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

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

The outbreak of COVID-19 resulted in a public health emergency declared by the U.S. government in March 2020. This declaration allowed the government to implement emergency measures to protect citizens’ health, such as expanding access to health insurance coverage, providing funds for vaccine development, and offering economic aid.

On February 4th, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced the end of the public health emergency. This announcement ushers in a new era of health insurance coverage and access. Here’s what you need to know about the new developments.

Expanded Health Care Coverage and Benefits

The end of the public health emergency has enabled HHS to expand healthcare coverage and benefits for individuals and families. The new measures include:

  • Expanded coverage for telehealth services: Telehealth services enable individuals to access health care remotely without having to leave their homes. HHS has permitted for expanded coverage of telehealth services for Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries.
  • Increased access to non-emergency medical transportation: HHS has also increased access to non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) to ensure that individuals without access to transportation can get to their medical appointments.
  • Increased access to health services in rural areas: HHS has expanded access to health services in rural areas by increasing access to telehealth services and providing funds for rural health clinics.

Improved Access to Health Insurance Coverage

The end of the public health emergency has also led to improved access to insurance coverage. HHS has implemented the following measures to increase access to insurance coverage:

  • Extension of Medicaid coverage: Medicaid coverage has been extended for individuals and families struggling to pay for medical care due to the pandemic.
  • Increased access to marketplace coverage: HHS has also increased access to health insurance coverage in the marketplace. The new measures include a special enrollment period for those who have lost their job-based coverage due to the pandemic.
  • Increased access to Medicare coverage: HHS has also increased access to Medicare coverage for individuals over the age of 65.

HHS’s announcement of the end of the public health emergency has ushered in a new era of health insurance coverage and access. With the new measures, individuals and families now have improved access to insurance coverage and health care benefits.

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Are you ready for the 2022-2023 Flu Season?

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What you need to know about flu season 2022-2023

Flu season is back in full swing for Fall of 2022. Are you ready for it? Cool weather is rushing in, holiday festivities are ramping up, and that means more get togethers, more contact with others, and lack of social distancing. So, how are you going to avoid catching the flu? 

What is CDC’s recommendation for getting a flu vaccine?

The CDC recommends getting the flu vaccine at least once a year for everyone six months and up! If you are a senior, a new type of flu vaccine exists called the adjuvanted flu vaccine you should consider researching. 

When is the best time to get my flu vaccine?

Doctors recommend September and October as the best time to get vaccinated. October should be the latest you get vaccinated. People older than 65 should not get vaccinated earlier than September, in August or July. In special cases, some children ought to get vaccinated twice for better protection against the flu. 

Moreover, if you are pregnant, you should look into flu vaccines earlier since generally, your baby will not be able to get vaccinated in the first few months of life. 

Is it safe to get a COVID-19 vaccine and a flu vaccine at the same time?

If you are eligible to receive both vaccines, you may be able to during the same visit. However, it is generally recommended that you get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible. When October comes around, you can then receive the flu vaccine. 

When will flu season hit its peak?

The flu season tends to hit its peak in February, so experts recommend that you get ahead of that peak and get your flu vaccine in the fall, in September or October, so your body has time to build up its immune system against this virus. 

Wondering about what health coverage that you could be eligible for? Well, look no further than Healthedly. Give us a call at 855-522-2201 so our agents can give you a free quote for health insurance. 

Benefits with U.S. Healthcare in a Post-Pandemic World?

The COVID-19 Pandemic utterly transformed the healthcare landscape worldwide. But as a U.S. citizen, you will enjoy the new conveniences afforded by these changes.

Before the Pandemic, telehealth had just begun to break ground, with the rise of popular apps such as BetterHealth making waves on social media.

But the world screeched to a halt when COVID-19 hit, including many health professionals usually available in person. Testing for COVID, treatment for the virus, and hospital emergency-only procedures took precedence over less urgent health concerns.

