There have been various efforts in the past to address the disparities in maternal healthcare faced by African American mothers and to improve maternal health outcomes for all mothers. These efforts have included legislation, policy initiatives, and programs at the federal, state, and local levels.
Here are several reasons why African American mothers need better maternal healthcare:
African American mothers are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African American mothers are more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than any other racial or ethnic group in the United States.
African American mothers are more likely to receive inadequate prenatal care.
This can lead to poorer birth outcomes and increased risk of complications.
African American mothers are more likely to face discrimination and racial bias in the healthcare system.
This can lead to poorer quality of care and poorer health outcomes.
African American mothers often face social and economic barriers to accessing healthcare
This includes a lack of insurance or transportation.
Overall, improving maternal healthcare for African American mothers will require addressing these and other systemic issues, such as addressing healthcare disparities and improving access to quality care for all mothers. Thankfully, Congress passed a new bill in February, 2021, called the Maternal Health Momnibus. This bill introduces pivotal legislation that will make healthcare more accessible to minority groups, including African Americans.
It is important to continue working towards improving maternal healthcare for all mothers, and particularly for those who are most vulnerable or disadvantaged. This can include efforts to address healthcare disparities, increase access to quality care, and support mothers during pregnancy and after childbirth.
If you are seeking affordable health insurance options but aren’t sure of where to look, start with Healthedly. Our agents will send you a free quote and answer any questions you might have about everything insurance.
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The deadline for enrolling in health insurance through the marketplace is quickly approaching. And, 13 million individuals have until December 15th to sign up for coverage.
The marketplace, also known as the Health Insurance Exchange, is a platform created by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). This platform allows individuals and small businesses to compare and purchase health insurance plans. It is an important resource for those who do not have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. It’s also a resource for those who cannot afford the high premiums and out-of-pocket costs associated with private insurance plans.
Open enrollment for the marketplace typically takes place between November and December each year. It is the only time when individuals can enroll in a plan without experiencing a qualifying life event (such as getting married, having a child, or losing employer-sponsored coverage).
This year, the enrollment period has been shortened. It will only last until December 15th. So, it is important that those who are in need of health insurance act quickly.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a health insurance plan through the marketplace. First, it is important to determine whether you are eligible for financial assistance. For example, are you eligible for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. These subsidies can significantly reduce the cost of health insurance. This makes it more affordable for those with low or moderate incomes.
To determine your eligibility for financial assistance, you will need to provide information about your household size and income. You can do this by filling out an application on the marketplace website. Or, you can contact a local enrollment assistance center.
Next, you will need to choose a health insurance plan that meets your needs.
There are four main types of plans available through the marketplace: bronze, silver, gold, and platinum. These plans get categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide. Bronze plans offer the lowest level of coverage and platinum plans offer the highest.
In general, bronze plans have the lowest premiums but also have the highest out-of-pocket costs, such as deductibles and copays. On the other hand, platinum plans have the highest premiums but the lowest out-of-pocket costs.
It is important to carefully consider your healthcare needs when choosing a plan. If you have a chronic condition or take expensive medications, for example, you may want to consider a plan with a higher premium and lower out-of-pocket costs. On the other hand, if you are generally healthy and only visit the doctor occasionally, you may want to choose a plan with a lower premium and higher out-of-pocket costs.
Another important factor to consider is the plan’s provider network.
Most health insurance plans give a list of providers that they have negotiated lower rates with, and these providers get considered as “in-network”. If you see a provider who is not in the plan’s network, you may have to pay a higher out-of-pocket cost.
It is a good idea to check the provider network before enrolling in a plan. By doing so, you ensure that your preferred doctors and hospitals are included. You can typically find this information on the plan’s summary of benefits and coverage, which is available on the marketplace website.
Finally, it is important to remember that health insurance plans can change from year to year, so it is a good idea to review your plan annually to make sure it still meets your needs. If you already enrolled in a marketplace plan, you will receive a notice in the fall with information about any changes to your plan for the following year.
The deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan through the marketplace is quickly approaching. It is important for those in need of coverage to act now. By taking the time to consider your healthcare needs and researching the available options, you can find a plan that meets your budget and provides the coverage you need.
If you are unsure about your options or have questions about the enrollment process, you can reach out to Healthedly for more information.
You can also contact your state’s insurance department for help with understanding your options and enrolling in a plan.
Enrolling in health insurance is an important step in taking care of your health and protecting yourself and your family from unexpected medical expenses. Don’t wait until it’s too late – now is the time to act and get the coverage you need.
