Guaranty Association Benefits Company

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the recent decision of the Supreme Court upholding most of the health reform law. But - are all informed opinion? Whatever your views on the decision, these ten things are made quite simple. Put them in your pocket so you can dominate the conversation the next time someone wants to launch a friendly debate.

1. By 2014, all consumers are not covered by their workplace must buy health insurance or will face a penalty / tax for not buying it.

2. The Supreme Court ruled that the individual mandate is constitutional and is officially considering a "tax".

3. In 2014, the health insurance exchanges will be created across the country to help people buy online coverage and provide subsidies to those who qualify.

4. From 2014, individuals will not be denied health insurance coverage because of preexisting conditions.

5. Young adults can stay on the health insurance plan of their parents until they turn 26. This has been in effect since the law originally adopted in 2010.

6. There will be more mandated benefits in health insurance plans. For example, some states may adopt laws that require all plans to have maternity coverage for men and women.

7. Preventive care is now provided without a co-payment at the time of the visit. Just to be clear, preventive care is not "free" - you pay for it as part of your premium. He just will never be an additional copayment.

8. Some states expand Medicaid coverage and eligibility 2014. For more on the expansion of Medicaid, read this recent blog post.

9. More money is spent on medical care. reform of health care adopted a report medical loss (MLR), which requires health insurance companies to pay 80 to 85 percent of premiums on medical care.

10. Health insurers must justify significant rate increases on their websites and to inform consumers of rate hikes.

61 percent of Americans believe they are in excellent or very good health, but 55 percent have chronic condition! It made us think - does the same disparity exists in other parts of the world

GoHealth would like to hear your thoughts on the data in this infographic ?. Be sure to comment below!

created by GoHealthInsurance.com

A recent study by the American Cancer Society found that lack of health insurance plays a very important role in the diagnosis at an advanced stage of cervical cancer. In fact, it is the second strongest predictor of diagnosis at an advanced stage next to patient age group.

The American Cancer Society estimates that 12,170 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2012, 35 percent of them will die of the disease. The fact is, women who do not have health insurance are much less likely to be examined and eventually find their status too late in the disease progression.

• 1-3 cervical cancer patients is diagnosed only after the cancer has spread to nearby organs
• 1 in 10 is diagnosed only after the cancer has reached distant organs
• socioeconomic status, race, marital status and geographic location have all been identified as factors associated with advanced stage at diagnosis in patients with cervical cancer

among women in the study who were diagnosed with cancer:

• 24 percent had private health insurance
• 34 percent were covered by Medicaid
• 35 percent had no health insurance at all

There is some good news. Since the development of the Pap test, the cases of cervical cancer reduced dramatically. If you are a woman with health insurance, you should be able to receive a Pap test to screen for cervical cancer, no charge. This test falls into the category of preventive care, which under the Affordable Care Act is available without additional co-pay for those currently insured.

If you are a woman without health insurance, visit WomensHealth.gov to see the facts about getting a Pap test free or at low cost. You will also find a fact sheet on cervical cancer and a FAQ regarding women's health issues.

GoHealth aims to take the mystery out of the enrollment Medicare. Our new infographic practice exposes all the important information you need in a simple and colorful format. Dare we say it makes the notion of insurance attractive entry

Read more about:

• The window 7 months of each person eligible Medicare must register
• Medicare open enrollment dates of
• special enrollment periods

Designed by GoHealthInsurance.com

So GoHealth encourages healthy eating habits, we recognize that maintaining a well-balanced diet can seem overwhelming, especially if you are trying to feed a family. However, armed with accurate information, it can be easy to provide your family with the amounts recommended for serving different food groups.

The new food pyramid
Recognizing that the food pyramid could be difficult to understand, last year the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has removed the longtime symbol nutritional balance with a new graphic. MyPlate is based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and has been designed to introduce the basic food groups via a simple layout

In accordance with its name, MyPlate looks like a plate of food and is divided into four sections :. Fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins. Dairy is depicted as a small circle appears next to the plate. For convenience, myplate diet tips are no-brainers:

• Half of your plate should consist of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains should include at least half your grain consumption
• Drink 1% or skim milk instead of whole or 2%
• Change your protein - chicken, turkey and egg whites are rich in protein and low saturated fat

by the numbers
USDA recommends 2 cups of fruit, 2.5 cups of vegetables, 6 ounces of grains, 5.5 ounces of protein and 3 cups of milk on a daily basis. We realize that most people do not have measurement tools at their disposal at all times, so we have some tips to share to determine portion size:

• To harvest the benefits of high levels of potassium offered baked potatoes choose potatoes that are the size of a computer mouse
• whole grains will satisfy your hunger in small quantities, to limit your servings of whole grains in a cup - the size of a tennis ball
• Packed with protein, three ounces of meat is the perfect amount for one serving, and is roughly equal to the size a card game
• vegetables are an essential part of any healthy diet, and believe it or not, it takes only a half cup cooked - about the size of a ball baseball - to meet the requirement of serving

A health insurance carrier will start charging women as much as 40 percent more than men for the long term care coverage starts early next year, and the probability is high that other insurers will follow soon. The move is a response to the risks involved in the coverage of women, who are paid two to three dollars of benefits of this type of policy.

According to the American Association for Long-term care insurance, this is partly because women tend to live longer and often have no nursing home. Accordingly, the claims experience of individual candidates was always worse. In the past, lower interest rates and more lenient underwriting practices on long-term care policies have led costly claims. Insurers are making efforts to recover by eliminating certain rebates and to put stricter underwriting practices in place.

