March 2022 - Healthedly Insurance Services

Important Information About Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

ACA, Individual and Family, Medicaid, News, Obamacare, Special Enrollment Period, Supplemental

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are a specific time frame during which individuals and families can enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the standard open enrollment period. SEPs are typically triggered by certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing employer-sponsored coverage.

It’s important to understand that SEPs have strict eligibility requirements and time frames, and failing to enroll during an SEP can result in a gap in coverage or a tax penalty. Here’s what you need to know about SEPs:

Eligibility Requirements

SEPs are only available to individuals and families who experience a qualifying life event, such as:

Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Loss of employer-sponsored coverage
Moving to a new area with different health plan options
Gaining citizenship or legal resident status
Leaving incarceration

It’s important to note that SEPs are not available to individuals who simply decide they want to change health plans outside of the open enrollment period. You must have a qualifying life event in order to be eligible for an SEP.

Time Frames

SEPs have strict time frames during which you must enroll in a health plan. The time frame begins on the date of the qualifying life event and typically lasts for 60 days. However, the exact time frame can vary depending on the specific life event and the state in which you live.

For example, if you get married, the SEP begins on the date of your marriage and lasts for 60 days. If you have a baby, the SEP begins on the date of your child’s birth and lasts for 60 days. It’s important to enroll within this time frame, as failing to do so may result in a gap in coverage or a tax penalty.

Coverage

SEPs allow you to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the standard open enrollment period. This means that if you experience a qualifying life event, you can enroll in a health plan even if the open enrollment period has already ended.

It’s important to note that SEPs do not guarantee coverage. If you enroll in a health plan during an SEP, the plan may still have a waiting period before coverage begins. This means that you may have a gap in coverage between the date of your qualifying life event and the date that your coverage begins.

Plan Options

During an SEP, you have the option to enroll in any plan that is available through the marketplace. This includes both individual and family plans. It’s important to compare different plan options and consider factors such as premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.

It’s also important to note that SEPs do not guarantee that you will be eligible for subsidies, such as premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. If you are eligible for subsidies, you must enroll during the open enrollment period in order to receive them.

Enrolling in a Plan

To enroll in a health plan during an SEP, you must complete an application through the marketplace. The application will ask for information about your qualifying life event, as well as your personal and financial information.

You will also need to provide proof of your qualifying life event, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. It’s important to provide all required documentation in order to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

If you are approved for coverage, you will receive a notice of eligibility. This notice will include information about your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs. You will then have the opportunity to select a plan and enroll in coverage.

If you have any questions about SEPs or the enrollment process, you can contact the marketplace or a licensed insurance agent for assistance. It’s important to get the help you need to make an informed decision about your health coverage.

In summary, SEPs are a specific time frame during which individuals and families can enroll in a health insurance plan. This period is outside of the standard open enrollment period. SEPs are triggered by certain life events, such as getting married or having a baby. These events have strict eligibility requirements and time frames. It’s important to understand SEPs and to enroll within the designated time frame to avoid gaps in coverage or tax penalties.

If you have any questions about SEPs or the enrollment process, be sure to seek the help of our licensed agents here at Healthedly! Give us a call at 855-522-2201!

March 24, 2022

Tips To Help You Fall Asleep Faster

Health Resources

If you’re someone who has trouble falling asleep at night, you know firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it can be. Not only does it interfere with your daily routine, but it can also have negative impacts on your health and overall well-being. So, how can you fall asleep faster and get the rest you need? Here are some tips to try:

Establish a consistent sleep schedule:

It’s important to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This helps regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and makes it easier to fall asleep at night.

Create a relaxing bedtime routine:

A relaxing bedtime routine can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. This might include activities like reading a book, taking a warm bath, or doing some gentle stretching.

Make your bedroom sleep-friendly:

Your bedroom should be a comfortable and peaceful environment that promotes sleep. This means keeping it cool, dark, and quiet, and using a comfortable mattress and pillows.

Avoid screens before bedtime:

The blue light emitted by screens (such as phones, tablets, and TVs) can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. It’s best to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol:

Both caffeine and alcohol can disrupt sleep, so it’s best to avoid them close to bedtime. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, soda, and some medications, while alcohol can make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Practice deep breathing or meditation:

Taking some deep breaths or practicing meditation can help calm your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

Exercise regularly:

Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, but it’s important to avoid vigorous exercise close to bedtime as it may make it harder to fall asleep.

Try relaxation techniques:

Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or visualization can help relax your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

Consider using white noise:

If you’re someone who is easily awakened by noise, white noise can be helpful in drowning out distractions and promoting sleep.

Consult a healthcare professional:

If you continue to have trouble falling asleep despite trying these techniques, it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional. They can help determine any underlying causes and provide additional treatment options.

By following these tips and finding what works best for you, you can hopefully improve your sleep and fall asleep faster. Remember, getting enough sleep is essential for your overall health and well-being, so it’s important to prioritize it and take steps to improve your sleep habits.

