Health Insurance Blog and Resources

With the warming of the weather, many people carry on the tradition of spring cleaning to help them refresh their home from the winter. As you're refreshing your home, here's some expert advice to help you spring clean your health in these three areas: Allergies Immune system Nutrition Allergies Avoid bringing allergens indoors Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, FAAD, dermatologist in private practice at SkinSafe Dermatology and Skin Care“Prone to seasonal allergies? Spring is the season for pollen from growing trees, flowers and grasses. It gets on your hair, skin and outerwear from the air, park benches and brushing up against flora. Reduce the risk of bringing the pollen indoors with you by removing exposed items at the door.  Did you go for a run outdoors in the finally warm enough weather? Toss your clothes in the washer and take a shower to remove pollen. Other tricks to reduce exposure is keeping bedroom windows closed and replacing the filter screens in your vents.”  Eat local honey Lisa Richards, nutritionist and The Candida Diet author"Honey is a natural sweetener which can help reduce the amount of added sugar you have in your diet, but can also improve your seasonal and environmental allergies. Integrating local honey into your diet may help reduce allergies because bees make their honey from the pollen you live and work around. Giving yourself a small dose of this on a regular basis can help to build immunity to these typical allergens.” Keep your indoor air circulation clean Mark Dawson, One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning COO“Clean your HVAC registers and vents: All of the air handled by your HVAC system blows through them, so these vents will inevitably get dusty. A flexible duster or the wand attachment on your vacuum should make this an easy job, and it can cut down on the amount of dust blowing through your home. Clean your ceiling fan blades: Just as with your vents, dusty ceiling fans can circulate even more dust around your home. And while you’re at it, reverse your ceiling fan direction so that the blades turn clockwise, creating an updraft. This helps circulate warm air throughout the room and may allow you to set the thermostat a couple degrees lower without sacrificing comfort. Switch your fan to 'on' mode: This strategy is a trade-off: when your fan runs constantly, your indoor air is always being filtered, boosting air quality. But you may see the difference in your monthly utility bills, and it will also increase the wear and tear on your HVAC system’s fan. The secret to healthy home air is striking the right balance when it comes to moisture control. Too much humidity is an invitation for mold – but too little can result in dry air that triggers allergy symptoms.” Immune system Take your vitamins Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, MD, health advisor at healthcareers.co“Vitamin C is an excellent supplement for boosting your immune system. Zinc is a fantastic supplement to take along with vitamin C, that will help you fight viruses faster. A healthy diet with fruits rich in vitamin C — i.e., citruses — will be an excellent way to take vitamins. Still, I suggest taking additional supplements during the seasonal change, to support your organism with little extra nutrients.” And, take your supplements Myles Spar, MD, MPH, Vault Health chief medical officer and integrative men’s health specialist“Set your immune system up for success by staying hydrated. Rethink your beverage choices, lower your alcohol intake, and switch to water and water with lemon to keep your organs healthy and flush out toxins.  Take immune-boosting supplements that help act as anti-virals like Elderberry, Echinacea and NAC (N-acetyl cysteine). Zinc also helps, since it is an antiviral. I like the product by Source Naturals called Wellness Formula.” Watch out for colds and the flu Jocelyn Nadua, registered practical nurse and C-Care Health Services care coordinator“Even though winter might be the worst for cold and flu season, spring would be the next one up. The change of temperature can often fluctuate during the spring, catching many of us off guard in the process. For instance, too often do people catch colds in March because they've been underdressed for the past few days, believing it's warmer outside than it actually is. Since we've been used to freezing temperatures for the last few months, a few degrees above zero can feel as though it's summer. With that being said, once spring arrives, don't dress by gauging the weather by how it feels, dress by the actual temperature.”  Take care of your gut Judy Gaman, Executive Medicine of Texas CEO and Stay Young America! podcast host“Research shows that 70 percent of the immune system is in the gut. Don't wait until you're sick to boost your gut microbiome. Take a high quality probiotic supplement, as well as consume foods that are high in probiotics and prebiotics. For example, sauerkraut, cheese, and other fermented foods are high in probiotics, and fibrous vegetables like asparagus are the food the microbiome feeds off of, also known as prebiotics.” Drink water Dr. Nikola Djordjevic, MD“Don't forget to drink a little more than usual. When seasons change, we tend to dress by inertia, keeping too many warm layers far longer than the temperatures demand. Due to excess of clothes, we sweat more and lose fluids. Increasing your water intake will ensure you don't dehydrate. It will provide optimal conditions for metabolic processes, and support the immune response to viruses that can thrive in the changing, warm weather.” Nutrition Plan ahead Jess Dang, Cook Smarts founder and chief kitchen cheerleader“One of the best things you can do to take control of your health is to get in the habit of meal planning. So many of us have good intentions about eating healthier, but when we're rushed and without a plan in the moment, we make choices we regret. My advice? Take some time on the weekend to think through what you have going on in the week ahead. Know when you'll have time to cook, when you'll need to be able to throw together something quick, and when you want to go out to eat or grab takeout. When you have a plan for each night's dinner that takes into account your actual life, you're much more likely to stick to it!” Choose nutrient-rich food Elliott Upton, NASM-certified personal trainer at Ultimate Performance“While there are no such things as ‘weight loss foods’ or foods that are somehow inherently ‘fattening,' there are certain types of foods over others that are more conducive to weight loss and will make it easier sticking to your diet. These are invariably meals that are high in protein, with nutrient-dense vegetables and good quality fats and carbohydrate sources that support general health and well-being, above calorie-dense, nutrient-poor processed foods.  There are plenty of foods that fit this mold for spring — grilled lean meats, fresh fish, low fat dairy for good sources of protein, green vegetables, crisp salads and general non-starchy vegetables to fill you up for less calories, healthy fats from things like olive oil drizzled on salads, nuts for added crunch or avocados for texture, along with small portions of carbs with a lower glycemic load, like brown rice or sweet potato, to keep you full and your blood sugar levels more stable.” Eat green things Pam Sherman, personal trainer and The Perfect Balance CEO“Have you been surviving on soups and comfort food this winter? Try swapping these out for lighter dishes that better reflect the new season, like salads or fish. The greenery that is starting to emerge around you may inspire you to add green foods into your diet more often.” Eat fruits and veggies Myles Spar, MD, MPH“Switch up your diet. A recent study shows prominent results indicating that a high intake of fruits and vegetables promotes higher levels of optimism and self efficacy, reduces psychological distress, reduces cancer fatalism, and protects against depressive symptoms in adults.” Visit the farmer’s market Jennifer Fidder, M.A. CPPC, Jennifer Alice Training and Coaching LLC mindset coach and personal trainer“Spring is also a great time to check out your local farmer's market. In the United States, all sorts of lettuce, leafy greens, as well as asparagus are in season this time of year.”