For women in particular, the rate increases for the company started implementing them next year are expected to be 10% higher than the rates the company currently charges women. In addition, women may end up paying much more in premiums than men.

Married couples who buy a health insurance cover the family together can always get a discount because the company considers the premium the "mixed experience" of men and women. This provision can get a little tricky :.

• The women who are seeking insurance on their own would pay the individual rate, but a widow would receive a discount
• Couples who are in the process of obtaining a divorce but have not yet completed, it may receive a spousal discount.
• same-sex couples and unmarried domestic partners may also qualify.

Single women can lock in lower rates now by adding a "future option to buy" a smaller policy. This allows them to qualify for additional coverage in the future using their current state of health, while decreasing their rates at the same time.

Yesterday the House of Representatives approved a bill that prevents 26.5 percent of Medicare pay doctors cut and extends the current Medicare payment rates to 31 December 2013.

Act relief for US taxpayers delays payment expected cut by cutting billions in financing other Medicare providers including hospitals, pharmacies and dialysis clinics. The Senate approved the bill Year's Day, and the House passed the measure last night by a vote of 257 to 167. The last step is for President Barack Obama to sign the bill, which he expressed his approval at a news conference after the. vote

in addition to the current payment rate, the measure also extends the following :.

• the existing floor on the index "doctor's work" in the scale of health insurance costs
• Inpatient hospital payment adjustment for hospitals with low volume up at 31 December 2013.
• Ambulance add-on payments for urban providers, rural and super-rural until June 30, 2013.
• the current process of payment exceptions outpatient therapy services until December 31, 2013.

Medicare Hospital programs will bear the brunt of the physician payment cut delay. the initiatives that could be affected include payments for the end of step treatment of kidney disease; a reassessment of these payments was proposed after a report from the Office of the responsibility of the government who suggested that the federal government is paying too much for these procedures, if approved in the frame. Bill, re-pricing would save about $ 4.9 billion. low-income patients may feel the impact of the decision and that the bill provides Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital payments re-establish -. a move that would save about $ 4.2 billion

There has been outcry from various players industries reductions proposed hospital programs, but the White House stressed that the agreement allows for save about $ 24 billion in total. Ultimately, the move is intended to provide Congress with more time to end definitively the sequester. President Obama said at the news conference that additional deficit reduction is in the works as Congress considers how to address the receiver, and is open to Medicare reform.

What are your thoughts on reductions of programs and their impact on the health care industry?

Our latest infographic GoHealth is dedicated to all you young people out there. Many of you have already broken out, trying to pay off student loans, and paying your rent on time every month. Well, BUZZ KILL ALERT: You are health insurance rates are about to rise, too

Take this example:

• In 2013, a single man aged 25 years with an annual income of $ 33,510 could find insurance coverage for about $ 2400 / year.
• In 2014, coverage for the same man will cost $ 3183 / year, even after receiving a premium tax credit to purchase health insurance from an online exchange. This represents an increase of $ 783 in one year

To illustrate why this is happening to you (while you are in your prime), we offer the following explanation colorful :.

Designed by GoHealthInsurance.com

Click on the image to enlarge

Another place where you can expect to see the effects of the affordable care Act is on your W-2 this tax season. Under the ACA, all employers (excluding small businesses) are now required to report the cost of your health care plan for information purposes.

According to the IRS, all employers that offer a "cover-sponsored applicable employer" under a group health plan are subject to this reporting obligation This includes:.

• federal, state, local government entities
• churches and other religious organizations
• employers who are not subject to COBRA continuation coverage requirements

many of us, so far, can not say exactly how our health coverage costs, but with this new requirement under the health care law, taxpayers will become fully aware of cost of their health insurance Take a look -.. in box 12 of your W2, you should see the portion of your coverage of health care paid by your employer, and any amount paid by you

If these figures seem big to you, it's because they are. According to the actuarial firm Milliman Inc., the average cost of health care for a typical American family of four enrolled in a health plan sponsored by the employer was $ 20,728 in 2012. The same study shows that employer contributions to these Plans on average about $ 12,144 of the total cost.

both Congress and the IRS state that the purpose of this rule is to provide employees with more useful and comparable consumer information concerning the cost of their coverage of health insurance. Benefits reported on your W-2 form must remain untaxed; However, many taxpayers and skeptics are uncomfortable with the fact that these costs are now monitored and could potentially increase in the future.

By educating their patients, employers and insurers have a effort to encourage consumers to take control of their health expenditures.

whether for buying a generic prescription drug on a brand name or waive unnecessary medical test, the idea is that the consumer is more involved about his health the better decisions they will-also to a reduction in healthcare spending

also known as "patient participation" health professionals have always assumed that consumers weigh their options and prefer to reduce costs when possible. However, a study published in Health Affairs found differently. The researchers explored the attitudes of 22 group participants targets in a study and found that overall, most have taken little account of costs when making a medical decision.

The study participants generally do not understand how insurance works and not feel personally involved in the problem of rising health care costs, much less the effort to lower the costs. Participants also expressed that they were unlikely to choose a treatment option that was cheaper yet almost as effective as a more expensive option. Some participants even admitted to choose the most expensive care in spite of their insurance company.

These results come as a surprise to many health professionals such as doctors who generally feel a responsibility to help their patients to keep health care costs down.

