News Archives - Healthedly Insurance Services

Overwhelming Worries: Health Insurance Affordability Alarming Wisconsinites

Overwhelming Worries: Healthcare Affordability Alarming Wisconsinites

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.

Do you live in Wisconsin and do you worry about your health insurance affordability? Speak with a Healthedly agent to learn more about what you qualify for. Call 855-522-2201 to get advice from a licensed agent today!

February 15, 2023

The End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency: Details on Health Insurance and Access

COVID-19, Medicaid, News

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.

Have you lost your Medicaid coverage? Healthedly has your back!

February 14, 2023

Hearing aids now available without a prescription!

General, Health, News

Hearing aids now available over the counter!

If you are a hearing aid user, you will be happy to hear that they just became available without a prescription! Even better, you can purchase a set for prices as low as $199 over the counter. Gone are the days of waiting for a prescription to improve your hearing capabilities or replace broken aids.

So, what does this mean for you exactly?

Before, we could only access hearing aids with a prescription from an auditory specialist. Generally, these devices cost thousands of dollars, even with a prescription. But now companies like Walmart promise to sell these audio-enhancing devices for prices as low as $199.

Dr. Frank Lin of John Hopkins University predicts that the hearing aid industry may need a few years to establish itself and sort out. But rest assured that before long, more and more retailers will make hearing aids available in stores near you. Lin also believes that prices will lower even more significantly in the next few years.

Over-the-counter aids will cost less mostly due to the fact that they will not be specifically tuned and fitted by an audiologist. However, manufacturers will make it possible for users to tune the aids for themselves thanks to phone apps and software.

Sony has announced OTC hearing aids manufactured at a South African-based company called hearX, which also creates Lexie devices.

Bose also plans to collaborate with hearX to develop Lexie hearing devices. Bose will partner with retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, and Best Buy to develop hearing aids with hearX’s Lexie devices.

So, there will be no shortage of options to choose from, as the over-the-counter hearing aids market expands and grows.

About 37 million Americans struggle with their hearing. However, only 1 in 4 Americans who need these auditory-enhancing devices are able to access hearing aids.

This push to make hearing aids available over the counter will be huge in allowing new demographics of Americans access to better hearing.

If you are looking for health insurance coverage but don’t know where to start, look no further than Healthedly! Call 855-522-2201 for a free quote from our agents! We are here to answer any questions about health insurance enrollment that you might have!

November 22, 2022

Medicare Part B Premiums Lower in 2023

News

Medicare just made a big announcement regarding their Part B Premiums for 2023. These standard premiums will drop by 3% next year. The monthly premium for Medicare Part B will actually reduce by $5.20 by 2023. This will also lower the deductible for Part B.

What do lowered premiums mean for you?

Thanks to Medicare Part B’s projected spending on Aduhelm, a medication to battle the onslaught of Alzheimer’s, the premium for this program dropped more than expected. Medicare spent less than expected on Aduhelm, meaning they could spend more on Part B. This in turn led to a reduction in 2023 Medicare premiums!

Medicare Part A, on the other hand, raised its deductible per benefit period, which starts upon admission to a hospital, to $1,600 in 2023, from its current amount of $1,556. This amount applies to the first 60 days of inpatient hospital care.

If you are considering Medicare Part B with the lower premiums coming in 2023, now is the time to act as open enrollment season draws near.

Other changes to make note of

After the 61st day and through the 90th day, however, coinsurance will cost at least $400 a day. The price of coinsurance will go up by $11 from the current amount this year.
Moreover, IRMAAs are effective in January as well, for individuals with a gross income of over $97,000. Those filing jointly must expect an extra monthly charge if their net income is over $194,000 instead of 2022’s ceiling of $182,000.

These changes are announced just as open enrollment season approaches, so definitely consider these lowered premiums as you research health insurance plans.

If you are looking for the right healthcare insurance to fit your needs, look no further than Healthedly! Get a free quote today by calling 855-522-2201.

