https://www.mainstreet.com/article/americans-count-health-care-as-their-biggest-debt-burden
45% of Americans pay no federal income tax .
April 21, 2016 by
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/45-of-americans-pay-no-federal-income-tax-2016-02-24
Short-term health insurance up as people avoid PPACA.
April 20, 2016 by
Photo: Getty Images
Here’s a head-scratcher: Why would people buy a health insurance policy that doesn’t cover a number of basic medical services and gets them fined by the federal government?
It’s cheaper that way, insist many of the people who are opting to purchase short-term health plans that do not meet the standards for insurance specified by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
UnitedHealth leaving all but a ‘handful’ of public health insurance exchanges.
April 20, 2016 by
http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20160419/NEWS03/160419819/unitedhealth-leaving-all-but-a-handful-of-public-health-insurance
If You Miss the Obamacare Deadline, Temporary Health Insurance Plans Are Available.
March 30, 2016 by
Missing the deadline to purchase health insurance does not mean consumers have to forego coverage for nearly a year until the next open enrollment season starts.
Short-term health insurance plans are one method to manage not having health coverage. After all, one trip to the ER can be an expensive one that can set you back for months or longer since unpaid medical bills is one of the top reasons consumers file for bankruptcy.
Although neither short-term, accident or critical illness insurance will meet the requirement for health insurance coverage under the Affordable Care Act and consumers are still subject to the tax penalty for being uninsured for two consecutive months or longer, these plans will put a cap on your financial liabilities. There are many qualifying life events that could make you eligible for buying health insurance under the special enrollment period such as moving to another state, getting married or divorced or turning 26 and aging out of your parent’s plan.
The short-term plans usually do not include coverage for preventive care like an annual physical or pre-existing medical conditions or prescription drugs. They can be a good option so that your expenses do not wind up unsurmountable in case you are injured or wind up sick.
The short-term plans are often “significantly more affordable” than standard health insurance plans, he said. The monthly premiums can range from $50 to $150.
The coverage typically does not last longer than 6 to 12 months, but you can usually apply again at the end of that period. While this option can serve as a backup plan, also ask your doctor for their “cash” value of a visit, which is often affordable if you need a checkup or have a minor illness.
Six states currently do not allow the sale of short-term insurance – Minnesota, New York, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and Maryland, said Noah Lang, CEO of Stride Health, the San Francisco health insurance exchange company. Other states such as California limit the length of the policy and consumers can only be covered for up to six months.
Accident insurance is designed to help consumers if they have a qualifying injury. The money is paid directly to consumers rather than to the doctor, which means you can do what you want with the payout such as paying medical bills or for your rent.
Critical illness insurance plans work similar to accident plans because consumers receive a payment if you are diagnosed with a qualifying illness such as cancer or heart disease.
It seems like a no-brainer to simply purchase a temporary plan and use it year-round if you are young and healthy, since you can save money each month, but there are a few catches:you are still liable for the tax penalty, they do not cover any pre-existing conditions and have payout limits of usually $1 million to $2 million.
“In the eyes of Obamacare, temporary insurance counts as being uninsured, meaning you’re liable for penalties and taxes. The tax penalty for not having health insurance coverage rose for 2016 and now consumers are liable for $695 or 2.5% of their income, whichever is greater.
Checklist for Millennials Buying Health Insurance for the First Time.
March 30, 2016 by
Reaching the age of 26 is a new benchmark for Millennials, as they mark a new rite of passage of buying health insurance for the first time.
Gen Y-ers lose health insurance coverage under their parents’ plan once they turn 26 and must seek an individual plan, which is mandated by the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare).
Becoming 26 years old is counted as a qualifying life event under the ACA, and Millennials have a 60-day time period to research and purchase a health insurance plan. Millennials are required by law to buy their own coverage or face paying the tax penalty of $695 per adult or 2.5% of your taxable income in 2016, whichever is greater.
“Your parents have the option (not the obligation) to keep you enrolled in the family health insurance plan until you turn 26,” said Nate Purpura, vice president of consumer affairs at eHealth.com, an online health insurance exchange based in Mountain View, Calif. “Once you reach that age, however, you’re on your own when it comes to health coverage.”
You can also enroll during the nationwide open enrollment period, which began on November 1 and will continue through January 31, 2016. Millennials who are shopping now for their first health insurance plan should check to see if they qualify for government subsidies and follow these other guidelines.
All Plans Offer Free Preventative Care
One of the mandates of the ACA is that every single plan must include free annual checkups from your doctor, the flu shot and other important vaccines, said Noah Lang, CEO of Stride Health, the San Francisco health insurance exchange company. The preventative care is the same regardless if you buy a bronze, silver or gold plan.
“If you never see the doctor for anything but preventive care, you’re effectively getting the same coverage whether you have a bronze or a gold plan,” said Purpura. “However, if you get sick or need to pick up prescription drugs, you’ll find that your coverage is not the same. That’s where higher metal level plans show their value.”
Qualifying for Subsidies
Gen Y-ers are likely candidates to qualify for subsidies, which makes their insurance premium cheaper. Earning $47,000 a year or less means you are eligible for them.
One major caveat – if you wind up earning more money than what was estimated, save up some money to pay it back next spring when you are filing for taxes.
“Your subsidies will be based on the money you actually earn during the year you’re receiving subsidies, so be careful not to underestimate your income or you could end up paying some of your subsidies back at tax time.
Everything You Need to Know About the New Health Tax Form So You Don’t Get Fined.