Part two of a two-part series. Read part one here. If you're having a hard time fitting physical activity into your daily life, you're not alone. Overall, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s report on physical activity levels in U.S. states and territories shows that activity levels could be improved in most areas. The first article in this two-part series took a deeper look at the report and reviewed possible reasons for the striking differences the report found across regions and ethnicity. The CDC's initiative Active People, Healthy NationSM has great resources for organizations and community leaders working to encourage physical activity in their communities. These are helpful for addressing these physical activity trends from a larger scale. While broader trends and barriers to fitness are usually better addressed at a societal and community levels, it's possible to incorporate more physical activity into your life even with existing barriers. Active People, Healthy NationSM also has helpful advice and resources for individuals and families. Joining the initiative can also connect you with other people becoming more active and keep you up-to-date on the movement. We reached out to experts for tips on overcoming barriers to fitness. Whatever barriers you face when it comes to regular physical activity, working to overcome them will benefit you. Where to start As you plan to increase your physical activity, you’ll need to determine your end goal, identify potential barriers, and plan ways to be successful. As you think about your end goal, keep in mind that visualization won’t be enough to help you achieve. “Surprisingly, it has been found that visualizing isn’t enough and maybe even harms the process! That’s because visualizing can give us a feeling of reward right on the spot within our brain. Imagine saying “Ah, imagine if I’ve written that book . . .”  It feels great and then that was enough!” says Alexandra Miller, Psy.D, Host of Psychology America with Dr. Alexandra Podcast and Director of Live Well Psychology. Making a clear, doable plan can help. “The first thing is to not try and change too much too soon. What I mean by this is often someone is aware they should be more active and believes they need to start going to the gym every day and change their diet all at the same time. What happens more often than not is one will start off by going to the gym five or more times a week. This is too much to start off with,” recommends Anthony Treas, MPH, CHES, Men's Life Coach for STRONG Men Coaching, LLC. Pacing yourself and gradually increasing your physical activity levels will help you be more successful with your goals over time. “When I coach someone who would like to add physical activity in their life, we start by just adding just a few days a week. If they can do more, that is fine, but the goal for the first few weeks is to participate in physical activity for a few times a week. Then gradually work to adding more days to eventually be doing some sort of physical activity everyday. Once they have a good routine, then it is time to start changing the diet,” continues Treas. Another key to achieving your fitness goals? Finding something you like to do. “The second thing is to find a physical activity that is enjoyable. Doing something enjoyable will help someone to stay consistent and consistency is the key to receive the health benefits of physical activity. Although, it is important to add in strength training, flexibility, and functioning exercises, doing something you enjoy is the most important for longevity,” advises Treas. Even if you have a clear plan and an activity you look forward to, you can always change your mind in the moment. Miller has advice to counteract this:  “What we need to do according to recent research is consciously think of our biggest internal barrier to making our goal (i.e. increased activity) happen. This often comes in the form of one sentence we tell ourselves and will be unique to each person. For my patients it’s often 'I’ll do it tomorrow,' or 'I don’t have the energy' or 'I don’t have the time right now.' Once we come up with this sentence, we then make a plan of how to overcome this barrier. The play may be in the form of a sentence paired with an action, such as 'It’s now or never . . . and then I put on my running outfit.'  This method has a fancy title: ‘Mental Contrasting with Implementation Intentions,’” she says. How to overcome barriers Anticipating and planning to work around barriers will help you achieve your goals. “Make a list of how incorporating physical activity may be difficult for you. Identify these areas and then find a way to make it easier to incorporate physical activity. It will require some changes, but the health benefits are worth it,” suggests Treas. Specific barriers you face will vary in their type and intensity, so your plans to overcome your difficulties will likely be different from someone else’s. Below are some tips for overcoming common barriers. Weather Kristen Burris, LAc, MSTOM, Acupuncturist and Master Herbalist for Eagle Acupuncture“If weather is a challenge: either too hot or too cold, finding activities indoors will be your saving grace. In the dead of winter, going to a gentle warm heated yoga class sounds abundantly more appealing than walking in the windy city with snow all around.” Amber Nash, fitness expert and founder of Fit Healthy Best“Try 20-second exercise snacks to improve fitness and boost motivation in cold months. Researchers found that just 20-seconds of stair climbing a few times per day improved the subjects' cardiovascular fitness. This can be done easily indoors all winter or when someone does not have access to physical activity.” Michael Groesch, PT, DPT Clinical Manager of Menorah Park Center for Senior Living“Ice skating, skiing, and winter hiking can be a great way to beat the winter blues and avoid gaining the extra weight we may experience in colder months.” While these tips focus on colder weather, you may need to find indoor activities if the summers in your area are too hot.  Money Jennifer Ellis, ACE Certified Group Fitness Instructor and Life Enlightenment CEO“Just move. Many people I find feel like they have to join a gym, sign up for a class, walk a certain number of steps per day, etc in order to be active. I tell my students — just move! I don’t care what you do or for how long; any amount of movement will be beneficial — do a set of squats while brushing your teeth, park farther from wherever you are going and walk, if you are a parent with time constraints turn on some music and dance around the house with your kids. Those are a few of many easy examples I share with my students.” Michael Groesch“Even while watching TV, one can stand, do squats, lift light weights, (if you don’t have dumbbells try using books, filled bags, or canned goods for weight) do leg extensions, toe touches, and jumping jacks. Workout videos are entertaining, high energy, and can be done any time, and anywhere that you have access to a computer, TV, or phone with YouTube. Most are found free on the internet. Before bed, gentle stretching can be part of your nightly routine. Try sitting toe to toe with your partner and stretching back and forth.” Kristen Burris“Many community centers offer classes for free or for only a few dollars. Write down on a calendar each week a new activity you'd like to try from tai chi to yoga to square dancing to Pilates to weight training to snowshoeing to pickleball to flying a kite or riding a bike. Figure out what you like. The things you dread, avoid. If taking on activities feels too daunting, walk more, drive less, park further, carry more, take the stairs not the elevator, and start slow. The other option is to YouTube exercise for beginners or a 10-minute workout. All you need is a phone, Wi-Fi, and 10 minutes.” Time Sandra Crawley, RN, BSN and Mom Loves Best medical consultant“If someone puts in long hours working and comes home to take care of the family, then has to travel to a different location to be able to be physically active, chances are the first thing to go is physical activity. When time and money are limited, take small steps to become more active. Dance while doing chores — don’t just sit and watch the kids, get up and join them. Take a walk after dinner and explore your neighborhood. Find your support person. No matter what the perceived barriers are, there is always a way around them.” Gaye Groover Christmus, MPH of CalmHealthySexy“One of the easiest ways to get more physical activity is to work it into your daily life. Every day, think about your schedule and ask yourself, 'How can I move more today?' Wear an activity monitor, set a step goal, and add short periods of walking throughout the day. Walk at your children’s sports practices and lessons. Walk and talk with a colleague, rather than sitting and talking. Take 20 minutes of your lunch hour to walk.” Michael Groesch“If you can’t join a gym or health maintenance program, you can get your activity in at a local mall; it’s a great place to walk! Also, multi-level office and apartment buildings have steps to each floor, which provides great cardio. A 10-minute walk during your lunch break can do wonders for your energy level, cardio health, lowering blood pressure, and de-stressing.” Ways to stay on track Keeping yourself accountable will help you stay on track. You can hold yourself accountable to yourself or find a friend to work with are great options. If personal accountability works for you, you can use fitness technology, like Fitbits, to keep yourself going towards your goals. “Invest in some tech. Wearable devices that track your activity have been shown to be very effective. Setting an active goal and using technology to track your progress throughout the day is a great way to remind yourself to keep moving,” suggests Samantha Clayton, vice president of sports performance and fitness for Herbalife Nutrition. If tech is beyond your budget, you can use a calendar, journal, or make your own tracker. You can also keep track on your phone. Social support can also help you succeed. “To help increase activity levels, people should find some support, either from family, friends, or a group. People are more apt to be physically active if they have another person be active with them and the extra support will keep you motivated,” suggests Crawley. Finding a friend or family member to work-out with or even just to go on walks with can help you stay on track for your activity goals. You may even be able to find support groups by joining the CDC's Active People, Healthy NationSM. If you have a health plan, your insurer may offer rewards or programs that make it easier to be active. For example, Cigna offers a Healthy Rewards® program that provides discounted fitness club rates to plan members among other discounts.  With a workable plan and the right support, you can be successful and increase your activity. Explore Health Insurers Learn more about member benefits and fitness incentives offered by top health insurance companies with their plans. View Top Health Insurers

