3 easy steps to finding more affordable health insurance options

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58053886 - mature woman with plastered leg talking on mobile phone at homeFinding affordable health insurance plans doesn’t have to be difficult. However, with the average cost of individual health insurance plans skyrocketing each year (rising past $321/month in 2017), more and more people are frustrated by what feels like a tough decision between budget-conscious monthly premiums and enough coverage to provide peace-of-mind in case of serious medical emergencies.

If you want to control your health care costs without sacrificing the quality of your health insurance coverage, here are some useful strategies for making health insurance more wallet-friendly:

Talk to a Health Insurance Expert

First things first: call a trustworthy health insurance broker before making any decisions. These folks are trained to be the best at researching different insurance options and finding a policy that works for your budget and lifestyle/health needs. You may not realize all of the many factors that go into choosing a health care plan, and going alone leaves you vulnerable to making costly mistakes that an insurance expert would have easily avoided if they were able to guide you in the right direction.

Compare Different Plans

A common mistake individuals make while shopping for health insurance is not comparing their options! Instead, they focus on just one or two aspects, such as monthly cost, one area of coverage, availability of in-network doctors nearby, or other customers’ ratings. Rather than making a decision based on a limited set of criteria, you should take everything into consideration and narrow your choices down to the two best options after some light research (your insurance broker can certainly help you with this).

The most affordable plan might not have many in-network providers in your area (forcing you to spend more money on transportation expenses or expensive out-of-network care), while a pricier plan may have doctors nearby and lower copayment costs for services and prescriptions you routinely use.

Beware ‘Bare Bones’ Insurance

When it comes to affordable health insurance, the plan with the lowest monthly payment on paper might not always be the cheapest option in reality. After all, there’s an inverse relationship between monthly premiums and deductibles: the higher your premium is, the lower your deductible will be (and vice versa).

If you are young and healthy, then perhaps a high deductible plan might work for you because you don’t anticipate using it a lot – if ever – throughout the year. But the dark side of ‘bare bones’ insurance plans – which offer minimal benefits and $5,000+ deductibles before coverage really kicks in – is that you could be in serious financial trouble if a costly medical emergency occurs. With this in mind, it’s generally best to strike a balance between monthly premiums and annual deductibles, rather than choosing the high-deductible plan with low monthly premiums simply because it’s more affordable in the short-run.

How you can make your office a healthier place

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38262881_MSmall businesses often don’t have a lot of money to spend on employee benefits, let alone to start and run a wellness program. But there are some simple steps you can take to make your office a healthier place for all of your employees:

Stop offering candy and doughnuts. Studies show that office workers gain weight over time when there’s a candy bowl in close proximity. Or when there are free doughnuts each Friday. According to Cornell University, the average American worker is putting on five to seven pounds a year eating candy and other high-calorie treats at work. Consider replacing your candy bowl with a basket of fresh fruit or packaged healthy snacks.

Make meetings healthier. Consider offering bottled water instead of soda and ditching the doughnuts during meetings in favor of a healthier snack or lunch.

Don’t skimp on cleaning. Did you know that your office kitchen and break room can be as germy as the bathroom? Anywhere employees are preparing food or eating should be cleaned regularly. Clean the office coffee pot(s) each week with vinegar. Wipe down coffee pot handles, water machine buttons and door knobs that are used many times each day by different people. Make sure restrooms are cleaned each week.

Encourage employees to stay home when they are sick. Research shows that many employees worry about taking sick time when they are sick. Only about 16 percent of U.S. employees use all of their paid sick leave each year. About 45 percent of employees use only some of their sick leave and 32 percent don’t take any sick leave at all. Make sure your employees know they can and should stay home if they are ill.

Ask employees what they want. Most people these days are trying to be healthier. If you’re a business owner, why not ask employees what they think the company should offer? Discounted gym memberships? Walking sessions? Help from a healthy eating expert? What your employees consider important in terms of wellness may surprise you.

Many sports and exercise injuries can be prevented

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7349474_S-450x288When it comes to sports and exercise, there’s probably nothing worse than getting into a good groove only to have your efforts halted in their tracks by an injury. Not only is it incredibly frustrating in the moment, but that injury could haunt you for weeks or even years.

The good news is that many of the most common exercise and sports-related injuries can be prevented by taking some simple steps:

Warm up and cool down. It may seem like a waste of time, but a few minutes spent warming up and cooling down are vital for preventing injuries. Proper warm-up increases the blood flow to muscles and improves flexibility. Incorporating a cool-down exercise after your workout allows your heart rate to decrease gradually.

Stretch. While there is some debate over the effectiveness of stretching in preventing injuries, there is enough evidence pointing to its benefits that most experts recommend including at least moderate stretching as part of your routine. Try using dynamic stretches after your warm-up and cool-down for best results.

