June 2022 - Healthedly Insurance Services

American Rescue Plan

– June 30, 2021

Originally Published on CMS.gov

Consumers should Visit HealthCare.gov Beginning July 1 to see if they Qualify for New Financial Help.

The American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), lowers the cost of health insurance. This will open more pathways for Americans to obtain affordable and comprehensive health coverage. Starting July 1, 2021, consumers who received approval can access unemployment compensation. This will start in 2021 may find even lower cost plans. They could save extra money on out-of-pocket expenses through HealthCare.gov.

Do you want to take advantage of these savings? Consumers approved for unemployment compensation in 2021 need to visit HealthCare.gov to submit a new application. Or they should update their existing application to maximize the savings they can get for the rest of 2021. Three out of five eligible uninsured Americans can access $0 plans after advance payments of tax credits. Four out of five current HealthCare.gov consumers will find a plan for $10 per month after advance payments of tax credits. CMS encourages consumers recieving unemployment income beginning in 2021 to update their application between July 1 and August 15. They need to do so in order to maximize the savings on Marketplace coverage for the rest of the year.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on providing relief to millions of families who need to access health insurance coverage because they have been impacted by job losses or underemployment during the pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Administration has made it easier than ever for Americans to enroll in an affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov thanks to the increased financial assistance provided through the American Rescue Plan. We encourage consumers who have received unemployment compensation in 2021 to visit the Marketplace to see if they qualify to save money on their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.”

“We are doing everything we can to remove financial barriers to comprehensive health care,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

“The American Rescue Plan provides consumers with additional savings and will make coverage even more attainable for those most in need. We welcome people who received unemployment benefits in 2021 to check out their health coverage options on HealthCare.gov on July 1.”

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s SEP for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, consumers can apply for coverage. They can also compare plan offerings. Or, they can learn if they qualify for more affordable premiums by visiting HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov through August 15. Consumers can view 2021 plans and prices. They can then submit an application to see if they are eligible for enrollment and financial assistance. If eligible, they can enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. Current enrollees should review their application and make any updates needed to their current information. Then they should submit their application and select a new plan. Or they should reselect their current plan to receive the increased savings under the ARP.

Visit Healthedly.com or call 855-522-2201 for more information on affordable health coverage!

(Original article published by CMS.Gov ‘https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/american-rescue-plan-lowers-health-insurance-costs-americans-who-may-have-lost-their-job’)

June 30, 2022

Benefits with U.S. Healthcare in a Post-Pandemic World?

General

The COVID-19 Pandemic utterly transformed the healthcare landscape worldwide. But as a U.S. citizen, you will enjoy the new conveniences afforded by these changes.

Before the Pandemic, telehealth had just begun to break ground, with the rise of popular apps such as BetterHealth making waves on social media.

But the world screeched to a halt when COVID-19 hit, including many health professionals usually available in person. Testing for COVID, treatment for the virus, and hospital emergency-only procedures took precedence over less urgent health concerns.

As the global shutdown continued, the world witnessed a virtual takeover. Everyone found themselves forced to go completely online and remote.

The change also affected healthcare professionals and their patients.

Telehealth began to boom, proving itself a Pandemic-proof industry.

Teladoc is one such leading corporation that skyrocketed exponentially. It especially saw success when the globe transitioned into the virtual space on a social and professional level. Many different types of business models (for example, the automobile industry) saw a dramatic decrease in sales. Meanwhile, companies like Teladoc that offer virtual services in a widely used industry enjoyed a massive spike in sales and new customers.

This trend shows the future of U.S. healthcare and how it will slide from in-person clinics and hospital offices to the home and digital space.

Gone are the days when doctors and medical practitioners would offer in-person-only services. The option to meet with your doctor in person or on a telehealth app is now a widespread phenomenon. More and more healthcare businesses are noting the trend towards offering out-of-office medical services, which means that you will have a broad range of options, regardless of what healthcare company you use.

How will these changes in the U.S. healthcare market affect you and your loved ones? How will it affect your business?

Selecting a healthcare provider now can be a bit more overwhelming since more and more companies are offering both virtual and face-to-face services. Finding out which insurance provider fits your financial needs the best is the first step to setting yourself up for future success in a post-pandemic world.

For information about finding the right healthcare plan for you and your family, call 855-522-2201 or Click Here!

June 15, 2022

Who Doesn’t Qualify for Medicaid?