March 29, 2016 by
https://www.mainstreet.com/article/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-health-tax-form-so-you-dont-get-fined
20 Things in Your Home That Could Kill You.
March 24, 2016 by
When you think of your home, what usually comes to mind is relaxation, comfort, safety, and security. It is said that home is where the heart is, but what they don’t say is home can also be dangerous. Homes are filled with hazardous, toxic and even carcinogenic products. Cleaners, air fresheners, and even cosmetic products that can be found right under your sink are more dangerous than you think. Take a look at our list of 20 things in your home that could kill you.
Sodium: The Basics
March 24, 2016 by
When it comes to a healthy diet, it’s important to keep sodium levels in check. Sodium is a mineral that plays a very important role in the human body. It carries or pumps fluids into cells throughout the body. Potassium, another mineral, carries away the byproducts. If you were to completely eliminate sodium from your diet, you would be in trouble. By the same token, however, excessive sodium is dangerous too. A healthy adult should consume 2,300 milligrams of sodium or less per day, which is roughly equal to about a teaspoon of salt. If sodium levels in the body become too high, or if a person has a sensitivity to salt, the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular disease and stroke all increase. Research also suggests that too much sodium can weaken the bones. Learn more about sodium below. Where is Sodium Found? In general, natural foods contain very little sodium. The majority of sodium that is consumed on a daily basis is found in processed foods. Examples include deli meats, baked goods, prepared condiments like sauces and dressings and canned goods. Fresh fruits and vegetables generally contain very little sodium. In countries where very few processed foods are consumed, rates of hypertension, stroke and cardiovascular disease are noticeably lower.
How does Sodium Interact with the Body? As mentioned above, sodium works to carry or pump fluids into cells in the body, By doing so, it maintains the body’s balance of electrolytes. It also maintains the body’s acid-base balance. Sodium also plays an important role in the contraction of muscles, and it aids in nerve transmissions as well. Without it, your body would be unable to function properly. As with so many other things though, it is possible to have too much of a good thing. In fact, modern diets make it extremely easy for people to exceed their maximum daily allowance of sodium, which largely explains the many health crises facing people today. How Much Sodium is Found in Common Foods? You’re sure to be shocked when you learn how much sodium is found in everyday foods. To put it into perspective, keep in mind that you should try to consume 2,300 milligrams or less of sodium per day. A few examples include:
Peanut Butter – 600mg Processed Cheese – 1,100mg Dry Cereal – 700mg to 1,100mg Milk – 50mg Fresh Salmon – 65g Canned Salmon – 400mg Raisins – 30mg Crackers – 1,100mg Canned Soup – 350mg to 450mg Yogurt – 50mg
Reading Labels to Check for Sodium If you’re trying to maintain a low-sodium diet, you’re going to have to learn how to read nutrition labels effectively. It’s not just listed as “sodium” in ingredients lists either. It may also be called sodium phosphate, monosodium glutamate, or MSG, sodium citrate, sodium alginate or another complex-sounding chemical name. When reading a list of ingredients on a nutrition label, keep in mind that they are listed in order from high to low. In other words, the ingredients that are the most abundant in a type of food are listed first. If you see sodium near the top of the list, you can surmise that the food has a lot of it.
The nutrition label should also list how many milligrams are contained in a serving. Make note of what constitutes a serving size too. If you consume three to four servings, for example, you could easily exceed your daily allowance of sodium in one sitting. It may also be listed as a percentage of the daily calorie intake of a healthy adult. Forms of Salt In addition to regular table salt, salt may be sold as sea salt, rock salt, kosher salt or iodized salt, which is infused with iodine. Keep in mind that sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is also a form of salt. Prescription Medications Another thing to be aware of is that many prescription medications contain high levels of sodium. Laxatives, antacids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are all prime examples. By law, information about sodium must be included on the label. If you take a medication that has a high level of sodium, check with your doctor to see if low-sodium alternatives are available. In many cases, they are. Tips for Reducing the Amount of Sodium that You Consume Whether you’ve been ordered to consume less sodium by your doctor or not, it’s smart to limit the amount of sodium that you consume on a daily basis. It will help to keep your blood pressure in check, and it may help if you have been experiencing bloating and water retention too. A low-sodium diet may help you feel better in general. Here are a few tips for limiting the amount of sodium that you consume:
Limit Salty Snacks – As delicious as potato chips and crackers may be, they are loaded with sodium. Reserve them for special occasions. Eat Fresh Fruits, Veggies and Other Unprocessed Foods – Keep plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits in the house. Stock up on other unprocessed foods. These types of food tend to have very low amounts of sodium. When the mood to nosh on something strikes, you’ll have a low-sodium option on hand. Choose the Right Dairy Products – Many dairy products are loaded with sodium. Stick with dairy products that are low in fat and sodium. It should say so right on the label. Stick with Unsalted Broths – When a recipe calls for broth, buy the unsalted variety. It’s an easy way to keep sodium levels in check. Use Pepper Instead – In addition to spicing up your foods without the need for sodium, black pepper contains piperene, which some researchers believe may work to block the formation of new fat. By getting into the habit of using black pepper, you can keep sodium levels low and potentially lose weight too. Getting into the swing of a low-sodium diet isn’t easy at first, but you’re sure to get the hang of it in no time. The health benefits that you’ll enjoy make it well worth it. – See more at: http://www.healthinsurancequotes.org/articles/#sthash.ogBFFAkL.dpuf