Health Resources Archives - Healthedly Insurance Services

Preventing Strokes and Heart Attacks: What You Need to Know

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.

Take care of your heart and rest assured about your health insurance! Give Healthedly agents a call at 855-522-2201.

February 21, 2023

Understanding Texas’ Maternal Healthcare: Medicaid Pregnancy Coverage

Health Resources, Medicaid

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.

Did you recently lose your Medicaid coverage? Reach out to a Healthedly agent today to learn more about options available to you. Call us at 855-522-2201.

February 20, 2023

3 Steps to Reduce Stress at Work

Health, Health Resources, Mental Health, Self-care

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.

Stressed about your health insurance options? Healthedly agents can answer your questions! Give us a call at 855-522-2201.

February 16, 2023

Determining Your Household Size for Premium Tax Credit

ACA, Finance, General, Health Resources

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.

That’s where Healthedly comes in. Our agents are ready to answer your questions about premium tax credits, open enrollment, and health insurance eligibility, plus so much more! Give us a call at 855-522-2201 for more information!

February 7, 2023

How to Save Money on Health Insurance

Finance, Health Resources

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!

Healthedly agents are here to answer any questions you might have about saving money on health insurance. Give us a call at 855-522-2201 for more information about saving on your health insurance.

February 3, 2023

When Is Open Enrollment for Health Insurance?

Health, Health Resources

Child and adult hands cupping a small red heart for family health

When you’re choosing health insurance, it’s important to know when (and how) you can change plans. Normally, you can enroll in health insurance or switch plans during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). But when is Open Enrollment, and how does Open Enrollment work? We consider these questions below.

What Is Open Enrollment?

OEP is the one time of year when most Americans can choose health insurance, whether it’s enrolling in a new plan or switching to a different policy.

What is the point of Open Enrollment, though? It’s simple – the OEP gives people a chance each year to enroll in a policy that best reflects their changing health needs. Without an OEP, many people would have insufficient coverage in place and no way to change it.

When Is Open Enrollment 2023?

Helpfully, the dates stay roughly the same each year.

In most states, the OEP for 2023 started on November 1, 2022. If you want your plan to start on January 1, 2023, you have until December 15, 2022 to change plans or enroll in a new one. Once you enroll or change plans (and pay your first monthly premium), your cover starts.

If you missed the initial deadline, you have options. You have until January 15, 2023 to enroll or change policies for this coming year. Once you pay the premium, cover starts from February 1, 2023.

It’s not too late to qualify for Open Enrollment in 2023. Contact us for quotes or if you need help choosing a health insurance plan.

Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare

If you’re on Medicare, they have their own annual Open Enrollment Period (usually between October and December, or January through March if you have Medicare Advantage).

Unsure which deadline applies? Call our team for advice.

Can I Apply Outside of the Open Enrollment Period?

Yes, but only if you qualify for what’s called a “Special Enrollment Period” (SEP).

Special Enrollment Periods take into consideration how your life can change over the course of the year between Open Enrollment Periods. Just as your life changes more than once a year, so should you be able to switch health policies quickly to better suit your needs.

What triggers a SEP? You qualify if you experience a significant life event (“qualifying” event) such as:

If you’re not eligible for a Special Enrollment Period, you may need to wait for Open Enrollment to come around again before you can get health insurance.

How Do I Get Ready for Open Enrollment?

Although Open Enrollment can be confusing, here’s what you can do to prepare.

Think about your healthcare needs. Does your existing health insurance give you enough protection, or do you need a more comprehensive policy?
Set a budget for how much you can afford to spend each month on health insurance premiums.
Shop around for a competitive quote – don’t rush. Our team can answer any questions you have if you need extra support.

Looking for health insurance? Healthedly can help you find, compare, and enroll in the best available individual and family health plans – call on (855) 522-2201.

January 11, 2023

What Happens if I Don’t Have Health Insurance?

Health, Health Resources

Three sets of adult and children hands holding a red heart with white heart rate line along it

“I don’t have health insurance.” If you don’t have coverage, you might be worried about the future. What happens if you need medical care, and can you be penalized for being uninsured? We consider these points and more below.

How Many Americans Don’t Have Health Insurance?