Do these results come as a surprise to you as a consumer? How much of a factor is the cost when choosing between the two different treatments, but just as effective?

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) had a polarizing effect on individuals and businesses across the United States. Designed to provide clearer health insurance choice for consumers and small businesses, the law has been a game changer in the health care industry since it was signed into law in 2010. However, some of the most significant changes are yet to come.

So what does the ACA do to help more people obtain health insurance?

extends Medicaid

Medicaid, which aims to provide insurance to low-income Americans, existed in some form since the 1960s initially implemented as a safety net for Americans, Medicaid will be expanded to include more adults. Every state has the opportunity to receive additional federal funding to expand their Medicaid roles to include more families and single adults. Twenty-five states have chosen to accept federal funds to expand Medicaid. While 50 states have chosen to implement the expansion of Medicaid, it would cover about 21.6 million additional non-insured adults.

Removes Blocks pre-existing condition

Previously, adults and children with pre-existing conditions would have difficulty obtaining basic amounts of coverage. Now under the health care reform, insurance companies can not deny coverage based off of a preexisting condition. This rule change could allow more than 129 million people now get health insurance.

Creates fiscal health reform subsidies

To offset the cost of health care, the ACA created tax subsidies for individuals and families earning an income of 133 percent to 400 percent of the federal poverty level. These tax subsidies will provide individuals and families with assistance to pay for health insurance and health care. Most people who are eligible for these tax subsidies will be families that are between $ 47,000 and $ 95,000 are working. Only 62 percent of Americans are now aware that the tax subsidies are available for individuals. This is a problem because 26 million people could be eligible for these grants and a third of them are young adults.

Chances are, when you're at the doctor's office You do not think? about CPT codes. In fact, most of us do not even know what a CPT code. Until recently, patients are not really any involvement with these codes unless they contacted their insurance company or doctor's office.

It stands for current procedure terminology and each time you receive a medical service as a vaccine against influenza, physical examination, points or more, your doctor assigns a CPT code corresponding to five digits. Even so much as a brief five minutes phone consultation with your doctor is a corresponding CPT code.

These codes are developed and maintained by the American Medical Association (AMA) and are used by insurers to determine the amount that a practitioner must be reimbursed by the insurance company. As the practice of health care is undergoing reform, WADA develops new codes for new services and current or former codes may be revised or rejected if unused. There are already thousands of CPT codes used and these are updated annually. Although everyone in the industry uses the same code to ensure consistency, this does not necessarily mean that every practitioner receives equal repayment the same procedure.

As patients, we can learn a thing or two CPT codes. When you receive a medical bill, a CPT code may be useful in the decryption of health costs. They reveal information about our medical problems, how they are treated and how they determine medical billing. The office of your doctor should be able to discuss issues concerning the CPT codes with you.

As the new features of the Affordable Care Act continue to deploy, women across the countries have taken advantage of increasing global access to health services and equal health care rights. For the first time, the services of many women's health that are not already covered or required co-pays and deductibles will now be widely available. In fact, an estimated 47 million women have access to preventive health services guaranteed women, including tours of free wellness, and many others

Here are 4 things Obamacare now covers for women with new Medicare policies :.

1. [visits well-wife. Recommended a year, a well-woman visit includes a comprehensive review and focuses on preventive care for women. These visits can include projections, services such as blows and health education.
2. folic acid supplements. For women who may become pregnant, folic acid is particularly important in a diet. Women of childbearing age (about 11-49) need an extra 400 micrograms of folic acid every day, which can be found in vitamins and foods containing 100 percent the daily value of folic acid.
3. breast pumps. Breastfeeding is recommended for mothers and babies for the first 6 to 12 months after birth. breastfeeding support and advice from qualified suppliers, and access to breast pumps and other supplies will be available for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
4. Contraception. Some methods of birth control approved by the FDA are available free for women. Some birth control brands are covered and contraceptive advice. Guidelines established by Obamacare also include coverage for preventive services like cancer and HPV cervical screenings without co-pays.

For a larger list of preventive services for women covered by the Act on the Affordable Care here. Do not forget to "like" the Facebook page GoHealth to help us donate to the Organization of Women's Health. In honor of the Week of the health of national women, we will donate more with all 50 new 'likes' on our page!

Two executives of GoHealth, Brandon Cruz and Clint Jones were named in the 2013 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Midwest Region. This prestigious award in the category of private equity and venture capital is awarded to entrepreneurs who have made a huge difference in their businesses and communities.

All category winners in 2013 were recognized for success in the sales of their business growing by 31 percent and the use of their business by 11 percent between 2010 and 2012 specifically under the direction of Cruz and Jones, GoHealth announced this past February adding 250 jobs to its current base of 350 employees. In addition, GoHealth received an investment of $ 50 million minority in 2012 Norwest Equity Partners.

"We are beyond excited and honored to have been selected as Ernst and Young Entrepreneurs of the year. Having been in the same class as some of the most outstanding business leaders of America is an absolute honor, "said President GoHealth, Brandon Cruz.

What's next?

After winning the award Midwest Region, GoHealth will now go the national competition in which several categories, including national Entrepreneur of the year will be announced. the awards gala is held annually in Palm Springs, California on November 16, 2013. the awards are the culminating event strategic growth Forum Ernst & Young, the most prestigious gathering of the nation's leading high-growth marketing companies.

View details of the press release here.

