Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and strokes are the fifth most common cause. This is why it is so important to understand not just the causes of heart disease and stroke, but also the signs and symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical attention.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of strokes and heart attacks. Let’s take a closer look at the causes, signs and symptoms, and preventative measures for stroke and heart attack.
What Causes Stroke and Heart Disease?
Heart disease and stroke share some common risk factors, including age, high blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes. But there are also some differences. Stroke is caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that supply your brain with oxygen. The most common cause of heart disease is a buildup of plaque in your arteries.
Signs and Symptoms of Heart Attacks or Strokes
The symptoms of a heart attack and stroke can be similar. And, they can come on suddenly or develop slowly over time. Symptoms of a heart attack may include chest pain, shortness of breath, pain in the arm and shoulder, and nausea. Symptoms of a stroke can include difficulty speaking, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, and sudden confusion.
Preventing Stroke and Heart Disease
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack. The most important step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress. Additionally, it’s important to keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels in check. These are all risk factors for stroke and heart disease.
It’s also important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. This so that you can seek immediate medical attention if needed. By taking the proper steps for prevention, you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart attack and embrace a healthy heart.
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Texas’ maternal health outcomes are some of the worst in the nation. High rates of mortality and morbidity continue at an all-time high among pregnant women. For many Texas women, Medicaid coverage is the only affordable option for receiving the maternal care they need during pregnancy. However, understanding Medicaid eligibility in Texas for pregnancy can be confusing and complex. Here, we discuss what pregnant women in Texas need to know about Medicaid pregnancy coverage, as well as the impact of Medicaid on maternal health outcomes in the state.
What is Texas’ Maternal Mortality Rate?
Texas’ maternal mortality rate (MMR) is an alarming indicator of the state’s poor maternal health outcomes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the MMR for Texas was the highest in the nation in 2015, with a rate of 32.3 deaths per 100,000 live births. This rate is more than double the national MMR, which was 14.6 in 2015.
In response to these troubling figures, the state of Texas launched the Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force in 2013. The task force was charged with studying the causes of maternal mortality and making recommendations to improve outcomes.
What is Texas’ Medicaid Pregnancy Coverage?
Medicaid is a government health insurance program for low-income individuals and families, including pregnant women. In Texas, Medicaid is administered through the state Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
In order to be eligible for Medicaid in Texas, pregnant women must meet certain income and resource requirements. For example, a pregnant woman must have a household income at or below 133% of the federal poverty level. Additionally, the pregnant woman’s resources, such as bank accounts and investments, must not exceed $2,000.
If a pregnant woman meets the income and resource requirements, she may be eligible for full Medicaid coverage for her pregnancy and post-partum care. This coverage includes physician visits, labor and delivery care, and post-partum care.
How Does Medicaid Impact Maternal Health Outcomes in Texas?
The Texas Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force has found that Medicaid coverage is an important factor in improving maternal health outcomes in Texas. Studies have found that pregnant women who have Medicaid coverage are more likely to seek prenatal care. This can improve pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and overworked, you’re not alone. Stress at work is unfortunately one of the most common issues facing many employees in the U.S. Luckily, there are a few methods to reduce and manage anxiety at work. Here are three steps you can take to reduce stress at work and help improve your health and productivity.
1. Identify Your Stressors
The first step in reducing anxiety at work is to identify what is causing it. Many times, it’s simply the workload or the environment at work. Other times, it might be related to a lack of support from colleagues or management. To help identify your stressors, keep a journal. Write down the times when you feel most stressed, and then try to identify what is causing those feelings.
2. Develop Stress Management Strategies
Once you’ve identified the sources of your stress, it’s time to develop strategies to help manage it. One of the most effective methods for reducing stress at work is to take regular breaks throughout the day. Not only will this give your mind a break from the task at hand, but it will also help you recharge and refocus. Additionally, it can be helpful to practice anxiety relievers at work, such as deep breathing or mindfulness exercises.
3. Reach Out for Support
Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Sometimes, anxiety can be too much to manage on our own. Talk to your colleagues or management about what you’re feeling and see if they can provide any extra support. Additionally, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, think about talking to a professional. A therapist or counselor can help you work through some of the underlying issues that may be causing your stress.