As the global shutdown continued, the world witnessed a virtual takeover. Everyone found themselves forced to go completely online and remote.

The change also affected healthcare professionals and their patients.

Telehealth began to boom, proving itself a Pandemic-proof industry.

Teladoc is one such leading corporation that skyrocketed exponentially. It especially saw success when the globe transitioned into the virtual space on a social and professional level. Many different types of business models (for example, the automobile industry) saw a dramatic decrease in sales. Meanwhile, companies like Teladoc that offer virtual services in a widely used industry enjoyed a massive spike in sales and new customers.

This trend shows the future of U.S. healthcare and how it will slide from in-person clinics and hospital offices to the home and digital space.

Gone are the days when doctors and medical practitioners would offer in-person-only services. The option to meet with your doctor in person or on a telehealth app is now a widespread phenomenon. More and more healthcare businesses are noting the trend towards offering out-of-office medical services, which means that you will have a broad range of options, regardless of what healthcare company you use.

How will these changes in the U.S. healthcare market affect you and your loved ones? How will it affect your business?

Selecting a healthcare provider now can be a bit more overwhelming since more and more companies are offering both virtual and face-to-face services. Finding out which insurance provider fits your financial needs the best is the first step to setting yourself up for future success in a post-pandemic world.

For information about finding the right healthcare plan for you and your family, call 855-522-2201 or Click Here!

US Birth Rate Finally Rises After Steep Drop Off in 2020

US Birth Rate Finally Rises After Steep Drop Off in 2020

The U.S. birth rate saw a steep drop off in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects. However, recent data suggests that the birth rate may be on the rise again. This is an interesting development, as the U.S. has seen a long-term decline in the birth rate for several decades. In this blog post, we’ll explore the factors that may be contributing to the recent uptick in the U.S. birth rate and discuss the potential implications of this trend.

First, let’s take a look at some of the data surrounding the U.S. birth rate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. birth rate reached a record low in 2020, with 3.6 million births, the lowest number in 35 years. This represents a drop of 8% from the previous year, and the largest single-year decline in the U.S. birth rate since the government started keeping track in 1909.

There are several reasons why the U.S. birth rate dropped off in 2020. One major factor was the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on people’s ability to have children. The pandemic disrupted fertility treatments and caused many potential parents to delay having children due to economic uncertainty and other concerns.

Additionally, the economic downturn caused by the pandemic likely played a role in the decline in the birth rate. The unemployment rate soared to its highest level since the Great Depression, and many people faced financial insecurity and uncertainty. This may have caused some people to delay having children or to decide not to have children at all.

However, recent data suggests that the U.S. birth rate may be on the rise again. The CDC reported that the number of births in the U.S. increased by 5% in the third quarter of 2021, compared to the same period in 2020. This marks the first increase in the U.S. birth rate in over a year, and it’s likely that the trend will continue as the economy recovers and the pandemic wanes.

So, what’s driving this uptick in the U.S. childbirth rate? It’s likely that a combination of factors are at play. One possibility is that people who delayed having children due to the pandemic and economic downturn are now starting to have them. This is supported by data from the CDC, which shows that the number of births to women in their 30s and 40s increased in the third quarter of 2021, while the number of births to women in their 20s declined.

Another factor that may contribute to the increase in the U.S. childbirth rate is the widespread distribution of vaccines against COVID-19. With more people being vaccinated, there is likely to be less concern about the risks associated with the pandemic. This may make some people feel more comfortable about having children.

It’s also possible that the rise in the U.S. childbirth rate is due to changes in societal attitudes toward children. In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards having smaller families or not having children at all. However, it’s possible that the pandemic and economic downturn may have caused some people to reconsider their decision not to have children. Hence, this led to an increase in the childbirth rate.

There are a few potential implications of the recent increase in the U.S. childbirth rate. One is that it could lead to a baby boom similar to the one that occurred after World War II. This could have significant economic and social consequences. It could lead to an increase in demand for childcare and other family-related services.