Part one of a two-part series. Read part two here. Did you make an exercise goal for a New Year's resolution? Are you having difficutly meeting it? If you are, it might not just be you. There may be some external factors at play. In January, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data on adult physical inactivity in the United States and several U.S. territories using data collected from 2015 to 2018. Overall, the report shows that over 15 percent of adults in U.S. states and territories did not participate in any physical activity outside of their job. Most states and territories had 20 percent or more adults reporting no leisure time physical activity in the past month. Keep in mind that even doing one leisure time physical activity during the last month would have changed the results. Being physically active once a month is a pretty low bar when it comes to evaluating fitness levels. By and large, the report indicates that adults in the United States need to be more physically active. Since the report measures leisure time physical activity, here's our first question: Does discounting job-related physical activity make this an unfair representation of fitness levels and overall health in the United States? The CDC also created maps that show hot zones of inactivity by state or territory. There are several maps that show differences in activity levels by region and ethnicity. These differences are striking. “When you go through the CDC report, there are two main points that stand out. The first is that Southern states and the Northeast states have one of the highest inactivity levels. The second fact is that non-white Hispanics and non-Hispanic black adults got the least amount of exercise,” observes Dr. Dheena Sadik, Consultant Nutritionist and Dietician for Tea Leafed.  So, the second question: What barriers exist preventing leisure time physical activity? And, to wrap up this two-part series: What can people do to increase their activity levels regardless of the barriers they may face? We reached out to health and fitness experts and looked at research studies to learn more about these questions. Read on to get their insight. Does discounting job-related physical activity make the results an unfair representation of fitness levels and overall health in the United States? While some experts noted that job-related physical activity contributes to overall health and fitness, others had compelling reasons for it not being an unfair statistic.  Here’s why: 1. Active day jobs may not affect everyone’s fitness levels the same way. Kristen Burris, LAc, MSTOM, Acupuncturist and Master Herbalist Eagle Acupuncture“Oddly, in 20 years of practice, I have not noticed a correlation with active day jobs equating fitness. You would think every housekeeper in America would be underweight and muscular from the demands their job ask of them; however, it is not true. Leisure activity is key.” 2. Job-related activity is different from fitness. Dr. Dheena Sadik“A study conducted by Netherland researchers found that individuals who worked in construction and similar jobs were actually at risk for dying earlier. It appears that physically demanding jobs require a different type of physical activity. This, coupled with the fact that these workers don’t get as much rest could be doing their cardiovascular system more harm than good. So, in that way, even people with such jobs may need to work out during their leisure time as well.”  Jasmine Marcus, PT, DPT, CSCS of McCune and Murphy Physical Therapy“I'm a physical therapist and strength and conditioning specialist. I do think it's important to overlook the physical aspects of work, because your body becomes used to this level of activity, and to truly benefit from exercise, you usually have to overload the body and do more than what it is used to.  Additionally, while a job may require heavy lifting, it probably isn't adequately lifting all the muscle groups that need strengthening. Additionally, everyone needs both cardiovascular activity and strength training, and even an active job may not hit both of these goals.” 3. The purpose of physical activity matters. Samantha Clayton, Vice President of sports performance and fitness for Herbalife Nutrition“All activity counts in terms of assessing people’s sedentary lifestyle behaviors. However, there is a big difference between doing purposeful exercise with the aim of improving your fitness level with dedicated time, versus simply moving your body doing activities of daily living or work.  All activity is important, but intentional activities done for the purpose of decompressing or health improvement has a greater impact on our mental health and this, in my opinion, makes the report truly accurate. It’s for this reason that more people are prioritizing self-care wherever possible. Stress relief is needed in our busy lives and physical activity has so many positive health benefits.” All of this is to say: having a physically active day job doesn’t mean your body is getting what it needs.  As you evaluate your physical activity level, keep in mind that your activity levels also need to hit recommended levels to get the health benefits. "An important thing to remember is the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, so although your activity during the day is beneficial you want to make sure it is enough to raise your heart rate to get the benefits of exercise,” says Michael Groesch, PT, DPT Clinical Manager of Menorah Park Center for Senior Living. What barriers exist preventing leisure time physical activity? While the study also shows exercise rates across states and ethnic or racial groups, regions and ethnicity may not be the best way to interpret the findings. There are other factors that may have more of an effect. Sadik remarks: “The one thing that the CDC study didn’t take into account was socioeconomic factors. However, if you were to take a closer look, this could be the missing piece to show why non-whites were getting less activity outside of their jobs.” Socioeconomic factors likely have more of an impact on physical activity levels than anything else.  In fact, the states with the highest poverty levels almost exactly match up with the states with the lowest activity levels when you look at the Overall Physical Activity Map from the CDC’s report and compare it to The Percentage of People in Poverty for the United States and Puerto Rico: 2018 map (Figure 2 in Poverty: 2017 and 2018 of the American Community Survey Briefs, issued November 2019). When you consider that disparity in socioeconomic outcomes and poverty rates in the United States are different across racial and ethnic groups, it’s not surprising to see that these outcomes affect health. For example, the Kaiser Family Foundation has data from 2018 that shows poverty rate differences across racial groups. The overall U.S. poverty rate for Whites is 9 percent. In contrast, the poverty rates for Blacks (22 percent) and Hispanics (19 percent) are both double the poverty rate for Whites. If you look at the states with the highest poverty rates for each group, they generally match the states that have 25 percent and higher reported inactivity levels in the CDC's report. While there are a few exceptions, these trends are telling. “Across our nation, we see that the lower economic areas have the highest rate of a sedentary lifestyle. Many of the rural areas lack the simple amenities already mentioned, but have the added barriers of the lack of funds to join a gym, take classes, or buy the perceived necessary equipment. Inner-city areas have plenty of sidewalks but may be unsafe and lack outdoor green space,” says Sandra Crawley, RN, BSN and Mom Loves Best medical consultant. These differences indicate a relationship between socioeconomic factors and physical health. While there is evidence suggesting a strong correlation between poverty rates and leisure time physical activity, regardless of race, ethnicity, and region, there are other regional factors to consider. These include geography, weather, and climate. For example, areas with hiking trails and nicer weather may make it easier for people to get outdoors and be active. Colder weather and storms can make it harder to get outside or even drive to a recreation center. Experts we talked to also identified other potential barriers. Some of the barriers mentioned below are socioeconomic factors. Each potential barrier listed below may be experienced differently based on identity and location. Weather Amber Nash, fitness expert and group exercise instructor of Fit Healthy Best“I live in Kansas City and getting outside from December through February is very difficult, which is common across the entire Midwest.   Even on the days when there is no precipitation, you have to really bundle up to get out and be active. This can be harder for people with limited resources to buy warm layers or for parents with very young children.  On top of that, if you have limited financial resources and don't live close to a public rec center, your options for physical activity during these three months are severely limited.   According to my fitness tracker, even though I aim to be active all winter, my activity levels do plummet during these months.  It's simply so much easier to just walk outside during the spring, summer, and fall in the Midwest and get in some movement than it is during the harsh winter months here.” Fatigue and expectations around exercise Alysa Boan, NASM Certified Personal Trainer at MyTennisLessons and RealFitnessMaven“Physical activity can be daunting. Oftentimes we are not confident in the gym so we avoid it. Or we are so exhausted from our day, exercise gets pushed to the bottom of the priority list. What we must recognize is that exercise and a healthy diet are proven to increase energy levels, decrease stress, and improve sleep. All of which help to battle exhaustion and lack of motivation. Increasing exercise can be a strong indicator for improving overall health and wellness.” Work-life balance Michael Groesch“Other barriers include time constraints and access to exercise equipment.  A lot of people have difficulty with finding a balance between work, responsibilities at home, and physical fitness.” Samantha Clayton“The main barrier that I see while traveling is that many people struggle to find a work/life balance. Technology as well as the expectation to be constantly connected to work is preventing people from making their health and activity a priority. In most major cities around the world, time stuck in traffic or commuting each day also interferes with recreation, family time, and food prep time. People are then reduced to having to pick up takeout or skip the gym. A way to manage this is to try to beat the traffic, get to work early and squeeze in some exercise, use your lunch time to move or workout close to work, or use your time wisely after work to allow the traffic to die down. This way you can reduce your stress while also getting in your fitness activity for the day.” Pain Michael Groesch“A large barrier we see in my profession to physical activity is pain. If pain is limiting your ability to be physically active this can impact your health substantially.  Consulting with a physical therapist is a great way to help you overcome this barrier and get back on track with your exercise.” Read the second article in the two-part series: "More Than Willpower: Overcoming Barriers to Fitness"