October 20, 2022

American Rescue Plan

News

– June 30, 2021

Originally Published on CMS.gov

Consumers should Visit HealthCare.gov Beginning July 1 to see if they Qualify for New Financial Help.

The American Rescue Plan, signed by President Biden, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), lowers the cost of health insurance. This will open more pathways for Americans to obtain affordable and comprehensive health coverage. Starting July 1, 2021, consumers who received approval can access unemployment compensation. This will start in 2021 may find even lower cost plans. They could save extra money on out-of-pocket expenses through HealthCare.gov.

Do you want to take advantage of these savings? Consumers approved for unemployment compensation in 2021 need to visit HealthCare.gov to submit a new application. Or they should update their existing application to maximize the savings they can get for the rest of 2021. Three out of five eligible uninsured Americans can access $0 plans after advance payments of tax credits. Four out of five current HealthCare.gov consumers will find a plan for $10 per month after advance payments of tax credits. CMS encourages consumers recieving unemployment income beginning in 2021 to update their application between July 1 and August 15. They need to do so in order to maximize the savings on Marketplace coverage for the rest of the year.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is focused on providing relief to millions of families who need to access health insurance coverage because they have been impacted by job losses or underemployment during the pandemic,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Administration has made it easier than ever for Americans to enroll in an affordable, comprehensive health insurance plans through HealthCare.gov thanks to the increased financial assistance provided through the American Rescue Plan. We encourage consumers who have received unemployment compensation in 2021 to visit the Marketplace to see if they qualify to save money on their health insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs.”

“We are doing everything we can to remove financial barriers to comprehensive health care,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.

“The American Rescue Plan provides consumers with additional savings and will make coverage even more attainable for those most in need. We welcome people who received unemployment benefits in 2021 to check out their health coverage options on HealthCare.gov on July 1.”

Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s SEP for the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, consumers can apply for coverage. They can also compare plan offerings. Or, they can learn if they qualify for more affordable premiums by visiting HealthCare.gov or CuidadoDeSalud.gov through August 15. Consumers can view 2021 plans and prices. They can then submit an application to see if they are eligible for enrollment and financial assistance. If eligible, they can enroll in a plan that best meets their needs. Current enrollees should review their application and make any updates needed to their current information. Then they should submit their application and select a new plan. Or they should reselect their current plan to receive the increased savings under the ARP.

Visit Healthedly.com or call 855-522-2201 for more information on affordable health coverage!

(Original article published by CMS.Gov ‘https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/american-rescue-plan-lowers-health-insurance-costs-americans-who-may-have-lost-their-job’)

June 30, 2022

What is the Impact of the Formula Shortage?

News

As demand for baby formula remains the same. Supply is still alarmingly low. Many people look for assistance from hospitals and community organizations for help.

The government is flying tons of this baby food staple from other countries into the U.S. Also, Abbott is reopening a factory that produces nearly half the powdered formula sold in our country, however it is still expected to take several weeks for retailers to get their regular supply.

“One estimate, from the market research company Datasembly, found that stock rates have not improved. During the last week of May, 74% of formula products were out of stock at some point. In nine states, including many in the South, more than 90% of formula products weren’t always available, which means families are still on the hunt.” (Source: CNN.com)

When it is possible to find formula at a local store, it may not be the right brand or type your baby is used to. This can cause major problems for your little one’s not being consistent on the product they’re consuming.

As supply steeply declined, it initially only affected those in need of specialty formulas, then increased to affect every formula. This caused parents to frantically call the hospitals in search of anyone who could help them. In the formula rooms of hospitals they have had to mix other commercially available products out of necessity. However, this is done under expert supervision and is not recommended to be done at home.

For more information on health insurance or healthy tips, visit us through Healthedly Insurance Services to learn more.

June 7, 2022

Important Information About Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

ACA, Individual and Family, Medicaid, News, Obamacare, Special Enrollment Period, Supplemental

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are a specific time frame during which individuals and families can enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the standard open enrollment period. SEPs are typically triggered by certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby, or losing employer-sponsored coverage.

