Health Insurance Archives - Page 32 of 52

What You Can Do To Reduce Your Chances of Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is important that this month, and every month, we continue to focus on preventing and treating this disease. While raising awareness means listening to the voices of survivors, it also means talking about different ways that you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, so that we can work towards beating it once and for all. Currently, there is no sure way to prevent breast cancer, and different risk factors that you cannot control increase your chances. But there are some things that you can control that can reduce your risk!

Avoid Hormone Exposure

The amount of estrogen a woman has in her body will increase or decrease her chances of developing breast cancer. If you are exposed to large amounts of estrogen your whole life, for example, from foods, chemicals, birth control pills, and even post-menopausal hormones, then you are at higher risk for developing breast cancer.

Keep Your Weight In Check

Maintaining a healthy weight is key to avoiding obesity, which is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. In obese women with a BMI (body mass index) over 25, estrogen-sensitive breast tissue is exposed to more estrogen than in women of a healthy weight. In order to stay at a healthy weight, get plenty of exercise and follow a healthy diet.

Eat A Healthy Diet

fruits and vegetables combined — *Incorporating veggies and fruits in your diet as well as exercising more will help reduce your risk.*

Eat your vegetables! That’s an order that you have probably been hearing since you were a kid, and it holds true as you are older. Good nutrition can help to prevent certain cancers, including breast cancer. Try to incorporate fresh vegetables, fruits, and healthy fish into your meals if you can. Aim for 8 servings of fruits and vegetables each day.

Get Active!

Exercising at least 30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week will help lower your chances of developing breast cancer by helping to boost immune function and by lowering the level of estrogen in your body. In fact, regular exercise can reduce your chances of the disease by 25%. The exercise or physical activity you do does not have to be intense, you can take a brisk walk, dance, or ride your bike – just pick something that you enjoy and will stick with!

Rest

More sleep can increase your overall quality of life, and can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer. One study found that women who were chronically sleep-deprived developed more aggressive forms of breast cancer. So, try to develop a calming nighttime routine, turn off your devices, and get your 8 hours in!

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol consumption increases your risk of breast cancer, even if you are only drinking a moderate amount. It is best to avoid alcohol when you can, and if you do drink, try not to drink more than 1 alcoholic beverage a day.

Stop Smoking

Smoking has been directly linked to breast cancer, as well as to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cancers. Research shows that women who smoke in their teenage years are more likely to develop breast cancer before menopause. If you do not smoke, then don’t start, and if you do, it would be in your best interest to quit. There are many organizations that can help you quit if you need assistance, or you can talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter quit-smoking aids.

Regular Screenings

One of the best ways to reduce your risk is by getting screened regularly. You should be regularly checking your breasts in the shower and reporting any changes to your doctor right away. Regular self-exams as well as checkups by your doctor are especially important if you have dense breasts (meaning that there is more tissue than fat in your breasts), because this increases your risk of breast cancer by 6 times.

Screenings done by your doctor are typically based on risk factors and age. For women:

With an average risk of breast cancer, exams will start in their 20s and happen every 1-3 years into their 30s.
Ages 40-44, annual screenings with a mammogram are by request.
Ages 45-54, annual mammograms are recommended every year.
Ages 55 and older, mammograms are recommended every other year.

If you have a family history of breast cancer, then it is important that you perform regular self-exams, as well as take the necessary steps to reduce your chances of developing the disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle will not only make you healthier in general, but it will also decrease your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and breast cancer. And if you are diagnosed with cancer, then maintaining a healthy lifestyle will improve your chances of surviving the disease. Cancer is a scary word, but you can do your best to avoid it, and beat it if necessary by remaining as healthy as possible.

Did You Know That Single Women Are Twice As Likely To be Uninsured?

Health insurance is important for everyone, but it can be especially important for women. The right policy will provide coverage for reproductive healthcare, and for preventative services that can detect diseases or cancers that are specific to women. Unfortunately, women are statistically less likely to be insured than men, and single women are even less likely to have health insurance coverage than are married women. Among single women, those who are younger are more likely to be uninsured than are older single women. At EZ, we believe that no one should go without insurance for any reason, so we make it our mission to find affordable, quality plans for everyone.

