September 2022 - Healthedly Insurance Services

Ways to Stay on Top of Kidney Health

Doctors always recommend taking preventative measures to lower the chances of future health complications. When it comes to kidney health, experts urge us to be particularly proactive. Why?

Your kidneys are crucial to your overall health, as they filter out toxins and excess amounts of water in your system. Hence, you should make sure to take the following steps to ensure your kidneys stay healthy.

Reducing your alcohol intake is one huge step to boosting kidney health. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar and toxins for your kidneys to filter out, so it is always a good rule of thumb to limit how many glasses of wine or beer you drink weekly.

Following a nutritious eating plan also helps to promote good health. Discuss a possible meal plan with your doctor to fuel your body with all the right kinds of proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.

Your physician may recommend that you exercise daily and target your ideal body weight to achieve optimum kidney health. As a general rule, exercise always tends to boost overall physical health.

Taking preventative measures against heart disease can always improve kidney health. Some ways to avoid heart disease include the implementation of a nutrient-rich diet, regular exercise, and ensuring your blood pressure remains at a safe level.

Kidneys do not like smoke. So, doctors encourage smokers to cut the habit as soon as possible to preserve the kidneys’ wellbeing.

Taking care of your body means promoting the longevity and quality of vital organs that keep your body functioning. Following these methods, you can prevent future complications from arising.

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.

September 28, 2022

5 Beautiful Cities to Add to Your Bucket List

General

Wondering where you should go for your next international adventure? Although, the world is full of incredible cities and landscapes to explore, but here are five places you need to add to your bucket list. Maybe one of these will be your next travel destination. Each of these cities are full of vibrant culture and history, and situated in a gorgeous landscape.

1)Assissi, Italy

Home of the famous St. Francis, patron saint of animals, Assisi sprawls on the side of Mount Subasio in the Umbria region of Italy. This small town features several beautiful, historical churches, including Basilica of Saint Francesco d’Assisi and Santa Maria Maggiore. The cobbled streets roll up and down, lined with shops and homes. Most interestingly, you can explore an ancient Roman temple of Minerva as well as an amphitheater. Everywhere around Assisi, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Umbrian hills.

2)Delphi, Greece

Once the home of the Pythian Oracle in Greek mythology, Delphi overlooks some gorgeous, rolling hills and mountains. Mount Parnassus towers over this small, stunning town. Moreover, there is no shortage of shops and restaurants to visit in Delphi. The culture and history of Greece fill every shop and street, and you can’t miss the opportunity of visiting the Temple of Apollo. The ruins of this ancient temple continue to stand on the side of the Pythian hills, and you can even hike to the crest of Mount Parnassus. Although Santorini often overshadows Delphi, don’t miss out on this historical gem of a town.

3)Prague, Czech Reublic

If you travel to Prague, you can find some magnificent museums of art and history in Prague. One of the most intriguing sights in the city is the looming castle near the Charles River. Don’t forget to try Trdelnik, a Czech pastry made of fried dough covered in cinnamon sugar. You can check out art by famous artists like Andy Warhol and Alphonse Mucha or see the incredible astronomical clock in the Old Town Square.

4)Reykjavik, Iceland

Located in southwestern Iceland, Reykjavik was the first Icelandic settlement. Moreover, Reykjavik remains one of the safest cities to visit in the world. This beautiful city overlooks the Faxaflol bay, with glaciers sparkling on the horizon. Live music festivals frequent Reykjavik, and New Year’s Eve garners much celebration from the locals, making it an enjoyable place to travel to over the holidays.

5)Zermatt, Switzerland

Situated in the German-speaking section of the Valais, Zermatt sprawls in a valley of the Swiss Alps. Every year, picturesque city draws thousands of tourists since it is a prime ski and mountaineering hub. Also, you can find luxury-class shopping in Zermatt. The beauty of this city takes visitors’ breath away, with breathtaking snowcapped alps surrounding Zermatt.

If you plan on travelling out of the country soon, don’t forget to invest in travel insurance. You should always be prepared, so start by getting a free quote today or call 855-522-2201.

September 27, 2022

Does Health Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?

General, Health

Extremely large breasts or macromastia can cause long-lasting health problems. In the United States, over 80,000 breast reductions occurred in 2021 according to the Aesthetic Society, a 49% increase from the previous year. Insurance companies typically consider reduction mammoplasty (breast reduction) a cosmetic and elective procedure. But, under certain conditions it may become a medically necessary procedure. If you qualify, health insurance companies do cover this specific surgery’s costs under certain medical requirements.

Reasons breast reduction is medically necessary

A medical professional will have to determine that the surgery is medically necessary. Moreover, the doctor must also make sure you have tried nonsurgical means to treat the chronic health conditions of macromastia.

If you have health insurance, your provider should cover a reduction mammoplasty procedure to resolve a condition that causes:

back or neck pain
skin irritation
skeletal deformities
difficulty breathing
or other chronic health symptoms

How to make sure your insurance provider will cover a breast reduction

There are several steps to qualify for breast reduction surgery coverage. Get ready to spend some time with paperwork and providers to prove the surgery is a medical need. Follow these steps to determine whether this type of surgery is an appropriate treatment for your condition and whether your health plan will cover it:

Ask for medical documentation from a physician confirming that you have a medical condition that makes breast size a contributing factor in how you feel physically and emotionally on a daily basis (for example: back pain due to large breasts or breathing). Be prepared to provide this documentation when filing claims with the insurance company.
Find out what standard of proof must be met before they consider paying for the procedure — this may require multiple treatments before they approve breast reduction surgery as reasonable and necessary treatment (for example: weight loss/weight gain).