Worryingly, over 9% of Americans are uninsured, according to the latest data from the National Center for Health Statistics. This works out at just over 31 million people – a staggering number of individuals who don’t have enough insurance to cover their medical expenses. Other key findings include:

3.7 million of children under 5 are uninsured.
31.2 million people under 65 don’t have health insurance.
27.5 million Americans aged between 18 and 64 aren’t insured.

Are You Legally Required to Have Health Insurance?

No – there’s no legal requirement at the federal level to have health insurance. However, some individual states still require you to have health insurance. You must have coverage if you live in:

California
District of Columbia
Massachusetts
New Jersey
Rhode Island
Vermont

Are You Penalized if You Don’t Have Health Insurance?

There’s no tax penalty at the federal level. However, if you’re in a state where health insurance is mandated, then you could face tax penalties if you don’t have coverage.

The penalties vary by state. In California, for example, you’ll pay:

At least $425 for each uninsured child under 18
At least $850 for each uninsured adult in the household

If you need an exemption, you might be able to claim one when you file your tax return, or follow your state’s specific guidelines.

If You Don’t Have Health Insurance, What Happens?

If you don’t have health insurance, a few things can happen.

If it’s a medical emergency, doctors must treat you. However, once you are stable, they don’t have to provide treatment unless you’re insured – or you can prove how you will cover the costs.
You will be expected to cover the full costs of treatment including prescription medicines, medical devices, and related care.
It will be your responsibility to pay for procedures you might need for your health and wellbeing.

While health insurance may not pay for every fee, it certainly helps to cover the costs.

Do I Need Health Insurance?

You need health insurance if it’s mandated in your state. Otherwise, it’s a personal choice, but here’s why it might be worth it.

Without health insurance, you’re responsible for all of your own medical bills. This could make healthcare unaffordable for many people.
You may find yourself in debt trying to cover the costs of medical care. This could have serious consequences for your financial health e.g. your credit score.
Health insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that your health needs are covered. You can focus on getting better rather than stressing over money.

Need health insurance? Contact Healthedly. We can help you find, compare, and enroll in the best available individual and family health plans – reach out today.

January 10, 2023

What Is Considered a Qualifying Event for Health Insurance?

Health, Health Resources

Young man and young woman studying a health insurance document

“Qualifying event” is a term we hear a lot, but it’s not always clear what it means. Below, we explain how qualifying events for health insurance work and how they affect you.

What Is a Health Insurance “Qualifying Event”?

A qualifying event is a change in your life circumstances. Not every life event is a “qualifying” event, though – it must be a change which is significant enough to possibly affect your health insurance coverage. For example, maybe you’re adding new family members, moving to a new state, or switching jobs. We’ll go over what counts as a health insurance qualifying event below.

What Happens During a Health Insurance Qualifying Event?

A qualifying event triggers what’s called a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP is a period of time during which you can choose a new plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period (OEP).

If this is your first time taking out health insurance (for example, you’re about to turn 26), the SEP is an important step in taking charge of your own affairs. And even if you already have health insurance, an SEP is your chance to shop around for a new plan which may serve your needs better.

How Long Do I Have to Act?

It depends on the type of qualifying event. You may have up to 60 days before the event, and/or up to 60 days after the event to enroll in a health plan.

For example, if you’re about to lose coverage due to turning 26, your enrollment period begins 60 days before the event, and ends 60 days after your birthday. And if you’re getting married, you have up to 60 days after the big day to choose a plan.

Qualifying Life Events for Health Insurance

While this is not an exhaustive list, here’s a breakdown of the most common health insurance qualifying events.

Change in Life Circumstances

Major life events trigger Special Enrollment Periods. Major events include births, adoption, deaths, marriage, and divorce.

Loss of Health Insurance

If you lose health insurance, whether it’s because you turn 26, lose job-based coverage, or your eligibility changes, this qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period.

Residence Changes

If you’re moving to a different state (or even changing county or ZIP code), this is a qualifying event. It’s also a qualifying event if you’re a student moving to a new place for school, or you’re leaving sheltered housing.

Other Qualifying Events

Other events which might trigger SEPs include becoming a US citizen, leaving prison or jail, or experiencing significant income changes.

What Documents Do I Need to Prove a Qualifying Event?

It all comes down to what triggers the Special Enrollment Period. The documents you might need include:

birth certificates
death certificates
divorce papers
marriage papers
rental agreement

At Healthedly, we can help you find, compare, and enroll in the best available individual and family health plans. Contact us now.