What The Data Shows

the state of texas shape with the flag colors on it — *Based on a study conducted, Texas has the highest rate of uninsured single women in the nation.*

Based on data from multiple studies, single women across multiple states are uninsured. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured single women in the nation. Other states like Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida do not fall far behind. Studies show that education plays a role in determining uninsured rates: women who have the most college experience have the lowest uninsured rates.

As mentioned, the younger the woman, the more likely she is to be uninsured. Generation Z and Millennials tend to have the highest uninsured rates. This may be because young single women without families don’t see a need to spend money on health insurance if they are relatively healthy.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the most common reason for single women to be uninsured is cost. Many fall into the coverage gap; in fact, approximately 12% of women make too much to be eligible for Medicaid, but not enough to afford private insurance. While there are subsidies available that can reduce the cost of insurance, many do not know about them.

There Are Affordable Plans

While multiple factors determine whether a woman is likely to be insured or not, it seems clear that one of the main reasons that single women are not insured is the cost. Health insurance rates continue to go up every year, making it hard for many people to obtain health insurance. However, health insurance does not have to be a burden. There are hundreds of plans offered by different companies across the nation to choose from. For those who are relatively healthy, a high-deductible plan with low premiums might work best, while those who need more coverage might want to look into a low-deductible plan.

The high number of uninsured women in our country is worrying. Without insurance, women may skip regular, preventive care – not to mention that one medical emergency could lead to huge bills and debt. EZ wants to make sure that women around the country are protected from falling into debt, as well as to ensure that women get the healthcare they need. Preventive visits and testing are free on all plans, and these tests can help save women’s lives by catching diseases, reproductive issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and cancers early on. If reproductive issues are not taken care of early on, some (like HPV) can lead to infertility. And if cancers are caught too late, they can be fatal. Affordable plans with low monthly premiums can save lives. It is worth the cost.

At EZ.Insure, our licensed, highly trained agents can easily compare all plan options within minutes and find the one that suits each individual’s needs. We know that there is a health insurance plan out there that will fit each person’s medical needs and budget, and we can help find it. Our agents can also help lower costs by finding any subsidies or discounts that are available. We care and we want everyone to be prepared for the unexpected. To get started enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak directly to an agent call 888-350-1890.

How Much Should You Be Contributing To A Health Savings Account (HSA)?

How much money have you put into your health savings account recently? If the answer is “not much,” then you should put contributing to it at the top of your to-do list. As long as you are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan, you can put aside money on a pre-tax basis into your health savings account, or HSA, and withdraw these funds (also tax-free) to cover current and future medical expenses. The money you save also accrues tax-free interest! So the question isn’t should you be contributing to your HSA, the question is only how much.

First, You Must Qualify For An HSA

piece of paper with checklist checked off and a blue pen on the clipboard — *In order to utilize savings for an HSA, you have to be eligible.*

Not everyone qualifies for an HSA, so in order to be eligible for one, you must:

Be covered under a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP). For 2020, a HDHP is a health insurance plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for self-only coverage or $2,800 for family coverage.
Have a HDHP which meets the minimum deductible and the maximum out of pocket threshold for the year. For 2020, the out-of-pocket maximum for an HSA-qualified health plan cannot be more than $6,900 for self-only coverage or $13,800 for family coverage.
Not be covered by any other medical plan.
Not be enrolled in Medicare
Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return
Not be enrolled in TRICARE or covered by medical benefits from the Veterans Administration

Max Out Your Contributions

The IRS places a limit on how much you can contribute to your HSA each year. In 2020, as an individual, you can put in up to $3,550, and if you have a family, you can contribute up to $7,100. If you can, you should try to max out your contribution to your HSA. The more you contribute, the more you can benefit from your HSA’s triple tax advantages:

3 full jars of coins — *If you can, max out your yearly contributions.*

Pre-tax contributions
Tax-free earnings
Tax-free withdrawals

If you’re worried about contributing too much money to your HSA, and not using up all of the funds, you should know that whatever money you do not use at the end of the year rolls over to the next year and keeps growing. In addition, any interest earned from these investments is completely tax-free, so it makes sense to contribute as much as you can. But if you cannot afford to max out your HSA you can still reap the benefits.

If You Can’t Max Out…

When it is time to decide your yearly contribution, you have to take into account how much you think you will spend on medical expenses for the year. Consider that you are responsible for paying your deductible and other out-of-pocket expenses, so try to put as much of these costs as you can into your HSA.

