Health Insurance Archives - Page 26 of 52

Individual State Health Insurance Taxes To Watch Out For

It’s tax time again! In addition to the federal and state taxes you are required to pay, this year you might find yourself getting hit with a tax penalty for not having health insurance. But how? After all, after multiple court battles, the health insurance mandate penalty, also known as the individual mandate penalty, was done away with as of January 1, 2019. Or was it? Well, although it is no longer a federal law, states can have their own individual mandate, and some do. If you live in a state that has an individual mandate, and are not insured, get ready to pay a fine.

Which States Have An Individual Mandate?

Currently there are 5 states and the District of Columbia that require you to have health insurance or pay an individual mandate penalty if you do not. If you live in the following states, prepare for a tax penalty for not being insured last year:

California- The penalty in this state for not having a health insurance policy is 2.5% of household income, or $696 per adult and $375.50 per child, whichever is greater.

Washington D.C. – The penalty here is either 2.5% of gross household income, or $695 per individual and $347.50 per child.

Massachusetts- In this state, the penalty varies by income, age and family size; it can be up to 50% of the minimum monthly premium payment the person would have qualified for through Health Connector, the Massachusetts health insurance exchange.

New Jersey- The penalty here is based on household income (which includes the income of any dependents), as well as family size.

Rhode Island- Similar to other states, the penalty here is the same as it would’ve been under the federal individual mandate: a family penalty of $695 for each uninsured adult and $347.50 for each uninsured child, or 2.5% of the household income, whichever amount is greater.

Vermont- While Vermont does have a mandate, the penalty for being uninsured in Vermont was $0 as of last year, but that is subject to change.

Why A Mandate?

The individual mandate was created to encourage more people to sign up for health insurance. Because health insurance operates on a risk sharing model, the more people who are signed up, the cheaper premiums will be, especially if healthier individuals sign up. And even though there is no national mandate, some states decided to pass their own mandates to ensure that more people could get affordable healthcare.

Avoiding The Penalty

exclamation point in a yellow triangle. — *You have the opportunity to avoid the penalty next year by signing up during the Covid Special Enrollment Period!*

If you live in one of these states, and you did not have health insurance last year, unfortunately you will be facing a penalty this tax season. But that does not mean that you cannot avoid the penalty for next year. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the government has issued a Special Enrollment Period for individuals and families to sign up for health insurance, which will last until May 15.

Whether you live in a state with an individual mandate or not, you can get coverage during this Special Enrollment Period that meets your financial and medical needs. EZ.Insure can find you a comprehensive, affordable plan, because our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation. We can help find any available subsidies to save you money, as well as plans with extra perks, such as gym memberships, and more. We will assess your needs and compare all available plans in your area in minutes, for free! No obligation.

To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to a licensed agent in your area, call 888-350-1890.

Ways To Use Your Benefits When You’re Healthy

If you’re healthy, you might not think you need health insurance. You might look at it as an unnecessary expense – but health insurance can be affordable! That is not the only reason you should get it, though. Having a plan offers financial protection in case of an emergency or in the event you do get sick, and will mean not having to worry about a large bill after seeing the doctor. It can also help keep you healthy, if you know how to take advantage of your benefits. Check out the many free benefits and ways to save that your plan offers.

Preventive Care

Most ACA-approved insurance plans cover a set of preventive services. Preventive care benefits will help you stay healthy, and what’s best about them is that most are free. With your healthcare plan, you can go to the doctor for an annual wellness visit, during which your doctor will conduct exams, screenings and offer any necessary immunizations. Your doctor can screen you for multiple conditions during your exam, including:

black and white picture of someone sitting with their hands across their knees. — *Health insurance plans will provide preventive care, such as screening for depression, and providing counseling for it.*

High cholesterol
Depression
Type 2 diabetes
HIV
Lung cancer
Obesity
Breast cancer

You will also be able to get free immunizations, including shots for: :

The flu
Measles, mumps, and rubella
Varicella
Herpes
Hepatitis A and B
Pneumonia
HPV
Tetanus

After your wellness visit, any follow-up doctor visits will require a copay, coinsurance or deductible for any tests required.

Discounts

One of the biggest perks you can get with insurance? The discounts and rebates! Your plan might offer the following:

elliptical machines lined up in a gym — *Some plans will offer gym membership stipends.*

Gym membership stipends- some plans offer a stipend that pays a portion of your monthly gym membership.

Smoking cessation help– some plans cover medication to help you quit smoking.

Weight loss counseling– some plans offer rebates for weight loss programs.

