Health Insurance Archives - Page 31 of 52

Renewing Your Health Insurance? Here Are Some Helpful Tips

It’s easy to simply purchase a health insurance plan, get comfortable with it, and not review it at the end of your year-long policy period. But if you automatically renew your plan and don’t look at other options, you could be missing out on savings, or a plan that provides more coverage. When you receive a “renewal notice” from your health insurance company, you should read through it carefully in order to decide if your current plan is still right for you.

It can be stressful to research and compare plans, which is why EZ.Insure was created. We want the best for our customers, so we provide you with a dedicated EZ.Insure agent who will go over your current plan, its price, and its coverage. We’ll then compare it to all other plans in your area so you can decide whether you should sign up for a better plan or renew your current one.

november 1st on a calendar in red with a red thumbtack on it — *You can renew your health insurance plan, or change it, during open enrollment Nov 1-Dec 15.*

When Can You Renew?

In general, you can only renew your health insurance plan during Open Enrollment. But if you have employer-based insurance, then your enrollment period might be at a different time, so make sure to check with your employer. Open Enrollment is November 1st through December 15th.

There are two ways that you can renew a plan:

Active renewal – you personally cancel the policy that you had and pick a new one.
Passive renewal – your health insurance company automatically re-enrolls you into the same plan for the coming year.

What You Need To Review

When you receive a renewal notice, you should go over the following things to make sure that your plan still suits your needs:

Premium– Your monthly payment for your health insurance plan.
Deductible– The amount you pay before your health insurance company starts paying for services.
Copay- how much you pay for each doctor visit, hospital visit, prescription medication, and specialist visit.
Coinsurance– the percentage of costs you have to pay after meeting your deductible.
Out-of-pocket maximum– The maximum amount of money you will have to pay out-of-pocket for covered healthcare services in a given year.
Your Current Network- the doctors, pharmacies, and specialists that are covered by your plan
Some health plans will offer a gym membership stipend.

Other Benefits To Review

Check to see if other benefits have been added to your plan, if benefits that you want are not covered, or if other plans might have benefits that you want included for free. Some of the benefits to look for include:

Gym discounts
Covered annual physical exam
Weight loss programs
Discounts on glasses and contact lenses

Change In Status

When deciding whether to renew your plan or find a new one, you should also consider whether you’ve had a change in income, or if your family has grown or has become smaller. Adding or removing dependents can change the cost of your plan and its coverage, so you might find that your current plan is more expensive, or that it is going to provide less coverage.

Although it is easy to sit back and let your health insurance plan renew, you should take a closer look at your plan and how it will change in the coming year. You don’t want any surprises, like to find out that your doctor is no longer in your network, you have less coverage, or your deductible went up, etc. Any of those things could end up costing you a lot of money.

If it feels like a lot of work to go over your current plan and research new ones, don’t worry: EZ will help you. We will compare all of the plans available to you, as well as go over all of your financial and medical needs. We’ll make sure that your current plan has the coverage you need, and if it doesn’t, we’ll find you a great new one! If you allow us to help you, you could end up saving hundreds of dollars a year. And remember, our services are always provided at no cost to you. To start comparing quotes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak directly to one of our agents call 888-350-1890.

How You Can Save Thousands On Health Insurance & How EZ Can Help

If you feel like healthcare costs are out of control, you’re not alone. It seems like costs are constantly rising, making it hard for many to afford a health insurance plan or their medications. Because of this, many people end up going without health insurance and avoiding doctor visits, which can mean missed diagnoses and delays in treating major health conditions. But health insurance doesn’t have to be unaffordable or unattainable. EZ knows how to save you thousands on health insurance without sacrificing coverage, so you can remain insured and healthy, while saving money at the same time.

Opt For A Higher Deductible Plan

Your first option for saving money? Cut your monthly premium by switching to a high deductible health plan. One of these plans could work for you if you don’t go to the doctor often, or if you don’t need any ongoing treatments, because if this is the case, you probably won’t ever need to meet your deductible. High deductible plans can be risky, though: if something ends up happening to you, you’ll have to pay a lot out-of-pocket to meet your deductible.

Go With A Lower Drug Formulary Tier

pill bottle sitting on top of a dollar bill with pills on the bill too — *Save money on your prescription medication by opting for a different drug tier.*

Another way to lower your healthcare costs is by taking a look at your prescription drugs, and at your plan’s drug formulary. If your doctor is prescribing you a name-brand medication that has a high copay, check to see if there are any less expensive generic drugs available – you could end up saving 30-50%.