For example, if you have a set deductible, put that amount into your HSA. Or, if you have prescriptions that you need to purchase on a monthly basis that cost $200, contribute $2,400 (a year’s cost of the medication) into your account. That way you can enjoy the tax advantages on the money that you need to spend on that prescription drug anyway.

Consider Your Age

While you should always consider putting as much money into your HSA as you can, it may not be as important to max out your contributions if you are young and healthy. In this case, you will have fewer health care expenses than someone who is older or who has a chronic condition. But when you’re approaching retirement age, the likelihood that you will need more money for medical costs is greater. It makes more sense in this case to put as much money as you can into your HSA so that you can build interest on it, and use it tax-free for your out-of-pocket medical expenses. Taking advantage of your HSA is another way to help save your money, as well as to have spending money for any medical costs that may come up throughout the year.

If you are enrolled in a high-deductible health insurance plan, you should absolutely be utilizing your HSA. Not only are you putting money into an account that accumulates interest, but you will also be able to use it without paying taxes on it. And, because accidents or medical emergencies can happen, having a health savings account is important for helping you prepare for the unexpected.

Have questions? Need some guidance? We can help! EZ.Insure understands that insurance can be confusing, but we can go over any questions that you have and help you make an informed decision. We will go over how it all works, let you know what plans are available in your region, and offer help on how much you should contribute to your HSA if you have a high-deductible plan. And we offer all of our services for free! To view our accurate quotes within minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

You’ve Got Health Insurance Questions, We’ve Got the Answers (& the Deals!)

Health insurance is complicated, and sometimes searching for a plan can leave you with a lot more questions than answers. Purchasing a health insurance plan is a huge investment, so you need to make sure that you ask your agent the right questions before you spend your hard-earned money. EZ.Insure wants to make the process easier for you, so we have answered some of your most common health insurance-related questions.

How Much Does It Cost?

costs with arrows pointing outwards all around word written on a blackboard. — *There are many different costs to consider when purchasing a health insurance plan.*

This is one of the hardest questions to answer, because the amount you spend on healthcare will depend on your:

Premiums– When you purchase a health insurance plan this is the first bill that you’re going to get. It’s the amount that you pay every month to stay covered and keep your health insurance. This amount is calculated based on your age, tobacco use, plan type, and number of dependents covered.
Copays– This is a set fee that you have to pay when you see a doctor or specialist. Depending on your plan, you will have different copays for doctor visits, specialist visits, and prescriptions.
Deductible- This is the amount that you have to pay for covered services before your health insurance begins to pay. For example, if you have a deductible of $1,000, and you have surgery that costs $10,000, you will have to pay your $1,000 deductible and then your health insurance plan will begin to pay their share.
Coinsurance– The percentage of allowed charges for covered services that you have to pay. For example, some plans will cover 80% of the costs of services, and you will have to pay the other 20% after you meet your deductible. In the example above, if you had an 80/20 plan, you would pay 20% of the remaining $9,000, or $1,800.
Out-of-pocket maximum– This is the maximum amount of money that you have to pay for covered services during a benefit period, which is usually a calendar year. So, in the example above, you would have spent $2,800 on your surgery – if your plan has an out-of-pocket maximum of $5,000, then you would be more than halfway to meeting your maximum. If you spent $2,200 more on healthcare costs in the course of that year, your insurance plan would begin paying 100% of your costs.

This is a lot to take in, but EZ’s highly-trained agents can help you balance your financial needs and health needs, and find you an affordable, quality plan. They will go over each and every one of these costs in all available plans, and will even help you find discounts and subsidies that can help you pay for your health insurance.

What Type Of Plan Do I Need?

Determining which plan coverage is right for you depends on your health and your financial situation. When it comes to ACA plans, there are four main categories, or metal tiers: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. These categories basically determine the ratio of your premium to your deductible. If you want to keep your monthly premium bill low (but have a higher deductible), then a Bronze or Silver plan is best for you. But if you have some serious health conditions that require treatment, prescriptions, tests, or surgery, then a Gold or Platinum plan with a low deductible (and higher premium) is a better choice to keep your out-of-pocket costs down.

The most common types of plans are what is known as managed care plans, including PPOs and HMOs. PPOs have a more flexible network of providers that are considered in-network, while HMO plans require that you choose a primary care physician and get referrals for in-network specialists.