It’s important to understand that SEPs have strict eligibility requirements and time frames, and failing to enroll during an SEP can result in a gap in coverage or a tax penalty. Here’s what you need to know about SEPs:

Eligibility Requirements

SEPs are only available to individuals and families who experience a qualifying life event, such as:

Marriage
Divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Loss of employer-sponsored coverage
Moving to a new area with different health plan options
Gaining citizenship or legal resident status
Leaving incarceration

It’s important to note that SEPs are not available to individuals who simply decide they want to change health plans outside of the open enrollment period. You must have a qualifying life event in order to be eligible for an SEP.

Time Frames

SEPs have strict time frames during which you must enroll in a health plan. The time frame begins on the date of the qualifying life event and typically lasts for 60 days. However, the exact time frame can vary depending on the specific life event and the state in which you live.

For example, if you get married, the SEP begins on the date of your marriage and lasts for 60 days. If you have a baby, the SEP begins on the date of your child’s birth and lasts for 60 days. It’s important to enroll within this time frame, as failing to do so may result in a gap in coverage or a tax penalty.

Coverage

SEPs allow you to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of the standard open enrollment period. This means that if you experience a qualifying life event, you can enroll in a health plan even if the open enrollment period has already ended.

It’s important to note that SEPs do not guarantee coverage. If you enroll in a health plan during an SEP, the plan may still have a waiting period before coverage begins. This means that you may have a gap in coverage between the date of your qualifying life event and the date that your coverage begins.

Plan Options

During an SEP, you have the option to enroll in any plan that is available through the marketplace. This includes both individual and family plans. It’s important to compare different plan options and consider factors such as premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs before making a decision.

It’s also important to note that SEPs do not guarantee that you will be eligible for subsidies, such as premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions. If you are eligible for subsidies, you must enroll during the open enrollment period in order to receive them.

Enrolling in a Plan

To enroll in a health plan during an SEP, you must complete an application through the marketplace. The application will ask for information about your qualifying life event, as well as your personal and financial information.

You will also need to provide proof of your qualifying life event, such as a marriage certificate or a birth certificate. It’s important to provide all required documentation in order to ensure that your application is processed smoothly.

If you are approved for coverage, you will receive a notice of eligibility. This notice will include information about your premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket costs. You will then have the opportunity to select a plan and enroll in coverage.

If you have any questions about SEPs or the enrollment process, you can contact the marketplace or a licensed insurance agent for assistance. It’s important to get the help you need to make an informed decision about your health coverage.

In summary, SEPs are a specific time frame during which individuals and families can enroll in a health insurance plan. This period is outside of the standard open enrollment period. SEPs are triggered by certain life events, such as getting married or having a baby. These events have strict eligibility requirements and time frames. It’s important to understand SEPs and to enroll within the designated time frame to avoid gaps in coverage or tax penalties.

If you have any questions about SEPs or the enrollment process, be sure to seek the help of our licensed agents here at Healthedly! Give us a call at 855-522-2201!

March 24, 2022

Covid Deaths Surpass 6 Million Worldwide

General, News

As of January 2021, the number of deaths worldwide caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has surpassed 6 million. This is a devastating milestone that highlights the severity of the situation. It also highlights the need for continued efforts to slow the spread of the virus.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on every corner of the globe. It has disrupted economies, upended daily life, and claimed the lives of millions of people. The loss of 6 million lives is a somber reminder of the human cost of this pandemic.

The pandemic has disproportionately affected certain groups of people.

Older individuals and those with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. The virus has also had a disproportionate impact on marginalized communities and those living in poverty.

The good news is that vaccines are now being distributed and administered around the world. These vaccines offer hope for a return to normalcy and a way to finally bring the pandemic to an end. However, it will take time for enough people to be vaccinated in order to achieve herd immunity and stop the spread of the virus.

In the meantime, it is important for everyone to continue following public health guidelines. This includes wearing a mask, washing hands frequently, and practicing social distancing. These measures can help slow the spread of the virus and protect those most at risk.