When the White House delayed the term of insurance the employer until 2015 , citing the reason as a way to reduce the financial burden on the corporate sector. In doing so, it now appears that the load was transferred to the federal government. A report by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) the delay will cost the federal government $ 10 billion next year.

While cost is important, the report also indicates that this represents less than 1 percent of the cost of 10 years of the law. The employer mandate requires all employers with 50 or more workers to provide insurance or otherwise face a fine of $ 2,000 per worker. Many of the corporate sector are grateful for the extra year, feeling that they lacked the proper time to prepare complex reports required under the law.

The White House argues that, despite the delay, all other provisions will deploy as planned and that the law is fully paid. They also argue that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will further reduce the deficit by more than $ 100 billion over the next 10 years. Under the ACA all uninsured people without access to an occupational coverage will be able to start shopping for health plans on October 1 and according to their income level, the quality of tax reform subsidies.

The CBO report shows that only 500,000 people will be affected by the delay of the mandate of the employer. They also believe that, in 2014, 13 million of the 50 million uninsured US residents will buy insurance. This number should increase to between 25 and 30 million in the years that followed. Parallel to delay the mandate of the employer, the administration also eased regulations to check the qualification grant tax for individuals and families. These changes should make it easier for those who buy insurance on the exchanges to show that they are eligible for a tax credit.

researchers recently exposed Prevention magazine to determine the happiest and cities healthier America, the assessment of 100 of the largest cities of our country. Access to green space, farmers markets, good nutrition (fruits and vegetables) and the incidence of disease, depression and unemployment were some of the factors taken into account to determine the main cities.

A common thread that unites each of the "happier and healthier" precise is the ability to adopt environmental health behaviors. Here each of the 10 cities and why they won

1. San Jose, California

A healthy diet is very accessible in this pleasant climate, with several community gardens, farmers markets and more. The organic way of life also became more public in the region, helping the exposure of residents decrease of pesticides that have been linked to health problems and disease.

2. Salt Lake City, Utah

In part because of the great influence Mormon, many people in the practice of the city "clean living," abstaining from alcohol and smoking. with the help of a strong family and social support, Salt Lake City has low rates of cancer, as well as some of the best cancer survival rate nation.

3. Minneapolis- St. Paul, Minnesota

a healthy heart is one of the defining characteristics shared by Twin cities residents. the chain of lakes and parks of the city center to help residents stay active with regular exercise. the study also found that the prevention of major cities, the Minneapolis- St. Paul highest number per capita of agricultural markets and among the highest access to fresh produce.

4. Anaheim, California

Anaheim has strongly marked in access to fitness facilities, helping residents to maintain a healthy weight. The beautiful California weather coupled with several outdoor attractions (like Disneyland), provide residents of several health benefits and happiness to remain active.

5. San Diego, California

Another city in California, San Diego scored the highest percentage of people who regularly work . It is easy for residents to stay active with beautiful beaches towns, trails and coastal hiking. A recent Canadian study found that people who exercise regularly are 85% more likely to be happier than those who do not.

6. Fargo, North Dakota

While the cold snow winters may not equal happiness for many of us the city of Fargo displays a strong sense of community. Studies show that participation in a formal religion or cult can increase happiness in giving a sense of belonging and meaning. It can also reduce anxiety and depression. The locals scored highly for regular church attendance.

7. San Francisco, California

A highly entertaining cultural and social scene help give San Francisco a physical and mental scores the highest among the cities. Access to arts, entertainment and recreation keep residents active and happy. Research suggests that participation in cultural events can help lower blood pressure and help prevent depression.

8. Madison, Wisconsin

Wisconsin state capital and college town Madison has some of the lowest rates crime and access to affordable fresh produce. Madison is home to large producer-only farmers market in the country. Not only that, the strong sense of civic engagement promotes safe and healthy residents.

9. Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Among the 100 largest cities that prevention Crawler, Sioux Falls # 1 ^st in terms of people ranking their health as "good or better. people are pretty good at assessing their own health, and studies have shown that those who consider that fair or poor health had a double increased risk of premature death compared to those who ranked it as good or excellent.

10. Honolulu, Hawaii

It does not take much to guess why Honolulu is one of the happiest places in America. The racially diverse state may be a key reason why people are so happy, contributing to a greater sense of respect and belonging. Residents who participate in outdoor activities also feel a greater sense of well-being and less stress.

Michael Mahoney GoHealth, senior vice president of consumer marketing, speaks to Dan Mangan CNBC on technical problems and glitches related to new health insurance markets.

READ MORE

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101082111

Dan Mangan and Bertha Coombs report on fixing Obamacare technology issues. GoHealth President Brandon Cruz weighs ...

READ MORE

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101132869

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) has published the results of yesterday estimate state by state eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP and premium tax credits to cover the insurance market.

key provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) have created statewide markets for people to directly buy insurance, also providing tax credits to eligible individuals premiums low income. Under the law, those with incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for credits when they purchase a blanket. The exact number of people who would qualify for premium tax credits has been widely speculated in the past, but not known with certainty.

Based on their recent study, KFF estimates that about 17 million people who are currently uninsured or who buy insurance on their own (non-group) will be eligible for premium tax credits in 2014 help purchase coverage through online marketplaces or exchanges.

Another breakdown of the figures shows that over a third of those eligible resident in one of three states; California with nearly 2 million, 2 million Texas and Florida with 1.6 million. These States also have the largest number of uninsured residents and therefore the greatest number of eligible tax credits.