Stress at work can have serious consequences for your health and productivity, so it’s important to recognize and manage it as soon as possible. By identifying the sources of your anxiety, developing stress management strategies, and reaching out for help, you can take steps to reduce stress at work and help improve your overall well-being.
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It’s no surprise that many Wisconsinites are concerned about the affordability of their health insurance.
According to a new survey, an overwhelming majority of Wisconsinites believe healthcare isn’t affordable.
The Wisconsin Policy Forum conducted the survey. It revealed that a whopping 84% of people in the state believe healthcare and health insurance are too expensive. The remainder of the respondents shows as split evenly. It split between those who thought health insurance was “just right” and those who thought it was “too cheap.”
Health insurance affordability has long been a concern in Wisconsin. For many years, the state has had some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. In addition, Wisconsinites pay some of the highest deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket costs. This makes it difficult for those who are uninsured or underinsured to get the care they need.
The survey also found that concerns about healthcare coverage affordability had risen dramatically in the last year. In 2020, only 47% of respondents said they worried about health insurance affordability. Compare this to the 84% who responded in 2021.
This is a troubling trend, and it’s one that shows no signs of slowing down. With healthcare coverage costs continuing to rise, it seems that Wisconsinites will be living with this worry for some time to come.
Fortunately, there are options available to help make health insurance more affordable.
For example, the federal government offers subsidies to help offset the cost of insurance premiums. Additionally, Wisconsinites can apply for Medicaid if they earn too little to pay for coverage.
By taking advantage of these programs, Wisconsinites can get the insurance they need without breaking the bank. This is an important step in ensuring everyone in the state can access quality coverage.
It’s clear that health insurance affordability is a major concern for Wisconsinites. We should not be take this lightly. With the right resources and support, we can make sure everyone in the state has access to the coverage they need.
The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in a public health emergency declared by the U.S. government in March 2020. This declaration allowed the government to implement emergency measures to protect citizens’ health, such as expanding access to health insurance coverage, providing funds for vaccine development, and offering economic aid.
On February 4th, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the end of the public health emergency. This announcement ushers in a new era of health insurance coverage and access. Here’s what you need to know about the new developments.
Expanded Health Care Coverage and Benefits
The end of the public health emergency has enabled HHS to expand healthcare coverage and benefits for individuals and families. The new measures include:
Expanded coverage for telehealth services: Telehealth services enable individuals to access health care remotely without having to leave their homes. HHS has permitted for expanded coverage of telehealth services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
Increased access to non-emergency medical transportation: HHS has also increased access to non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to ensure that individuals without access to transportation can get to their medical appointments.
Increased access to health services in rural areas: HHS has expanded access to health services in rural areas by increasing access to telehealth services and providing funds for rural health clinics.
Improved Access to Health Insurance Coverage
The end of the public health emergency has also led to improved access to insurance coverage. HHS has implemented the following measures to increase access to insurance coverage:
Extension of Medicaid coverage: Medicaid coverage has been extended for individuals and families struggling to pay for medical care due to the pandemic.
Increased access to marketplace coverage: HHS has also increased access to health insurance coverage in the marketplace. The new measures include a special enrollment period for those who have lost their job-based coverage due to the pandemic.
Increased access to Medicare coverage: HHS has also increased access to Medicare coverage for individuals over the age of 65.
HHS’s announcement of the end of the public health emergency has ushered in a new era of health insurance coverage and access. With the new measures, individuals and families now have improved access to insurance coverage and health care benefits.
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As the population ages, the need for dental care increases. Subsequently, the challenge of access to proper oral care grows with it. Unfortunately, the current Medicare system does not provide adequate coverage for many seniors. This leads to a decline in proper dental care and overall health.
The effects of inadequate dental care can have serious implications, ranging from physical and psychological health to financial security.
Recent studies have found that seniors without proper dental coverage are much more likely to suffer from issues such as tooth decay, gingivitis and periodontitis. This in turn can lead to more serious health problems such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, seniors without adequate dental coverage are also more likely to suffer from depression and social isolation.
