Key takeaways: Medicare began with just Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Medicare now features four major parts: Parts A and B (original Medicare) and optional add-ons Part C (Medicare Advantage, an alternative that bundles the parts together) and Part D (prescription drug coverage). Medigap is the nickname for Medicare supplement insurance, [...]
Key takeaways: An emergency use authorization (EUA) allows for vaccines, tests, and treatments to be used during a public health emergency based on best available evidence — without being fully FDA-approved. The Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines have been issued EUAs. Pfizer and Moderna have started the process for full approval. Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine may be [...]
We’re in the last few days of the six-month Special Enrollment Period (SEP). During the SEP, which was announced shortly after President Biden took office, consumers have had an opportunity to sign up for health coverage and, for those who qualify, take advantage of the enhanced premium tax credits under the American Rescue Plan Act. [...]
Key takeaways: Heart attacks and panic attacks have a lot in common, but they are different conditions. Some of the risk factors are the same. Medical tests can help determine what is causing your symptoms. It is important to get emergency medical care for serious symptoms, like chest pain or shortness of breath, even if [...]
Along with my ACA health plans and Short Term health plans I now have a Term Life option where you can get all your money back! Have you heard of “Return of Premium” for Term Life Insurance? (Watch video below) https://youtu.be/n1z78rJsijU Purchase a Term Life policy for 20 or 30 years up to age 65 and “receive all your money back” when the [...]
Key takeaways: There are currently three authorized COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. — two mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) and one viral vector vaccine (Johnson & Johnson). The three COVID-19 vaccines cause similar side effects, including mild flu-like symptoms and injection-site reactions. Severe reactions to the vaccines are very rare. Each vaccine provides very [...]
Key takeaways: Viruses mutate a lot, and sometimes mutations impact how easily the virus spreads or how well vaccines work against it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health partners are monitoring COVID-19 variants of concern — variants that spread more easily or reduce vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine manufacturers are working to [...]
Key takeaways: Most vaccinated people are protected from COVID-19 even if they don’t have side effects. Only about 50% of people vaccinated with either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines experienced side effects other than arm pain, while 95% were protected from COVID-19 infection. Less than half of people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine [...]
Key takeaways: Put your name on a waitlist, sign up for Twitter alerts, and register in advance if possible to reduce your wait for a vaccine appointment. Arrive early for your appointment and plan on waiting an extra 15 minutes after your COVID-19 vaccine. Some side effects such as muscle pain and fatigue are normal [...]
Key takeaways: Several different factors contribute to a community’s ability to reach herd immunity. Experts don’t know yet how many people need immunity to achieve herd immunity or how long it will take to get there. Herd immunity and “back to normal” life depend on everyone getting the vaccine as soon as possible. With the [...]