Take it easy. Getting started with a new exercise routine or sport? It’s time to go gradual. It may be tempting to push your body to the limits early on, but doing so is almost a sure-fire way to get hurt. Instead, increase the frequency, duration, and intensity of your workout over an extended period of time.

Use proper form and protective gear. Many injuries can be traced back to improper technique. For example, it’s a common perception that running is bad for your knees. However, many experts suggest that, in reality, running can actually be good for your joints if you have proper form. Wearing protective gear, when warranted, along with proper shoes and clothing also play an important role in injury prevention.

Know when to stop. The old adage “no pain, no gain” shouldn’t be taken as a blanket statement. Know your body and listen to it. Pushing your way through minor pain could lead to long-term injuries. When our bodies are tired, the protective mechanics become lax, increasing our risk for damage to muscles, tendons, and joints. This is especially important to teach our young athletes who may not always recognize the signs of a pending injury.

Talk to your doctor. Before you begin any new exercise, take time to visit with your physician.

When was your last vision exam?

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58134118 - table for eyesight test and glasses over it - studio shotYou get once-yearly health checks and dental cleanings every six months. But when was the last time you had your eyes checked? Many people put off regular eye exams because they are busy or think it’s an unnecessary cost. But yearly eye exams can help detect and treat a number of serious eye conditions such as glaucoma and diabetic eye disease. Many problems with eyes provide no early warning signs or symptoms, and can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. You may not realize that eye exams also can help detect health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and even high blood pressure.

According to the American Optometric Association, infants should have their first comprehensive eye exam at 6 months of age. Children should receive eye exams when they turn 3 and right before they start attending kindergarten. Annual eye exams are always a good idea for children, especially those who wear glasses or contact lenses.

For adults ages 18 to 60, health experts recommend getting an eye exam at least every two years. Seniors 61 and older should get annual eye exams due to higher risk factors for eye disease, including the most common one, age-related macular degeneration.

Getting married? It’s time to review your health insurance coverage

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38163405_SIt’s wedding season! Did you know that tying the knot could provide an opportunity for you to obtain health insurance coverage before the next open enrollment period?

When you experience a ‘qualifying life event,’ you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period in which you can obtain health insurance coverage outside the official open enrollment period. It’s a valuable window of opportunity. But you need to act fast. You’ll generally have only 60 days from the qualifying life event to obtain coverage.

Other qualifying events can include the birth or adoption of a child and the loss of a job. You also may be able to purchase insurance coverage outside of the open enrollment period if your employer-sponsored health insurance coverage becomes unaffordable. Other ‘qualifying life events’ include gaining citizenship or legal immigration status or being released from jail or prison.

Questions about Special enrollment periods? Want to see if you qualify for one? Call us today at (303) 663-9991. We’re here to help!

Enjoy the outdoors — safely

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11238523_SThe sun is shining. The birds are chirping. The wind is gentle. It is simply a beautiful day to be outside! But the great outdoors also can be unpredictable. Whether you are by yourself or with friends and family, here are some tips to help you safely enjoy the outdoors.

Know the hazards: Take the time to know the local hazards. Even if it is an area with which you are quite familiar, you might be surprised at the hidden hazards. This can include sudden weather changes, dangerous animals or plants, and even hazardous traffic patterns.

Dress appropriately: Take the time to dress for the outdoor occasion. A simple walk will require different clothing than a long hike, bike ride, or a jog. It is also important to consider the weather forecast.Your attire may include layers, bright clothing, proper shoes, a hat and even sunglasses.

Stay hydrated: Take the time to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Even if you don’t think you will need it, carry a water bottle of some sort. If you don’t want to carry it, research options for accessories to carry water bottles.

Share your plans: Take the time to let someone know where you are going. Ideally, you will take a “buddy” with you on your outing; however, this isn’t always practical or desired. Make sure someone knows your plans and what time you expect to return.

Extra accessories: Take the time to plan what you will need for your outing. It might include sunscreen, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. Each of these can be found in small and easy-to-transport sizes. You also will want to take your phone with you; just make sure it is properly charged and don’t spend your entire time outside checking your email or social networks.

Be alert: Stay alert to your surroundings and take breaks as needed. And remain calm in any unexpected situation. Now go enjoy the outdoors!

Summer: Just what the doctor ordered

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51585757_SSummer can be a fun time of the year. But did you know it also can be great for your health? Here’s why the warmer months can be just what the doctor ordered:

You get some time off. Summer is one of the most popular times of the year for vacations. Vacations — especially unplugged ones — can help you recharge. Did you know that many Americans don’t take all of their available vacation time? Even a ‘staycation’ can help you fight stress and burnout.