The current Medicare system does not offer enough coverage to meet the needs of seniors. This leaves many without access to necessary dental care. Medicare does cover some routine services such as exams and cleanings. However, other services like fillings, crowns, and bridges are not covered. Furthermore, many seniors cannot pay for oral care out of pocket, due to a lack of funds or insurance.
The solution to this problem is providing adequate dental coverage under Medicare.
Doing so would help seniors maintain better oral health. It would also save money in the long run. Recent studies have shown that providing dental coverage for seniors improves overall health. It can also reduce medical costs for other treatments.
The current Medicare system does not provide adequate dental coverage for seniors. This leads to a decline in proper dental care and overall health. To ensure that seniors have access to the necessary dental care they need, it is essential that Medicare be updated to provide adequate coverage. Doing so will not only improve seniors’ oral health but will also result in long-term cost savings.
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Choosing health insurance can be daunting, especially if you don’t know how much you’re likely to pay. Here is a look at what affects the cost of health insurance in Texas, and how you might bring the monthly costs down.
What Is Health Insurance?
Health insurance, or a health benefit plan, helps to cover the cost of medical treatment. For example, you can use it to help pay for prescriptions, doctor’s visits, hospital treatment, and emergency care.
If you don’t have health insurance, you will be solely responsible for paying your own medical bills. This could mean you’re unable to access the care you need and deserve.
What Is the Average Cost of Health Insurance in Texas?
Given the discrepancies between policies, there’s no set figure you can expect to pay for health cover in the state. However, health insurance normally falls within an average range, which makes it easier for families and individuals to budget for it. We can consider these ranges below.
How Much Is Health Insurance in Texas Per Month?
As a benchmark, you can expect to pay somewhere around $436 per month for health insurance in Texas. For more comprehensive coverage, you could pay more than this. However, if you feel you only require basic coverage, you will pay less (around $301).
How Much Is Health Insurance in Texas for One Person?
Family health plans let you cover multiple family members. However, you might want health insurance for just one person, especially if they have more complex needs.
Since family plans cover more people, they’re often more expensive than insuring just one person. It’s advisable to consider this when you’re comparing quotes.
What Affects the Cost of Health Insurance in Texas?
Health insurance premiums depend on a range of factors such as:
Age: It can sometimes be more expensive to insure an older person than a younger person.
Location: Local rules and marketplace competition can affect how much insurance costs across Texas.
Smoking: If you use tobacco, you might pay more for health insurance than a non-smoker.
Our team can give you more details on various health plans and what might influence the cost of your policy.
How to Lower Texas Health Insurance Costs
If you need health insurance, here are some suggestions for keeping the costs down.
Evaluate how many optional add-ons you require. For example, unless you travel a lot, you might not need travel cover and this could bring your premiums down.
Consider whether you can afford to pay higher deductibles. Although this means you’ll pay more towards your own medical bills if you make a claim, it will reduce your monthly premiums.
Shop around for a competitive quote rather than accepting the first quote you get from insurance companies. You may lose out on a better value policy otherwise.
Are you looking for health insurance in Texas? Healthedly can match you with affordable quotes to protect you and your family. Call us on (855) 522-2201 or check out the Texas health insurance plans available to residents.
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When applying for a premium tax credit, one of the most important factors determining eligibility is household size. Understanding your household size and how to correctly report it is essential for receiving the right amount of tax credits. Household size includes the primary applicant and any dependents on their tax return. It can also include individuals who may not be related to the primary applicant. In this blog, we’ll explain how to determine your household size. You’ll learn how to report your household size when applying for a premium tax credit.
Who is Eligible for Premium Tax Credits
Under the Affordable Care Act, individuals and families who buy health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace can be eligible for premium tax credits. These credits are based on income, cost of insurance, and family size. To qualify, individuals must meet certain income requirements. They can have no access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Lastly, they cannot be eligible for other programs like Medicare or Medicaid. The size of the premium tax credit depends on a household’s income and the cost of their insurance plan. People with lower incomes or higher insurance costs will receive larger premium tax credits. Premium tax credits can lower the amount an individual or family has to pay for health insurance each month. Moreover, the credits can be used to reduce the amount they owed on their taxes.
What are Premium Tax Credits?
