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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“If I have VA benefits, do I need health insurance?” If you’ve ever asked yourself this question, you’re not alone. Trying to compare between VA benefits and health insurance can be confusing, so here’s a look at how VA benefits work and why you might still need health insurance.
Do US Veterans Get Free Health Care?
As a US veteran, you qualify for free VA health care if you develop a “service-connected” injury or illness. A service-connected injury or illness is any ailment caused by or related to your military service. You may also qualify for free health care if you:
fall below certain income thresholds; or
are severely disabled i.e. you have a disability rating of at least 50%.
Healthedly can help with your VA health care needs – contact us to learn more.
What Are VA Health Insurance Benefits?
VA health care covers a variety of health services at VA hospitals, clinics, and outpatient centers. Benefits include:
counseling
emergency care
hospice care
inpatient treatment e.g. surgery
medication
outpatient treatment e.g. physiotherapy
prosthetics and orthotics
If you have VA benefits, you will be treated at a VA medical center. In emergencies, you may be treated elsewhere and moved to a VA center once stabilized.
VA Health Insurance Benefits Eligibility
Individuals can qualify for VA health insurance benefits if they:
have served active duty in the air, naval, or military service; and
were not dishonorably discharged.
Members of the National Guard or Reserves do not qualify unless they have served a full active duty period.
Do VA Benefits Count as Health Insurance?
Yes. Anyone enrolled in VA benefits is considered to have sufficient health insurance under US law. So, if you’re enrolled in any one of the following programs, you don’t need extra coverage:
Spina bifida health care benefits program
TRICARE
VA Civilian Health and Medical Program
Veterans health care
Do I Need Supplemental Health Insurance With VA Benefits?
Maybe – just because VA benefits count as health insurance doesn’t mean they’re enough to offer complete protection. Here’s why.
When you sign up for VA benefits, you’re assigned to a priority group between one and eight. Group one veterans have significant injuries, can’t work due to their condition, or have received a Medal of Honor. They receive comprehensive, free health care through their VA benefits.
On the other hand, if you’re assigned to a lower priority group, such as group eight, you’ll be expected to cover the costs of injuries or illnesses unless they’re service-related. You could be left unable to meet the costs of medical treatment without supplementary insurance in place.
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You just turned 62. You’ve heard about Social Security, but you don’t know enough about it yet. If you keep reading you will discover the reality of social security and be able to determine when to start taking advantage of these benefits.
How much will the checks be?
The sooner you sign up for Social Security, the smaller the checks you receive will be. Every year you wait to sign up, that check gets larger. The latest you can wait to sign up is when you turn 70 years old. Why is this the case? The government has decided on an average human life expectancy. So, regardless of when you sign up between the ages of 62 to 70, the amount of lifetime benefits generally stays the same from person to person. So, don’t base your decision on the check size, but on your family situation, your finances, or your medical needs.
What are your retirement assets?
The first and foremost important thing to do is to evaluate your current situation, and any other retirement assets that may come into play. Remember that this decision is a personal one. Generally, if you can, it is recommended to wait as long as possible after you turn 62 to start taking social security benefits.
You will need to sign up for Medicare by age 65, and social security benefits can help pay for Medicare coverage. So, if you are planning to retire by age 65 and thus end employment-sponsored coverage, you will need to ensure you have the assets required to sustain Medicare payments.
What is right for you?
You will need to assess your situation, your assets, and your needs, to make an educated decision for when you wish to start taking social security.
If you are a senior citizen with questions about health coverage, Healthedly is here to help. You can call us at 855-522-2201 to get a free quote and learn more about what you are eligible for.
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While you might be happy with your existing health insurance plan, it’s never a bad idea to explore your options and consider whether you might benefit from changing your coverage.
If you’re looking to update your health plan, you can make changes during certain months of the year known as “enrollment periods”. But how do the enrollment periods work, and when can you amend your existing coverage? At Healthedly, we understand the terminology can seem daunting, so here’s a breakdown of the difference between open and annual enrollment periods so you can see how they might apply in your situation.
Open Enrollment Period
The open enrollment period (OEP) is a time when you can change your health insurance. When is the open enrollment period? Well, the exact time frame depends on your provider, but it usually falls around October, November or December. Open enrollment for the ACA in 2022 runs from November 1st, 2022 to January 15th, 2023.
During the OEP, you can:
open a new policy
switch plans
amend your level of coverage
Who can use the OEP? Typically it applies to individuals who don’t have an employee-sponsored healthcare plan; for example, the self-employed. So, if you don’t have employee-sponsored health insurance and you want to change your plan to suit your evolving health needs, then this is your window of opportunity.
Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment Period
Medicare has its own annual open enrollment periods. Here’s everything you need to know about it!
Medicare open enrollment period: If you have a Medicare policy, you can switch, change, or cancel your plan between October 15 and December 7.
Medicare Advantage open enrollment period: Individuals with Medicare Advantage plans can change, cancel, or switch their coverage between January 1 and March 31.
You could switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare during this special enrollment period for Medicare customers.
Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan without prescription coverage to a Medicare Advantage with a Prescription Drug plan (or vice versa).
Switch to a new plan with a different provider
Annual Open Enrollment Period
The annual enrollment period (AEP) applies to individuals with employer-sponsored health insurance. During this window – which, again, usually falls between November and December – you can change your policy, join a new plan, amend your coverage, or cancel your insurance.
Check with your employer if you’re unsure when your annual enrollment period is.
Your employer may require you to take some affirmative action to renew your coverage each year, so double-check your policy to see if there’s anything you should do before the window ends.
Open Enrollment vs. Annual Enrollment
While you might sometimes see OEP and AEP used interchangeably, they are slightly different.