Remember, the deadline for enrolling in a health insurance plan through the marketplace is December 15th. Don’t miss your chance to get the coverage you need – visit healthcare.gov today and start exploring your options.
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The “birthday rule” is a provision that exists in many retirement plans, including 401(k) plans. This dictates that an individual must reach a certain age before they can begin to withdraw money from their account without incurring a penalty. The current age that the birthday rule specifies is 59 1/2 years old. However, there has been a proposal to change this rule in order to make it easier for individuals to access their retirement funds earlier in life.
One of the proposed changes to the birthday rule?
Lower the age at which individuals can begin to withdraw money from their retirement accounts without incurring a penalty.
This change is being considered because many people are finding it difficult to save enough money for retirement. This alteration allows them to access their funds earlier in life. Hence, this could provide them with the financial support they need to meet their expenses.
Another proposed change to the birthday rule? Allow individuals to use their retirement funds to pay for certain expenses.
For example, they can use the fund for the cost of education or the purchase of a first home, without incurring a penalty.
This change is being considered because these expenses can be significant and may not be covered by other sources of funding. Allowing individuals to use their retirement funds to pay for these expenses could help them to achieve important financial goals. It could also improve their financial security.
There are also proposals to allow individuals to withdraw money from their retirement accounts on an ongoing basis. They wouldn’t have to wait to do so at one specific age. This change is being considered for what reason? It would give individuals more flexibility in terms of when they can access their funds. It could make it easier for them to manage their retirement savings. Overall, the proposed changes to the birthday rule are intended to make it easier for individuals to access their retirement funds. And they can do so earlier in life. They can use them for a wider range of expenses.
These changes could help to improve financial security and provide individuals with more control over their financial futures. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential consequences of these changes before making a decision. They may have an impact on an individual’s overall financial strategy and retirement planning.
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Healthcare needs to be more readily available to farmers. Why? Well, here’s quite a few compelling reasons that support this belief:
Farmworkers face unique health risks:
Unfortunately, farmers face exposure to a range of health risks due to the nature of their work, including exposure to pesticides, heavy lifting, and working long hours in harsh weather conditions.
Access to healthcare remains limited in rural areas:
Many farmworkers live in rural areas where access to healthcare stays fairly limited. Subsequently, this makes it difficult for them to get the medical care they need when they need it.
Farmworkers contribute to the economy:
Farmworkers play a vital role in the economy by producing the food that we eat. Ensuring that they have access to healthcare can help them to stay healthy and productive.
The healthcare needs of farmers remain overlooked:
The healthcare industry often overlooks the needs of farmworkers, as they are a small and dispersed population. Giving healthcare access to farmworkers may ensure that their needs get addressed and that they receive the care they need.
Providing healthcare to farmers can have positive spillover effects:
Providing healthcare to farmers can have positive spillover effects on their families and communities, as healthy farmworkers are better able to contribute to the well-being of their families and communities.
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If healthcare was offered by a discount retailer, it is likely that the focus would be on providing basic care at a low cost. This could involve offering a limited range of services, such as vaccinations, basic screenings, and generic medications. The care provided may be delivered by non-specialist healthcare providers, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, rather than doctors.
One potential advantage of this model? It could make healthcare more accessible and affordable for individuals who do not have insurance or who have high deductibles. However, the quality of care may be lower than at traditional healthcare facilities. The providers may not have the same level of training and expertise. More complex or specialized medical conditions may not be adequately addressed in this type of setting.
Here are some potential pros and cons of healthcare offered by a discount retailer:
Pros of Healthcare from a Discount Retailer:
Low cost:
One potential advantage of this model? It could make healthcare more affordable for individuals who do not have insurance or who have high deductibles.
Convenience:
Discount retailers are often more convenient to access than traditional healthcare facilities. They may have longer hours and more locations.
Simplicity:
The care provided by discount retailers may be more straightforward. These retailers may focus on basic services such as vaccinations and screenings. This could make it easier for individuals to get the care they need. No more trying to navigate complex insurance coverage or appointments with multiple specialists.
Cons of Healthcare from a Discount Retailer:
Limited range of services:
Discount retailers may offer a limited range of healthcare services. This may not be sufficient to address more complex or specialized medical conditions.
Lower quality of care:
The providers at discount retailers may not have the same level of training as those at traditional healthcare facilities. Hence, this could lead to a lower quality of care.
Stigma:
Some individuals may feel stigmatized by seeking care at a discount retailer. This could deter them from seeking care even if it is more affordable and convenient.