Check your plan’s drug formulary (the list of medications included in your plan, and their costs), as well, and see how your insurance company classifies your medications. Every plan’s formulary has four different pricing tiers, and each insurance company – and every plan! – has a different formulary, so comparing them all can get quite confusing. EZ’s agents are here to help, though – our agent will go over your medical needs, and compare plans and their drug formulary tiers to help you find a plan with affordable drug costs.

Enroll In A Wellness Incentive

If you are enrolled in your employer’s health insurance plan, find out if they offer any wellness programs or incentives. Some companies will offer a lower premium to employees who participate in wellness challenges or other incentivized programs. This could end up saving you a lot of money, or could even get you free coverage!

Use A Health Savings Account (HSA)

If you decide to opt for a high deductible health plan, or if you already have one, then start contributing to a health savings account (HSA). HSAs are only available to those with a qualified high deductible health plan, and they allow you to put money aside tax-free to pay for qualified healthcare expenses. You will accrue tax-free interest, and you will also be able to withdraw money from the account tax-free. Not only are these accounts triple tax-advantaged, but the funds in your account rollover automatically each year and continue to grow until you use them!

white question mark in a blue circle — *Before getting any lab work or tests done, make sure to ask it it is covered!*

Make Sure Tests Are Covered

Avoid surprise medical bills – before you agree to any tests ordered by your doctor, make sure that they are covered under your plan. Be aware that, even if your doctor prescribes a test, such as blood work to confirm a diagnosis or rule out health conditions, it may not be covered. If it isn’t, ask your doctor for other options.

Not knowing what’s covered in your plan can end up costing you thousands of dollars. If you find that you are often being sent for tests that are not covered, consider finding a different plan that offers more coverage. Our agent can compare plans for you and find a plan that offers the coverage you need to get any necessary tests done, so you can avoid surprise bills – and save money.

Negotiate

If you receive a high bill from your doctor’s office or hospital, don’t automatically assume that it is correct – as many as 8 out of 10 times, higher than expected medical bills have some type of error. If a bill seems off to you, then contact your provider and ask them to go over it with you and explain why it is so much. If your high bill is not due to a billing error and you are having trouble paying it, then negotiate with your provider – ask if they can lower the bill, or if they can offer you a monthly payment plan.

african american man with his daughter on his lap checking her temperature while sitting in front of a laptop with a doctor on the screen. — *Telehealth can save you hundreds of dollars by avoiding a doctor visit copay or emergency room visit.*

Utilize Telemedicine

Going to the ER should be your last resort. When you are not feeling well or need immediate care then you should consider more affordable options like urgent care or telemedicine. Telemedicine is a great option, because it allows you the convenience of speaking to your doctor over the phone and getting prescription medication sent over to your pharmacy. This eliminates having to pay a doctor visit copay, or a huge hospital bill. If your plan doesn’t offer telemedicine, EZ can help you find an affordable plan that does offer this option.

Health insurance is not cheap, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t find an affordable plan. EZ understands the need for affordable health insurance, especially in times of uncertainty. Don’t stick with the plan that you already have if it’s too pricey, or doesn’t offer the coverage you need. One of our agents can find you a more affordable plan with just as much coverage, or more. We can easily compare all available plans in your area within minutes, at no cost to you. Taking advantage of our free services is just another way you can save money with EZ. To get started, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent directly, call 888-350-1890.

What Causes Epilepsy?

One of the most common causes of repeat seizures is epilepsy. A diagnosis of this disorder usually comes after someone has experienced at least 2 seizures that were not caused by another medical condition, such as low blood pressure. While the seizures might have different symptoms, they are all caused by a temporary change in the brain’s electrical functioning. Epilepsy is more common than you might think, so this November, for Epilepsy Awareness Month, we’d like to highlight this disorder and look at its causes, its symptoms, and ways to treat and possibly prevent it.