Medicaid

A doctor meeting with an elderly male patient in an exam room.

Medicaid is a great resource if you’re eligible for it. Knowing whether or not you qualify for Medicaid can be a long and frustrating process of paperwork, never knowing where you stand. We’re going to try to answer some of the most common questions people have about getting Medicaid.

Do You Have to Be Working to Get Medicaid?

It depends on your state, your age, your level of disability, and several other factors. In most cases, you do not have to be working to qualify for Medicaid. You simply have to meet certain financial requirements. For a long time, there were no work requirements. However, a new policy in 2018 made it possible for states to require work-related activities for a specified number of hours each month.

Moreover, people who are over the age of 65, who are pregnant, or who qualify for Medicaid because of federal disability assistance do not ever have to work to qualify.

Of course, this change in policy has been controversial. Why? It is estimated that 80 percent of enrollees who would normally be required to work are unable to due to illness or injury. These individuals usually are acting as a primary caregiver, or a student.

Can You Get Medicaid Under 65?

Yes, anyone from infants to seniors is eligible for Medicaid. Medicaid is primarily an income and disability-based federal health coverage program. Children and pregnant women are commonly eligible. Children cannot work and the law excludes pregnant mothers from the work requirement.

What Makes You Not Eligible for Medicaid?

Medicaid coverage gets primarily determined by looking at the state you live in. Other factors include the number of people in your home, and the total income your household will make in the current year. How do you know if you qualify for Medicaid? Healthcare.gov has an easy-to-use tool that will help you determine if you are eligible for Medicaid.

If you make too much money for the size of your household, you will be ineligible for Medicaid. This is according to the rules set by your state.

The rules for Medicaid vary by state, and the laws change frequently in the Medicaid program. Some administrations focus on expanding Medicaid and some want to tighten the limits on Medicaid. The Department of Health of your state, or the United States Department of Health, will have the most up-to-date resources. This way, you can determine if you can get covered by Medicaid.

Still looking for the right Health Insurance Plan? Browse our plans and get a quote today!

June 10, 2022

What You Need To Know Before Enrolling ACA

General

Is it your first time enrolling in an Affordable Care Act plan or are you re-enrolling? It may be confusing to change plans or just simply enroll, so we are here to help you figure out what it is that you need to know before purchasing. So what exactly is the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Open Enrollment?

Open enrollment is the annual window during which individuals and families may sign up for ACA-compliant individual and family health insurance. Or, make changes to their existing coverage. Only during Open Enrollment can Americans sign up for a plan or switch to a different health plan.

For millions of Americans, this year’s open enrollment period vastly differed from past periods. More consumers than ever are now eligible for premium tax credits. The American Rescue Plan (ARP), made law in 2021, included subsidy enhancements that allow an unprecedented number of Americans to qualify for premium tax credits. Subsequently, this increases the amount of the subsidies.

Open enrollment for 2023 health coverage begins nationwide in November of 2022 and will continue through January of 2023.

Enrollments in most states needed to be completed by December of the calendar year in order to have a plan that took effect on January 1. Several states gave residents until December 31 to sign up for a plan with a January 1 effective date. In nearly every state, enrollments completed after December 15 but before the end of open enrollment had a February 1 effective date. However, there are some states such as DC, Kentucky and New York, where a March effective date. So, what should you do before your ACA enrollment to make the most of your options? Here’s a short list of things that you can do.

Assess your salary for the coming year

Premium tax credits, or subsidies, are based on your adjusted gross income for the coming year. Assessing your income will help you figure out the amount of subsidies you qualify for and what plans best meet your budget and needs.

Estimating your salary can also help prevent you from overpaying for your insurance.

If you end up making less than you guess, you’ll get back the difference you’re owed on your tax refund.

Call doctors and check ACA provider directories

Insurance companies offer provider directories that make it easier to find in-network doctors, so be sure you check your current or new plan’s directory, especially if you’re keen on keeping a particular doctor. You can also call doctors’ offices to see if they’re still accepting a specific plan. You must confirm that your providers accept the plan and are in network before purchasing it.

Check for new ACA plans in your region

Plans and prices change every year, and more insurance companies are offering coverage this year. This means that you have more options than you did in previous years, so you should take time to review them to shop for a plan.