January 8, 2023

Are You Enrolling in the Right Health Plan?

General, Health Resources, Individual and Family, Short Term, Special Enrollment Period

How to know for sure that you are enrolled in the right health plan

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding whether to enroll in an ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan or a short-term health plan.

First and foremost, it’s important to understand the differences between the two types of plans. ACA plans, also known as “Obamacare” plans, provide comprehensive coverage for a wide range of medical services. This includes preventative care, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. These plans must meet certain requirements set by the federal government, such as covering pre-existing conditions. They also offer a minimum level of coverage.

On the other hand, short-term medical plans provide temporary coverage for unexpected medical expenses. These plans typically have lower premiums and offer more flexibility than ACA plans. However, they provide much less comprehensive coverage. Short-term plans typically exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions. They may not cover certain types of care, such as maternity or mental health services.

What are your health and medical needs?

One major factor to consider when deciding between an ACA plan and a short-term medical plan? Your current health and medical needs. For example, you have a chronic condition or expect to need a lot of medical care in the near future. An ACA plan is likely to be a better choice because of its comprehensive coverage. On the other hand, if you’re healthy and just want some protection against unexpected medical expenses, a short-term plan may be a good option.

Another important factor to consider is your budget. ACA plans can be more expensive than short-term plans, if you don’t qualify for subsidies to help lower your premiums. If you’re on a tight budget and need to save money on your health insurance, a short-term plan is a good option. However, keep in mind that you’ll likely end up paying more out of pocket for medical care if you have a short-term plan. These plans provide less comprehensive coverage.

Think long-term vs short-term when it comes to your health plan

It’s also important to think about the long-term implications of your decision. ACA plans seem more stable and predictable than short-term plans. They provide continuous coverage and can’t be canceled for reasons like getting sick or making a claim. If you’re looking for a long-term solution for your health insurance needs, an ACA plan may be a better choice.

Whether you choose an ACA plan or a short-term medical plan will depend on your individual circumstances and needs. ACA plans provide comprehensive coverage, but can be more expensive. Short-term plans are less expensive, but provide less comprehensive coverage.

Ultimately, the right choice for you will depend on your health, budget, and long-term needs. Healthedly offers a variety of plans, from

Look no further than Healthedly for all your answers about health insurance and coverage. Start getting enrolled today, grab a free quote, and chat with a Healthedly agent. We are here to help you get the right healthcare coverage.

December 22, 2022

Colon Cancer and the Importance of Early Screenings

General, Health, Health Resources, Self-care

Why you need an early screening for colon cancer

Colon cancer is a type of cancer that affects the colon, the large intestine. The colon is part of the body’s digestive system, and its primary function is to absorb water and nutrients from food and to eliminate waste. Colon cancer occurs when healthy cells in the colon develop mutations in their DNA, leading them to grow and divide rapidly. These abnormal cells form a tumor, and if doctors do not detect the tumor and treat it, this cancer can spread to other parts of the body.

Colon Cancer Screening

The importance of early screening for colon cancer cannot be overstated. Every year, at least 100,000 people in the US recieve the chilling diagnosis of colon cancer. When this type of cancer gets detected in its early stages, it can often be treated successfully, and the chances of survival are much higher. Screening tests, such as a colonoscopy, can help doctors find colon cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable.

Some people are at a higher risk of developing this disease. Risk factors for this type of cancer include a family history of this cancer, a personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or being over the age of 50. People with any of these risk factors should talk to their doctor about getting screened for this cancer.

Treatment

If cancerous cells are detected, treatment will depend on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s overall health. Treatment options may include surgery to remove the cancerous growth or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells. Experts also recommend radiation therapy to shrink the tumor. In some cases, your doctor will use combination of these treatments.

One of the biggest challenges with this type of cancer? It often does not cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. This is why screening is so important. Signs may be altered bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), blood in stool, abdominal discomfort, and unexplained weight decrease. If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor right away.

In conclusion, cancer of the colon is a serious disease that can be deadly if not detected and treated early. Early screening is crucial for detecting colon cancer at an early stage, when it is most treatable. If you are at high risk for colon cancer, talk to your doctor about getting screened. And if you experience any symptoms of a cancerous colon, don’t delay in seeking medical help.

If you are looking for the right health insurance provider, Healthedly is here to help. Our agents are dedicated to ensuring you find the best fit, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 855-522-2201.

December 21, 2022