It is important for governments and health organizations to continue working together to address the pandemic and the rising number of deaths.

This includes providing resources and support to those most affected by the virus. The governments should also push for research and development to improve treatments. This way, we can find a way to stop the spread of the virus.

The loss of 6 million lives to the COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating reminder of the cost of this crisis. It is important for everyone to do their part to slow the spread of the virus. We must work towards a solution. With continued efforts, it is possible to eventually bring an end to this pandemic and honor the memory of those who have lost their lives.

Choose Healthedly! Our licensed agents are ready to help you find the right health insurance plan, whether you are an individual, a senior, or if you are trying to support your family. Give us a call at 855-522-2201

March 10, 2022

4 Ways to Stay Healthy During Pregnancy

Health Resources, News

Pregnancy is a crucial time in a woman’s life. Not only is it advisable to stay on top of healthy habits for your own sake, but also for the baby you are carrying. Here are 4 ways you can boost your health during pregnancy for a healthy baby and a healthy mom.

1)Stay active

Whether you run, attend a Yoga class, or do stretches every morning, safe but regular physical activity is recommended by medical experts for expecting mothers. Exercise promotes mental and physical wellbeing, making for a happy and healthy mom and baby.

2)Take prenatal vitamins every day

Not only do prenatal vitamins offer nutrients, but they also boast other incredible benefits. They boost iron levels in the blood, and are a source of important minerals and vitamins for expecting mothers.

3)Rest as much as possible

This might seem like an obvious one, but getting enough rest is crucial for pregnant women. Plenty of rest results in overall improved blood flow, mental health, and physical wellbeing for all parties involved. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

4)Plan your family responsibly

Since stress levels need to stay low while you are expecting, responsible family planning should be a priority. You want to ensure a smooth pregnancy, so sorting out your finances should be a must. This means talking with your partner and coming up with a checklist of how to create a sustainable, positive environment for mother and baby. The less stress, the better, so take the time to sit down and ensure the best time to start trying for a baby.

Are you an expecting parent, wondering about the best healthcare plan for you and your baby on the way? Get a free quote today so your growing family can be prepared for anything and everything.

February 28, 2022

5 Alternatives to Melatonin to Get a Better Sleep

Health Resources, News

You may have heard of a popular supplement called melatonin that you can take as gummies or pills at night to get a deeper, sounder sleep. But melatonin shouldn’t be the only solution you look to for a good night’s sleep. Here are five other ways you can try to get the most out of your rest each night.

1)Stay consistent

Smartphones now offer a feature where you can set your bedtime. Why? Because consistency is key when it comes to developing healthy sleep patterns for an optimal rest. Every night, try to go to bed at the same time. Studies show that this results in a deeper, more restful sleep.

2)Put away any devices

Blue light from screens, whether it is TV, your phone, or a computer, can decrease the quality of your sleep and make you more restless during the night. Thus, scientists recommend putting away any devices about an hour before bed and winding down without blue light.

3)Avoid caffeine in the late afternoon

This should be a given. Caffeine stimulates the mind, so avoid drinking any caffeinated drinks in the late afternoon for a better rest at night. Many who have drank coffee or something similar at night have experienced difficulty falling asleep and/or staying asleep. Studies show that those who refrain from caffeine later in the day have improved quality of sleep.

4)Exercise daily

Regular exercise is recommended by experts for a better rest a night. Not only does daily exercise help with overall wellness, but it also leads to a better sleep at night because your body will need rest after strenuous activity.

5)Don’t eat a large meal before bed

Eating a large meal before bed can lead to indigestion while you are trying to fall asleep. Experts recommend a light, healthy meal before bedtime to promote quality sleep.

While melatonin is an accessible supplement promising a deeper sleep, there are so many other ways to improve your nightly rest. Another way to sleep better at night? Knowing your insured with the best possible healthcare plan is sure to make it easier to relax. Start today by getting a free quote!

February 9, 2022