Health Insurance Archives - Page 27 of 52

The 5 Types Of Concussions

A concussion can happen to anyone at any time. Your child could get injured playing sports, or you could have a car accident during which you hit your head. A concussion is a traumatic brain injury caused by a bump or blow to the head strong enough to cause your brain to move rapidly back and forth in your skull. Concussions can have a variety of symptoms, but the effects can be serious. If you suspect a concussion, you should go to the doctor to rule out any damage to your brain. March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, so to help raise awareness of this common type of brain injury, we will discuss the different types of concussions, symptoms to look out for, and treatment.

young boy in a yellow shirt and shorts with a soccer coming towards his head. — *Concussions can happen at any time, especially if your children are playing sports.*

What Is A Concussion?

The rapid back and forth movement that causes a concussion has multiple effects on your brain. It causes a chemical change in the brain, which can damage brain cells, as well as bruising and damage to the nerves and blood vessels. All of this can alter your brain’s functions, and cause a variety of symptoms, the severity of which is graded on a scale of 0 to 4. Most people do recover from concussions quickly, but for some, symptoms can last days, weeks, or even months.

The Different Types Of Concussions

There are 5 different types of concussions:

Vestibular- Symptoms include dizziness, fogginess, lightheadedness , nausea, vertigo, and disequilibrium.
Ocular-motor- Symptoms include headache, eye strain, sensitivity to light, blurred or double vision, trouble focusing, eye pain, and difficulty reading and driving.
Headache/Migraine- Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, sound or smell.
Cognitive- Symptoms include attention issues, impaired reaction time, problems with memory, and problems with new learning and the organization of thoughts and behavior.
Anxiety/Mood- Symptoms include nervousness, emotionality, depressed mood, anger, irritability, fatigue, loss of energy, and feeling overwhelmed or hopeless.

Signs Of A Concussion

Symptoms can appear right away, while others might take days, or even months, after the injury to appear. The signs to watch for include:

- Drowsiness or inability to wake up
- One pupil larger than the other
- Slurred speech or decreased coordination
- Persistent and intense headache
- Repeated vomiting or nausea
- Increasing confusion
- Loss of consciousness

young boy in bed with a thermometer in his mouth and an adults hand on his forehead. — *A fever of 100.5 or more is a sign that you or your child might have a concussion after a head injury.*

Dangerous signs that require a trip to the emergency room include:

Numbness or weakness in limbs
Extreme drowsiness or the inability to be fully awakened
Inability to recognize familiar people or places
Having one pupil that is larger than the other
Fever of 100.5°F or higher
Seizures or convulsions
Slurred speech
Abnormal behavior, such as extreme confusion or irritability

According to the CDC, young children experience the same symptoms as older children, which can include:

Crying more than usual
Headache that will not go away
Changes in the way they play, perform or act at school
Changes in nursing, eating, or sleeping patterns
Becoming easily upset or increased temper tantrums
Lack of interest in usual activities or favorite toys
Loss of new skills, such as toilet training
Loss of balance, unsteady walking
Poor attention

Having a concussion increases risk of having another one that will take longer to recover from.

Treatment For Concussions

If you or a family member has had an injury and is showing signs of a concussion, see your doctor immediately so you can be evaluated. Your doctor will do a scan of your brain, and administer tests that will assess learning and memory skills, your ability to pay attention or concentrate, and how quickly you can think and solve problems. About 80% of people who suffer a concussion will recover in about 3 weeks, but it can take several months or more for the other 20%.

red restricted sign of circle with a diagonal line in the middle. — *You should avoid working out, computer use, and any alcohol while recovering from a concussion.*

Rest is extremely important to treat concussions, because it helps the brain heal. It will take some time, and during that time you need to avoid any activities that can lead to another possible injury. You should:

Only take drugs approved by your doctor.
Not drink alcohol until you are well.
Avoid computer use.
Get a lot of sleep.
Avoid working out or lifting anything heavy that will throw you off balance.

