WEBINAR REPLAY: 2023 Open Enrollment Info
If you missed our 2023 Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment webinar a video replay is available below.
Top Dental Issues to Watch for in Children
Lifelong oral health problems often begin in childhood, which is why it’s important to develop good oral health habits when your child is young. While there are many different types of dental issues, here are some of the most problematic to look out for in children:
Tooth Decay
This is the most common dental problem found in children. Baby teeth are especially prone to decay because they’re softer and more fragile than permanent teeth. Tooth decay occurs when acids and bacteria break down enamel and penetrate deeper layers in the tooth. This penetration leads to a cavity, which can then cause pain, infection, and if left untreated — an abscess formation.
According to a 2019 report from the CDC, 80% of children in the U.S. begin brushing their teeth later than dentists recommend. To prevent this problem, begin a twice-daily brushing regimen (using fluoride toothpaste) with your child as soon as their first tooth appears. It’s also important for parents to teach their kids to eat a balanced diet and avoid excessive sugary drinks and candy.
Pediatric Gingivitis / Gum Disease
Gum disease, also referred to as gingivitis or periodontal disease, is caused by bacterial infections and can lead to bleeding gums and bad breath. Children who develop gum disease may need antibiotics or other medications. The best way to prevent gum disease is with regular visits to the dentist every six months.
Broken Teeth and Grinding
From the playground to the soccer field to backyard hide-and-seek, children are prone to accidents — and are therefore more susceptible to breaking or chipping their teeth. A fractured tooth can be extremely painful, so contact your dentist right away if this happens to your child.
Surprisingly, teeth grinding often begins during childhood or adolescence. If you are seeing patterns of headaches, neck pains, jaw pain, or earaches in your child, they could unknowingly be grinding their teeth. If left untreated this can cause long-term damage to enamel and dentin, so let your child’s dentist know if any of these symptoms come up.
Thumb Sucking
Thumb sucking is one of the most common behaviors associated with early childhood. Excessive thumb sucking can have lifelong effects such as improper jaw alignment, overbites, crossbites, crowding of the teeth, malocclusion, and speech difficulties. If you notice your toddler excessively sucking their thumb, attempt to change their behavior by replacing it with pacifiers or finger foods such as carrots, celery, or apple slices (when they are old enough). If your child continues thumb sucking past age three, consult your dentist.
Dental Anxiety and Phobias
Some kids may experience extreme fear or anxiety over going to the dentist. This is normal but if it becomes too much, there are ways to help them overcome their fears. Scheduling regular checkups with your child’s dentist from a young age can help normalize the experience and ensure that any dental problems are caught and taken care of early on. It may also help to talk to them about oral health at home and set a good example by taking good care of your own oral hygiene.
Ready to take the first step on your family’s road to great oral health? Members have access to group rates on PPO dental plans! Visit our dental page to view plan details and enroll today.
I Have Long COVID, Am I Entitled to Disability Benefits?
After living in the shadow of the global COVID pandemic for more than two years, the world is ready to move on, but the virus continues to show that it isn’t ready to leave us just yet.
According to Worldometer, nearly 480 million people have contracted the virus and recovered. But what this number doesn’t show are the millions of people who have recovered yet are still experiencing the long-term effects of the virus.
What is Long COVID?
Long COVID can occur in anyone previously diagnosed with the virus, regardless of severity. According to a recent study of nearly 2 million people diagnosed with COVID-19, 23% of participants continued to show at least one symptom of the virus for more than 30 days after their initial diagnoses.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that “people with post-COVID conditions can have a wide range of symptoms that can last more than four weeks or even months after infection. Sometimes the symptoms can even go away or come back again.” The CDC lists the official symptoms for Long COVID as follows:
- Tiredness or fatigue that interferes with daily life
- Symptoms that get worse after physical or mental effort (also known as “post-exertional malaise”)
- Fever
- Respiratory and heart issues
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty thinking or concentrating
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Lightheadedness
- Pins-and-needles feelings
- Change in smell or taste
- Depression or anxiety
- Digestive issues
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Joint or muscle pain
- Rash
- Changes in menstrual cycles
Is Long COVID a disability?