Another potential implication? The increase in the U.S. birth rate could lead to an increase in the overall population of the U.S. This could have both positive and negative consequences. On the one hand, a growing population could lead to increased economic growth and development. On the other hand, a larger population could also put more strain on natural resources and the environment. This could exacerbate issues such as overcrowding and pollution.

In conclusion, the U.S. birth rate saw a steep drop off in 2020. This is due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects. However, recent data suggests that the birth rate may be on the rise again. This is likely due to a combination of factors such as people who delayed having children starting to have them. Or, it could be due to the widespread distribution of vaccines, and changes in societal attitudes toward having children. The increase in the U.S. birth rate could have significant economic and social implications. This includes the potential for a baby boom and an increase in the overall population of the U.S. It will be interesting to see how this trend develops in the coming years. If you are expecting and in need of insurance coverage, visit Healthedly.com or call 855-522-2201 for more information.

Drug Overdoses in the US on the Rise

Drug Overdoses in the US on the Rise

Drug overdoses are a significant public health problem in the United States. have been on the rise in recent years. In 2019, there were over 70,000 drug overdose deaths in the United States, and the majority of these deaths were caused by opioids.

There are several reasons why drug overdoses are on the rise.

One reason is the availability of prescription opioids, which are often misused and can lead to addiction.

Prescription opioids are powerful painkillers that are often prescribed for chronic pain management. However, these drugs can be highly addictive and can lead to abuse and overdose.

Another factor contributing to the rise in drug overdoses is the illegal drug market.

The proliferation of illegal drugs, such as heroin and fentanyl, has led to an increase in overdose deaths. These drugs are often more potent and dangerous than prescription opioids. They can be difficult to detect, making them particularly dangerous.

Another reason for the increase in drug overdoses is the lack of access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services.

Many people struggling with addiction do not have access to the resources they need to get the help they need. This can lead to individuals turning to risky behaviors, such as using drugs alone. Some use- drugs that are more potent, which can increase the risk of overdose.

Poverty and social isolation can also play a role in the rise of drug overdoses.

People who struggle financially or who isolate from social networks are more likely to turn to drugs as a way to cope. This can lead to an increased risk of overdose, as well as other negative health outcomes.

There are also several societal factors that contribute to the rise in drug overdoses.

One of these is the stigma surrounding addiction and substance abuse.

Many people struggling with addiction may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their situation, which can prevent them from seeking help. This can lead to individuals continuing to use drugs, which increases the risk of overdose.

Another societal factor contributing to the rise in drug overdoses? The lack of education about the dangers of drug use.

Many people may not be aware of the risks associated with drug use, or they may underestimate these risks. This can lead to individuals using drugs more recklessly, which increases the risk of overdose.

Finally, the opioid epidemic has been fueled in part by the marketing and distribution of prescription opioids by pharmaceutical companies.

These companies have been accused of downplaying the risks of addiction and overdose associated with prescription opioids. They also promote the use of these drugs for conditions for which they may not be appropriate. This has contributed to the overprescribing of these drugs and the subsequent increase in drug overdoses.

It is important for there to be a comprehensive approach that addresses the various factors contributing to the problem. This may include increasing access to substance abuse treatment and recovery services. It also means improving education about the dangers of drug use, and addressing the stigma surrounding addiction. It may also involve regulating the pharmaceutical industry and cracking down on the illegal drug market.

In conclusion, drug overdoses are a significant public health problem in the United States. The rates for overdose continue to rise due to a variety of factors, including the availability of prescription opioids, the proliferation of illegal drugs, a lack of access to substance abuse treatment, poverty and social isolation, stigma surrounding addiction, a lack of education about the dangers of drug use, and the marketing and distribution of prescription opioids by pharmaceutical companies. To effectively address this issue, it will be necessary to take a comprehensive approach that addresses these various factors.