Free Medical Equipment

Did you know that some plans offer free medical equipment? If you get injured or are sick, you could be covered for crutches, walkers, and oxygen supplies. Health insurance plans will also offer diabetic supplies for free. And if you have a baby? Many women are unaware that they can get a breast pump for free!

Looking For An Affordable Plan?

Being healthy does not mean you do not need health insurance; in fact, the best time to get insurance is when you’re healthy! The right plan can offer you many freebies to take advantage of, including the preventive care you need to stay healthy. In addition, if you are healthy, your health plan will be more affordable, especially if you consider a high deductible health plan. EZ.Insure’s agents work with many insurance companies in the country, which allows us to compare plans in your area in minutes. We will find you an affordable plan that will protect you against the unexpected, while saving you money on things you want, like gym memberships. To get free instant quotes, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak with one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Normal Skin Conditions

During your teenage years, you might have had your fair share of acne. And unfortunately for some people, acne is an issue well into their adult years. But acne is not the only skin condition that some adults struggle with; there are others that can be frustrating and painful. Many people are unaware of how normal some skin conditions are.

Acne

Acne: it’s one of those things you either have or you don’t. And unfortunately, you can develop it in your adult years, especially if you’ve had a baby and your body is going through hormonal changes. Acne is the most common skin disorder in the U.S., affecting 40-50 million people, with more women than men having it. It is caused by hair follicles and oil glands getting blocked, or by hormonal changes. It includes whiteheads, cysts, blackheads, pimples and nodules, and does not only affect the face, but can also appear on your chest, back, backside, and arms.

Over-the-counter products with benzoyl peroxide can help, but you might need to seek help from a dermatologist, who can prescribe antibiotics and stronger topical creams.

Psoriasis

According to current studies, more than 8 million Americans have the psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disorder that creates abnormalities of the skin, including scaly skin, white flaky skin, dryness, or red and itchy skin. Some people with psoriasis suffer from joint pain and heart disease. People will normally see psoriasis on their knees, elbows, arms, and back.

person's mole with a magnifying glass over the mole — *Skin cancer is more normal than people think, with over 20 million people in the US diagnosed with it.*

Unfortunately there are no known causes of psoriasis, but a doctor can help you manage symptoms and reduce flare-ups. They might prescribe topical medications such as steroids, antibody injections, or light therapy with UVB light.

Skin Cancer

Nearly 20 million Americans die from melanoma, a life-threatening type of skin cancer, every day. This is a scary statistic, but it is the reality. Abnormal moles can lead to melanoma. If you have a mole that changes over time, or have cuts, sunburns, or ingrown hairs that take a long time to heal, it is important to get them checked out.

When you visit a dermatologist, they will take a sample or remove the mole if it is worrisome. If it turns out to be melanoma, you will most likely need to have surgery to remove it before it spreads. The sooner you catch this type of cancer, the less likely it will be to spread to other areas of your body.

Rosacea

If you have redness on your face or chronic swelling of the face, then you might have rosacea. Rosacea is common in women over 30, and is related to problems with the immune system or veins. Depending on the symptoms, a dermatologist might prescribe topical solutions, including antibiotics.

Eczema

Also known as dermatitis, eczema is commonly found in infants and young children. It can continue into adulthood as well, with symptoms including rashes on the face, scalp, elbows, back of the knees, hands, and feet. It is characterized by dry, very itchy, red skin, and while there is no known cause for eczema, researchers believe it may be due to genetics or an allergic reaction.

A doctor will prescribe topical steroids to treat flare-ups.

Warts

Warts are raised bumps on the skin that are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They are contagious and can appear anywhere on your body, including your genitals. Sometimes they will go away on their own, but if they don’t, a visit to your doctor will be necessary for treatment. Treatments can include freezing, cutting or lasering the warts.

If the warts are in your genital area, it is very important that you see your doctor. If left untreated, HPV can cause cervical cancer in women.

Shingles

red inflamed bottom of a caucasian foot. — *Athlete’s foot is common and can occur in damp, warm conditions.*

Many people are unaware that shingles does not only occur in older people. Skin conditions like shingles can develop in anyone who has had chickenpox. This painful condition lies dormant in the nervous system and can appear when your immune system is compromised. It can be treated with antivirals. It is recommended that people aged 50 and over get vaccinated against it.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungus that multiplies in warm, damp conditions, gets its name because these conditions are often present in athletes’ shoes. This fungal infection causes itching, redness, and cracked skin. It can take a while to clear up, and a doctor might have to prescribe topical cream. If it is under your nails, a visit to a podiatrist will more than likely be needed to treat it.

