Don’t have health insurance? Here’s how the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) will change that.
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20739090,00.html
Finding health insurance that doesn’t crush your household budget may soon get a little easier thanks to the new health insurance marketplaces, or exchanges, operating in every state.
But how much will a good health plan set you back? And do you qualify for a federal tax credit to lower your monthly premiums?
You can find out what your costs and potential savings might be when you submit an application for health insurance through your state marketplace. (Open enrollment in the health insurance exchanges, a centerpiece of the health reform law known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, runs from October 1 through March 31, 2014.)
But if you just want a rough estimate before diving into the exchange, you can try one of the online calculators that have popped up on the web, including some state marketplace websites.
“I think its a first good place to get started,” said Regan Hunt, executive director of Kentucky Voices for Health, a Louisville-based nonprofit coalition working to ensure access to affordable health care. “Some people really like to do their due diligence and their research before getting online to go shopping,” she said.
However, the calculators are limited in what they can tell you, she added. How you define your household size, for example, or your estimated earnings after a job loss could affect the numbers.
“Your final premiums and costs may differ from the estimates, perhaps significantly, depending on where you live and the coverage you select,” cautions HealthCare.gov, the federal governments website for health reform information.
Hunts advice? Try several calculators to see if theres much difference in the answers you get. “Dont just stick with one.”
Four Calculators to Try
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundations Subsidy Calculator
HealthCare.gov directs consumers to The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundations subsidy calculator . Enter your state, an estimate of your 2014 annual income, whether you have access to employer coverage, the number of people in your family, including the number of adults and children, and whether anyone is a smoker.
The calculator can tell where your household income ranks as a percentage of the federal poverty level, whether you would qualify for Medicaid and, if you qualify for coverage through the marketplace, what your annual premium might be and the size of the federal tax credit you may receive to offset your costs. Itll tell you the premium and cost-sharing amounts for a “silver” plan and compare those estimates to what you might pay in a “bronze” plan. It also tells you the most you would pay out of pocket.
If you have kids, the calculator will advise you about other coverage options, such as the Childrens Health Insurance Program.
eHealth Inc.
At eHealth Inc. , the parent company of online health insurance site eHealthInsurance, you can find out whether you may be eligible for the premium tax credit based on your household size and income level.
Just plug in a few pieces of data and the calculator spits out the amount of the tax credit you may receive based on a typical plan in your state. It also tells you the penalty you would pay in 2014 if you chose not to remain uninsured.
GoHealth
Or you can try GoHealth , another online portal for health insurance, which calculates your premium and tax credit using your zip code, income, age and family size.
SHOUTAmerica
The nonprofit group SHOUTAmerica, through its educational initiative Young Americans for Affordable Healthcare offers a tool for figuring out how health reform will affect young adults insurance costs in 2014.
Use it to ballpark your cost after any applicable premium tax credit. You can also learn about other health insurance options. For example, young adults under 26 may be eligible to stay on their parents health plan, and adults under 30 can buy a “catastrophic” health plan with a lower premium but higher out-of-pocket costs.
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20739494,00.html
A one-stop-shop for all things eyes.
via Cosmopolitan.com Bronze Belleza Blog RSS Article Feed http://www.cosmopolitan.com/cosmo-latina/belleza-blog/tangle-teezer?src=rss
These yoga moves will tighten and tone your abs and core for a slim waist and a flat belly.
via Diet & Fitness – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/video/0,,20740371,00.html
Easy exercises proven to tone and tighten your glutes, thighs, and hips and make cellulite less visible.
via Diet & Fitness – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/video/0,,20724394,00.html
The best exercises to flatten your belly, strengthen your core, and cinch your waist, and no crunches!
via Diet & Fitness – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/video/0,,20724360,00.html
So many tasty ways to eat this versatile fruit
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20629049,00.html
You know you should eat truckloads of veggies. But be honest: Do you? Here’s how to get more.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/calendar/0,,20647197,00.html
Your favorite feel-good foods don’t have to pile on the pounds—some can help you lose weight.
via Diet & Fitness – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20735735,00.html
Cheese gets a bad rap, but it can be healthy. For one, it’s a good source of calcium, which helps build bone and plays a role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and regulating blood pressure. Plus, it serves up healthy doses of protein, vitamin D, and zinc. Just choose wisely and enjoy in moderation.