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3 Ways Social Media Hurt Mental Health During the Pandemic

The worldwide Pandemic and lockdown utterly changed the face of American social and corporate life. Forced to stay in our houses for months caused an unprecedented trend towards dependency on digital platforms. But even now, Americans’ face-to-face interactions take a back seat more and more to social media.

Though most Americans no longer need to remain at home, the year spent in isolation with only virtual communication as a constant companion has its lasting effects. 

1)Social Media causes increase in Anxiety and Depression 

Social media offers real time access to current news and events going on around the world. Thus, this constant exposure to tragedies and catastrophes occurring globally can be unsettling. The amount of people struggling with anxiety and depression has dramatically risen since lockdown began in 2022.

2)Social Media causes decrease in face-to-face interactions

Due to government mandates, social distancing became a way of life during the Pandemic. Consequently, this meant a massive drop in human interactions in Americans’ day to day lives. Digital social apps became a huge tool of communication with loved ones and strangers alike. But studies show that even social media interaction cannot replace face-to-face socialization. Even though the Pandemic is over, reliance on communication apps continues to rise. This means a steady decrease in actual human interactions.

3)Pressure to gain social clout 

In the digital age we live in, the pressure to become popular via apps like YouTube, Instagram, or TikTok only grows daily. The Pandemic accelerated this trend. These platforms, especially TikTok, gained millions of users seeking a boost in serotonin and companionship while in lockdown. With nothing to do but stay at home all day, many began to see social media apps as their ticket to popularity and success during the Pandemic. It became the hot new scene since high school and college starting going virtual. All the issues plaguing modern schools like bullying and worship of popularity transferred to social media platforms. 

If you are struggling with your mental health and want answers, begin by discovering the right healthcare provider for you.

Children Under 5 Await To Be Vaccinated for COVID-19

At this point during the pandemic, kids under 5 make up only a tiny fraction of the number of people who’ve been sick. This age group accounts for 2.7% of total Covid-19 cases, but only 6% of the overall US population.

Kids are far less likely to be hospitalized or die from Covid-19 than adults. Children make up 1.2% of the hospitalizations and 0.02% of the deaths. But the virus is still a threat to them, regardless. Hence, the push to release a COVID-19 vaccine designed especially for children becomes crucial.

Recently, Dr. Claudia Hoyen, director of pediatric infection control at UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland, reported the highest number of Covid patients in the hospital in the past week. That number far exceeded anything seen during the pandemic.

This recent surge in children cases increased the urgency for a child-friendly vaccine. Dr. Bill Hartman runs the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine trial for kids 6 months to 5 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He thinks that a vaccine for this age group could be available as early as the first or second month of 2022. He says they are making the vaccine a priority due to the rising number of COVID cases in the children under five demographic. Hartman announced a new study to create an effective, child-friendly vaccine.

However, Hartman and his team saw so much interest that they had to shut down the recruitment line after only one day. But Hartman isn’t the only one starting to seek protection for children against COVID-19.

Dr. Simon Li works hard on the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine trial. He claims his study will follow tested children for two years to measure efficacy of their vaccine.

Moderna also plans to gather data on vaccines in younger children over the course of the next few years. Only Johnson & Johnson says it has not started trials of its Covid-19 vaccine for children younger than 12.

At first, Dr. Li thought it would be difficult to recruit children for the Pfizer/BioNTech trial. Parents can be protective, he said, especially when it comes to vaccines for their children. Thus, it can take a while to recruit volunteers.

The center initially needed to recruit about 150 children ages 6 months to 11 years.

In August, the US Food and Drug Administration asked Pfizer to enroll more participants to verify that there were no safety issues. Though there were only a handful of available spots, Li reported that another thousand people asked to be part of the trial.

Pfizer announced in an earnings call last week that in the first half of 2022, they intended to submit data from the trials to regulatory authorities.

The company reassured that the development of a third dose should not affect this timeline.