Treatment for the different types of concussions include:

Vestibular- Balance and vestibular-ocular training with a physical therapist.
Ocular-Motor- Dynamic vision training with an optometrist.

Headache/Migraine- Headache management.

Cognitive- Neuropsychological assessment and treatments.

Anxiety/Mood- Counseling, including cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Accidents happen, and so can concussions. The best way to prevent a concussion is to be as safe as possible. Wear protective gear during sports, buckle seat belts, and exercise regularly to improve balance. Knowing the signs to look for is important, so you can get treated appropriately and quickly. The quicker you get treated, the better your chance of avoiding serious complications from a concussion. You should also have a good health insurance plan in case you do experience a medical emergency. If you or your child do end up with a concussion, the last thing you need to worry about is a large bill after your hospital visit.

If you are in need of a health insurance plan, or if your current plan is not right for you, speak to an EZ agent. EZ.Insure works with the best insurance companies in the country, so we can instantly compare plans in minutes. We provide you with an agent who will assess your financial and medical needs, and who will find an affordable plan that provides the coverage you need and saves you money. To compare plans for free, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Beware Of These Ovarian Cancer Symptoms

They are frightening statistics, but important ones to know: approximately 21,750 women receive a new diagnosis of ovarian cancer each year, and of those diagnosed, 13,940 women die from the disease. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, this type of cancer is the fifth deadliest cancer among women. In order to increase your chances of survival, you need to know the warning signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, and seek help immediately if you are experiencing any of them. Because March is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to discuss the different types of ovarian tumors, common (and some not so common) symptoms, and the risk factors.

turquoise ribbon — *Ovarian cancer occurs when abnormal cells multiply in the ovaries and can spread.*

Ovarian Cancer Explained

1 in 78 women in the U.S. will be affected by ovarian cancer. Cancer develops when the cells in your body begin to grow abnormally, which can happen anywhere in the body, including in the ovaries. Abnormal cells multiply in one or both ovaries and form a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Tumors can be malignant, which means they are cancerous, or benign, meaning not cancerous. Benign tumors do not spread throughout the body, but stay in one place and grow over time.

There are different types of tumors that can develop in the ovaries, as well as different risk factors that can contribute to a woman developing ovarian cancer.

Different Types Of Ovarian Tumors

Ovaries are made up of 3 different types of cells, any of which can develop a tumor. These 3 different types of ovarian tumors are:

Epithelial tumors form in the layer of tissue on the outside of the ovaries. They are the most common type of ovarian tumor and the most likely to be malignant.
Stromal tumors develop in the structural hormone-producing cells that hold the ovary together. About 7% of ovarian cancers are stromal tumors.
Germ cell tumors develop in the ova (egg-producing cells) and are usually benign. Germ cell tumors are rare, with the malignant variety making up less than 2% of all ovarian cancers.

Early Signs & Symptoms

One of the reasons that ovarian cancer can be life-threatening is

illustration of a woman in bra and underwear holding her back. — *Back pain is one of the early signs of ovarian cancer.*

that some of the early signs are often overlooked. Once the cancer develops, it can spread throughout the abdomen before it causes any concerning symptoms. By the time more serious symptoms are present, the cancer is at a more advanced stage and will be much more difficult to treat. The early signs of ovarian cancer include persistent:

Bloating, pressure, and pain
Abnormal fullness after eating
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Difficulty eating
Increase in urination or an increased urge to urinate
Fatigue
Back pain
Pain during sexual intercourse
Constipation
Changes in menstrual cycle
Heartburn

It is important to note that ovarian cysts, which are usually a normal part of ovulation, can develop around the ovary and are not cancerous. If a cyst forms when you are not ovulating, you should get checked as soon as possible. If it does not go away, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove it and determine if it is cancerous.