In July 2021 the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services jointly published guidance on how Long COVID can be a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If Long COVID symptoms are substantially limiting your major life activities, you should begin documenting your symptoms, compiling relevant medical records, and looking into which resources are available — as you may be eligible for disability benefits.
What is long-term disability insurance?
Long-term disability insurance helps provide a monthly income if you become disabled due to a covered accident or illness. This coverage can help pay credit card bills, mortgages, college tuition, and more if you’re unable to work because of a disability.
As an AMSA member, you already have access to group long-term disability insurance. For details including eligibility requirements visit our long-term disability page to learn more.
Debunking the Most Common Long-Term Disability Insurance Myths
When was the last time you thought about what would happen to your family if you suddenly couldn’t work? If you have to think about it, then chances are, it’s been a while.
The simple truth is that one out of every four workers will be diagnosed with a long-term disability before they reach the age of retirement. But despite this startling statistic, many still feel like long-term disability insurance is coverage they can live without.
Myth #1: “I have enough protection through Workers’ Comp and Social Security.”
According to the Council for Disability Awareness, only approximately five percent of accidents or illnesses are workplace-related meaning that the other ninety-five percent will not be covered under workers’ comp.
When seeking to collect social security disability benefits, you may be in for a wait of anywhere from three to five months for an initial decision to be made regarding your case. If like 66 percent of applicants, your application is denied, you have the option to appeal, but in 2017 the backlog of appeals cases hit over one million with an average processing time of over fifteen months, according to research conducted by Allsup.
Can your family really afford to wait for benefits when you need help?
Myth #2: “I’ll still have to fight for a payout in the event of a long-term disability diagnosis.”
We’ve all heard stories about people struggling to receive payout benefits from their insurance company. However, not all of these cases are related to long-term disability insurance and those that are, are very rare.
Upon enrolling, all of your benefits and circumstances surrounding a potential payout are laid out in front of you. If you aren’t going to receive the amount of coverage you are looking for, then it may be worth looking into other options.
Myth #3: “I can’t receive long-term disability insurance because I’m a government employee.”
If you are a government employee enrolled in a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) plan, you are still able to apply for long-term disability benefits. According to the Council for Disability Awareness, “While you can buy private supplemental long-term disability insurance in addition to having FERS benefits, you may not get as much coverage as you expected.”
Getting the Coverage You Can Count On
Ready to make sure your family’s financial future is secured in the event you are diagnosed with a long-term disability? To learn more about long-term disability insurance, please visit the info page.
The 3 Most Important Reasons to Invest in Dental Insurance
Over the last year we’ve spent a lot of time focusing on staying healthy. We’ve washed our hands to the tune of happy birthday, worn face masks in public, and stayed home instead of going out. But when was the last time we focused on our oral health? Science has shown that problems that begin in our mouths can have an impact on the rest of our bodies.
But aside from daily flossing and brushing, taking care of our teeth and gums can be expensive. Dental insurance can help you cover the cost of keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
So, what else can dental insurance help you cover?
1) Emergencies
Dental pain is often a double-edged sword. There’s the physical pain – and for those without insurance – the pain of a hollowed-out wallet.
If you find yourself experiencing tooth pain, there’s a chance it is the result of something left unattended for too long and now requires major restorative work.
Most dental insurance plans offer deep savings on major restorative dental work and cover all or most preventative care which can help you avoid dental emergencies in the future.
2) Prevention
The American Dental Association recommends that you visit a dentist at least once a year for an exam and cleaning.
You may not always know what dangers could be just around the corner for you and your pearly whites—but a dentist can. Minor issues can lead to bigger and more costly ones down the road.
But the good news is that costly and painful dental problems can often be avoided with regular visits to a dentist and maintaining an oral hygiene routine at home.
3) Orthodontia Coverage
According to the Pennsylvania Dental Association, roughly 4 million people in the U.S. wear braces. But perfectly straight teeth can come at a hefty price.