Is My Primary Care Doctor Covered?

If you’ve been going to the same doctor for years, then it’s only natural to want to make sure that you can continue to see them. So, when searching for a plan, you need to check that your primary care doctor is in the network covered by your plan. If you do go to any doctors that are out of your health insurance plan’s network, you will end up paying for the visit out-of- pocket, and that can be very expensive.

Our agents will make sure that your primary care physician is covered in the plan that you choose. We will go over all the plans within your area within minutes and search for your physician in each of these plans to make sure they are part of the network.

What Happens In Case Of An Emergency?

Accidents happen, life is full of uncertainty, and in the event that you need to go to the hospital, you want to make sure that you are covered. Some plans will require you to contact your primary care physician within 24 hours of an emergency room visit in order for your expenses to be covered. If that seems like it is too much to remember during an emergency, then we can find you a plan that does not have this requirement.

Are There Any Perks?

Some health insurance plans do include perks, such as free gym memberships. Some offer discounts for people who are on the right track to getting healthier, and many allow you to see your doctor virtually with telemedicine. That’s right, feeling under the weather? Call your doctor and get your prescription medication sent to your pharmacy without having to go see them in person. No waits, no headaches, just the ability to talk to your doctor or see your doctor, in the comfort of your own home.

illustration of two people with headsets on with the word support over them — *Make sure that the health insurance company that you choose has excellent customer service.*

Who Do I Call When I Need Help?

You should also make sure that the health insurance company that you choose has excellent customer service. All too often, people call their health insurance company and either get the run-around, get the wrong answers, or hang up leaving more confused than when they called. This can be especially frustrating when you’ve received a large bill in the mail and have no idea why you received it. EZ understands this frustration, which is why our agents work with the top-rated health insurance companies in the nation. We will find you a health insurance plan with a company that has a proven track record of great customer service, and that will be ready, willing, and able to answer all of your questions.

We understand that health insurance is complicated and confusing. That is why we have agents ready to help search and compare plans from top-rated companies across the nation, for free. Our main goal is to help you find great health insurance that is affordable and that meets your health care needs. To compare quotes within minutes, simply enter your zip code in the bar above or to speak to one of our licensed agents, call 888-350-1890.

Medications Too Expensive? Let Us Help You Find A Better Plan

The price of medications has been steadily increasing over the years, and there is no sign that prices will be going down any time soon. Studies show that the prices of some top-selling brand-name medications, like insulin, have gone up over 50% in the last decade. These sharp increases in prices have left many people unable to afford the medications that they need, and have pushed thousands of people into seeking medications abroad. Purchasing prescription drugs from unknown sources can be dangerous, so instead of taking drastic measures, come to EZ.Insure. We will do our best to find you an affordable healthcare plan that includes the medications you need in a cheaper drug formulary tier.

different types of pills on a laptop screen — *Millions of Americans are buying medications abroad, but this can be very dangerous.*

Millions Seek Medications Abroad

It is no secret that millions of Americans are buying their medication from other countries. Drug prices are astronomical in the U.S., and there is no relief in sight. Your medications are necessary, but buying them abroad can be very dangerous, because these drugs can be the wrong dosage, contain different active ingredients from the drug prescribed to you, or even be completely fake. Taking these risky drugs could end up making your condition worse, or even killing you. There is a better way to get the medication that you need. At EZ, we believe that everyone should be able to access affordable medication. We can review the drug formulary that is part of your healthcare plan, and we can also help you find a plan that includes your medications in a lower tier.

What Are Drug Formularies?

Most health insurance plans include a drug formulary, which is a list of generic and brand-name prescription drugs, and how they are covered by your plan. Drugs are grouped into 4 different tiers, and these tiers determine the cost of each medication.

Tier 1 includes the lowest cost drugs, mostly generics
Tier 2 includes preferred (meaning that your insurance company prefers that providers prescribe these medications, because they costs less than others) brand-name and generic medications
Tier 3 includes non-preferred, higher-cost, mostly brand-name medications
Tier 4 includes specialty drugs, usually used to treat serious illnesses

Tier one drugs require the lowest co-payment because they are usually the cheaper, generic version of brand-name drugs. The higher the tier, the more expensive the medication. Most often if a drug is not covered, you can check with your doctor to see if there is another treatment option that is on your formulary. If there is no way to get your medication covered, or if it is on an unaffordable tier, EZ can help you find a plan that is better suited to your needs.