Risk Factors

black and white picture of an egg with a needle going into it, IVF. — *Women who had IVF are at a higher risk of ovarian cancer.*

The exact cause of ovarian cancer is not yet known, but there are some risk factors that mean you are more likely to develop ovarian cancer. You are at higher risk if you:

Are older – most ovarian cancers develop after menopause
Are overweight
Smoke
Have a family history of ovarian cancer
Have inherited a gene mutation (BRCA1 or BRCA2)
Are of Eastern European Jewish descent
Have never been pregnant
Have had fertility treatments such as IVF
Had your first full-term pregnancy after the age of 35
Have had endometriosis
Have had breast, uterine or colorectal cancer

Lowering Your Risk

While there are no real proven ways to completely avoid developing ovarian cancer, you can lower your risk by:

Taking oral birth control
Breastfeeding can help lower your risk of ovarian cancer.
Becoming pregnant for the first time before the age of 35
Breastfeeding
Having surgery on your reproductive organs, such as a hysterectomy or tubal ligation

If you are at high risk for developing ovarian cancer, you can be genetically tested to determine whether you have a mutation in your genes. This will help to catch any diagnosis early on. The best way to beat ovarian cancer is to diagnose it early, before it reaches stage 3 or 4.

If ovarian cancer runs in your family, or if you are in a high risk group, then you need to stay on top of your health, and your insurance coverage, so you know you will be able to be tested and treated, if need be. Not having insurance can end up costing you thousands of dollars, if not more. The last thing you need on top of an ovarian cancer scare, or a diagnosis of cancer, is a large medical bill. If you are concerned about getting tested and want to make sure that you can see the proper specialists, EZ.Insure can help make sure you have the right plan that will cover you.

We work with the top-rated insurance companies around the country and will compare all available plans in your area. Our mission is to find the best plan that will save you the most money. Let us take on the responsibility of finding a comprehensive plan that will meet all of your needs. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Open Enrollment For New Yorkers Extended Until March 31

The coronavirus pandemic has not only created hardship for many Americans, but it has also created a greater need for access to affordable healthcare. The governor of New York, Andrew Cuomo, is showing that he sympathizes, announcing on January 21 that the Open Enrollment Period for applying for health insurance in the state’s Marketplace has been extended. All New Yorkers will now have the ability to purchase a health insurance plan until March 31.

doctor with a red ape on and a spear going towards a virus with a body — *In order to help battle the coronavirus, the governor of NY is extending the Open Enrollment Period until the end of March.*

“Ensuring all New Yorkers have access to health insurance is essential, not only as we continue to fight the war against COVID, but to foster healthier, more resilient and more equitable communities as we rebuild post-pandemic,” Governor Cuomo said. “By extending this deadline until March, New Yorkers who need health coverage will have additional time to enroll and find the plan that works best for themselves and their families.”

Superintendent of Financial Services Linda A. Lacewell said, “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership, New York is extending the health enrollment period, providing uninsured New Yorkers another opportunity to sign up for high-quality and affordable health insurance. This opportunity to access New York’s health insurance marketplace is critically important during an ongoing public health emergency and during vaccination efforts. The state encourages uninsured New Yorkers to visit NY State of Health and sign up today.”

When Coverage Begins

the month of March on a calendar sheet — *When you sign up will determine when your coverage starts. Up until March 15th, coverage begins April 1, after the 15th and coverage begins May 1.*

Coverage start dates will vary depending on when you sign up for a plan. If you:

Enroll by February 15, your coverage will begin March 1
Enroll by March 15, your coverage will begin April 1
Enroll by March 31, your coverage will begin May 1

New York State of Health Executive Director, Donna Frescatore, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is far from over and thanks to Governor Cuomo’s leadership, this extension of the Open Enrollment Period will give New Yorkers the extra time they need to enroll in coverage. As vaccine distribution continues throughout the state, having access to quality, affordable health coverage is crucial to staying healthy in 2021.”

Find An Affordable Plan

If you are a New York resident, it is important to take advantage of this extended Open Enrollment Period, and look into all of your options before it is over. The end of March is right around the corner, so speak to an EZ.Insure agent today. We can help make the process easy, and explain all of the added healthcare options that many plans are now offering. Our mission is to help you find an affordable health plan that provides all the coverage you need without breaking the bank, so our services are always free. We will provide you with your own agent who will go over all available plans in your area, answer any questions you have regarding coverage and save you money. To get free instant quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly with one of our agents, call 888-350-1890.