Anyone with an employer-sponsored health insurance plan can change their coverage during the annual enrollment period.
If you don’t have an employer-sponsored healthcare plan, you can change your coverage during the open enrollmentperiod.
Finally, if you have a Medicare plan, you can change it during the annual enrollment period which typically runs from October to December. And if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can make a one-time policy change between January and March.
Open Enrollment or Annual Enrollment: Which Is Right for You?
Ultimately, this comes down to your personal circumstances. Whether you use an open enrollment or annual enrollment period depends on:
what health insurance coverage you already have;
whether your employer covers your health insurance; and
what changes may be required to ensure your health insurance covers your needs.
At Healthedly, we know how confusing the health insurance market can be, and we’re committed to helping our clients choose the right coverage at the right time. Our friendly, experienced team can walk you through a range of health plans to suit your budget and your long-term care needs – and we can offer you free enrollment support when you need it most.
Deductibles are an important aspect of insurance coverage, and it’s important to understand how they work in order to make the most of your insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know about deductibles:
What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay out of pocket before your insurance company will cover the rest of the expenses. For example, let’s say you have a $1,000 deductible and a medical bill for $10,000. You would be responsible for paying the first $1,000 and your insurance company would cover the remaining $9,000.
Why do deductibles exist?
Deductibles serve two main purposes. First, they help reduce the overall cost of insurance. They require policyholders to pay a certain amount out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest. This helps to lower the premiums that policyholders pay. Second, deductibles help to ensure that policyholders are more careful about using their insurance coverage. If policyholders know that they’ll have to pay a certain amount out of pocket before the insurance company covers the rest, they may be more hesitant to use their insurance for minor issues and only use it for major expenses.
How are deductibles calculated?
Deductibles are usually calculated based on a percentage of the policy’s coverage limit. For example, if you have a policy with a coverage limit of $100,000 and a deductible of 10%, your deductible would be $10,000. However, some policies may have a fixed deductible amount, regardless of the coverage limit.
Can deductibles be waived or reduced?
In some cases, deductibles can be waived or reduced. For example, you have a high deductible health plan (HDHP) and you meet certain criteria, such as having a certain level of preventive care services. In this case, your deductible may be waived or reduced. Additionally, some insurance policies may offer deductible waivers or reductions. Especially if you have a history of good driving or no claims on your policy.
How do deductibles affect my insurance coverage?
The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will generally be. However, this means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of your expenses. On the other hand, if you have a lower deductible, your premiums will generally be higher. But, you’ll have to pay less out of pocket before your insurance company covers the rest of your expenses.
It’s important to carefully consider your deductible when choosing an insurance policy. If you’re comfortable with paying more out of pocket in exchange for lower premiums, a higher deductible may be a good option for you. However, let’s say you’re not comfortable with the idea of paying a large amount out of pocket. In this case, a lower deductible may be a better option.
Overall, understanding how deductibles work is an important aspect of insurance coverage. You need to know how they’re calculated and how they can affect your insurance policy. Therefore, you can make an informed decision about the right deductible for your needs.
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Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for those over the age of 65, as well as some younger individuals with disabilities or certain medical conditions. While it is an important and beneficial program, it can be confusing for many Americans to navigate.
One reason senior healthcare can be confusing is that there are multiple parts to it. Part A covers hospital visits and inpatient care, Part B covers outpatient care and medical supplies, Part C is a private insurance option known as Medicare Advantage, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Each part has its own rules, coverage, and costs, which can be difficult for individuals to understand and keep track of.
Another factor that contributes to the confusion is that this type of healthcare does not cover everything. While it does cover a wide range of medical services, there are certain things it does not cover, such as long-term care, cosmetic surgery, and hearing aids. This means that individuals may need to purchase additional insurance or pay out of pocket for these services.
In addition, senior healthcare has different enrollment periods and deadlines that can be confusing to keep track of. There is an initial enrollment period when individuals first become eligible for Medicare. There is also an annual enrollment period during which individuals can make changes to their coverage. Missing these enrollment periods can result in penalties or gaps in coverage.
Furthermore, the costs associated with Medicare can be confusing and vary depending on an individual’s circumstances. For example, some individuals may have to pay premiums for certain parts of Medicare, such as Part B or Part D. However, others may not. Additionally, there are deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that individuals may be responsible for paying. Understanding how these costs are calculated and how to pay them can be confusing for many people.
Another aspect of senior healthcare that can be confusing is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare is the traditional Medicare program. Meanwhile Medicare Advantage is a private insurance option that provides the same benefits as Original Medicare. However, Medicare Advantage plans often have additional benefits, such as coverage for vision and dental. But, this plan may also have different rules and restrictions. Choosing between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can be difficult for individuals to navigate.
The process of selecting a doctor or hospital can also be confusing for Medicare beneficiaries. While Medicare does have a list of approved providers, individuals may have to pay more if they choose a provider that is not in their plan’s network. Additionally, some providers may not accept Medicare, which can make it difficult for individuals to access care.
Lastly, the language used in Medicare can be confusing for many Americans. The program is full of jargon and technical terms that can be difficult to understand, even for those familiar with healthcare. This can make it challenging for individuals to make informed decisions about their coverage and access the care they need.
Overall, Medicare can be confusing for many Americans due to the multiple parts and options, limited coverage, enrollment periods and deadlines, costs, provider networks, and language used. This confusion can lead to individuals not fully understanding their coverage and making informed decisions about their healthcare. It is important for individuals to take the time to educate themselves about Medicare. And folks should always seek out resources and assistance if needed to ensure they are getting the most out of their coverage.
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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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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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