Those eligible for other types of public or private coverage, such as Medicaid or plan provided by the employer, can not receive the tax credits. Ditto for those present illegally in the country or imprisoned. The amount of received tax credit depends on household income and the size and cost of health insurance in their state. The percentages can vary from 2 percent to 9.5 percent of income.

In addition, about 29 million people could use the new insurance markets to buy coverage. In some states, the number of people affected is more important; like Alaska with 71 percent eligible, Louisiana with 70 percent and more.

To see if you may qualify for a tax subsidy, visit GoHealth market.

The GoHealth market will live and Dan Mangan CNBC speaks GoHealth President Brandon Cruz on the pitch.

READ MORE

http://www.cnbc.com/id/101225574

When this father of two does not take her boys to ball games, go to concerts at the House of Blues, or sampling food in the hottest restaurants in Chicago, Jason Gregory is to find the Americans the best health insurance for their budget.

Get to know the man who's crazy to help people find the right coverage. Licensed Insurance Advisor Meet GoHealth Jason Gregory.

Favorite restaurant
Fat Rice in Logan Square. He was best new Time Out Chicago restaurant in 2013.

Once you were grateful for the assurance
My son had an allergic reaction and had to go to the hospital because her throat was closing. It is ok now, but it was a very scary situation. God thank you for health insurance because the bill was about $ 10,000. With insurance, we only had to pay about $ 500.

Cubs or Sox?
I am a long-suffering Cubs fan.

Memorable advisor experience
a few days ago, I was talking with a man in Tennessee who needed health insurance fast because he was going to have heart surgery. Making that happen to him was quite rewarding.

Hometown
I have planted roots in Chicago, but I grew up in Moweaqua, IL. It is a small town that if you blink, you miss it!

insurance words of wisdom
health insurance is one of those things you do not think you need it, and then if it is not you're in trouble. With it, you can have peace of mind knowing that if something happened, you would be supported.

In many ways, health insurance has become normalized. Before you wake up horrible memories of Scantrons and filling in test bubbles, just hear us.

A 30-year-old male does not have the same health insurance benefits as a 40 year old woman with a child on the way. It is a fact. However, under the under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), their insurance plans must cover the same 10 essential health benefits. It is a new standard due to the reform of health care, and the change could bring you new benefits and save money.

Here are 10 services to be covered by some health insurance plans from 2014.

1. Outpatient
First, care ambulatory refers to medical services that do not require overnight. Outpaitent care is conducted under qualified medical centers, not usually in hospitals. Leaving aside a night already astronomically reduces the cost of your medical services. A one night stay in an American hospital can cost more than $ 4,000 on average. Important Outpatient services include: Wellness & Prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. All services provided occur in one place and the staff is very qualified. This type of care is now covered by the ACA and can save you time and money.

2. Emergency Care
No one plans to get hurt, but it happens. You do not enter into a game thinking basketball: "I really want to break my leg this game." The last thing you want to worry about in an emergency is if your insurance will cover. With an insurance plan major medical illness, you can have peace of mind. The gas can be expensive, but ambulance bills can be beautiful. At 15 minutes, nine mile ambulance ride could cost you more than $ 1,700. In an emergency, the ACA includes costs for ambulance rides under the cover. Life is unpredictable; the safest person could end up in the hospital the next day to circumstances beyond their control.

3. Hospitalization
Just by preaching you how expensive a night in the hospital can be. The coverage under the ACA is different because the limits in annual dollars on essential health insurance benefits will not be allowed. Some emergency care procedures do not require a hospital stay, but others may require a night in the intensive care unit. The Affordable Care Act has you covered anyway.

4. Cover Mental Health
Admit it- you cited "mental health day" as a reason you did not come into work. There is a some control involved in mental health, but those affected by mental illness know how care can be. We all have stressors in life, but unexpected events such as a death in the family, can make us feel hopeless. everyone can be affected by mental health problems and now everyone with insurance will be covered for mental health issues.

5. prescription drugs
Almost everyone has a prescription drug at some point in their lives. prescription drugs treat short-term and long-term illnesses and help avoid a larger case of a disease once easily treatable. With insurance, prescription drugs are covered.

6. Rehab Services
We have already established that the coverage of emergency services is vital. Sometimes our emergencies are resolved, but have lasting effects. Retrieving a car accident can include not only a night in the hospital, but months of physical therapy. Most wounds heal with time and effort; 2014 major medical insurance plans are required to cover the rehabilitation service, giving you the freedom to realize your full again wellness.

7. Laboratory Services
laboratory services are a necessity for proper diagnosis. Identify the exact cause of a disease can be obtained by laboratory tests. The treatment of these exams can come with significant costs because they involve many complex steps. Only qualified professionals can drive. ACA required that the costs associated with laboratory services are covered.

8. Free Preventive Care
Preventive medicine is the best way to prevent serious health problems. routine screenings can save you the stress of a surprise to disease and can reduce the cost of your medical bills drastically. Monitoring your health is essential to your well-being. You never know you are at risk unless you take the steps to check the signs. Take advantage of preventive care services covered to help you find the signs.

9. Maternity and newborn care
It may seem maternity and care of the newborn can affect men, but it is not the case. It affects women in their lives and affects their children. A baby is fragile and it needs proper care to be healthy. It is the main objective of a parent to provide for their children. They need the support of their most parents when they are new to this world. reform of health care is to make maternity and care of the newborn more accessible.