Is It Time To Seek A Second Opinion?

Your doctor might be the smartest and most compassionate person you know, but sometimes even they can make a mistake. We trust our doctors when it comes to our health, but when you are facing a new medical issue, such as a new diagnosis, it’s okay to feel confused or unsure. All doctors have their own way of diagnosing and treating conditions, so it’s okay to feel like you want a second opinion. Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind, and there are times when seeking a second opinion is not only appropriate, but medically necessary.

Why Second Opinions Are Necessary

If you are diagnosed with a major or life-threatening medical condition, then it is normal for you to want a second opinion – and necessary for you to seek one. Sometimes even doctors will reach out to colleagues for opinions or will choose to send you to another doctor for a second opinion. It may surprise you to know that, according to research from 2017, approximately 88% of patients who look for a second opinion leave the office with a new or refined diagnosis. Approximately 22% leave with a different diagnosis, and only around 12% are told that their initial diagnosis is correct.

“Getting a second opinion for conditions that significantly affect your quality of life, such as hip and knee replacement, can ensure you have been diagnosed appropriately,” says Dr. Peter Rasmussen, MD, cerebrovascular surgeon and Chief Clinical Officer of the MyConsult® Second Opinion program. “Plus, it’ll ensure you’re getting the optimal treatment, including further medical treatment instead of surgery, and it could save you time and money.”

Reasons To Get A Second Opinion

Misdiagnoses can happen, especially because some symptoms mimic symptoms of other conditions, and even doctors can make mistakes. Second opinions are important to consider when:

The diagnosis is cancer– The word cancer alone is scary enough, but when dealing with a cancer diagnosis, it is necessary to seek a second opinion to know just how severe the cancer is and to be aware of all your different treatment options.
Surgery is recommended- Some doctors are quick to recommend surgery as a treatment option, while others can see a less invasive course of action to treat an issue. Instead of immediately agreeing to surgery, seek another opinion to make sure it is necessary.
If your doctor tells you everything is fine but your gut says otherwise, then a second opinion is necessary.
You have undergone treatment but symptoms continue– You know your body better than anyone else, and if you have been treated by your doctor, yet symptoms continue, it is time to seek another opinion.
Your doctor dismisses your concerns– This happens all too often. For example, you are experiencing constant stomach issues and your doctor brushes it off as stress and tells you to relax or take some anxiety medications. But you could have a stomach ulcer or worse! If you are not satisfied with your doctor’s opinion, get another one.
Your gut is telling you to get another opinion- This goes hand-in-hand with the above reason. If you feel like there is something wrong, then odds are you are probably right. Get another opinion if you feel like there is something not right (and your doctor does not not seem concerned).
Your diagnosis is unclear and you want a better explanation- As mentioned above, many diseases share the same symptoms. If your diagnosis is unclear because of complicated symptoms, then a second opinion from a specialist is a must.
The condition is rare- Some diseases are so rare that there is little research done on them. If you are one of the approximately 30 million Americans diagnosed with a rare condition, get another opinion from a specialist.

Searching For A Second Opinion

You can get a second opinion by getting a referral from your doctor, or by searching for another doctor or specialist in your network. If you want to seek an opinion from a doctor who is not in your network, you can do so, but you will have to pay a fee for going outside of your network, which can be quite expensive.

Getting a second opinion should not cost you an arm and a leg. If you are having issues finding a specialist or another doctor, EZ.insure can help find you a better plan with a larger network of doctors. Because we work with so many different insurance companies around the country, we can get you quotes for multiple plans in your area in minutes. One of our licensed agents will work with you to assess what kind of coverage you need, and we will find a plan that covers you and fits in your budget. We might even be able to find a plan with more coverage that is less expensive than your current plan, which could save you hundreds of dollars!