What EZ Can Do For You

EZ understands that you need affordable access to your medications, and we also understand how drug formularies work, so we can find the best plan for you. Drug tiers vary from insurance company to insurance company, so your drug might be covered differently by one company than it is by another. Your medications might even be classified differently under different plans offered by the same company! Sorting through each drug formulary can be a lot of work, so we will go over all of it with you. If you don’t currently have any health insurance, we can sign you up for a plan with a drug formulary that works for you.

If you have any questions about what is – and what is not – covered under your plan, you can contact your insurance company. And if you are not happy with the coverage you’re getting from your plan, EZ will help you find a plan that provides affordable coverage for your medications. There is no need to take a risk and buy your medications from other countries. EZ wants to make sure that you are safe and taking the proper medications, which is why one of our agents will go over your medical history, including what medications you need to take, and will find a plan that best suits your needs. All of our services are offered for free, because we just want the best for our customers. To search through all of our available plans and quotes for free, enter your zip code in the bar above, or if you want to speak to an agent, call 888-350-1890.

High Prescription Drug Costs Leave Many To Shop Abroad

Prescription drug prices have been soaring over the past decade, leaving millions of Americans unable to afford the medications that they need. If you have a great health insurance plan, then you have access to prescription drugs at a fair price; however, for many Americans, necessary medications are financially out of reach. Now, more than ever, as our country is being hit by a pandemic and a related financial crisis, Americans are looking for cheaper prescription drugs. All of this is forcing millions of Americans to shop abroad for their prescription drugs.

The Continuous Rise in Prices

Prescription drug prices continue to rise every year. A study published in JAMA, from 2012-2017 shows that insurer and out-of-pocket costs of 36 top-selling brand-name prescription drugs increased by more than 50%, and the cost of 16 of them more than doubled. Insulins such as Novolog, Lantus, and Humalog, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (Humira and Enbrel) were some of these high price increases. The reason these drug prices have been on the increase over the past year is because they are biologics, meaning they are made of large, more complex compounds which makes it hard to make generic brands of them. Not to mention, these are highly used medications within the U.S.

Overall, the median cost of the drugs included in the study increased 76%. This year, medication costs are going up an average of 5.2%, which will make many drugs unaffordable for the majority of Americans, especially those who have lost their jobs.

Hard Times

The coronavirus pandemic has left millions of people without jobs – and without health insurance. Those who are in need of prescriptions for chronic conditions or serious medical issues still need their medications, and so many are getting their prescription drugs from other countries, where they can be half the price of what they cost in the US. It is illegal for Americans to import prescription drugs into the US for personal use, but for many, it is a matter of life and death.

“With the economic and health consequences of COVID-19 disproportionately impacting minority and low-income populations, more people in those groups may be seeking an alternative way to meet their medication needs,” said Young-Rock Hong, an assistant professor of health services research, management and policy at the UF College of Public Health and Health Professions.

Safety Concerns

illustration of persons hand with a coin and risk assessment next to it with the arrow pointing at orange — *Buying medication from other countries can pose safety risks to those taking them.*

Buying medication from other countries can pose safety risks to those taking them. Roughly 1 in 10 medications sold in the world are substandard or fake, according to the World Health Organization, and taking these drugs can lead to medical issues or even death.

“Patients need to be knowledgeable of these potential dangers they will encounter, and insurance policies that search to pursue drug importation ought to reinforce high quality assurance and strict monitoring processes to advertise protected administration of imported remedy within the U.S. market,” Hong mentioned.

It is best to purchase medication from a trusted source to reduce the risk of any possible consequences of taking a fake drug, or a drug with a lower dose than labeled. If that is not possible, especially for the millions of Americans who have lost their job and health insurance, there are other solutions to get an affordable health insurance plan. EZ can help find a great affordable plan within budget so that medication does not have to be sought out from abroad. An EZ agent will compare plans and find the right plan for anyone’s needs. Our service comes at no cost, because we simply want to help people find a great insurance plan, and get the medications that they need. To find an affordable plan and medications, enter your zip code and a bar above or to speak to one of our agents call 888-350-1890.

Tag: Health Insurance