10. Pediatric Care (including Vision and dental)
The latter provision Essential health goes along with the previous component, but applies after your child has grown out of the scene of the newborn. Some health insurance plans in the past may have covered the medical expenses but left the cost of glasses or cavities filled parents. The ACA makes pediatric care essential to all skill levels. This is to protect the welfare of your child and parents can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars.

Combine all these services and you can see how they are important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Your health is always the most important thing in your life, but require these components in a health care plan also allows you to save money. The benefits that may seem inapplicable to your life could end up saving.

exercise for beginners Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician, once said: "If we could give every individual the right amount of food and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health "thousands of years later, science and modern doctors would agree :. the exercise is essential to our mental and physical health! the CDC recommends at least 150 minutes of aerobic activity and two days of muscle training activity each week for adults aged 18-64 years. the exercise helps keep us in form, have more energy, sleep better, improve our mood, and, perhaps most importantly, help prevent illness and disease. If you are new to exercise, or do not know where to start, here are some ideas for beginners looking to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.

Walking

Our friend Hippocrates also said, "Walking is man's best medicine." Walking is seriously underestimated in especially in the age of fad diets and workouts fashionable. you do not need fancy equipment, just a good pair of shoes and your feet. If you're not sure how long to walk to, start slowly.. Take a walk around the block, or in your neighborhood Evaluate how you feel and gradually add more distance or speed to your course Doing this several times a week will start to build your endurance and strengthen your body, especially if you have a job that requires a lot of sitting Try not to think of it as a chore. bring music or an audio book, or bring a friend or member family discussing as you walk. you can also use this time to focus on yourself, reflect on your day and relax.

Yoga

Hippocrates n 't say anything about yoga, but yoga is a great way develop strength, balance and posture. For those who have never taken a class before, many studios and gyms offer yoga beginner or intro classes, sometimes at a discount for beginners. If you feel particularly inflexible, some studios even offer "gentle yoga" as a class. If you have concerns or previous injuries, make sure you tell the instructor: It's their job to make sure you're not hurt you as you complete each yoga pose. There are also many DVDs and training videos for all levels of yogis; some can even be streamed online.

Join a gym or class

If you feel you are comfortable and ready to make the leap to a more intense work, consider joining a gym or studio that offers classes. A gym will provide equipment options you probably will not find at home, and classes are a great source of motivation as well as being fun. Classes are sometimes specified for beginners or more advanced students or the instructor can help to scale workouts depending on what you feel is best for you. Everyone is different and has different fitness levels! There is no "miracle solution" to a healthy lifestyle, but small steps can get you started on the right track. You must not be a triathlete to be healthy, just move! You can also discuss exercise options with your doctor.

You may have heard of a recent security flaw, known as heartbleed name. It is a global concern now that some people worry that the information they have shared online will get into the wrong hands.

heartbleed is a bug in a widely used called OpenSSL security system that protects sensitive information on the Internet such as passwords or banking information. For failure, hackers can potentially steal sensitive information from websites that used the buggy version of OpenSSL.

Fortunately, GoHealthInsurance.com and its technology was not affected by heartbleed.

"People who have shopped with GoHealth can be assured that their information remains protected. Our systems use a version of OpenSSL are not vulnerable and we have verified that all our information remains secure. We are committed to protecting the data of all consumers and we keep an eye on new developments concerning the bug, "said Shane Cruz, Vice President of Technology at GoHealth.

Jeff Gutierrez, GoHealth vice president of software architecture, welcoming developers Meetup event in Chicago.

If there are three things to make Chicago web developers together, there is free food, craft beer and Technology. Nearly 100 people came to the three of an event Meetup GoHealth sponsored by the Chicago Java User Group. The event showed how developers start with Grails framework, an open source web application.

The Meetup, which took place on August 7 ^e in Chicago, was also a great networking opportunity for technology professionals. GoHealth developers and technical recruiters attended the Meetups and our vice president of software architecture, Jeff Gutierrez, who started the event.

GoHealth was pleased to sponsor Meetup, providing sandwiches, drinks and our super fly GoHealth sunglasses for participants.

participants left with these summer shades brand GoHealth!

Thanks to everyone who came to the event, and a special thanks to Cedric Hurst, Director of Sponsorship at Chicago Java Users Group (CJUG), Bob Paulin, community leader CJUG and Mike Lanyon, vice president of engineering at Critical Mass for organizing this Meetup.

If you missed the presentations Grails, you can watch here.

to check the open technology positions GoHealth, head to our careers page.

Wednesday, August 27, GoHealth welcomed Chicago UX Book Club, a group of user experience enthusiasts who love monthly collection to discuss books dedicated to the field. In August, the group discussed the book the author Sam Ladner Ethnography Practice: A Guide to Ethnography in the private sector

The Book Club members meet in GoHealth offices. .

those present were given an intimate discussion of how ethnography can be incorporated into the private sector to better resolve consumer problems and the challenges that researchers can deal in the process. Group members shared their thoughts on finding the balance between what is important for the company and what is important from the customer's point of view. issues the author is also facilitated dialogue around the potential ethical dilemmas in the ethnography of the private sector and how researchers can navigate these tricky situations.

Chicago UX Book Club serves as a way for members to share their passion and knowledge of the end user experience. UX Researcher and co-organizer of GoHealth club, Janie Cisneros, thought that the session was successful and insightful. GoHealth was happy to accommodate and provide meals and drinks for the participating members.

