the best way to find a policy with a premium that meets your budget but still covers your medical expenses is to work with an EZ agent. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country, so we can find you an affordable plan with low monthly premiums.
Deductible
In order for your plan to start paying its share of costs, you will first have to pay a certain amount out-of-pocket for your care, otherwise known as your deductible. Meeting your deductible is generally where a lot of your money goes when it comes to your policy; for example, your plan might have a $2,500 deductible, which means you will have to pay this amount in medical bills before your insurance company will begin to pay your medical expenses.
When it comes to health insurance plans, you have the option to choose between a lower deductible or a higher deductible. High-deductible plans have low monthly premiums, so if you are looking to save money, these plans are tempting. But know that if you are in an accident or have a medical emergency, you will have to pay the high deductible before your plan begins to cover you. High-deductible plans are generally more suitable for healthy people who do not need to see the doctor very often; if this is the case for you, one of these plans can save you a lot of money, because your premiums will be lower. Our trained agents can help guide you in the right direction to make sure you are covered completely.
After meeting your deductible, when you receive medical treatments, you will have to pay a coinsurance.
When budgeting for your health insurance plan, you’ll also have to take into account other expenses in addition to your premiums and deductible: copays and coinsurance. Copays are a fixed amount you will pay when you see a doctor or specialist and for medications.
Once you meet your deductible, you will also most likely have coinsurance to pay. This is the amount of money your health insurance company expects you to pay towards your care once they begin contributing. Coinsurance is normally 20% after you meet your deductible.
Your EZ agent will not only look for plans with lower copays, but they will also go over each plan and break down how things like coinsurance will affect the price of your policy. This means you will know exactly what to expect when it comes to your actual healthcare expenses.
Every plan has an out-of-pocket maximum, which means once you have reached a certain amount of out-of-pocket expenses, your plan will begin to cover everything. For example, if your out-of-pocket maximum is $5,000 and you reach that amount before the year is over, your health insurance plan will pay for all of your medical expenses until the new calendar year begins. We can help you find a plan that has a lower out-of-pocket maximum, so that you’re more likely to end up having your medical expenses fully covered by your plan. This is especially vital if you have a medical condition which requires ongoing treatment: having a plan with a lower deductible and a low out-of-pocket maximum could help you save hundreds of dollars. The key to finding a plan like this is comparing plans with an EZ agent!
We all want to save as much money as we can, especially when it comes to a health insurance plan. Health insurance can be quite expensive, but with professional, highly-trained agents on your side, you can find an affordable plan with the right coverage for your needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, and will compare plans at no cost to you. Health insurance is expensive enough, which is why we offer our services for free. We genuinely want to help you find a great affordable plan, not make money off of you. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with a local agent, call 888-350-1890.
June is Pride Month and we are 100% here for celebrating all the achievements of the past decades! But there are other things we can’t forget to look at amid all the positivity of this month. For example, young LGBT people still face bullying and mental health issues, and working-age individuals can still face discrimination in many states. It is important to highlight these issues, but there is a group that often gets forgotten in the discussion: LGBT seniors. As America’s aging population grows, so too does the number of LGBT seniors in the U.S.; in fact, in the next several decades, the number of LGBT older adults in this country is expected to double, with the number reaching 4 million by 2030. This group faces unique challenges as they age, and some experts are worried that they could be facing a health crisis. So what does the situation look like for LGBT seniors, and what can be done?
A Completely Different Experience of Healthcare
LGBT seniors are undoubtedly an underserved and underrepresented part of the population in our country, and they have lived through some very difficult times – and now it seems that many are suffering because of it. According to Karen Fredriksen-Goldsen, professor at the University of Washington’s School of Social Work, author of a study on aging and health in the older LGBT community, “The higher rates of aging and health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults is a major concern for public health. The health disparities reflect the historical and social context of their lives, and the serious adversity they have encountered can jeopardize their health and willingness to seek services in old age.”
Many LGBT seniors were shunned by family and friends, and do not have a support system.
One major issue is that older LGBT adults are often in a position to experience healthcare in a completely different way than the rest of the population does. For example, many people look to family to help care for them as they get older; in fact, in the U.S., 80% of long-term care for older adults is provided by family members, such as spouses, children, grandchildren, or other relatives. But LGBT seniors are only half as likely as heterosexual seniors to have close family to turn to.