The cost of dental braces can range anywhere between $3,000 and $10,000 (not including any other orthodontia services that may be required to help you achieve perfectly straight teeth).
And while not all dental insurance plans cover orthodontia, the ones that do can save you thousands, making you or your children’s path to a great smile a lot less painful.
Keeping Your Smile Bright
Dental insurance can help you and your family maintain your smiles for years to come. Tackle dental emergencies knowing you’re covered, address concerns before they become problems, and prevent future issues while saving on your out-of-pocket costs.
Visit our dental insurance page to see rates, review plan details, and enroll today.
How to Work From Home With Pets
Millions of Americans are having to adjust to working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to all the technological changes that has led to, it also means that you and your family have had to adjust to significant changes to your routines—including those involving your pet.
Pet owners should spend 1-2 hours a day with their cat or dog. But when working from home, you can expect that amount of time to increase. It’s important to develop a new sense of normal with your pet, without them expecting your complete attention during working hours.
So, what can you do to make sure you’re still able to be productive while working from home?
Start the Day Off on the Right Paw
When working from home, it may be tempting to sleep in without having to worry about the commute, but that extra time in the morning may be better spent with your pet. Providing food and playtime in the morning will help tire your pet and leave you with more time to work uninterrupted.
Redirect Attention
Have an upcoming call or task that will require your undivided attention and concentration? Be sure to attend to your pet’s needs in advance. Potty breaks, food and water, and toys can help keep your pet distracted and entertained without you (at least for a while).
Practice Positive Reinforcement
Has your coworker been good? Reinforce their good behavior with treats, their favorite toy, or some one-on-one playtime. As with any kind of training, it’s important to reward good behavior and work to improve the bad.
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
As of August 2020, only 20 dogs and cats have been positively diagnosed with COVD-19 in the United States. So while it is possible to pass the virus on to your pet, it appears to be far less contagious to animals than it is to humans.
If your pet ever does get sick, the cost of treatments and medications can put an unnecessary strain on your finances. To help offset these costs, we have teamed up with Nationwide to offer discounts on pet insurance to members. To learn more, or to request a quote, please visit the pet insurance page today.
The 2021 COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period: What You Need To Know
On Thursday, January 28, 2021, President Biden announced plans to reopen the federal health insurance markets for a nation-wide Special Enrollment Period. This action is being taken in response to the massive economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic which has resulted in some of the highest unemployment rates in decades.
When does it start, and how long does it last?
The 2021 Special Enrollment Period will begin on February 15 and run through May 15, 2021. Coverage effective dates for those who enroll during this time will begin on the first day of the month following an enrollment date. (For example, an enrollment date of March 4 will have an effective date of April 1.)
Will there be another Open Enrollment Period later this year?
Yes. The annual Open Enrollment Period will run from November 1 through December 15. Individuals who enroll during this time will have a January 1, 2022 coverage effective date.
I enrolled during the Open Enrollment period last year. Will I need to sign up for my plan again?
No. If you are currently enrolled in health insurance coverage, you do not need to enroll again. However, if you are interested in changing your coverage, this is your chance to secure ACA-compliant health insurance outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period. Just keep in mind that if you decide to change your plan, your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum will reset based on your new coverage details.
Is this only available to those impacted by COVID-19?
No. Even though this is being called a 2021 COVID-19 Special Enrollment Period, you do not need to have experienced COVID-19, or even a Qualifying Life Event to enroll in (or change) coverage.
Get Ready to Apply
To learn more or to begin shopping plans, visit our Health Insurance page or schedule an appointment to speak with a licensed benefits counselor.
5 Ways to Help You Stay Healthy This Holiday Season
The holidays are going to look a lot different this year due to COVID-19.
Every year millions of Americans pile into each other’s homes to celebrate the season with food, family, and football. That urge has never been stronger than this year. With millions of people working from home and many states enacting safer-at-home measures, Americans are feeling the financial, physical, and mental health effects of living in a coronavirus-infected world.