Common Causes Of Seizures

premature baby's little foot with cuff around it with red light inside. — *Epilepsy is very common amongst kids within the first year of their life, especially in newborns.*

Approximately 65 million people around the world live with epilepsy, and 1 in 26 Americans will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. It can develop in a person at any time and at any age, but most new cases occur in children during their first year of life. In about 50% of cases the causes of epilepsy are unknown, but, in general, the most common include:

Genetics and family history
Metabolism changes
Trauma during birth, such as oxygen deprivation
Premature birth or low birth weight
Brain malformations
Congenital conditions such as Down’s syndrome, Angelman’s syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, and neurofibromatosis
Infectious disease such as meningitis
Head trauma
Alzheimer’s disease
Stroke
Alcohol or drug abuse
Immune system abnormalities

The Different Types of Seizures

Generally, the different types of epileptic seizures can be grouped into 2 broad categories:

Primary generalized seizures– begin with a widespread electrical discharge that involves both sides of the brain at once, and can result in a loss of consciousness, falls, or muscle contractions. A predisposition to this type of seizure is generally hereditary, Absence, Atonic, Tonic, Clonic, Myoclonic, Tonic-clonic seizures fall into this category.
Partial (or Focal) seizures– begin with an electrical discharge in one area of the brain. Some of these seizures are related to head injury, infection of the brain, stroke, or tumor, but most of the time the cause is unknown. This kind of seizure affects about 60% of people with epilepsy and can turn into generalized seizures. Motor focal, Sensory focal, Autonomic focal, and Psychological focal seizures fall into this category.

Factors That Increase Risk

medication bottles with 2 different kinds of pills in each, one yellow and one orange. — *Failing to take prescribed medications increases your risk factor of epilepsy.*

While it is not always clear why someone begins having seizures, there are some known risk factors that increase the chances of predisposed people having one, including:

Stress
Sleep deprivation
Failure to take prescribed medications
Insufficient food intake

Epilepsy is also more common in men than it is in women, and children are more likely to have epilepsy of a genetic origin than to experience seizures for another reason.

In addition, having one seizure also increases the likelihood of having more. Half of all people who have an unexplained seizure will most likely have another one within 6 months of the first one. If someone has had a seizure due a head injury, then that person becomes twice as likely to have another. If someone has 2 seizures, then the likelihood of them having another one is 80%.

Diagnosis & Treatment

caucasian person sitting in an MRU machine with the red lasers cross pointed on their head. — *An epilepsy diagnosis can be done with an MRI, or CT scan.*

The good news is that epilepsy is treatable. Once a doctor makes a diagnosis based on symptoms, and tests such as electroencephalograms (EEG), CT scans, or MRIs, they can prescribe antiepileptic drugs, which reduce the brain cells’ tendency to send excessive electrical signals.

Approximately 70% of both children and adults that take medication for the disorder can go 5 years without having a seizure and enter remission. Once they are in remission, an additional 75% can be weaned from the medication over time. For those looking for extra help, diet can have a positive effect on some patients with specific forms of epilepsy. The keto diet and modified Atkins diet have been shown to reduce seizures in half of patients, mainly children.

Epilepsy is a chronic condition that affects people of all different ages in different ways, but most people with epilepsy can live active lives. As long as those diagnosed with epilepsy take their medications, keep a positive attitude, and maintain a healthy diet, they can control the disorder.

Preparing For Health Insurance Open Enrollment: 2021 Health Insurance Enrollment CheckList

Open Enrollment is less than 2 weeks away (November 1- December 15), so make sure you’re prepared! Whether you are enrolling in an individual health insurance plan for the first time, renewing your current plan, or seeking to change your current plan, follow the checklist below. Going through these steps will help you better understand what coverage you need, how much you can afford, how you can save money, and how you can make the process go more smoothly.

Step 1- Review

man writing in a notebook while a laptop is in front of him on a table. — *Review your medical needs, income, and what you must have before searching for a plan.*

Getting better coverage for next year begins with taking some time to go over your medical and financial situation. Before Open Enrollment begins, review:

Your medical needs – review your medical expenses from 2020 and decide if you will need more comprehensive coverage for next year, or if a basic plan would be more cost-effective.
Your household income – estimate how much you are going to make in 2021. This will allow you to have a better understanding of what your budget is, as well as if you will qualify for any discounts (one of our agents can help you to determine that)
Plan members – Think about whether you will be adding or removing anyone from your health insurance plan next year.
Your must-haves – Make a list of doctors and medications that you definitely want to be included in your plan. You might have a specific primary care physician you want to be able to see, or regular prescriptions that you need coverage for.

Step 2- Research

There are many different companies in the U.S. that offer health insurance. Some companies do not offer plans in certain states, and others have a limited number of plans. Each plan offered will be different, so in order to be better prepared, you will need to do some research on:

What you can expect to pay (especially if this is your first time signing up) including: copays, deductibles, monthly premiums, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums.
The drug formularies in different plans. This will allow you to find cheaper options for your medications.