Guest Post by AJ Cohen Despite a myriad of efforts to make health care more affordable, costs continue to rise. Medical costs have outpaced income by 14 percent over the last 10 years, and 2020 is predicted to see the largest jump in costs yet — up 5 percent from 2019, which was already up 3.6 percent from 2018. Finding affordable care is an issue that hits at the heart of most Americans. Few families can absorb even a modest health care crisis when the average cost of a three-day hospital stay is $30,000 and the average cost of an ER visit is anywhere from $3,000 (with insurance) to upwards of $20,000 (without insurance). And if you need to get to the hospital via ambulance? Plan on at least another $1,000. Cost has become such a prohibitive factor in U.S. health care; many patients prolong needed medical care or forego it altogether to try and spare themselves the expense. As the saying goes, "When you have your health, you have everything," which is why everyone should have the benefit of being able to afford quality medical care when they need it and as long as they need it. Government officials and health care experts have long tried to devise a plan that makes sense for everyone, but until they do, I’ve compiled a few tips to help you stay on top of your health in 2020 without finding yourself in the poorhouse. First, take stock of what you’re paying now for health care and whether you can afford it.Insurance premiums and copays add up quickly. You may not find out if you’re carrying enough insurance, or the right kind of insurance, until it’s too late. No one wants to find themselves in the middle of a medical emergency only to discover they don’t have the necessary insurance to cover at least part of the costs. This is the time of year for open enrollment on most health care plans, and a good time to assess your needs in 2020. Will the size of your family be changing? Do you anticipate new medical needs for the coming year? Will there be out-of-pocket expenses, or expenses deemed not medically necessary, that you’ll need to account for over the next 12 months? Are you taking advantage of a Health Savings Account? Does your deductible seem reasonable? These are questions you should consider when determining what type of medical insurance you have and whether it will fit your needs in the coming year. Now is the time to make changes without penalty. Be realistic with how much you can afford each month and make sure it will deliver value when you’ll need it most. Next, shop around and take advantage of freebies.Surprisingly, most Americans don’t look for a bargain when they seek out medical care. A survey of nearly 3,000 individuals revealed only 13 percent of respondents who had to pay out-of-pocket for recent medical treatment had sought information about expected spending before receiving that care, and only 3 percent had compared costs across providers before receiving care. Reasons vary, but there is a long held belief that health care that costs less isn’t as valuable or effective as health care that costs more. This couldn’t be further from the truth. For some procedures, medical clinics are a far better bargain that in-hospital treatment, for example. Not to mention one doctor or hospital may charge significantly more for a service than another. It’s worth the time to ask around and compare your best deals. The government has even made it easier for all of us, requiring hospitals to publish the costs for common procedures. Don’t forget to take advantage of free and low cost services as well. Preventive care is free with many medical plans and for a healthy individual, this can cover the bulk of your medical needs in a given year. Ask for generic versions of prescriptions and shop your services around to various pharmacies. Many stores offer incentives on groceries and other items to have your prescriptions filled with them. Finally, don’t overlook free or low cost services for things like flu shots, wellness exams and sports physicals. There is no reason you need to see a primary care physician for some of these routine treatments. Finally, make a plan to pay your medical debts off now.Sounds easy on paper right? Medical debt can be scary, because the numbers can be large. There’s also the psychological issue at play — you feel better, so why do you need to go back and spend money on something that is fixed and done? Medical debt can quickly get out of hand however, and hospitals, clinics and doctors offices are feeling the pain of not being paid. For this reason we are seeing larger numbers of medical providers suing their patients for payment. Once a judgment has been rendered against you, you have little choice but to pay the bill in full — often with zero negotiating power. There is no need to let it get to that point. As tempting as it is to ignore medical bills, take the time to open those letters and understand what you owe and why. If something seems wrong to you or overly inflated, call your provider and discuss it. Most are willing to negotiate if you offer to pay in cash or pay the bill in full. If the costs are more than you can pay right now, consider a medical loan. Unlike credit cards, medical loans can have a far lower interest rate and more flexible repayment terms. At BetterMed, for example, we offer loans as high as $350,000 with a fixed 3.9 percent APR, and we approve 97 percent of our borrowers without a credit check. health care costs can feel insurmountable as they continue to rise, unabated. While no one can predict with any certainty what kind of medical needs you or your family may have in the coming year, there are ways to prepare now so those events don’t come with the added burden of how to pay for it. AJ Cohen founded BetterMed in 2011 and has served as Managing Partner since its inception. BetterMed is a global health financing company that provides holistic medical loans for patients facing critical, chronic or cosmetic health care costs. AJ started BetterMed with a mission to meet the needs of today’s borrowers, and has defined the company’s vision and strategy while leading the company through rapid growth. Today, BetterMed offers the lowest interest rate and most compassionate borrowing terms of any medical loan provider on the market, enabling borrowers to pay anywhere from four to six times less than they would with any other medical loan. AJ received a Doctor of Law at New York University, as well as a Masters in Finance from London Business School.

Open Enrollment is the annual period when anyone can enroll in health insurance for the following year. It ends every year on December 15th. If you missed it, don’t think that you’re out-of-luck when it comes to health insurance coverage next year. You may still have time to enroll in a health plan for the coming year, even if it’s not a qualified health plan. Here are five things you should do to see if you can still get coverage: Check the Open Enrollment dates in your state See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment period Review eligibility for government-sponsored health plans Find a job with health insurance benefits Consider other options Check the Open Enrollment dates in your state While most states end Open Enrollment on December 15th, some have extended it. For example, California, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. have permanently extended their open enrollment periods. California and Washington, D.C.’s open enrollment periods end on January 31st. Colorado’s open enrollment period ends January 15th. If you enroll after December 15th, your Affordable Care Act (ACA) coverage may start February 1st instead of January 1st. Other states may choose to extend the enrollment period on an annual basis. However, states that have lengthened the period in the past may not lengthen it in the current year. A quick Google search can help you find out what your state is doing. You may still have time to enroll in a health plan for 2022. See if you qualify for a Special Enrollment period Whether or not your state has extended open enrollment, you may qualify for a special enrollment period if you experience a qualifying life event, like getting married or divorced, having or adopting a child, or moving to a new state. Missing open enrollment alone doesn’t usually qualify you for a special enrollment period. Review eligibility for government-sponsored health plans Government-sponsored health plans like Medicaid and CHIP typically allow enrollment throughout the year. Medicaid and CHIP are available in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Washington, D.C. Medicaid and CHIP eligibility is based on your income level. Eligible income levels vary by state. The Medicaid website for your state can give you more information on eligibility requirements and enrollment. Find a job with health insurance benefits If your current employer does not offer health insurance in its benefits package or if you can’t afford what your current employer offers, you can start applying for other jobs with employers that do offer an affordable benefits package. Keep in mind that it’s best not to ask for details about the benefits package until you have an offer. If you ask for details about the benefits package before, it can show the company that you’re more interested in what they can do for you than what you can bring to their company. The company may not be convinced of the value you bring and decide not to make an offer. Once you have an offer, asking questions about the benefits package is totally appropriate. Some jobs have a waiting period for benefits to start. Keep this in mind as you consider job offers. Look into other health insurance options, like government-sponsored plans and short-term health insurance, to give you some coverage while you wait for full benefits. Consider other options If you are unable to enroll in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan, you can consider other ways to manage your health expenses, like short-term health insurance and prescription discount finder tools. Short-term health insurance “The ACA is the only health insurance coverage that limits consumers to buying within the open enrollment period, and there are several options available throughout the year,” says Jan Dubauskas, Vice President at Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. (HIIQ). Short-term health plans don’t cover everything a qualified health plan does, like pre-existing conditions, but they can help cover preventive care and emergency care. Some plans include coverage for prescriptions. Carefully review what each short-term health plan covers because there is variability. Be aware that you and anyone else on the health plan will need to go through the underwriting process to be accepted on the plan at specific rates. When the Affordable Care Act first became law, it included a tax penalty for not having qualified health coverage. “Starting in 2019, there is no longer a penalty for choosing to forego an ACA plan, which means that if someone doesn’t need the robust coverage available under the ACA, they can buy another, more affordable type of health insurance like short-term medical without risking a tax penalty,” says Dubauskas. While there is no longer a federal penalty, you may be subject to tax penalties at the state level depending on your state’s laws. States also have different guidelines regarding short-term health insurance. “Short term medical is now available in many states for up to 36 months,” says Dubauskas. While short term health insurance may be available for long periods of time in many parts of the United States, some states may have different rules. Double-check the guidelines in your state and keep them in mind as you navigate purchasing health insurance. Prescription pricing tools Prescription pricing tools are becoming increasingly common. While these pricing tools aren’t considered insurance, they can help you manage your medication costs. One example is RxSaver by RetailMeNot. “RxSaver is a website and an app that shows you the lowest retail prices at pharmacies in your neighborhood. You just put in your drug name and choose from a list of prices at nearby pharmacies,” says Dr. Holly Phillips, Board Certified General Internist in Manhattan and a Medical Expert for RxSaver by RetailMeNot. Knowing your options can help you ensure that you have the health coverage you need to maintain your physical, mental, and financial health.