Premium tax credits are a critical financial resource for many American families. These tax credits can be used to purchase health insurance and to help lower the cost of insurance premiums. Premium tax credits are available to people with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. These credits are based on factors such as family size, income, and geographic area. Premium tax credits can significantly reduce the amount of money individuals and families have to spend on health insurance premiums each month. This makes health insurance accessible and more affordable. By helping to reduce the cost of health insurance, premium tax credits can help individuals and families access the health care they need.
What Kind of Marketplace Health Insurance Plan can Someone Buy with the Credit?
With a premium tax credit, individuals and families can purchase a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans divide into four metal tiers: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. Bronze plans have the lowest premiums and highest deductibles, while platinum plans have the highest premiums and lowest deductibles. Individuals and families can choose a plan that best suits their budget and health care needs. All plans offered through the Marketplace are comprehensive and must cover a range of health care services. These include preventive care, hospitalization, prescription drugs, and mental health services. Additionally, plans provide specific essential health benefits and protect against high out-of-pocket costs.
More about Eligibility
To be eligible for a premium tax credit, an individual or family must meet certain criteria. Generally, individuals and families making between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Hence, they are not eligible for other types of health coverage. For instance, Medicare or Medicaid can receive a tax credit. Additionally, individuals and families must purchase a health plan through the Marketplace to be eligible for a premium tax credit. The amount of the premium tax credit is based on the estimated household income and family size. It is also based on the cost of the second-lowest silver-level health plan in the Marketplace. The premium tax credit helps to pay for the monthly premiums of a health plan purchased through the Marketplace.
What is the Federal Poverty Line for Premium Tax Credit
The federal poverty line determines eligibility for a premium tax credit. The poverty line is determined by the US Department of Health and Human Services. It is based on household size and income. Generally, individuals and families who make between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. They are not eligible for other types of health coverage, are eligible for a premium tax credit. For example, the 2023 federal poverty line for an individual is $14,580. Meanwhile, the poverty line for a family of four is $30,000. These amounts vary by family size and may change based on inflation and other factors.
Ultimately, understanding and correctly reporting your household size is essential for receiving the right amount of tax credits. Household size includes the primary applicant and any dependents listed on their tax return. It also includes individuals not related to the primary applicant. It is important to be aware of the factors that can affect your household size. These factors include as marriage, divorce, and adoption. Make sure you understand the different factors involved in determining your household size. This can help you receive the right amount of premium tax credit.
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Saving money on health insurance is a top priority for many individuals and families. With the rising costs of healthcare, it’s more important than ever to find ways to lower your expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money on your health insurance while still getting the coverage you need.
Shop Around:
Don’t settle for the first health insurance plan you find. Take the time to compare different options and find the one that fits your needs and budget. You can use websites such as Healthcare.gov or eHealthInsurance to compare plans and prices.
Opt for a High Deductible Plan:
A high-deductible health insurance plan (HDHP) typically has lower monthly premiums but requires you to pay a higher deductible before insurance kicks in. If you are relatively healthy and don’t expect to need a lot of medical care, this option may be a good fit for you.
Take Advantage of Preventive Care:
Many health insurance plans offer preventive care services, such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, and screening tests, at no cost to you. Taking advantage of these services can help you avoid more expensive treatments down the road.
Consider a Health Savings Account (HSA):
An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings plan that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses. You can make contributions to an HSA account with pre-tax dollars and use the funds to pay for deductibles, copayments, and other out-of-pocket expenses.
Use In-Network Providers:
Sticking to in-network providers can save you a significant amount of money on healthcare expenses. Check your insurance plan’s network of providers and make sure the doctors, hospitals, and other providers you visit are in-network.
Negotiate Prices:
Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices for medical procedures and treatments. Hospitals and healthcare providers may be willing to lower their fees if you ask.
Take Good Care of Your Health:
The best way to save money on health insurance is to take good care of your health. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding risky behaviors that can lead to illness or injury.
Check if You Qualify for Government Assistance:
Qualifying for government assistance can open up opportunities and support for those in need. Whether you are seeking help with food, housing, medical expenses, or financial support, the government offers a range of programs to meet the diverse needs of its citizens. To access these valuable resources, you must understand the eligibility requirements and steps you need to take. This may include completing an application, providing supporting documentation, and being patient as the approval process can take time. But the end result is worth it – access to the support you need to improve your life and achieve your goals. So don’t hesitate – start the journey to qualify for government assistance today and see the positive impact it can have on your life.