For those who are interested to check Chicago UX Book Club, visit http://www.meetup.com/UXChicago/ for details, or follow the book club on Twitter: https: // twitter .com / uxbookchicago.

November 15 is just a few weeks, which means your chance to enroll in Medicare during the national Open Enrollment period is almost here. Now is the time to explore all your Medicare options so you can make sure you find the best plan, the most profitable for you and your family.

Offering health insurance benefits to your employees can actually earn your business rewards also

If your business plan, Äî or your investment in the well-being of your workers, Äî requires you to provide coverage even if you Aore not mandated by the affordable care Act, you may be eligible for significant tax credits. You want this win-win? Here, AOS's how it works.

The law requires companies with more than 50 full-time workers must make available health coverage. But if your small business is smaller than that and you, AOD always like to offer your employees coverage, you can claim tax credits to offset the cost.

Tax credits are available to businesses with 25 or fewer employees, more staff, more profit. Companies that have up to 10 employees who earn $ 25,000 or less per year could qualify for the highest amount of the tax credit. To be eligible, employers must cover half of the premium costs for each full-time employee. The company may be entitled to a tax credit of up to half of the employer contribution.

Want to see if your small business is eligible for tax credits on the cover of the health of employees? First, check the requirements:

• You employ fewer than 25 full-time employees (working at least 30 hours per week)
• The average annual salary of employees is $ 50,000 or less
• You cover at least 50 percent of the health plan premium for every full-time
• ask a licensed insurance advisor GoHealth how to apply for tax credits

There are other ways your business can save money while providing affordable health plans to employees. Negotiating rates, offering individual plans, and to investigate the direct primary care can help reduce your business costs

Take care of your employees and save money at the same time doesn AOT just help the bottom line. he built a smarter healthy business.

Many people think that health insurance coverage is unaffordable. However, 87 percent of people have already received tax subsidies this year to reduce the cost of their monthly premiums. It seems that health insurance is more affordable than ever.

Do not obtain health insurance could end up being much more expensive than enrolling in a health plan. Without health insurance, you could be facing expensive medical costs for unexpected procedures, doctor visits, and even surgery and treatments. Nobody thinks they'll end up with a broken wrist or a condition of chronic stomach, but there is always the possibility that we could face a less than desirable medical situation.

Need more convincing? Take a look at what you might end up paying if you do not have health insurance coverage.

Average cost of a M.R.I. Scan: $ 1.121

Although not every injury requires M.R.I. assess its severity, many actually do. The last thing you want to do is drop a MRIbecause you can not afford to pay for a completely out of pocket

Average price for Nasonex :. $ 108

Do you have seasonal allergies? A simple way to make them more tolerable is dealing with the common nasal spray, Nasonex. However, without insurance, the cost of a single bottle could run you more than $ 100

Average cost of delivery with conventional delivery. $ 9775

If you intend to expand your family, this is an important issue. A routine delivery in the hospital could run you close to $ 10,000 without insurance. If you end up needing a cesarean, the price bumped up to $ 15,041

Average cost for an appendectomy :. $ 13,851

Most people will never need their appendix removed. However, if you're one of the over 300,000 people who suffer from appendicitis each year, you could. This unexpected procedure but extremely necessary could you run almost $ 14,000 without insurance.

As always, the best and safest alternative to deal with these only medical expenses is to get Medicare coverage now. Visit GoHealthInsurance.com now to start.

Have you recently become engaged? Congratulations! Not only is this an exciting time in your personal life, but it will also affect the decisions you make about your future health care.

Before you say "I do" request your future spouse these questions to make sure you are on the same page about your needs for health care and coverage.

1. you have a family history of the disease?

If your future spouse has a family history of the disease, it may be necessary to prepare now in order to detect potential health problems in the future. It is important to know what services are covered by your current health insurance plan, especially if you or your future spouse are at a higher risk of disease.

2. Do you have children?

If you and your future spouse decide to have children, you will need to know the types of prenatal and maternity care that are covered by your current health plan. Also, be sure to explore your options to obtain health insurance coverage for your children, as well.

3. Will we be on the same health insurance plan?

Managing multiple health plans in one family can be done, but it will take some preparation and organization. Before you start comparing health insurance policy, be sure to consider if your plans allow you and your future spouse to visit the same hospital network, filling prescriptions at the pharmacy, and if you have different needs Health care.

4. How much money did we win together?

Consider your joint income, so you can set a budget for your health care that works for you both. For example, choosing a plan with a lower premium can save you money in the short term, but it could leave you with high expenditure outside pocket for unforeseen circumstances. The licensed insurance advisors GoHealth can help you find the best plan for you and your family.

5. Do you have bad habits that need to be considered?

Learn what types of prevention of your health plan offers services at no extra cost to you. For example, smoking cessation, vaccinations and weight management can be covered by your health plan. You and your future spouse can enjoy these services to prevent future illnesses and live your healthiest life.

6. Do we want to enroll in a new health plan?

marriage is considered a qualifying life event, which means that you can enroll in health coverage together or separately outside the Open Enrollment. It is important to have this discussion in advance of your wedding date you have only 60 days after your qualifying event to make this change.

It was announced recently that some people have a last chance to get health insurance. If you're one of the millions of Americans still without coverage, you can either enjoy this special enrollment period or face a fine.