You can enjoy seasonal produce. There’s an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables during the summer. and grocery stores often put them on sale. Healthy and affordable foods!

It’s easier to get outside and be active. The summer months are a popular time to get outside. You can go walking, biking, hiking, and swimming. It’s a great time to start a daily walk or other exercise habit.

It’s a great time to bond with your family. Time off from school and vacations can help you spend time and reconnect with your children and spouse.

Is your company taking steps to reduce on-the-job stress?

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54024872_SIt’s estimated that on-the-job stress costs U.S. companies more than $300 billion annually in increased absenteeism, reduced productivity, increased health care costs and employee turnover. Stress, however, is a very individualized phenomenon — what causes stress in one person may not cause stress in another. The good news is that research has identified a number of stressors that often affect large groups of employees — and the ways employers can help address them.

Surveys show that probably the biggest source of stress for workers is balancing work and family demands. That’s why telecommuting and flextime are sought-after options for a growing number of workers nationwide. Studies show allowing workers the option of working just one day of each week at home can dramatically reduce their stress levels. Telecommuting isn’t the only answer, however. Ask your employees how you can help them meet the demands of work and family life. A bit of flexibility in how they get their job done can make all the difference.

Some other ways to reduce stress at the office:

Let the sick stay home. At many companies, it’s a badge of honor to go into work sick. Leaders often set the example by doing it themselves. Create a culture where people do not feel guilty staying home when they are ill. Even more important, encourage your employees to take all of their vacation days each year. One study showed that 52 percent of American workers did not use all of their allotted vacation time last year.

Create an after-hours work policy. Another big stressor? After-hours e-mails. Studies show that many employees feel like they have to answer e-mails and solve client problems after-hours. Simply put, it is stressing workers out. France even passed a law addressing the issue.

Be a good communicator. When was the last time you simply talked with your employees about the changes happening in your company? Sometimes not knowing what is happening or why changes are being made can affect stress levels. It doesn’t mean your employees need to know the sensitive information; but basic information can calm their nerves.

Offer food. Do you order in food for your employees occasionally? How about breakfast during a morning meeting and offering some bagels, fruit, yogurt and coffee? Need to have a training meeting? How about incorporating it over the lunch hour and have lunch catered? It’s a proven way to raise morale at the office.

Have a sense of humor. Humor can be a powerful tool for relieving stress. Share a laugh with your employees. It’s a great way to help diffuse a stressful situation.

College students have several health insurance choices

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7561906_SCollege students have several options when it comes to health insurance. Here are some of the most popular ways to obtain coverage:

Stay on your parents’ plan. You may be able to remain covered under a parent’s plan until you turn 26.

Go with a student health plan. Many colleges offer some type of student health plan. Just make sure you check with your student health plan to see if it qualifies as coverage under the nation’s health care law. You’ll also want to review the plan to make sure it is a good choice in terms of cost and coverage. (We can help with that!)

Purchase coverage on your own. Even if you have access to a student health plan, you still are likely able to purchase a health plan on your own. And that could be a better choice depending on the quality of the student health plan that’s available to you.

Questions? We can help you determine the best option for you and your pocketbook.

Don’t let your kitchen make you sick

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53053524_MEven the most meticulous of homeowners may be surprised to learn their kitchen is crawling with bacteria. Gross! No fear though — there are some easy ways to keep your kitchen from making you sick.

Clean cutting boards properly. Wash them with hot, soapy water after each use. Both wooden and plastic cutting boards can be sanitized with a solution of 1 tablespoon of liquid bleach per gallon of water. (Sanitizing is especially important when you have used the board to cut raw meat.)

Wipe down the kitchen sink regularly. Think the dirtiest place in your home is a toilet? Nope, it’s the kitchen sink. Wipe down your sink regularly. While you’re at it, make sure you are cleaning your kitchen sponge regularly as well. The best way to clean a sponge is to soak it in a bleach solution, although zapping it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes is nearly as effective.

Use reusable shopping bags that can be washed. Reusable shopping bags are great for the environment, but they can become extremely germy over time. A number of companies now manufacture shopping bags made of canvas and other materials that can be washed weekly.

Show your appliances some love. When was the last time you wiped down the inside of your microwave or the interior of your refrigerator? Wipe down handles and interior surfaces regularly.

Show your trash can who’s boss. Your trash can likely harbors a significant amount of bacteria. You can easily get the job done with disinfecting wipes.

Clean your coffee maker regularly. You love your coffee… but you don’t want to drink a cup of mold. One study found that half of coffee makers had mold growing in them. The carafe, lid, and filter basket of your coffee maker should be cleaned daily and your machine should be cleaned weekly by running equal parts white vinegar and water through a brew cycle, followed by two cycles of plain water.