But in addition to practicing social distancing, there are several things you can do to remain healthy while minimizing the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 (or any illness).
1) Consult local, state, and federal guidelines and restrictions before traveling.
According to the CDC, “travel increases the chance of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.” And as COVID-19 cases continue to spike throughout the country, many experts are urging Americans to avoid holiday travel.
Many states are imposing new limitations on gathering sizes, extending mask mandates, and even issuing mandatory quarantine periods (or negative COVID-19 test) for people traveling from other states. If you or your loved ones are considering traveling internationally during the holidays, please be sure to make sure the country you are traveling to is granting entry to travelers from your point of origin.
2) Embrace video chat.
Technology can help us feel connected to our loved ones when we can’t be there in person—something that has proven to be essential for so many people this year.
Video calls have skyrocketed in popularity this year professionally and personally. Zoom did its part to bring people together safely by lifting their 40-minute limit on free meetings for Thanksgiving Day this year.
Consider using video chat services or avoiding in-person contact altogether through the holidays if you or a family member are at a high risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus.
3) Do your holiday shopping online.
You may want to consider skipping the check-out lines this year and put your health first by shopping for gifts online.
Traditional brick and mortar stores will still be dangerous areas despite heightened cleaning measures. The CDC has listed “Going shopping in crowded stores just before, on, or after Thanksgiving” as a higher-risk activity.
Due to the anticipated surge of online shoppers this season, many big-name retailers have announced changes to their traditional holiday sales such as online-only sales, online pick-up options, and more.
4) Wear a mask around others.
Studies continue to affirm the effectiveness of wearing a mask in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And both local and federal government branches have cited the importance of wearing a mask when around other people who do not live in your home. So if you find yourself going out in public or spending time with friends and family, consider wearing a mask to protect yourself and others.
5) Find the right health insurance coverage.
Modern medicine has yet to fully discover the long-term effects of COVID-19 but there are many health conditions scientists can already link to the virus.
According to the Mayo Clinic, “COVID-19 symptoms can sometimes persist for months. The virus can damage the lungs, heart and brain, which increases the risk of long-term health problems.”
Having health insurance coverage for you and your family can help cover the cost of both major and preventative medical care – and now is the best time to get coverage. The annual individual health Open Enrollment period began on November 1 and runs through December 15.
This is the only time of year to enroll in ACA-compliant health coverage unless you experience a Qualifying Life Event.
For more information on health insurance or to start shopping available plans, visit the individual health insurance page today.
How We Help Members Through the Individual Health Insurance Open Enrollment Process
Shopping for something as important as health coverage can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re looking for a plan to help protect your whole family.
With the health insurance landscape changing every year, we know that it can be difficult to stay on top of which carriers and plans are available, so we do all that for you.
Tap Into Our Knowledgebase
By scheduling a 15-minute appointment with one of our licensed benefit counselors you’ll gain access to experts with vast industry insight—who are have studied state regulatory changes and are familiar with the latest available coverage options. Our counselors take the time to get to know your needs, concerns, and budget, to help find you the right plan, not just any plan.
Preparing for Your Appointment
After scheduling your appointment, you’ll want to gather the following information:
- The basics: your address, phone number, date of birth, SSN, household size, income level
- Plan and premium details for any employer-based plan available to you or your household
- List of current medications
- Name and zip code of the current healthcare providers that you’d like to continue using
- Payment information
Having this information ready when your counselor calls will help them efficiently guide you toward the best coverage for your needs.
Taking the Next Step
This year’s Open Enrollment period is November 1 – December 15. If you enroll in an ACA-compliant health insurance plan during this period, the effective date will be January 1, 2021. This is the only time of year to receive ACA-compliant health insurance coverage, unless you were to experience a qualifying life event.
If you’re ready to see what the 2021 individual health insurance marketplace has to offer, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a licensed benefit counselor now. (Appointment availability becomes more limited beginning in the second half of November.)
For more information or to start shopping plans, visit the individual health insurance page today.
Open Enrollment 2021 Webinar
Missed our recent Open Enrollment webinar? View a replay below.