Are you looking for an insurance plan that fits YOUR needs and finances? Start today by getting a free quote or calling 855-522-2201. Healthedly is here to match you with the best healthcare provider for YOU.

March 17, 2022

Use Weekly Goals To Maintain Healthy Food Habits

Health Resources

Maintaining healthy eating habits can be a challenge, especially when we have busy schedules and temptation lurking around every corner. One way to stay on track with our nutrition goals is by setting weekly goals for ourselves. By focusing on specific, achievable targets each week, we can build healthy eating habits that become second nature over time.

Here are some tips for using weekly goals to maintain healthy eating habits:

Set realistic goals.

It’s important to be realistic when setting goals, as this will increase the chances of achieving them. For example, if you’re used to eating fast food for lunch every day, it might not be realistic to aim for home-cooked meals every day right away. Instead, start with a goal of bringing a healthy lunch to work two days a week, and gradually increase this number as you become more comfortable with meal prep.

Make a plan.

Once you’ve set your goals, create a plan to achieve them. This could involve shopping for healthy ingredients, prepping meals in advance, or packing healthy snacks for when you’re on the go. Having a solid plan in place will make it easier to stick to your goals.

Keep track of your progress.

It’s important to monitor your progress to see if you’re on track to meet your goals. This could involve keeping a food diary, tracking your meals and snacks in a food tracking app, or simply reflecting on your eating habits each week. This will help you identify any areas where you might be falling short and adjust your goals accordingly.

Celebrate your successes.

When you reach your goals, it’s important to celebrate your achievements. This could be as simple as treating yourself to a healthy meal or snack, or rewarding yourself with a non-food related activity like a massage or a new workout class. Celebrating your successes will help keep you motivated to continue striving for healthy eating habits.

By setting weekly goals, we can break down the daunting task of maintaining healthy eating habits into manageable chunks. By focusing on specific targets each week, we can slowly build healthy habits that become a natural part of our routine. With a little planning and perseverance, we can create a healthy eating pattern that lasts a lifetime.

Are you looking for an insurance plan that fits YOUR needs and finances? Start today by getting a free quote or calling 855-522-2201. Healthedly is here to match you with the best healthcare provider for YOU.

March 16, 2022

How To Tell The Difference Between Sprains and Strains

General, Health Resources

When it comes to injuries, it can be easy to confuse strains and sprains. Both can cause pain and discomfort, but understanding the difference between the two can help determine the best course of treatment.

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Strains often occur when a muscle is stretched or torn, usually from overuse or improper use. Common symptoms of a strain include muscle pain, weakness, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.

On the other hand, a sprain is an injury to a ligament. A ligament is a band of tissue that connects bones together at a joint. Sprains usually occur when a joint is forced out of its normal range of motion. This causes the ligament to stretch or tear. Common symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected joint.

One of the main differences between strains and sprains is the location of the injury. Strains affect muscles and tendons, while sprains affect ligaments. Strains are typically found in the muscles of the arms, legs, and back. Meanwhile, sprains are commonly found in the joints of the ankles, wrists, and knees.

Treatment for strains and sprains varies depending on the severity of the injury.

In most cases, the best course of action is to rest the affected area. Make sure to apply ice to reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain medication can also help manage discomfort. More severe injuries may require physical therapy or even surgery to fully heal.

It is important to accurately diagnose and treat strains and sprains as soon as possible to avoid further injury. This will ensure a full recovery.

Are you experiencing pain or discomfort in a muscle or joint? It is always a good idea to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

In summary, strains and sprains are common injuries that can cause pain and discomfort. Strains affect muscles and tendons, while sprains affect ligaments. Proper treatment is important for a full recovery and to avoid further injury. It is always a good idea to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Are you looking for an insurance plan that fits YOUR needs and finances? Start today by getting a free quote or calling 855-522-2201. Healthedly is here to match you with the best healthcare provider for YOU.

March 11, 2022

Covid Deaths Surpass 6 Million Worldwide

General, News

As of January 2021, the number of deaths worldwide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed 6 million. This is a devastating milestone that highlights the severity of the situation. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on every corner of the globe. It has disrupted economies, upended daily life, and claimed the lives of millions of people. The loss of 6 million lives is a somber reminder of the human cost of this pandemic.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected certain groups of people.

Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. The virus has also had a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and those living in poverty.

The good news is that vaccines are now being distributed and administered around the world. These vaccines offer hope for a return to normalcy and a way to finally bring the pandemic to an end. However, it will take time for enough people to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus.

In the meantime, it is important for everyone to continue following public health guidelines. This includes wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and practicing social distancing. These measures can help slow the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.

It is important for governments and health organizations to continue working together to address the pandemic and the rising number of deaths.

This includes providing resources and support to those most affected by the virus. The governments should also push for research and development to improve treatments. This way, we can find a way to stop the spread of the virus.

The loss of 6 million lives to the COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating reminder of the cost of this crisis. It is important for everyone to do their part to slow the spread of the virus. We must work towards a solution. With continued efforts, it is possible to eventually bring an end to this pandemic and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives.