Dependence on retail model:
Relying on a discount retailer for healthcare could create dependence on this model. Subsequently, this reliance could reduce the availability of more comprehensive and specialized care at traditional healthcare facilities.
Give Healthedly a call if you need further assistance finding the best health coverage for you and your family.
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A heart attack is a serious medical emergency that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, causing damage to the heart muscle. While most heart attacks are accompanied by clear and noticeable symptoms, such as chest pain and shortness of breath, some heart attacks, known as silent heart attacks, may not have any obvious symptoms at all.
Silent heart attacks, also known as asymptomatic or “silent” myocardial infarctions, can be just as dangerous as heart attacks with symptoms and can even lead to death. It is important to be aware of the signs of a silent heart attack and to seek medical attention if you think you may be experiencing one.
Here are some common signs of a silent heart attack:
Chest pain or discomfort:
While chest pain is often the most common symptom of a heart attack, some people may experience a more subtle form of chest discomfort during a heart attack. This can feel like a tightness or pressure in the chest, and may be accompanied by pain in the arms, neck, jaw, or back.
Shortness of breath:
Difficulty breathing is another common symptom of a heart attack, but it may be less noticeable during a silent heart attack. You may feel short of breath during physical activity or when you are at rest.
Fatigue:
If you are experiencing a silent heart attack, you may feel extremely tired or exhausted, even if you have not been physically active. This can be a result of the heart not pumping blood effectively due to the blockage in the coronary artery.
Nausea:
Some people may experience nausea or vomiting during a heart attack. This can be caused by the increased heart rate and blood pressure that can occur during a heart attack.
Sweating:
Sweating is another common symptom of a heart attack, and it may be more noticeable during a silent heart attack as it is often one of the only noticeable symptoms.
Heart palpitations:
If you are experiencing a heart attack, you may feel a racing or skipping sensation in your heart. This can be caused by the heart trying to compensate for the lack of oxygenated blood flow due to the blockage in the coronary artery.
Dizziness:
Dizziness or lightheadedness can also be a sign of a silent heart attack. This can be caused by a decrease in blood flow to the brain due to the blockage in the coronary artery.
It is important to note that not all heart attacks have the same symptoms, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. If you have any of the above symptoms, or if you are experiencing any other unusual symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Risk factors for silent heart attacks
There are several factors that can increase your risk including:
Age:
The risk of experiencing a silent heart attack increases as you get older, especially in men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55.
High blood pressure:
High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart attacks, and it can increase your risk of experiencing a silent heart attack.
Diabetes:
People with diabetes are at an increased risk of experiencing a heart attack, as high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of blockages.
Family history:
If you have a family history of heart disease, you may be at an increased risk of experiencing a silent heart attack.
Smoking:
Smoking increases the risk of heart attacks, and it can also increase the risk of experiencing a heart attack.
It is important to be aware of the signs of a silent heart attack and to seek medical attention if you think you may be experiencing one. In addition to being aware of the symptoms, it is also important to be aware of the risk factors for silent heart attacks. By taking steps to reduce your risk factors, such as quitting smoking and managing high blood pressure and diabetes, you can help to prevent a silent heart attack.
If you have had a silent heart attack, it is important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
This may include medications to help control risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
It is also important to pay attention to your overall heart health. This includes getting regular check-ups and screenings, such as cholesterol tests and blood pressure checks, to help catch any potential issues early on. While silent heart attacks can be serious and even life-threatening, they are also treatable. By being aware of the signs and taking steps to prevent a silent heart attack, you can protect your heart health and reduce your risk of future heart problems. To seek proper medical advice from your doctor at an affordable price, contact a licensed agent at Healthedly now at 855-522-2201!
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Studies show that immigration positively affects healthcare funding in the United States. We found numerous reasons why this is the case.
Contributions to the economy:
Immigrants contribute to the economy through their labor and spending power. This can help to generate revenue that can be used to fund healthcare.
Immigration lowers healthcare costs:
Immigrants, particularly those who are younger, may use healthcare services at a lower rate than native-born Americans. This greatly reduces overall healthcare costs.
Immigration increases cultural competency:
Immigrants bring diverse cultural perspectives and language skills to the healthcare system. This vastly improves the quality of care for patients from diverse backgrounds.
Workforce diversity:
Immigrants make up a significant proportion of the healthcare workforce, particularly in certain fields such as nursing. This can help to address shortages in the healthcare workforce and improve the availability of care.
Innovation and entrepreneurship:
Immigrants are more likely to start businesses and create new products and technologies. Thus, immigration drives innovation and growth in the healthcare industry.
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