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.

Biden Signs Executive Orders First Day In Office

On January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. was sworn into office, making him the 46th President of the United States. Just hours after becoming President, Biden signed more than a dozen executive orders, some reversing former President Trump’s policies. Biden stressed that he wants to work with both parties in Congress in order to get his policies moving.

“There’s no time to start like today,” Biden told reporters in the Oval Office as he began signing a stack of orders and memoranda. “I’m going to start by keeping the promises I made to the American people.”

The executive orders Biden signed last Wednesday include:

woman with a blue mask on with white polka dots — *President Biden signed an executive order for a mask mandate within federal buildings.*

A mask mandate on federal property– Masks and physical distancing will be required in federal buildings, on federal lands and by government contractors. President Biden also urged state and local governments to have similar requirements, and asked that all Americans wear masks for the next 100 days.
The U.S.’s rentry into the World Health Organization (WHO)– Biden reversed Trump’s move to withdraw the country from the WHO, with Dr. Anthony Fauci being named head of the delegation to the WHO.
The creation of a Covid-19 Office– Biden created a White House Covid-19 response team that will report directly to him. The team will focus on managing efforts to produce and distribute vaccines, masks, gloves and medical equipment, expand testing capacity, and reopen schools.
An extension of the foreclosure and eviction moratoriums– Biden extended the nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until at least March 31.
A freeze on student debt collection– Biden directed the Education Department to continue to freeze monthly payments and interest on most federal student loans until “at least” the end of September.
The U.S. will rejoin Paris climate accords– Biden reversed Trump’s exit last year from the Paris climate accord, which aims to push all countries to slash greenhouse gas emissions. It will take 30 days to rejoin the pact.
The revoking of the Keystone XL pipeline permit- Biden revoked the presidential permit for the $8 billion Keystone XL pipeline that would transport fossil fuels from Canada across the U.S. The order will also work towards restoring protections and banning drilling in several national parks and national monuments, and setting stricter emissions and fuel economy standards for vehicles.
A reversal of the 1776 Commission– Biden dismantled the 1776 Commission, a project aimed at promoting a more conservative history curriculum in U.S. schools. His executive order will also direct contractors and grant recipients to include diversity training and prevent workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
A reversal of Trump’s changes to the Census– Biden reversed Trump’s efforts to exclude undocumented immigrations from the U.S. census.
The abolition of the “Muslim Ban”– Biden got rid of the Trump administration’s ban on people from several majority Muslim countries entering the U.S. The order also instructs the State Department to restart visa processing for the countries affected by the ban.
An effort to strengthen legal protections for immigrants- Biden directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to take actions to fortify the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that shielded hundreds of thousands of young immigrants from deportation.
A reversal of Trump’s expansion of immigration enforcement- Biden revoked Trump’s executive order that broadened the categories of who should be detained and deported.
The halting of construction of the Mexico border wall– Biden terminated the national emergency declaration used to fund the U.S.-Mexico border wall.
An extension of deportation deferrals for Liberians- Biden signed an order extending the Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) designation for Liberians who have been in the United States for many years until June 30, 2022, shielding them from deportation and extending their work authorizations.
An implementation of an ethics pledge for all executive branch officials- Biden signed an ethics pledge and ordered every appointee in the executive branch to do the same. The ethics pledge will ban them from acting in their own personal interest and will require them to uphold the independence of the Department of Justice.
A freeze on Trump’s “midnight regulations”– Biden signed an order that will freeze all Trump administration regulations currently in process, blocking them from taking effect while the new administration reviews them.
One of Biden’s executive orders will require people to wear masks in airports, trains, and intercity buses.

Executive Orders signed on January 21 and 22:

Mask Mandate For Travel- Requires the wearing of masks in airports and on certain modes of transportation, including many trains, airplanes, maritime vessels and intercity buses.
Food Assistance– Biden asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to allow states to increase Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits by 15%, ordering that families with 3 children be given an extra $300 every 2 months to help subsidize grocery shopping.
Raise Federal Minimum Wage– Biden laid down groundwork to expand protections for federal workers, by improving collective bargaining rights and promoting a $15 hourly minimum wage.