Updated September 10, 2021. Guest Post by Elissa Suh Open Enrollment for health insurance is soon to be underway — the federal open enrollment is from November 1 to December 15, 2021. However, more than 88 percent of Americans could not correctly identify these dates, according to the third annual Policygenius Health Insurance Literacy Survey. The survey also found that many people — more than one in four — avoided getting treatment because they didn’t understand their health insurance coverage. Health insurance can be daunting and challenging to navigate, but starting with the basics is a good place to help you prepare to make the best choices for your health and finances. Survey respondents also had trouble with basic health insurance terms like copay, deductible, and premium. Fewer than a third of people correctly defined all three terms. To help you get ready to choose your health insurance plan for 2021, here are seven terms to know: Premium Copay Deductible Coinsurance Out-of-pocket maximum Essential health benefits Short term plans 1. Premium A premium is the amount you pay for health insurance every month, whether you pay it directly or it’s automatically deducted from your paycheck if you have insurance through your employer. It’s the first cost you encounter when you have health insurance, and yet only a little over half (55.9 percent) of survey respondents could correctly identify the term. There are five plan categories — Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Catastrophic — and each has a different way you and your insurer share costs for your care. You will have to pay a higher premium for Platinum plans, but will pay less out of pocket before insurance starts to cover the bills, or you can opt for a Bronze plan, which means you’ll have lower premiums but pay more out of pocket before insurance starts to cover medical bills. 2. Copay Copay, short for copayment, is a fixed amount you pay for a covered medical expense. Your copay amount will vary, based on your health plan and the type of service you receive (like a specialist physician, primary care physician, urgent care visit). Generally, copays are around $30 and do not count toward your deductible. Out of the health care terms asked about in the survey, “copay” caused the greatest confusion — only 40 percent of people could define it. 3. Deductible A deductible — the amount of money you pay out of pocket before insurance coverage kicks in — was a term that approximately half (49.6 percent) of survey respondents could correctly identify. For example, if your plan has a $1,000 deductible and you need to undergo a $3,000 surgery, you would have to pay $1,000 on your own, before the insurance company could start helping with the costs. And, because you’ve met the deductible, the next time you have a covered medical expense in the calendar year, insurance will pick up the bill in its entirety. Knowing how the health insurance deductible works can help you understand other types of insurance, too, like homeowners or auto insurance, as the concept remains the same. 4. Coinsurance Coinsurance is the percentage of health care costs you have to pay after you’ve met your deductible (until you meet your out-of-pocket maximum). Coinsurance is represented as a percentage or split, like 20 percent or 80/20. This means you pay for 20 percent of the costs for a covered medical expense, and the insurance company pays for the remaining 80 percent. 5. Out-of-pocket maximum The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll have to pay for covered health care services in a given year. After you spend enough money on medical expenses to reach the out-of-pocket maximum, your insurance provider will cover 100 percent of your care. The out-of-pocket maximum limit depends on your health plan and resets annually. The government also sets an overall limit: For 2021 plans, the limits are $8,550 for individuals and $17,100 for families. 6. Essential health benefits Did you know that under the Affordable Care Act, all health insurance plans are required to cover the same 10 essential health benefits? The 2019 Policygenius survey asked about these benefits and found that nearly 87 percent of people didn't know what services were required. The 10 essential health benefits are ambulatory services (outpatient care), emergency services, hospitalization (inpatient care), laboratory services, mental health coverage, pregnancy/maternity/newborn care, rehabilitative services, pediatric care, prescription drugs, and preventative care. 7. Short-term health plan Short-term health plans were established as a way to help fill temporary gaps in insurance coverage, not to act as a comprehensive health plan. They’re not substitutes for traditional health insurance plans and do not have to adhere to standards in place by the Affordable Care Act, so they aren’t required to offer any of the essential health benefits mentioned above. This type of health insurance may cost less than a marketplace plan, but it also includes less coverage. Short-term plans are increasing in popularity, but not many people know how they work. According to the Policygenius survey, only 9.9 percent of people knew how long a short term plan could last — they’re typically limited to under a year, but can be renewed for up to a total of 36 months. Elissa Suh is a personal finance and insurance expert at Policygenius in New York City. She has previously worked in television research and written about film for IndieWire, MUBI, and Paste Magazine.

"It's complicated," said your ex about breaking up with you. Or were they talking about health insurance? Health insurance has lots of terminology and specific processes that can be daunting and difficult to understand at first. Luckily, there is plenty of information available regarding health insurance terms and how health insurance works. “Although the United States is considered a leader as it relates to delivering healthcare services to our populous, we typically lack in providing the basic education on how the health care ecosystem as a whole operates. From a customer perspective, this becomes increasingly confusing and overwhelming during the Open Enrollment Period,” says Austin Ridgeway, HGS Director of Sales Support and Business Development. Open Enrollment is one of those terms. So, here’s a quick definition: the time period you have to enroll in a health plan for the following calendar year. Open Enrollment typically runs November 1 through December 15. Buying health insurance also presents its own challenges. To make an educated choice and find the best fit for your situation, you need to be able to analyze and understand your options properly. So, here are five things that can cause confusion during Open Enrollment: Open Enrollment vs. Medicare Annual Enrollment Enrollment deadlines Where to shop Plan classifications Plan costs Open Enrollment vs. Medicare Annual Enrollment Medicare has an Annual Enrollment period that allows Medicare beneficiaries to review their current coverage to make sure it will meet their needs and make changes as needed. It wouldn’t cause so much confusion, except that sometimes it’s also called Medicare Open Enrollment. It also usually runs October 15 through December 7. The overlapping time frames and unclear references don’t help prevent the confusion, but now you know. Enrollment deadlines Another point of confusion: the deadlines. “Many people assume you should just be able to enroll, but there are very good reasons to not have ongoing open enrollment,” says Jason B. Ball, CFP® ChFC® CLU®. However, this confusion is understandable because health insurance didn’t always require enrollment during a specific annual period. “Before the Affordable Care Act, plans could deny people based on pre-existing conditions and therefore if someone wanted to apply say in April, they could, but the company could deny them due to a pre-existing condition or pending surgery. The enrollment period is put in place to discourage people from trying to game the system by applying for coverage only when needed since companies would have to accept them,” says Lorena Tomasini, owner of the MALM Life and Health Insurance Agency. While having deadlines can be one more thing to keep track of, it also benefits health insurance shoppers and helps keep enrollment stable for health insurance companies. Repeat to yourself: Open Enrollment is November 1 through December 15. Say it three times. Set a reminder on your phone so that you don’t end up without coverage next year. But, if you miss Open Enrollment or lose your current health insurance coverage, you may be able to buy health insurance outside of Open Enrollment if you have a Qualifying Life Event. These events trigger Special Enrollment Periods. “People can apply outside of open enrollment if they have a special enrollment period. This can be triggered due to recently (past 60 days) getting married, having or adopting a child, a death, losing health coverage (such as changing jobs but not because they missed payments), obtaining a legal immigration status (parole, work permit, residency), change in address (not within the same county) or going to happen in the future (60 days) will lose health coverage in the next 60 days,” says Tomasini. Where to shop With the all the resources available on the internet and licensed insurance agents willing to help, it can be difficult to know the best way to find a good health insurance plan. Health insurance carriers also can change plan offerings and features year-to-year. Even if you liked your plan this year, it may not still be a good health plan for you next year. So, you should know your options. If your employer offers health insurance as part of its benefit package, you can enroll in that. You can also look for options in the Health Insurance Marketplace. These plans also also called on-exchange plans. “Some individuals are also confused about whether they can still purchase health insurance through the ACA. With the repeal of the individual mandate and the subsequent ruling that it is unconstitutional, some are not sure an ACA plan is still an option,” says Dr. Nicole T. Rochester, Your GPS Doc, LLC CEO and Founder. Even with all of the political changes and challenges to the Affordable Care Act, the Health Insurance Marketplace still exists. You can find plans that cover the Essential Health Benefits and offer affordable premiums on HealthCare.gov. Most states use HealthCare.gov to list on-exchange health plans in their state, but some states have a separate site. In addition to on-exchange plans, you can consider off-exchange plans. These plans are not required to meet the same coverage requirements that on-exchange plans must, though some do. Be sure to understand the covered services included with these plans before enrolling. Off-exchange plans that do not offer the same coverage as on-exchange plans include short term health plans and health sharing plans. “Most are unaware that you can find decent, affordable health insurance choices off the exchange. Off-exchange websites, like Kind, offer more choice for families and individuals shopping for health insurance and choice allows you to pick a plan that is more customized to your needs,” says Nick Soman, CEO of Decent. Whether you’re looking for an on-exchange or off-exchange health plan, you can use health insurance comparison websites, work with an insurance agent, or reach out to insurance carriers directly yourself. However, as you research and evaluate plans, you should know the limits of each source. “You can use a broker to find the right plan, but they are typically a sales person who may have an ulterior motive, like higher sales commissions, for you to select a particular plan,” says Ridgeway. Check with the insurance agency to see how they pay their insurance agents. Are they commission-based or salaried? Even if you’re just looking at commercial health insurance comparison websites, like HealthCare.com, it’s important to pay