Seeing a dermatologist is important for managing and treating some of these skin conditions, which is why having the right insurance plan is important. If you do not have health insurance, it could end up costing you a lot of money to seek treatment, or you could need to treat yourself, which could end up making your condition worse. If you are interested in finding an affordable plan that will cover getting checked and treated for any of these skin conditions, EZ.Insure can help! We will compare all available plans in your area in minutes and guide you towards one that will cover your medical needs and fit in your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Cerebral Palsy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

While most people have heard of cerebral palsy, not everyone knows exactly what it means to live with this disorder, unless they are dealing with it personally. Cerebral palsy, commonly referred to as CP, is one of the most common disorders in children in the U.S. Around 10,000 babies are born each year with cerebral palsy, with the condition affecting more boys than girls. Cerebral palsy can cause a range of disabilities; almost 764,000 children and adults in the U.S. have at least one symptom of the disorder. March is National Cerebral Palsy Month, so in order to bring more awareness to this condition, we will discuss what it is, the risk factors for it, the early signs of it, and treatment options.

What Is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition caused by damage to the brain that affects motor skills and movement. This brain damage can be due to a brain injury or abnormal development of the brain during pregnancy or immediately after birth. Most people who have CP are born with the condition, with symptoms usually appearing in early childhood. It is not life-threatening, but unfortunately there is no known cure.

Different Kinds of Cerebral Palsy

There are 4 different types of cerebral palsy:

Spastic Cerebral Palsy– This type of CP accounts for 75% of all cases. It causes increased muscle tone or tightness which makes them stiff and difficult to move. It causes abnormal movements, the inability to move, spasctic muscles, and difficulties moving from one position to another or controlling muscle movement.
Athetoid Cerebral Palsy- Also known as dyskinetic CP, this is the second most common type of cerebral palsy, accounting for 10-20% of all cases. Symptoms can include repetitive and twisting motions, unpredictable movements, poor posture, and difficulty swallowing or talking.
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy- This is the least common type of CP, and causes poor balance, tremors and shaky movements.
Mixed Cerebral Palsy- Some people living with CP experience symptoms of two different types of cerebral palsy.

How CP Is Diagnosed

MRI machine with a tech with blue gloves on pressing a button. — *A MRI can be used in order to help diagnose CP.*

Doctors will usually become concerned if there is a delay in a child’s motor development as they hit certain milestones. About 40% of babies and children with CP will have a limited ability to crawl, walk, and run, so if their doctor observes any of these issues in a child, they will do a number of tests to check for injuries to the brain. They will use imaging including:

MRI
CT
EEG
Cranial Ultrasound

Doctors will also test the child’s hearing, vision, and cognitive function during the visit.

Risks

Babies who are born prematurely are at a higher risk of developing CP due to complications like bleeding in the brain. Other risk factors include:

Abnormal deliveries, such as a breech birth (feet first)
Maternal diabetes or high blood pressure
Genetic abnormalities
Poor maternal health
Medical malpractice
Bacterial and viral infections
Bleeding in the brain
A lack of oxygen to the brain before, during or after birth
Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol, mercury poisoning from fish and toxoplasmosis from raw/undercooked meat
Head injuries sustained during birth or in the first few years of infancy
Severe jaundice
In order to lower the risk of CP, when pregnant, it is important to eat well, take prenatal vitamins, and get checked regularly.

Unfortunately, there is no real way to prevent cerebral palsy, but there are ways to lower the risk of a child being born with it, including:

Eating well during pregnancy
Controlling any pre-existing medical issues
Taking recommended prenatal vitamins
Having regular prenatal check ups throughout pregnancy
Getting screened for potential complications

Most Common Signs

The symptoms of CP are different for every child, but the most common signs to look for include:

Drooling
Problems swallowing or sucking
Floppy or stiff muscles
Seizures
Difficulty with speech
Involuntary movements
Incontinence
Lack of coordination
Jerky reflexes

Treatment Options

adults hands holding a young girls foot while she is standing on a platform. — *Physical therapy can help with CP symptoms and overall quality of life.*

If a child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then a treatment plan will be provided to help improve their overall quality of life. Managing symptoms is key, which can be done with medication, surgery to improve mobility or manage pain, and different forms of therapy such as:

Speech therapy
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Behavioral therapy
Music therapy

If you are planning to get pregnant or are currently pregnant, seeing your doctor regularly and getting genetic testing can go a long way in protecting your baby – and having the right health insurance plan can help provide the best healthcare without breaking the bank. Some testing will not be covered under certain plans, which could end up costing you hundreds of dollars. And if your child is diagnosed with cerebral palsy, then having the right plan will give your child the best care they can get to improve their quality of life.