When you’re talking to your insurance provider about breast reduction surgery, you need to prepare beforehand, and understand the rules of your plan. If you have any questions or concerns about whether or not your health insurance will cover your surgery, talk to your friendly licensed agent at Healthedly to find the right plan today. Or, call 855-522-2201 for more information.

September 16, 2022

The Quick and Easy Guide to Open Enrollment for Health Insurance in 2023

ACA, General

A stethoscope and an open enrollment medical insurance form.

Open enrollment for health insurance in 2023 will be here sooner than you might think.

The earliest you can sign up for 2023 coverage through the federal government health insurance marketplace is Nov. 1, 2022, according to Healthcare.gov. General enrollment ends on Jan. 15, 2023.

It’s crucial to have a plan and make sure you find and purchase the health coverage you need before the open enrollment period ends. Otherwise, you may not be able to secure coverage or need to wait to see if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

There are plenty of questions about open enrollment for 2023. We’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions to help you make a more informed decision about your health care and insurance coverage.

Can I get Health Insurance Outside of Open Enrollment in 2023?

Yes, but only if you have a qualifying life event during that time. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) points to these qualifying events that open up special enrollment, including:

Loss of coverage (leaving a job that provided insurance, for example)
Loss of dependent status
Income increases or decreases that affect health care marketplace eligibility
Marriage
Change in immigration status

Additionally, if you’re close to age 65, you can sign up for Medicare once you are three months away from your birthday. You can also explore Medicare Advantage, Supplement and Prescription Drug coverage.

Outside of those situations and a few others, you may not be able to purchase coverage outside of open enrollment for health insurance in 2023.

What if I Miss Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

You can purchase short-term insurance from a private carrier if you miss open enrollment. These plans are an effective way to make sure you have some coverage. However, making sure you take action during open enrollment is your best option.

When Does Health Insurance Start After Open Enrollment?

The KFF explains that coverage can start at two points, assuming the first premium payment is made on time:

Enroll by Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2023.
Enroll after Dec. 15, 2022, and coverage begins on Feb. 1, 2023.

Can I Add My Spouse to My Health Insurance After Open Enrollment?

You can add a spouse to your health insurance within 60 days of your marriage. Otherwise, you generally need to wait until the next open enrollment period.

Will Pre-Existing Conditions be Covered in 2023?

Yes, pre-existing conditions are covered in 2023. An insurer in the health insurance marketplace can’t deny you coverage due to an existing medical issue.

Finding Health Insurance Coverage You Can Count On

There’s still time to look at health coverage, compare prices, and find a plan that works for you. Be prepared for open enrollment and start making your plan today.
Still looking for the right Health Insurance Plan? Browse available plans here!

September 14, 2022

How Much Does a Bridge Cost with Dental Insurance?

Dental

Missing teeth, or having bad teeth, can be very uncomfortable and damaging to your self-esteem and even to your quality of life. Missing teeth make you self-conscious, making you less likely to engage in social activities.

It can also make a bad impression in job interviews, on dates, and in any other situation where you’re trying to impress someone. Consequently, getting a dental bridge can be a lifesaver. But how much does a dental bridge usually cost?

Dental bridges are no doubt expensive, which is all the more reason why you want to have insurance coverage for this type of dental work. But even with dental insurance, a traditional dental bridge can be expensive.

With insurance, a dental bridge can cost around $1500 per tooth. Of course, this will depend on the dental insurance coverage that you have, and it will also depend on the type of bridge that you are getting. Very often, insurance companies will have a maximum benefit amount–they’ll pay that much and no more, no matter how many teeth you’re getting work done on. Other insurance companies will pay 50% of the cost of your bridges, provided you’ve had the dental insurance for more than a year.

What Types of Dental Bridges Are There?

Traditional Dental Bridge

A bridge is something dentists can use to cover up a missing tooth. The bridge has two parts: the false tooth called a pontic (note: this is different from a dental implant) and the attachments to the two remaining teeth to the sides, called abutments. Together, the pontic and abutments bridge the gap between the two teeth–hence the name “bridge”.

Bridges can be made from many different materials, including metal or porcelain, or even gold. When you have the bridge in your mouth you will be able to chew as normal without fear of the bridge coming loose. You’ll be able to have a clear smile again and feel better in social situations.

Cantilever Bridge

A cantilever bridge is similar to a traditional bridge, but instead of having an abutment against the two next teeth, it only has an abutment to one of the adjacent teeth. Because a cantilever bridge has to bear twice the pressure, this procedure is only done in certain circumstances, such as if the other tooth is also in bad shape and may need a bridge of its own.

Maryland Bridge

The Maryland Bridge is not as strong as the other type of bridges, because the dentist doesn’t crown the two abutment teeth. A metal framework holds the pontic in place. Maryland bridges can come loose, and also can be uncomfortable rubbing against the gums. Your dentist will talk you through the pros and cons.

Implant Supported Bridge

Implant supported bridges are the most expensive types of bridges, as many dental plans have very restrictive rules about implants. Instead of abutments to natural teeth, the bridge will have an abutment to an implant–false teeth. It will be the strongest type of bridge.

Browse dental insurance plans and request a quote today.

September 9, 2022