attention to the order in which the site displays available health plans in your area. In some cases, these sites prioritize plans based on contracts with insurance carriers. “You can ask your friends and family what options they use. This typically will give you an unbiased review of their plan, but, as described above, they are not typically experts within the health care industry and are typically given based on a singular point of view, which is harder to get a complete picture from," says Ridgeway. Online reviews have similar issues. However, online reviewers likely represent a more diverse range of health needs than your friends and family. It’s not easy to pin representation down, but if you look at ratings and reviews in aggregate, they can help you identify a good insurance company from a bad one. “There are aggregator sites and applications that bring together a number of nonbiased user reviews of health plans and the services they provide. Although a great option, to get a number of individual opinions through this channel, users have been jaded by 'fake' reviews often provided by the company themselves to ensure that they appear more favorable to the general public,” warns Ridgeway. If you’re looking at online reviews, check a few review sites and read how each one vets reviews before publication. While Best Company doesn’t list specific health plans from various carriers, it does offer customer reviews of health insurance companies. Each review is vetted to prevent fake reviews from being published. Ridgeway recommends doing your health plan research by diversifying your sources. “My advice would be to find a hybrid approach that will combine all of the above: speak with family and friends, do your research, and possibly speak with a broker about what options are available that fit your particular situation. No matter what route you choose, always remember to be informed as to what your family needs and how much impact the selected plan will have on your life because you will not be able to choose another plan until next year’s Open Enrollment Period,” he says. Plan classifications Understanding plan classifications and costs will help you determine whether a plan meets your needs. “While there have been concerted and successful efforts to improve the HealthCare.gov website, many continue to be confused about open enrollment. This is largely due to the sheer volume of information you have to sift through and interpret while searching the site. In some cities, there are more than 40 available plans from which to choose. Understanding the differences between the various metal levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold) and the meaning of all of the terminology (deductibles, coinsurance, etc.) is daunting, even for those of us in the health care field,” says Rochester. Understanding health plan classifications is the first step to being able to evaluate and choose a health plan. Health plans are classified several different ways to indicate the kind of plan they are, the kind of network offered, and how plan costs are broken down. Here are two common abbreviations for classifying plan-type: CDHP — Consumer-Directed Health Plans. These plans tend to have lower premiums and come with accounts to set aside money for medical expenses. These accounts include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs). HDHP — High-Deductible Health Plan. These plans have high deductibles that put a greater responsibility for out-of-pocket costs on the policyholder. These plans often have low monthly premiums and can include HSAs, FSAs, or HRAs. Here are a few common abbreviations for classifying network type: HMO — Health Maintenance Organization. These plans typically offer coverage for care received in-network. If your doctor is not included in the plan’s network, you’ll fully pay those costs yourself. PPO — Preferred Provider Organization. These plans offer coverage in- and out-of-network. However, there are separate deductibles and cost-sharing rules for in-network and out-of-network coverage. Out-of-network care typically places greater cost-sharing responsibility on the policyholder. In addition to plan-type and network categorization, the Affordable Care Act created metal tiers to show how total plan costs were determined. “The most confusing part of buying health insurance for most people is understanding the tiers of coverage: bronze, silver and gold,” says Lev Barinskiy, SmartFinancial CEO. While there is a variety of plans and costs within each tier, the costs fit the following trends: Bronze — These plans have the lowest monthly premiums and highest out-of-pocket costs. Policyholders are typically responsible for 40 percent of care costs out-of-pocket. Silver — These plans have higher monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs than Bronze plans. Policyholders are usually responsible for 30 percent of medical expenses. Gold — These plans have higher monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs than Silver plans. Policyholders are generally responsible for 20 percent of their medical expenses after the plan pays 80 percent. Platinum — These plans have the lowest out-of-pocket costs and highest monthly premiums. Policyholders are responsible for about 10 percent of their medical costs. Keep in mind that these tiers typically only apply to health plans offered on the Health Insurance Marketplace. As you’re shopping for cost-effective plans, these tiers can help you evaluate the overall cost of a plan. Understanding these costs and your health needs, will help you find a good fit. “You can't compare a bronze plan with a gold plan, but this tends to leave many people wondering which to choose. Your premium may be lower with a bronze plan, but you'll likely pay more in doctor visits and for care from specialists. If you see several doctors and anticipate continuous care, it may cost less to buy the more comprehensive gold plan," says Barinskiy. Plan costs While the tiers can help you understand how costs are spread out in a health plan, it can still be tricky to understand how much a health plan actually costs. “People are typically most confused by what plans will end up saving or costing them when trying to project out-of-pocket expenses along with premiums, deductibles, and prescriptions,” says Vinay Amin, health and wellness expert and Eu Natural CEO. It’s important to analyze each plan you consider, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limit, copays and coinsurance, and monthly premiums. Because there are different kinds of costs to consider, how much a health plan costs is tricky to pin down. It also can vary based on your health needs. Talking to your health care providers can help you understand your health needs. “The best approach is to plan ahead and have a talk with the right people, notably your doctor and your pharmacist. Your pharmacist is familiar with your medications and is an ideal source of consultation regarding a plan for prescriptions. Your doctor knows your medical history. Review your options with the appropriate medical professionals and don't wait until the last minute,” suggests Amin. Once you can anticipate your health needs, you can ask the insurer to project out-of-pocket costs for services you may need. Soman recommends asking the following questions when considering health plans: Do you have access to free primary care? If not, how much is your copay to see a doctor when you’re sick? What about telemedicine options? What is your prescription medicine benefit? If you focus too much on lower premium costs instead of the overall cost and coverage of a plan, you may end up with higher out-of-pocket costs and more limited coverage. “Choosing skimpy short term or health sharing plans may be cheap in the short-term but carry a big risk if you get ill or are injured,” warns Soman. If the premiums or out-of-pocket max for a better plan are difficult to fit into your budget, you should investigate the Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) and the Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR). The APTC subsidizes monthly premiums based on your projected income for the following year. When you file taxes for that year, the difference between the subsidy you took and the actual subsidy you qualify will be reconciled. “The Cost Sharing Reduction (CSR) also known as ‘extra savings’ means that a family not only qualifies for the tax credit, but if they choose a silver plan will also benefit in lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums,” says Tomasini. To see if you qualify for the APTC or CSR, you can complete this form on HealthCare.gov. Open Enrollment success and clarity It’s complicated. So what? It doesn’t mean you can’t understand health insurance and navigate Open Enrollment successfully. Understanding the processes, terminology, costs, and coverage will help you analyze health plans. The clearer your health needs are to you, the better you’ll be able to identify a health plan that will fit your coverage and financial needs. Doing your research using the help of licensed insurance agents, online reviews and tools, and talking with friends and family will allow you to gather more information from a variety of perspectives. This variety will help counterbalance the shortcomings of relying on one source for information. Ready to find a good health insurance company? See the top carriers in your state. Still need more information on health insurance and Open Enrollment? Check out these articles: 4 Things to Look For in a Health Plan Pitfalls to Avoid During Open Enrollment

Taking care of your physical and mental health can help make life more enjoyable. Now is the time to get prepared and make necessary changes as the season changes to get the most out of fall. Physical health Fitness is an important part of maintaining physical health. But there's more you can do to stay in good physical health, like preventing disease and making necessary adjustments for seasonal changes. Disease prevention Germs spread easily. It's a good idea to take precautions, like washing your hands and getting a flu shot. “Prepare for flu season. According to the CDC, flu season can start as early as October and end as late as May. This means that for more than half of the year, you are at risk. It is recommended that you receive a flu shot sometime in September or October before flu season gets underway. Other measures you can take to protect yourself include washing your hands frequently, eating a healthy diet to boost your immune system, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying away from others who are sick,” says Jack Burke, Community Outreach Coordinator forhims.com. It’s also important to get enough rest and listen to your body. “One main thing to be cautious about during the fall months is to take care of yourself. If you feel an illness coming on, listen to your body and rest as you need to,” cautions Melissa Morris, ACSM certified exercise physiologist and ISSN certified sports nutritionist and writer for Exercise.com. Giving your body what it needs will help keep it in good health and make it easier to recover from illnesses. Seasonal changes and adjustments The transition from fall to summer makes adjustments for cooler and drier weather necessary. “Autumn may not bring the frigid temperatures and harsh weather of winter, but temperatures still dip enough to have an effect on your health. Cold, dry air can cause dry, cracked skin, as well as cold sores,” says Burke. Many people associate the heat of summer with sunscreen, sunburns, and aloe vera. However, it’s not the heat that causes sunburns, it’s the sun. “Even though there is less sun in the fall, you are still at risk from UV rays, so any products should contain SPF,” adds Burke. Seasonal changes can also affect your hair. Alisha Lawson, Product Development Expert for Shiny Leaf, has some tips for keeping your hair and skin healthy. “Protect your hair and skin by using nourishing