The different types of plans available- PPO, POS, EPO, HMO, and more.
The different metal tiers- Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze.
Catastrophic plans, which are limited to preventive care and come with low monthly premiums and a high deductible. These plans are only available for certain people (those who are under 30 or experiencing financial hardship).

Step 3- Sign Up With An Agent

man in a suit pointing at a laptop screen with a woman next to him lookin at it — *Using an EZ agent is the most important step to getting the vest affordable plan for your needs.*

This is the most important step, because it will allow you to get a great plan, while saving you time and money. Use an EZ agent so that:

You know you are getting the best coverage. EZ.Insure agents are experts at finding quality, affordable plans that meet all of your financial and medical needs. Our agents are highly trained and work with the top carriers in the country. They can help you review all your information and research and compare all the plans in your area for free.
You are aware of how your plan works, including any extra perks it has to offer.
You have a go-to person whenever you have any questions or need help with claims. EZ’s agents are there for you 24/7, and will resolve any issues immediately.
You get the most savings. Researching and comparing plans with an agent will automatically save you 10% on your plan, because they have direct access to all the carriers in your area and know what each plan has to offer, including any discounts you might qualify for.

Step 4- Payment

After you purchase a plan through one of our agents, they will give you a timeline for when to pay and when you will get your insurance card. You will need to:

Pay for your plan by December 15 so that you have your insurance card in hand by early January.
Pay your first premium bill on time so that your plan will be activated.

Coverage for your plan, whether you renew your current plan, switch plans, or are buying a plan for the first time, will begin January 1st.

By following these 4 steps, you will be better prepared for Open Enrollment. With the help of one of EZ’s agents, you will have better knowledge of how health insurance works, the different plans you have access to, and which plan will work best for your specific needs. Save time researching all the different plans by having our agent do it all for you, at no cost to you. To be prepared for Open Enrollment and get better coverage, enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak directly to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

Why Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Is So Important

When was the last time you were checked for pancreatic cancer? This “silent killer” is difficult to diagnose early on, because it often causes no symptoms until it affects the organs around it. Many cases of it that are caught early on are found simply because testing for unrelated medical conditions shows signs of the disease. Unfortunately, though, most pancreatic cancer patients are diagnosed at stage 4 because of the difficulty of detecting it. It is therefore extremely important to raise awareness about this cancer, and to know the risk factors, the symptoms, and the best ways we currently have to prevent it.

What Is Pancreatic Cancer?

The American Cancer Society estimates that, by the end of 2020, approximately 57,600 people will have been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and that 47,050 will have died of the disease. Pancreatic cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow and begin to form into tumors in the pancreas. There are two main types: those that form in the exocrine (or digestive enzyme-producing) gland and those that form in the endocrine (or insulin- producing gland). Around 95% of pancreatic cancer cases begin in the exocrine gland.

Patients who are diagnosed in the early stages have better outcomes because they have more treatment options. But in order to be diagnosed early, you have to know the risk factors and the symptoms to watch out for.

Risk Factors

closeup picture of an afircan american man — *Men have a higher chance of pancreatic cancer, and so do African Americans.*

Knowing the risk factors is one of the most important first steps towards detecting pancreatic cancer early. The following factors are known to raise the risk of developing the disease:

Age– Most people who develop pancreatic cancer are older than 45, and about 90% who develop it are older than 55.
Gender– Men are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer more often than are women
Race- African Americans are more likely than any other race to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Diabetes– Many different studies show a link between diabetes and an increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer.
Smoking– People who smoke are two to three times more likely to develop pancreatic cancer than are non-smokers.
Family History
Obesity– people who are overweight and those who eat foods high in fat are at an increased risk.