The more people the virus can infect, the more chance that it will evolve and become more infectious. We saw this happen when the Delta variant mutated.

Dr. Hartman advised parents to insulate kids from the COVID-19 virus until vaccines for children are released.

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Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 Vaccines

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Everything You Need to Know About Covid-19 Vaccines

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines:

The vaccines are effective:

The COVID-19 vaccinations that are currently available reportedly prevent contraction of the virus.

The vaccines are safe:

The vaccinations underwent rigorous testing and experts deem them safe for use.

The vaccines can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

In addition to protecting individuals who receive the vaccine, receiving a vaccination also potentially reduces the spread of COVID-19 in the community by creating herd immunity.

The vaccines are widely available:

The vaccinations now exist in many countries, and efforts continue to ensure that they distribute equitably.

It is important to continue following public health measures:

While the vaccinations are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, experts recommend we continue following public health measures such as wearing a mask and social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus.

Finally, last but not least:

Make sure to do your own research on the vaccinations. 

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What We Know About Covid-19 and Its Variants

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What We Know About Covid-19 and Its Variants

COVID-19 continues to rapidly evolve and mutate, causing much concern in the medical community.

Here are some important things to know about COVID-19 and its variants:

COVID-19 is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus:

Experts classify COVID-19 as a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person talks, coughs, or sneezes.

COVID-19 can be severe:

COVID-19 can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Some people may develop severe illness, including pneumonia, and may require hospitalization. COVID-19 can also be deadly, particularly for older adults and individuals with certain underlying health conditions.

COVID-19 variants are emerging:

There are several COVID-19 variants that have emerged, including the B.1.1.7 variant that was first identified in the United Kingdom and the P.1 variant that was first identified in Brazil. Experts believet these variants to bemore contagious than the original strain of the virus.

Vaccines are effective against COVID-19 variants:

Some COVID-19 variants may be more transmissible. Regardless, the vaccines that are currently available effectively combat them.

It is important to continue following public health measures:

While the vaccines are an important tool in the fight against COVID-19, it is still important to continue following public health measures such as wearing a mask and practicing social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus and its variants.

If you or someone in your family is worried about health insurance coverage and want to learn your options, reach out to a Healthedly agent by calling 855-522-2201.

How Health Care In The U.S. May Change After COVID

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How Health Care in the U.S. May Change After the Pandemic

There are a number of ways that the healthcare system in the U.S. may change as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

How will U.S. healthcare change post Covid-19 Pandemic?

One possibility? Health experts predict a greater emphasis on preventative care and public health measures, such as widespread vaccination and more effective disease surveillance systems. 

There may also be a shift towards virtual care and telemedicine. These types of healthcare have become more widely adopted during the pandemic as a way to limit the spread of the virus and provide care to patients without requiring in-person visits. 

Additionally, experts foresee increased investment in research and development in order to better prepare for and respond to future pandemics.

Why are these changes to the healthcare system so important?

There are a number of reasons why it may be beneficial for the U.S. to implement these changes to its healthcare system in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Pandemic dramatically highlighted the need for a more resilient and agile healthcare system better equipped to respond to emergencies and public health crises. The current system struggles constantly to meet the demands of the pandemic, and making changes to improve preparedness and response capabilities could help to prevent similar situations in the future.

Another reason? The pandemic disproportionately affected marginalized and underserved communities, highlighting the need for greater equity and accessibility in the healthcare system. Making changes to address these issues could help to improve the health outcomes of these groups and reduce health disparities.

Finally, the pandemic had a significant economic impact, and making changes to the healthcare system could help to reduce costs and improve efficiency. Experts believe we can achieve this through a variety of means, such as investing in preventative care, streamlining the delivery of care, and implementing cost-saving technologies.

Looking for a health insurance plan but have no idea where to even start? Healthedly agents are excited to assist you with anything you might need, whether it is giving you a free quote or giving recommendations on the best provider for your needs. Call us at 855-522-2201! 

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