hair and skin care products. The best products are infused with natural oils like argan oil and castor oil. These oils come from seeds that are rich in essential fatty acids, necessary for maintaining moisture and glow,” she suggests. You should also be prepared to make minor adjustments for your sleeping schedule. “As the seasons change and daylight gets shorter, you may find yourself feeling sleepier than before. This is because your circadian rhythm changes based on your exposure to light, affecting your internal clock. Try giving yourself a little extra sleep, and solidify the habit by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day,” advises Nina LaRosa, Moxie Media Marketing Director. Consistent, regular sleep will help you function better during the day. Just be careful if you’re starting to sleep excessively. “If you find yourself oversleeping, consider talking to a doctor and investing in artificial light sources. You may be one of the many individuals whose moods and energy levels are impacted by the changing seasons,” says LaRosa. Being mindful of how cooler weather can affect you will help your body transition smoothly between the seasons. Mental health  Reema Beri, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist at Great Lakes Psychology Group, identifies three challenges that the transition from summer to fall presents for mental health. The end of summer means shorter days and less sunlight. Fall is prime-time for people to begin to feel "down" or "low" due to our decreased exposure to sunlight. Summer allows us all, no matter where we live, to access the outdoors. Fresh air and sunlight are a great stress relief, and the incoming colder weather begins to limit our outdoor access. Fall represents "back-to-school" time, and back to the routines of school, sports and extracurriculars. It can be a jarring change from the lazy, relaxed, sun-soaked days of summer. For all of these reasons, you may find yourself susceptible to the "fall letdown" which is experienced by many and also completely normal. Being aware of these specific challenges can help you plan ways to meet them and have a smoother transition between summer and fall. Below are three things you can do to boost your mental health during the fall. Spend time outside Reduce stress Practice self-care Spend time outside  Luckily, fall weather is still great for being outdoors in many places. As a bonus, it’s not nearly as hot as the summer months. “Whether it’s going for a walk at lunch or a hike on the weekends, it’s important to go outside and get a daily dose of natural light. Furthermore, you can still exercise outside if you dress to protect against the elements,” advises Burke. Once fall weather begins moving towards winter weather, it can be harder to spend time outside. “If you're missing the sun, try using a sun lamp. These lamps have a light that is comparable to sun rays and even has multiple settings to vary light intensity and color. Sun lamps also emit vitamin D so you can feel like you're sitting outside soaking up some vitamin D from the actual sun.” suggests Renata Trebing, Founder and Recipe developer for Nourish With Renata. Purposefully taking time to connect with nature or just to be outdoors is an important way to take care of your mental health. If you start having bad fall weather or if it’s too cold, a sun lamp can help give you some of the benefits of being outside. Reduce stress  Your stress levels affect your mental health. Whatever is causing the stress, you can take action to reduce your stress by slowing down and making a plan. Even if you’re in a fast-paced environment, you can plan time to take a break and slow down. “De-stress yourself to keep your hormones flowing naturally, supporting your natural rhythms. Try meditating, writing in a gratitude journal, or deep breathing. If you’re traveling, spend some time reconnecting with nature and turn off your electronics,” suggests Anna Cabeca, MD, author of The Hormone Fix. Practicing gratitude and meditation can help you develop a positive outlook on life, which will also support your mental health. “By incorporating meditation into your daily routine and simply sitting in a quiet place, without interruption, and becoming aware, you open yourself to the feeling of love and reflection. Reflect on your day with gratitude and look optimistically toward tomorrow,” says Cabeca. When you have a lot on your plate, it can be overwhelming. Identifying urgent tasks and determining a plan to get them done can help you reduce stress. “At work and at home, if you’re feeling stressed, make sure your space and tasks are organized. Many businesses experience an uptick in work following the summer slowdown, and fewer hours of sunlight at home may make it harder to finish certain chores or projects. Once you have a list of everything you need to do, prioritize what needs to come first to help reduce stress and boost productivity,” LaRosa confirms. Practice self-care  Slowing down and taking time for yourself is an important part of self-care, but it’s not the only thing you can do. You should also be mindful about how you treat yourself. “Be good and kind to yourself, and do not beat yourself up when you suffer, fail, or feel inadequate. Treat yourself the way you would your best friend — speak loving truths to yourself and do some positive coaching,” says Cabeca. Treating yourself kindly will help you feel better. It’s also important to make sure that you’re treating your body well. “Self-care includes developing or maintaining good sleep habits, exercising regularly, and eating wholesome and nutritious foods,” says Beri. And don't underestimate the power of connecting with people and having fun. “Doing things you enjoy, such as seeing and spending time with friends, and taking time out for yourself on a weekly basis, is also essential. Doing all of these things may have felt effortless during the summer months, but moving into fall means actively taking steps to engage in regular self-care. It will take intentional work, but it is doable!” Beri suggests. Being intentional about self-care and taking time to enjoy life will help you have good mental health. Physical and mental health hacks Taking steps to reduce your exposure to germs and getting enough sleep will help keep you well physically. Being intentional about self-care, spending time with people, reducing stress, and going outside will help you maintain good mental health. Looking for more fall health hacks? Check out Fall Health Hacks for Your Nutrition and Fitness.  

Maintaining good health is important year-round. As each season changes, it's a nice opportunity to evaluate your habits and make changes. Because of harvest season, fall is a great time to add more vegetables and fresh fruits to your diet. It's also a good time to prepare for winter fitness and try new fitness routines. The following fall health hacks will help you make this season your fittest yet: Nutrition Our diet fuels our body, so it’s important to make sure that we eat the nutrients our body needs. “Nourish your body. Most of us do not receive nearly enough vitamins and nourishment daily. Choose a diet and lifestyle that promotes a healthy balance and keeps you feeling happy and energetic,” says Anna Cabeca, MD, The Hormone Fix author. Healthy food choices year-round is important, but fall poses some challenges because of the holidays and warm comfort foods many of us enjoy. The following four suggestions can keep your nutition on track as you anticipate the cooler months: 1. Add fresh, seasonal produce One of the biggest advantages of the end of summer and beginning of fall is that it’s harvest season. There are lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to choose from. “Try to incorporate some delicious fall seasonal vegetables into your eating plan like broccoli, beets, bell peppers, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, kale, or green beans. They are full of nutrients, priced well, and tasty when they are in season,” advises Melissa Morris, ACSM certified exercise physiologist and ISSN certified sports nutritionist and writer for Exercise.com. Some of this produce may not be a normal part of your diet. Adjusting recipes and finding new ones is a great way to mix-up your typical diet and get good nutritional value from your meals. “Just like wardrobe selection, your diet changes with season too! Take advantage of the seasonal food choices available during fall. Enjoy delicious recipes with root vegetables like carrots, squash, pumpkin, and sweet potato. A warm soup with vegetables and legumes or grains will comfort you through the cold temperatures. They are healthy and nutritious too!” says Alisha Lawson, Product Development Expert for Shiny Leaf. Grocery shopping has other health advantages, especially if you take advantage of farmers markets.“A great way to maintain health during the fall months is to get out of your house and go to a farmers market. Being outside will give you some much-needed vitamin D and the wide array of seasonal produce will be a great addition to your diet,” says Jamie Bacharach, licensed alternative medicine expert. Taking advantage of farmers markets doesn’t just give you the opportunity to be outside. It also offers safer food choices with health benefits beyond the nutrients in fresh produce. “It's no secret that eating seasonal fruits and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy and have a well-balanced diet. Eating locally grown produce is also a great way to minimize unhealthy pesticides and preservatives that are on many mass-produced produce. It is also a great way of supporting your local farming community. Furthermore, research has found that eating local, naturally farmed foods can help prevent neurodegenerative diseases. This is particularly true regarding berries, which are high in polyphenols — a phytochemical which has been shown to help prevent dementia and Alzheimer's,” adds Bacharach. 2. Find good substitutes to make recipes healthier It’s hard to beat a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese during fall months. No one wants to skip out on mashed potatoes or pie on Thanksgiving either. But, some of these comfort foods are high in fat and sugar. Finding some good substitutes can make your comfort foods healthier while preserving the flavor and taste. “Most fall and winter dishes have a higher caloric intake because of the increased use of cream, butter and sugar. Try to find healthier alternatives for these ingredients, such as greek yogurt, coconut oil, or monkfruit sweetener,” suggests Renata Trebing, a recipe developer. You can also adjust recipes to make them healthier. “There are simple changes that can be made to these comfort fall foods that will help boost their nutrients and reduce their calories. Switching those dense soups for a lighter version that is broth based rather than cream based is a great first step. Choose vegetable loaded soup options over meats. Curb your Halloween sweet tooth with sweet fruits or low sugar baked goods,” recommends Lisa Richards, Nutritionist, The Candida Diet. 3. Make good snack choices Making sure that you eat nutritional meals is a great place to start. It’s also important to make sure that you’re eating good snacks. “If you snack in between meals, start incorporating healthier, more satisfying options, such as fresh fruits, vegetables and low-fat dip, unsalted or lightly salted nuts, or unbuttered popcorn,” suggests Nina LaRosa, Moxie Media Marketing Director. 