Products available in grocery stores nationwide unless otherwise noted.
Applegate Naturals American cheese, $4.99 for 8 oz.
Applegate Naturals Cheddar cheese Medium, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Emmentaler Swiss cheese, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Extra Sharp Aged Cheddar cheese, $5.99 for 8 oz.
Applegate Naturals Havarti cheese, $5.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Monterey Jack cheese with jalapeño peppers, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Muenster cheese, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Provolone cheese, $4.99 for 7 oz.
Applegate Naturals Yogurt cheese with live active probiotic cultures, $5.99 for 8 oz.
Applegate Organics Mild Cheddar cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.
Applegate Organics Monterey Jack cheese, $5.99 for 4 oz.
Applegate Organics Muenster Käse cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.
Applegate Organics Provolone cheese, $5.99 for 5 oz.
BelGioioso Asiago wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.
BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella balls, $4.99 for 8 oz.
BelGioioso Parmesan wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.
BelGioioso Romano wedge, $3.99 for 5 oz.
Cabot Cottage cheese, $1.99 for 16 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cabot Monterey Jack shredded cheese, $3.50 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar bars, $3 for 8 oz.
Cabot Sharp Light Cheddar bars, $3 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cracker Barrel Aged Reserve Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.
Cracker Barrel Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, $3.99 for 8 oz.
Frigo Cheese Heads Light string cheese, $4.99 for 12.
Frigo Cheese Heads string cheese, $4.99 for 12.
Horizon Organic Classic American cheese slices, $4.50 for 12.
Kraft 2% Milk Singles, $2.99 for 12 oz.
Kraft Natural Cheese Havarti, $2.99 for 7 oz.
Kraft Shredded Mozzarella with a Touch of Philadelphia, $2.99 for 8 oz.
Kraft Singles, American, $2.99 for 12 oz.
Mini Babybel Bonbel, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Cheddar, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Light, $3.99 for 6.
Mini Babybel Mozzarella Style, $4.99 for 10.
Mini Babybel Original, $3.99 for 6.
Organic Valley American Singles, $5.89 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Baby Swiss cheese, $6.69 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Mild Cheddar Cheese, Reduced Fat, Reduced Sodium, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Monterey Jack cheese, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Mozzarella Shredded, Part Skim, $5.09 for 6 oz.
Organic Valley Mozzarella Stringles, Low Moisture, Part Skim, $5.39 for 6 oz.
Organic Valley Pepper Jack cheese, $5.59 for 8 oz.
Organic Valley Vermont Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, $12.59 for 16 oz.
Polly-O Jalapeño string cheese, $4.49 for 10 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O Natural Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella cheese, $4.49 for 12 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O Shredded Low-Moisture Part-Skim Mozzarella cheese, $3.69 for 8 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Polly-O String Natural Reduced-Fat Mozzarella cheese made with 2% milk, $4.49 for 10 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Sargento Chef Blends Shredded 4 State Cheddar cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Deli Style Sliced Medium Cheddar cheese, $3.49 for 11.
Sargento Natural Blends Cheddar-Mozzarella cheese snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Natural Blends Deli Style Sliced Sharp Cheddar-Jack cheese, $3.49 for 11.
Sargento Natural Light string cheese snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Natural Reduced Fat Colby-Jack snacks, $4.79 for 12.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Jack cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat 4 Cheese Mexican, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Shredded Reduced Fat Mozzarella cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Traditional Cut Shredded Sharp Cheddar cheese, $3.79 for 8 oz.
Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Pepper Jack cheese, $3.49 for 18.
Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Swiss cheese, $3.49 for 18.
Sorrento Galbani Stringsters Reduced Fat Mozzarella string cheese, $4.29 for 12 oz.; at select grocery stores.
Stella Parmesan wedge, $4.99 for 5 oz.
Stella Romano wedge, $4.99 for 5 oz.
365 Everyday Value Organic Light string cheese, $4.99 for 6 oz.; at Whole Foods Market.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20739382,00.html
Few people realize that in the murky world of medical billing, there is often room for negotiation. If youre paying providers from your own pocket—because you have no insurance, have maxed out your insurance, or are seeking treatment out-of-network—its worth asking for a discount on services. Hospitals and doctors will sometimes consider accepting less than the full list price—after all, they routinely give substantial discounts when the payer is Medicare, Medicaid, or an insurance company. Even with an overdue bill, the provider may be persuaded to be flexible. Here are some bargaining strategies you can try.