Work Takes A Toll On Your Eyes: Get Them Checked Regularly!

Many of us spend our days sitting in front of our computers or scrolling on our cell phones for long periods of time. And with more people working from home, many of us are using devices more than ever. There’s no doubt that working on a computer strains your eyes, and can cause them to get very tired, itchy, or dry. What’s worse is that being in front of a screen for multiple hours a day can take a toll on your vision. Staring at a computer or cell phone for more than a few hours a day makes you more susceptible to long-term vision problems. In fact, over 58% of workers who use screens all day reported that their vision has worsened in the past 3 years. This is why it is especially important to have a good health insurance plan that allows you to get your eyes checked regularly.

The Effects Of Screen Time

Did you know that the reason screen time is so hard on your eyes is that it causes you to blink less often? The average person normally blinks 15 times or more per minute, but when you stare at a computer screen or cell phone, you blink 50% less often! If you have to work in front of a screen for your job, over time you might find yourself dealing with eye strains and headaches. In fact, 1 in 4 employees say they suffer from light-related headaches. These headaches can affect your productivity and performance at your job.

Not only can screen time affect your performance at work and cause physical discomfort, but it can also affect your sleep. The blue light from screens interferes with your production of melatonin, a sleep-promoting hormone, so when you sit in front of a computer screen for a long period of time, your sleep cycles can be affected. This is especially true for those who use computers or cell phones right before bed.

Taking Care Of Your Eyes & Health

The best thing you can do to protect your eyes is to take a break from screens whenever you can, as well as try to minimize the effects of staring at screens. Take small breaks throughout the day, adjust the contrast on your screen so it is not too bright, and consider getting blue light blocking glasses. The coating on these lenses helps ease strain from blue light emissions.

It’s just not possible for most people to stay away from screens completely, so in addition to trying to minimize the effects of screen time, it is also important to get regular eye exams. Eye exams are not only necessary for preventing long-term vision issues, but they can also be an important part of looking after your overall health. Many people do not realize that eye doctors can detect some chronic conditions during routine eye exams, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer, and more. Eye doctors can learn a lot just by examining the tiny blood vessels that supply your retina, your eye pressure, as well as by assessing any pain, redness, or leaking of the eyes.

Despite the benefits of getting regular eye exams, many people aren’t getting them. The problem is that these exams can cost a lot if you don’t have vision insurance; in fact, studies show that people with vision insurance are twice as likely to have regular eye exams. There are ways, though, to get affordable vision care, including:

Through your employer’s health insurance plan- Some employers offer vision and dental health plans as an added benefit to group health insurance plans.
Other employer-based healthcare benefits– If you do not receive group health insurance through your employer, or they do not offer vision care, talk to your employer about an alternative healthcare plan, like a HRA or HSA. With a HRA, you would be reimbursed for a vision plan, and with a HSA, you could use the money you put into your account to pay for your eye exams.
Individual health insurance– You can also look for a vision plan when you are signing up for your own individual health insurance plan.

Finding A Good Vision Plan

If you do not have a vision plan, or if your plan is too expensive or doesn’t provide enough coverage, you might end up avoiding eye exams. But it is possible to find an affordable health insurance plan that offers great vision benefits – all you have to do is research plans to find the right one in your area. We know that this can be overwhelming and time consuming, which is why EZ.Insure was created.

Our mission is to help people find affordable health insurance plans with great benefits at no cost to you. Our services are free because we want to help you get insured! And, because your eye health is so important, we want to make sure you find a plan that will allow you to get regular eye exams. We do this by comparing all the available plans in your area within minutes and providing you with quotes for each one.

EZ’s agents are highly trained and work with the top-rated insurance companies in the country. We will provide you with one agent who will compare plans, and help you find one that meets your budget and saves you money. There is no obligation and no hassle, just free quotes. To get started, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Tag: Health Insurance