4. Evaluate your diet Consider the foods you’re eating and decide what things you want to add and what things you want to reduce. Be creative by adding seasonal vegetables and making substitutions for some ingredients. “Channel your inner Marie Kondo and think about your own eating habits and food choices. Do they spark joy? Or do they spark anxiety, misery, or frustration? Choose what you’ll eat, and how much, based on tuning in and listening to what your body needs — what would feel good and spark joy for you? This means you might have to lower the caffeine, sugar, and alcohol intake,” suggests Cabeca. Fitness “Just because the days are getting shorter, it doesn’t mean that we need to change anything about our exercise, nutrition, or mental wellness habits. If you are feeling bored with your exercise routine, mix it up! Try a new fitness class, practice meditation, workout with a friend or partner, sign up for a 5K race, or find a new workout plan,” says Morris. Keep these three tips in mind as you think about exercising and maintaining fitness during the fall season:1. Exercise regularly If you have a gym membership at a fitness center, colder weather is a great time to take advantage of it. If you haven’t found one that you like, it’s a good idea to explore what’s available in your area. You can do this by asking friends for recommendations, researching online, and taking advantage of trials.Fitness classes are also a great option to explore. “Use the colder weather as an opportunity to try some indoor workout classes that you haven't tried before! Indoor rock climbing, boxing, or zumba are great options to add variety into your workout routine,” says Trebing. If you want to attend classes as several different gyms, a ClassPass membership can be helpful. “ClassPass will help people to find dynamic fitness classes that fit their schedule. We now offer classes from over 22,000 studios and gyms in over 20 countries,” suggests Mandy Menaker, Senior PR Manager. If it’s difficult to make it to a gym or class regularly, you can also workout at home. You can buy workout videos yourself or try online classes to get some variety. “YouTube is such a great platform with thousands of workout videos you can easily follow and do at home. Rather than just spending your time watching television the whole day, start with a jumping jack warm up. Once you feel your body is ready, hormones called dopamine are released and pushes you to train more. This is a sneaky way to stay in shape while at home,” says Lawson. 2. Incorporate movement into your day While setting aside time for serious work-outs is an important part of taking care of your body, it’s important to mix-in movement throughout your day as well. “When it’s cold out and you’re spending more time indoors, you may find yourself getting less exercise. It can be easy to fall into a sedentary lifestyle, so make a conscious effort to get up and move around. Consider using a standing desk at work and doing periodic stretches or exercises to get your blood flowing,” suggests LaRosa. Beyond making sure that you have breaks while sitting behind a desk, you can even be creative when setting meetings with clients or colleagues. “Instead of meeting up with your local colleagues at a coffee shop, over a meal or chatting with them on the phone, meet them for a walk so you can catch up while you are getting some exercise, too. You'll feel great after, the time will fly, and it will be a fun activity to share,” says Paige Arnof-Fenn, founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls. Movement throughout the day can keep you engaged and help break-up your work. For more helpful information about how moving can improve your well-being, check out Fall Health Hacks for Your Physical and Mental Health. 3. Spend time outdoors While fall brings cooler temperatures, it’s not winter yet. It’s still possible to exercise comfortably outdoors. As you start preparing for cold weather, it’s a good idea to make sure that the air in your home is good. “Americans spend the vast majority of their time indoors, never having been educated of the potentially harmful effects that are associated with poor indoor air quality. In fact, what we often come across in our line of work, is a resounding misconception that indoor air quality is vastly superior to outdoor. From worsening of allergies to dry skin and respiratory issues, the hidden affects of a home's indoor air quality are prevalent, says Steve Truett, President of Aire Serv, a Neighborly company. Truett recommends the following to keep the air in your home clean: Change your HVAC filter monthly Regularly dust and vacuum Avoid chemicals use indoors Utilize existing spot ventilation (e.g. bathroom and kitchen vents and fans) Replace or clean your furnace’s air filter every three months Check that your home has good ventilation Run an air cleaner Making sure that the air in your home is high quality will make it a good space to work-out, meditate, and be during cold weather. Trying new workouts, finding time to be outside, and finding ways to fit movement into your normal day activities will help you maintain and even improve your fitness levels. As you prepare for even colder weather and spending more time indoors, be sure that your home has proper ventilation to ensure that you’re breathing clean air. The bottom line Fall brings a lot of great seasonal foods and produce. It’s a great time to improve your diet and nutrition with fresh fruits and vegetables and make recipe adjustments as necessary. If you've worked hard to establish good fitness routines during the spring and summer, don't let all your effort go to waste. It’s still warm enough to spend time outdoors and keep any outdoor exercise habits going. It’s also a good time to start exploring other indoor activities that will help you keep your fitness up.

Updated September 10, 2021. Medicare Open Enrollment for 2022 coverage runs October 15, 2021 to December 7, 2021. It's a good opportunity for people with Original Medicare to evaluate if a Medicare Advantage plan might be better and vice versa. It's also important to double-check your Part D prescription drug coverage for 2022. To make the most of Medicare Annual Enrollment, it’s a good idea to research and prepare. You should also be aware of pitfalls to avoid during the once-per-year enrollment period. Here are five pitfalls that Medicare experts identified: Not looking for changes Not considering other plans Not enrolling in Part D Following ill-advised recommendations Procrastinating Not looking for changes The saying “The more things change, the more things stay the same” does not apply to Medicare plans. When a Medicare plan is changed, the coverage is not the same. Insurance companies make changes to the coverage and costs each of their plans have. Double-checking to make sure your prescriptions are covered is important to do each year. John Hill, Gateway Retirement President“The biggest pitfall is assuming things are the same. Medicare seems to be always changing. The next pitfall is timing, you have from October 15 until December 7 to make your selections for your drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. If you assume your Medicare Advantage plan or drug coverage is the same, you may be disappointed.” Adam Hyers, Hyers and Associates, Inc“Oftentimes, Part D plans will change their premiums and copays while also moving certain drugs into different (more expensive) tiers or out of formulary altogether. By the time someone might realize this in January, it can be too late to do anything about it. Part D plans are required to send out an ANOC (Annual Notice of Changes) form for all Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, but sometimes they are lost or ignored. Consumers should never assume their drug plan will stay the same year over year. They should contact their agent to make sure or double check their prescriptions using the Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov. Enrolling the most suitable plan can save people hundreds of dollars or more for the next year.” Danielle R. Plummer, PharmD Consultant Pharmacist“Insurance companies are constantly changing their formularies, so just because a medication was on the lowest tier formulary this year, it may not be the next. If you are not comfortable using the internet, ask for help through local library, insurance brokers, and pharmacies. If a chain pharmacy does not have time to work with you, check with your local independent pharmacies. Insurance contracts also change which pharmacy is their preferred provider year to year, so don't assume that the pharmacy you've been using will still have the lowest copays for your plan. Call your plan to ask which pharmacy is preferred. Also ask about copays at independent pharmacies and mail order options.” Not considering other plans As Medicare health plans change and your health situation changes, it’s important not to assume that your current plan will always be best for you. By considering all your plan options for Medicare Advantage and Part D, you’ll make sure that you’ve got a plan that meets your health and budgetary needs. Kathryn Casna, Eligibility.com“Many plans change each year, so look for your plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in the mail in October, and make sure the plan still meets your needs. On the flip side, it never hurts to call an agent or run your info through the plan finder at Medicare.gov each year to see if you can get a better plan or a lower price elsewhere.” Not enrolling in Part D Medications and prescriptions are important, especially if you rely on a daily medication. If you don’t currently take medications, it may not make sense to enroll in prescription drug coverage. But, if you eventually do need medication and have not had prescription drug coverage, your costs may be higher down the road. Alex Enabnit, Eligibility.com“If you don’t have drug coverage but anticipate needing it at some point in the future, find a Part D plan during AEP. If you know you’ll never want drug coverage, that’s fine. But if at some point you will, you need to know that Medicare enforces a penalty charge for every month you went without drug coverage. This penalty remains in force, monthly, for the rest of your life. Yes, you read that right. Avoid this pitfall!” Following ill-advised recommendations Lots of people get advice from family members and friends for some major life decisions. While it’s nice to have a good support network, it’s important to realize that everyone’s health and financial situation is different. A plan that worked well for your friend may not be great for you. Kathryn Casna, Eligibility.com“Medicare beneficiaries will get tons of recommendations this season, but unless those recommendations are closely matched to your individual situation, you could be enrolling in the wrong plan. Both of these pitfalls can be side-stepped with a bit of research into the plans that fit your individual needs.” Procrastinating Don’t underestimate how long the underwriting and approval process can take when enrolling in a new Medicare plan. You’ll want to know if your application has been declined with plenty of time to apply for another. Danielle K. Roberts, Boomer Benefits“It’s important to start early. Don’t procrastinate until the end of the enrollment period because both insurance companies and Medicare get swamped with applications. There are longer hold times if you call in with a question. You also need adequate time to research your options so that you are not rushing to choose a plan. Another pitfall can occur if you are wanting to disenroll from a Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare and add a Medigap plan. In most cases you must answer health questions on the application for Medigap and the insurance company needs to time to decide whether they will accept for decline you. So it’s important that you apply for the Medigap plan first and well in advance of the December 7th deadline. Don’t cancel your Medicare Advantage plan until you have received approval from the Medigap carrier that they are granting you a policy.” Avoiding pitfalls Avoiding these Medicare Annual Enrollment pitfalls will help you find an affordable plan that meets your coverage needs. Reviewing any changes, double-checking prescription coverage and costs, and applying early in the enrollment period will help you decide if it's best to stick to your current plan or make a change.