By following these tips, you can save money on your health insurance while still getting the coverage you need. Take control of your healthcare costs and start saving today!
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Small business owners are always looking for ways to cut costs and save money. One area where many small business owners struggle is with providing health insurance for their employees. The cost of health insurance can be prohibitively expensive for small businesses. However, it’s an important benefit that helps attract and retain employees. In this blog post, we will explore some affordable small-group health insurance options. These options can help small business owners provide this important benefit to their employees without breaking the bank. From government-subsidized options to alternative insurance models, there are a variety of options available for small businesses looking to provide health insurance at a reasonable cost. So, if you’re a small business owner looking for ways to offer health insurance to your employees without overspending, read on to learn more about the options available to you.
What is small-group business insurance?
Small-group business insurance refers to insurance policies specifically designed for small businesses. Small businesses usually have fewer than 50 employees. These policies typically include coverage for things like property damage, liability, and workers’ compensation. Some small group business insurance policies may also include coverage for things like a business interruption. This can help a business recover from lost income if forced to close due to a covered event. Additionally, many small group business insurance policies can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular business. For example, a policy can offer coverage for specific types of equipment. Or, it can provide extra protection against certain types of risks. Overall, small group business insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection for small business owners. Thus, this helps them to secure their businesses and protect their assets in case of unexpected events.
How does small-group health insurance work?
Small group health insurance works by providing a way for small businesses to purchase health insurance coverage for their employees. The employer typically purchases small-group health insurance policies. The employer then offers the coverage to their employees as a benefit. Moreover, the employer usually pays a portion of the premium and the employee pays the remaining portion. This is either through payroll deductions or direct payments.
The insurance company then provides coverage for the employees, which includes things like doctor’s visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. The specific coverage and benefits provided by a small group health insurance policy will depend on the policy itself. It will also depend on the insurance company offering it.
However, most policies will include coverage for basic medical needs like doctor’s visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays. Additionally, many small-group health insurance policies can be customized to meet the specific needs of a particular business. This can include coverage for specific types of medical treatments or extra protection for certain types of risks.
Affordable small business health insurance plans
Affordable small business health insurance plans are insurance policies that are specifically designed for small businesses. These plans also offer coverage for the health care needs of their employees at a reasonable cost. There are a variety of options available for small businesses looking to provide health insurance at an affordable price. Some affordable small business health insurance plans include government-subsidized options.
For example, the small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) marketplace helps small businesses purchase health insurance. Other options include alternative insurance models, such as health-sharing plans. These plans are a cost-effective alternative to traditional health insurance. They allow small businesses and their employees to share in the cost of healthcare. Additionally, many insurance providers offer customizable plans that cater to small businesses needs and budgets.
There are a variety of options available for small businesses looking to provide health insurance to their employees without overspending. It’s important for small business owners to research and compare different options. This way, it is possible to find the one that best fits their needs and budget.
How can a business get small-group health insurance?
A business can get small-group health insurance by working with an insurance broker or agent. Or, by visiting a health insurance marketplace, or directly contacting an insurance company.
Working with an insurance broker or agent can be a good option for small businesses. They can help find and compare different insurance options based on the needs and budget of the business.
A health insurance marketplace, such as the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) is another option. The marketplace allows small businesses to purchase health insurance coverage for their employees. It also offers the benefit of government subsidies to those who qualify.
A business can also directly contact insurance companies and request quotes for small-group health insurance plans. It is important to compare different plans and options. This will help in the search to find the one that best fits the needs and budget of the business. Some states also have their own health insurance marketplaces that small businesses can explore.
The business ought to ensure that the plans they are considering comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. It also ought to ensure that the insurance company is licensed to sell insurance in the state where the business operates.
Do you need small-group health insurance?
Small-group health insurance is an essential benefit that small businesses can offer to their employees. It helps attract and retain employees. It also provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected health events. However, the cost of health insurance can be prohibitively expensive for small businesses. Fortunately, there are a variety of affordable small-group health insurance options available, and that’s where Healthedly comes in!