1. Pay today. Go to the billing office and offer to pay with cash or by credit card on the spot. “I would try for a 20% discount,” says Larry Gelb, CEO of CareCounsel LLC, a health-care advocacy firm. “Often they will be obliging because they have a big incentive to get it settled rather than to go through a long, drawn-out collection. If you tie it to a little bit of a hardship story, you will increase your chances.”
2. Disclose your family income. You may be uncomfortable volunteering information about how much money you make, but if youre facing, for example, a $10,000 bill from a specialist, it might help to explain that your family of four lives on an income of $50,000. “Compared to the person with a net family income of $250,000, the health-care provider will look at those two people very differently,” says Marty Rosen, a former Aetna U.S. Healthcare executive and a cofounder of Health Advocate, a provider of health-care advocacy services to businesses and individuals. This is not a good strategy, Rosen notes, for families in an upper-income bracket.
3. Pile on the compliments. “A lot of doctors really respond to schmoozing,” says Laura Valentine, director of client services at CareCounsel. When she approaches billers on behalf of a patient, she appeals to doctors egos with a bit of flattery. She suggests saying something like, “I really wanted to have my cancer treatment here because my friends and colleagues all say youre the best and the brightest. But I have limitations on my pocketbook. Is there any type of discount or anything that you can do?”
4. Use Medicare rates to your advantage. Finding out what Medicare pays doctors and hospitals to perform a specific medical procedure will take a bit of research, but it is a gambit professional patient advocates frequently use. To do it, read carefully, because these steps are complicated: First ask your doctors office for the procedures CPT code, which stands for “Current Procedural Terminology” and is a code set developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) to ensure uniformity in describing medical, surgical, and diagnostic services. Next, go to the AMA websites CPT search engine to look up the Medicare payment for that procedure in your geographical area. (For example, the CPT code for one type of breast reconstruction surgery is 19361. Searching for the state of New York and the city of Manhattan, with the five-digit CPT code 19361, turns up a Medicare payment of $1808.76 for the procedure.) You can use that information in negotiating your non-Medicare rate, which you should do before the procedure. “Whatever you can do up-front is the best,” advises Valentine.
Not only will you have more bargaining leverage pre-procedure, but then, should anything change during or after the procedure, the hospital will also have a record that they cooperated with you before and will more likely be willing to cooperate again. For both hospital and doctors bills, a reasonable offer would be 25% above the Medicare rate, suggests Nora Johnson, the vice president and director of education and compliance for Medical Billing Advocates of America. If you are thinking about negotiating a hospital bill, however, consider hiring a professional advocate, since hospital bills are considerably more complex, Johnson adds.
5. Use your emotional state to your advantage. You may be feeling a lot of stress, but calling an administrator from the hospital an idiot is not going to get you very far. Instead, say something like, “I am just so frustrated right now. My spouse is ill, and Ive been trying to deal with my health plan, but I really want to make sure you get paid too.” Chances are, “because of human nature, they will try to help you, unless you get someone who is very hard,” says Valentine.
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/article/0,,20456475,00.html
via Cosmopolitan.com Bronze Belleza Blog RSS Article Feed http://www.cosmopolitan.com/cosmo-latina/belleza-blog/vampire-facelift-review?src=rss
Medication can cost a bundle. Here’s how to save money on prescription drugs.
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20536027,00.html
Health.com’s annual roundup of the year’s headlines, from federal health policy to celebrity controversy.
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20650011,00.html
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20578494,00.html
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20524163,00.html
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20483493,00.html
via Healthy & Happy – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20471086,00.html
What’s the easiest way to treat family and friends? Whip up a potful of something warm, nutritious, and delicious—then let your guests personalize their garnishes.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20651628,00.html
Power up your next party with these simple, nourishing spreads.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20648996,00.html
What, when, and how we eat can play a key role in healthy aging.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20610379,00.html
Smart recipes have never tasted so sweet
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20511861,00.html
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20487630,00.html
Swap in low-fat ground beef in these 11 recipes. You’ll ditch lots of the fat without sacrificing the meaty flavor you love.
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20479776,00.html
via Food & Recipes – Health.com http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20478463,00.html