Choose Healthedly! Our licensed agents are ready to help you find the right health insurance plan, whether you are an individual, a senior, or if you are trying to support your family. Give us a call at 855-522-2201

March 10, 2022

Just 30 Minutes Of Exercise A Week Could Help Increase Your Life Expectancy

Health Resources, Life Insurance

There are several reasons why engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day may increase life expectancy:

Exercise improves cardiovascular health:

Regular physical activity can help to improve heart health by strengthening the heart muscle. Moreover, it lowers blood pressure, which can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Exercise maintains a healthy body weight:

Physical activity can help to burn calories and maintain a healthy body weight. Also, it can reduce the risk of obesity and associated conditions such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

Physical activity reduces stress:

Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve mental health by releasing endorphins. These are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.

Physical activity improves sleep:

Regular physical activity can help to improve sleep quality. Of course, sleep is important for overall health and well-being.

Exercise boosts mood:

Exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce the risk of developing depression and anxiety.

By improving cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing stress, improving sleep, and boosting mood, regular physical activity can help to increase life expectancy.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

March 9, 2022

Medicaid is at an All-Time High, But How Long?

Individual and Family, Medicaid

Currently, Medicaid is at an all-time high in terms of enrollment.

Medicaid is a federally funded health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income individuals and families. It is administered by the states, and each state has its own eligibility requirements and benefits. Medicaid is a crucial safety net for millions of Americans. This provider gives access to healthcare services that otherwise may not be affordable.

According to data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), there are currently more than 73 million people enrolled in Medicaid. This is an increase of nearly 10 million people since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are several factors contributing to the high increase in Medicaid enrollment.

One of the main factors is the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many people have lost their jobs or seen their hours reduced. This has led to a loss of employer-sponsored health insurance. These individuals may be eligible for Medicaid coverage. Many have turned to the program as a way to ensure that they have access to healthcare.

Another factor contributes to the increase in Medicaid enrollment. This factor is expansion of the program under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Prior to the ACA, Medicaid was only available to certain low-income individuals and families. For example, it was available to individuals such as pregnant women, children, and disabled adults. The ACA expanded Medicaid to cover all adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level. As a result, more people became eligible for Medicaid coverage, leading to an increase in enrollment.

Despite the increase in Medicaid enrollment, there are concerns about the future of the program. One concern is the potential for Medicaid funding to be cut. Medicaid is a jointly funded program. The federal government provided a portion of the funding and the states providing the rest. If the federal government reduces its funding, it could lead to cuts in Medicaid benefits or the reduction of services.

There are also concerns about the potential for Medicaid to be transformed into a block grant program.

Under a block grant program, the federal government would provide a fixed amount of funding to each state, rather than funding based on the number of people enrolled in the program. This could lead to states having to make tough decisions about who is eligible for Medicaid coverage and what benefits are available.

Despite these concerns, it is important to remember the vital role that Medicaid plays in providing access to healthcare for millions of Americans.

Medicaid has been a lifeline for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial that the program is protected and maintained.

One way that Medicaid can be protected is through advocacy and activism. If you are concerned about the future of Medicaid, consider contacting your elected officials and expressing your support for the program. You can also get involved in advocacy organizations or groups that are working to protect Medicaid and other safety net programs.

In conclusion, Medicaid is at an all-time high in terms of enrollment, but there are concerns about the future of the program. It is crucial that Medicaid is protected and maintained, as it plays a vital role in providing access to healthcare for millions of Americans. If you are concerned about the future of Medicaid, consider getting involved in advocacy and activism to protect the program.

Wondering about what health coverage that you could be eligible for? Well, look no further than Healthedly. Give us a call at 855-522-2201 so our agents can give you a free quote for health insurance.

March 2, 2022

4 Ways Pets Reduce Health Risks

Health Resources

62% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet. In almost every town you can find a shelter housing a potential fur-baby for the family. If you are on the fence about adopting a new pet into the family, read on to see five benefits of owning a pet and how they can improve your long-term health!

Pets reduce stress

Studies show overwhelming evidence for the positive effect your furry friend has on your health. Stress levels decrease significantly in those who own a pet, and the ease of stress can improve longevity of life. Playing with them, and loving on them can be highly therapeutic. Even just having them nearby can improve your mood and dopamine levels in the brain.

Pets help decrease risk of heart attacks

That’s right–your furbaby not only decreases stress levels, but he or she can also boost heart health. Thus, you are less likely to be at risk for a heart attack if you have a dog or cat in the house.

Pets lower blood pressure

Yet another benefit of pets? They lower blood pressure, just by being their cute, furry selves. Keeping blood pressure low can improve physical health and lead to a longer life overall.

Pets provide companionship

During the pandemic when social distancing became a must, many turned to the animal shelters seeking a feline or canine friend. Pets are renowned companions, known for their ability to reduce loneliness in their human owners and of course boost mental health.

Another way to decrease stress? Finding the best healthcare options for you and your furry companion is proven to effectively lower stress. Get your free quote today so you can rest easy knowing your covered with the best possible insurance plan.

March 1, 2022