Utilize subsidies around you

Affordable Care Act enrollees who make below certain income limits may qualify for cost-sharing reductions. These extra benefits lower your out-of-pocket costs (such as deductibles, out-of-pocket spending limits, and copays). But, they can be used only with a silver plan, Riggs says. The catch? Silver plans might have higher monthly premiums than other options (such as bronze-tier coverage). But you’ll usually pay less out of pocket when you use your silver coverage.

Visit us through Healthedly or give one of our agents a call to learn more about ACA enrollment.

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

June 9, 2022

What is the Impact of the Formula Shortage?

News

As demand for baby formula remains the same. Supply is still alarmingly low. Many people look for assistance from hospitals and community organizations for help.

The government is flying tons of this baby food staple from other countries into the U.S. Also, Abbott is reopening a factory that produces nearly half the powdered formula sold in our country, however it is still expected to take several weeks for retailers to get their regular supply.

“One estimate, from the market research company Datasembly, found that stock rates have not improved. During the last week of May, 74% of formula products were out of stock at some point. In nine states, including many in the South, more than 90% of formula products weren’t always available, which means families are still on the hunt.” (Source: CNN.com)

When it is possible to find formula at a local store, it may not be the right brand or type your baby is used to. This can cause major problems for your little one’s not being consistent on the product they’re consuming.

As supply steeply declined, it initially only affected those in need of specialty formulas, then increased to affect every formula. This caused parents to frantically call the hospitals in search of anyone who could help them. In the formula rooms of hospitals they have had to mix other commercially available products out of necessity. However, this is done under expert supervision and is not recommended to be done at home.

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

June 7, 2022

Is The Answer To Saving the Earth in Lab-Grown Meat?

General

Lab-grown meat, also known as cellular agriculture or cultured meat, is a promising solution for reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Here are a few reasons why meat cultivated in a lab could help address climate change:

Fewer greenhouse gas emissions:

Animal agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, particularly methane and nitrous oxide. Lab-grown meat, on the other hand, could be created with a much lower carbon footprint.

Less land and water use:

Traditional animal agriculture requires vast amounts of land and water. Lab-grown meat, on the other hand, could get produced in a much more efficient and sustainable manner. Hence, potentially this type of meat would use a fraction of the resources required for traditional animal agriculture.

Lab-grown meat is better for animal welfare:

Scientists could produce lab-grown meat without the need for animal slaughter. This could improve animal welfare and reduce the ethical concerns associated with traditional animal agriculture.

Increased food security:

As the global population continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to find sustainable ways to produce food. Lab-produced meat could be an important part of the solution. It could be produced in a way that is both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Overall, lab-grown meat has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture. This makes it an important solution for addressing climate change.

Are you seeking a health insurance plan that is affordable and fitting of your family’s needs? If yes, then Healthedly can be your solution! Our licensed agents will answer any questions you have about getting enrolled.

June 6, 2022

FDA investigation: fresh strawberries could be linked to Hepatitis A outbreak

General

The US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is investigating a link between a hepatitis A outbreak and fresh organic strawberries.

The FDA with the US CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and state and local partners, said the strawberries were branded as FreshKampo as well as HEB and purchased between March 5 and April 25.

Where did you purchase?

A number of retailers sold these strawberries, including Aldi, HEB, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, Safeway, Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Weis Markets and WinCo Foods.

The potentially affected strawberries have exceeded their shelf life, but people who froze them to use later should not eat them.

If you do not remember where you purchased your strawberries, just discard them to be safe rather than sorry.

Seventeen hepatitis cases have been identified in California, Minnesota and North Dakota. Each of these cases have led to 12 hospitalizations. Traceback investigations show that cases in California, Minnesota and Canada reported having purchased the strawberries. An investigation continues into other organic produce products. People became ill between March 28 and April 30.

What do you need to look out for?

If you don’t know for sure if you already received a Hepatitis A vaccination, you think you have already consumed infected strawberries, and if you are now experiencing symptoms, the FDA recommends you consult your health care provider.

Hepatitis A symptoms typically appear 2-7 weeks after infection, and typically last less than two months. However, some people can be ill up to six months. Keep in mind that not all infected people become symptomatic.

Symptoms can include jaundice, lack of appetite, stomach pain or discomfort, vomiting, fever, light colored stools or dark urine, diarrhea, joint pain and lack of energy. Adults are far more likely than children to experience noticeable symptoms if they are infected.

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

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June 3, 2022