That doesn’t mean that LGBT seniors don’t have any support network. Because many were shunned by their families when they were younger, or found it difficult to have children or adopt, they often created their own families. The problem with that healthcare-wise, though, is that it can be much more difficult for people of the same age to care for older adults, and in some situations, they might not even be legally able to.
For example, if you are not in a legally-recognized relationship, you won’t be granted medical leave to take care of a partner or other member of your chosen family, and you’ll be unable to help make medical decisions on their behalf. It can be unimaginable for someone who has never been in that situation, but it is the reality for many LGBT older adults.
All of this leaves many LGBT seniors to rely on outside sources for help, and that can come with its own set of problems. Doctors, pharmacists, and hospital or nursing home staff can be lifesavers for many seniors, but it is only natural that many LGBT seniors are wary of them, fearing that these medical professionals might be uncomfortable with or even hostile to them. Sadly, this is sometimes the case, which can be a huge problem for the health of LGBT seniors, but even the perception that they might be unwilling to help can be an issue. In fact, 21% of the seniors surveyed in the study mentioned above did not tell their doctors about their sexual orientation or gender identity out of fear of receiving inferior health care or being turned away for services. And this lack of openness “prevents discussions about sexual health, risk of breast or prostate cancer, hepatitis, HIV risk, hormone therapy or other risk factors,” according to Fredriksen-Goldsen.
The Problems of Financial Instability and Social Isolation
In addition to the sometimes negative experiences LGBT seniors have with healthcare in general, there are other factors that can make this community less healthy than other older adults. For one thing, it has become clear that LBGT seniors are more likely to be financially insecure than older heterosexual adults. For example, poverty rates among older lesbian and gay couples are 9.1% and 4.9%, respectively, compared with 4.6% among older heterosexual couples. Why is this community more likely to be living in poverty? There are multiple reasons, including discrimination experienced over their lifetime, and laws that have made it difficult for same-sex partners to get the same Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, retirement, and inheritance benefits as heterosexual couples. Whatever the reason, financial instability can have serious effects on the health of LGBT seniors.And finances aren’t the only concern. As mentioned above, LGBT seniors are more likely to be socially isolated than other older adults: they are twice as likely to be single and to live alone, and three to four times as likely to be childless. And, unfortunately, they are also more likely to feel unwelcome in certain places, like senior centers and places of worship. Research shows that this increased social isolation leads to greater rates of depression, poor nutrition, delayed care-seeking, smoking, binge-drinking, and even premature mortality.
These are all sobering facts and statistics, and might feel hopeless. But things are slowly changing, and there is hope, especially because many in the community we’re talking about have spent their lives working to change things.
So what can be done to change the landscape for LGBT seniors? Well, first there are the practical considerations: protections need to be put in place at the local, state, and federal levels so that LGBT seniors no longer face discrimination in employment and housing, and can enjoy all of the same benefits as married heterosexual couples.
But in addition to these very important legal protections, one thing that can make a big difference in the lives and health of LGBT seniors is community. According to a report issued by Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE), “access to support networks is one of the strongest predictors of better mental and physical health among LGBT older adults.” And there’s good news on this front. LGBT seniors are building their communities, and there is a growing number of ways they can find support and make connections. For example, there are residential housing projects being built specifically for LGBT seniors, such as ones in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, Chicago, and San Francisco. There are organizations popping up in rural communities that bring older adults together through potluck dinners and discussion groups, and SAGE itself runs a national LGBT elder hotline. In some states, they even have a virtual drop-in center where a facilitator encourages callers to speak about LGBT issues in the state. Some nursing homes and care facilities are becoming more friendly to the LBGT community, but more training needs to be offered to staff so that all facilities can be welcoming and supportive to everyone.
So things are looking up, but there is definitely a lot more work to be done. LGBT seniors are strong, active participants in creating change, but it is vital that we all know the challenges that this community is facing, so we can also be advocates for their health and well being. According to Serena Worthington, Director of National Field Initiatives at SAGE, “This generation worked for civil rights and is now in a position where they need more protection. It’s unbelievably important that we pay attention.”
So, to know how much you can save on your premiums, you’ll need to know where you fall on the Federal Poverty Line. If you’re not sure, EZ will figure that out for you, and then let you know what kind of subsidies you can expect to receive – you could save anywhere from $200 to $1,000 a month on premiums, and we’ll help you save more if possible. We will compare plans from different insurance companies to find a plan that meets your needs and saves you as much money as possible!