Symptoms

Because the pancreas is deep in the abdomen, doctors usually cannot see or feel a pancreatic tumor during a routine exam. Pancreatic cancer usually doesn’t have any symptoms in the beginning stages; unfortunately, symptoms don’t begin until the cancer has spread. But if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see your doctor right away to discuss your concerns and get tested:

woman pointing to her back with a doctor taking a look at it. — *Back pain is one of the symptoms to look out for.*

Jaundice- yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. This happens when the growing tumor presses on the bile duct.
Unexpected weight loss
Loss of appetite
Pain in the upper belly or back
Nausea and vomiting
Swollen gallbladder or liver enlargement
Blood clots
Dark colored urine

Signs of advanced pancreatic cancer:

Extreme fatigue
Worsening stomach or back pain especially after eating or lying down
Bed sores
Swelling
Recently diagnosed diabetes

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent pancreatic cancer, especially because there are many risk factors that you cannot control, such as your gender or family history. But there are some things that you can do to lower your risk:

Avoid Smoking
Eat healthy & watch your weight– Maintaining a healthy weight, as well as incorporating more vegetables and fruit in your diet, might help lower your risk. Processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks can increase the risk of pancreatic cancer.
Avoid alcohol– Some studies have linked heavy alcohol use to pancreatic cancer, because excessive drinking can lead to chronic pancreatitis.
Limit chemical exposure– Exposure to certain chemicals can raise your risk of pancreatic cancer. If you work in a place where you are exposed to chemicals, be careful and make sure you’re following proper safety guidelines to protect yourself.

For now, awareness is the best defense against this “silent killer.” While there is no way to prevent pancreatic cancer, you should know the risks and the ways that you can reduce them, including staying as healthy as possible and getting screened whenever you experience any concerning symptoms.

Can Smartphones Detect Diabetes?

It’s almost impossible to walk anywhere these days without seeing a smartphone in nearly everyone’s hand. Smartphones are wildly popular, and their technology has advanced greatly in the last few years alone, so it makes sense to put them to good use. Researchers at UC San Francisco have done just that: they have developed a “digital biomarker” that uses a smartphone’s camera to detect diabetes. Diabetes is one of the world’s most prevalent diseases, making this is a potentially huge development. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, so let’s look at exactly how a smartphone can detect diabetes.

caucasian hand over the heart area. — *People suffering from diabetes are twice as likely to die of heart disease, which is why a change is needed.*

A Change Is Needed

Diabetes can lead to many other health problems. For example, those suffering from diabetes are twice as likely to die of heart disease than those who do not have diabetes. What’s worse is that half of all people with diabetes are unaware that they have it, and therefore are unaware of the risks to their health. Finding a quicker and easier way to diagnose diabetes would make a huge difference when it comes to early detection and treatment. Finding the disease early is key: the sooner people know they have diabetes, the sooner they can begin controlling it – and possibly rid themselves of it altogether. Unfortunately, doctors have been struggling for a long time to find a better way to diagnose the disease. That is, until now.

“Diabetes can be asymptomatic for a long period of time, making it much harder to diagnose,” said Robert Avram, MD, MSc, clinical instructor in cardiology. “To date, noninvasive and widely-scalable tools to detect diabetes have been lacking, motivating us to develop this algorithm.”

Creating An Algorithm

Researchers have been studying how they can use existing smartphone technology to diagnose diabetes, and have found success with the Azumio Instant Heart Rate app. This app, using a smartphone’s camera and flashlight, can detect not only irregular heartbeats, but also changes in blood volume in a vessel, just by shining the flashlight on the user’s finger. Using this technique, known as photoplethysmography (PPG), the app can detect poor blood flow, which is common in diabetes.

To put this app to work for their study, researchers created an algorithm using nearly 3 million PPG recordings from 53,870 patients. The algorithm used was able to correctly identify the presence of diabetes in up to 81% of patients. Data also showed that the algorithm was able to accurately rule out diabetes in participants in the study around 92-97% of the time.

“We demonstrated that the algorithm’s performance is comparable to other commonly used tests, such as mammography for breast cancer or cervical cytology for cervical cancer, and its painlessness makes it attractive for repeated testing,” said study author Jeffrey Olgin, MD, a UCSF Health cardiologist, professor, and chief of the UCSF Division of Cardiology. “A widely accessible smartphone-based tool like this could be used to identify and encourage individuals at higher risk of having prevalent diabetes to seek medical care and obtain a low-cost confirmatory test.”

The Possibilities

This breakthrough opens the door to endless possibilities. If researchers can use an app to diagnose diabetes, then there is hope for using smartphones as a useful tool for our health in other ways.

“The ability to detect a condition like diabetes that has so many severe health consequences using a painless, smartphone-based test raises so many possibilities,” said co-senior author Geoffrey H. Tison, MD, MPH, assistant professor in cardiology, of the Aug. 17, 2020, study in Nature Medicine. “The vision would be for a tool like this to assist in identifying people at higher risk of having diabetes, ultimately helping to decrease the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes.”

Tag: Health Insurance