If you are in need of a comprehensive health insurance plan that will provide the care you need and fit in your budget, EZ.Insure can help. We want to take the burden of healthcare costs off your shoulders, so one of our agents will work closely with you to find the best plan that meets all of your needs. We will compare plans for free, and even sign you up for free. To instantly compare free quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar bove, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Biden Picks Chiquita Brooks-LaSure To Run CMS

President Joe Biden has nominated Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Ms. Brooks-LaSure took part in setting up the ACA’s commercial health insurance programs as well as its public health insurance exchange system under former President Obama. If her nomination is confirmed by the Senate, she will be the first African American woman to be CMS Administrator.

As head of the CMS, Brooks-LaSure would help regulate almost $3 trillion in spending by Medicare plans, Medicaid plans, and individual and group major medical policies that fall under the ACA. Many are hopeful that, because of her background, she will move the health insurance industry in the right direction.

the outside of yale university — *Ms. Brooks-LaSure got her Bachelor’s degree from Yale University.*

Brooks-LaSure’s Background

Brooks-LaSure earned a master’s in public policy from Georgetown University and, before that, a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. She has an impressive track record in the government: she held health policy jobs at the White House and at CMS during the Obama administration. From 1999-2003, she worked as a program examiner in the Health and Human Services Branch at the White House Office of Management and Budget. She then went to work as director at Avalere Health from 2003-2007.

After those 4 years, she decided to go back to work for the federal government. She spent from 2007-2009 on the staff of the House Ways and Means Committee, then from 2009-2012, she was director of coverage policy at the HHS Office of Health Reform. Lastly, from 2012-2014, she was deputy director of policy and regulation at the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight.

Health Groups Praise Biden’s Pick

3 sets of hands applauding. — *Healthcare providers are happy with President Biden’s choice because of Ms. Brooks-LaSure’s background.*

Providers are happy with President Biden’s pick of Ms. Brooks-LaSure. “America’s hospitals and health systems applaud the nomination of Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to serve as the next administrator of CMS,” American Hospital Association President and CEO Rick Pollack said in a statement. “She is well equipped to lead CMS and we look forward to working with her to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic and advance the health of all our patients and communities.”

America’s Essential Hospitals (AEH) released a statement supporting Brooks-LaSure’s nomination, citing her “deep expertise in Medicaid and Medicare policies and her role in advancing coverage” under the ACA.

“We also welcome Brooks-LaSure’s nomination due to her long-standing focus on disparities in health and health care, such as those that affect the underrepresented people our hospitals serve,” Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, CEO of AEH, said in a statement. “Her work to combat maternal mortality and morbidity makes her well suited to meet this urgent challenge for our nation.”

As of now, no confirmation hearing has been scheduled.

COVID Special Health Insurance Enrollment Period Now Open Through May

Many Americans have lost their jobs, have had to change jobs, and are simply struggling financially because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some have lost their health insurance or are now underinsured. In an effort to help, President Biden issued an Executive Order on January 28 that will provide a COVID-related Special Enrollment Period (SEP) beginning on February 15.

calendar with May 15 as the date — *The Special Enrollment Period will begin February 15 and end May 15.*

The Special Enrollment Period

The Special Enrollment Period will be open for 90 days, running from February 15 until May 15. The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has said that this enrollment period will be open for individuals and families who wish to enroll in or change health insurance plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace. In an effort to increase awareness of the Special Enrollment Period, CMS plans to spend $50 million on advertising campaigns.

What Applicants Can Do

In order to take advantage of this Special Enrollment Period, and enroll in a new plan or change your current plan, you will have to submit a new application or update existing applications. Once you submit your application, you will have 30 days to choose a plan. Coverage will begin the first of the month following the date of plan enrollment.

Because this is a Special Enrollment Period issued by the government, there will be none of the restrictions that typically come with a Special Enrollment Period; this SEP will more resemble an Open Enrollment Period than a normal Special Enrollment Period. During this SEP, you will be able to switch to any plan offered in your area. In addition, you will not have to choose the same level of coverage as your current plan, and you will not have to provide documentation of a qualifying event (for example, losing your job or getting married).

application form on a tablet with hands holding the tablet. — *During this Special Enrollment Period, you can submit a new application or update an existing one without needing to provide proof of a qualifying event.*

If you miss the May 15 deadline of this Special Enrollment Period, you will no longer be able to get health insurance unless you experience a qualifying life event, and will have to wait until the Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period begins November 1st.

Finding A Plan

This 3 month period will come and go quickly, so don’t wait to look for a plan if you need one! In order to better understand this Special Enrollment Period and your options, contact one of EZ.Insure’s local, licensed insurance agents. EZ has highly trained agents in your area and can compare plans in minutes for free. We will find a plan that provides the right amount of coverage and that fits your budget. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to one of our local agents, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: Health Insurance