The tax penalty for not having health insurance in 2016 will be 2.5% of household income or $ 695 for each adult, whichever is greater. The fine should continue to increase each year.

However, there is a way to avoid that fine other than to obtain health insurance. You can enjoy an exemption, which means you do not have to get coverage and you will not face a fine

Scroll through this list to see if you qualify :.

1. you have been insured for more than two consecutive months of
2. the cheapest cover available to cost you more than 8% of your household income
3. You do, AOT have to file a tax return because your income is too low
4. You, Aore a member of a tribe federally recognized or eligible for services through to an Indian health service provider
5. You, Aore a member of a health care sharing ministry recognized
6. You, Aore a member of a recognized religious sect with objections religious insurance, including social security and Medicare
7. you, Aore incarcerated and not pending the disposition of charges against you
8. you, Aore not¬ † † present¬ legally in the US

There is also a list of exemptions difficulties, including homelessness, balance of the deposit and the recent expulsion. If you experience any of the exemptions in this list, you also qualify to stay insured without facing a fine.

If you Aore not sure whether you qualify for an exemption, the safest choice is to investigate further and get coverage. GoHealth give a call to 888-322-7557, or visit us online at GoHealthInsurance.com to join a health plan now.

Today is April 15, which means that we have finally reached the deadline declaration deposit. Today is the first day that many Americans will feel the effect costly to go uninsured. Under the Affordable Care Act, most Americans must have health insurance coverage or face a fine.

Although you still have a few weeks to take advantage of the extension of the possibility of special registration fee and avoid the fine for next year, we'll take a look at what could happen if you choose to completely give up the cover.

What is the tax penalty to be insured?

If you could afford health insurance but chose not to include in 2014 the coverage, you probably saw a heavy fine appear on your tax return. This could be as much as 1 percent of your income. The tax penalty for not having health insurance in 2016 will be 2.5 percent of household income or $ 695 for each adult, whichever is greater. The fine should continue to increase each year.

How do I pay the tax penalty?

You will have to pay to be insured on the federal income tax return you file for the year that you do not have a health insurance cover. If you do not have coverage in 2014, you must have filed Form 8965. This form allows you to request an exemption from the requirement to have insurance or to calculate your penalty for the months you are not cutlery.

Can I still Medicare?

Fortunately, there is still time to avoid the penalty tax for next year. Thank you for an enrollment extension announced recently, you may have the chance to enroll in coverage through April 30. It is also possible that you may qualify for an exemption, which means that you will not get coverage and not want to face a fine.

How do I start

If you're still not sure, talk with one of the licensed GoHealth Insurance Advisors today to find the best health plan? for you. Call (888) 322-7557 to speak directly with a counselor, or start shopping online.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 45 percent of the money market plans offered in 2015 had separate prescription and medical deductibles. Do you know if your plan has distinct medical deductibles and prescription? More importantly, do you know what a deductible?

start with the basics. A deductible is the amount of money you must pay for health care services covered before your health insurance or plan begins to contribute. This is more or less important depending on the plan you choose. Franchises tend to be larger with a lower level of metal level (Bronze or Silver) with a metal top level plan, such as gold.

Depending on what plan you select, you may have separate deductibles for prescription drugs and other medical expenses. In the money market plans where deductibles are separate, the average deductible prescription in 2015 was $ 335. It is important to pay attention to whether your plan has a separate deductible for prescription avoid a surprise the next time you visit the pharmacy.

More importantly, if your plan has a deductible for prescription drugs, then it is in your best interest to take generic prescription drugs. Take generic prescriptions rather than branded drugs can prevent you from having to pay your deductible to prescription; you do not have your generic co-pay prescription drug.

If you have questions about your health insurance or prescription medications, make sure to consult your primary care doctor about your options. GoHealth can also help you find a plan with either a combined or separate deductible depending on your preference. Visit GoHealthInsurance.com or call 888-322-7557 to begin today.

A decision is expected this month on the decision of the Supreme Court, King v Burwell .. the decision will decide the fate of more than six million Americans with subsidized insurance coverage in 34 states. If the sides of the Supreme Court with applicants, most of the six million people will be looking for new - and affordable -. Cover

In anticipation of the decision, GoHealth demolished the foundations of the case and described what is at stake for millions of Americans.

• More than 6 million in states using the federal exchange would losing their subsidized coverage .
• right now, these grants represent 1.7 billion $ per month .
• these individuals would face a increase in average premium of 287% , with the highest increases MS (650%), Alaska (520%), and the Utah (520%).
• The lower premium increases would occur in Arizona , but premiums would still increase on average 132%.
• The average monthly premium with subsidies in Alaska is currently $ 100 . If the court strikes down subsidies in this state, the average premium would go to $ 0

Remember :. If the rules of the Supreme Court in favor of the complainants, you can expect changes for everyone, not just those with subsidized coverage.

• premiums increase by an average of 43% for the individual market .
• in an estimated 8 million people would lose coverage because of exorbitant costs.

pending a decision, the subsidies could cease to exist from August And because individuals are not required to buy coverage if the cheapest plan in their area costs more than 8% of their income, many people become exempt from the individual mandate.

What are the possible outcomes? The Supreme Court may:

• Supports subsidies in the States at risk of losing
• rule in favor of the complainants and subsidies would be lost

If the Supreme Court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, which could happen next?

• -risk states could set up their own trade , but this long and complicated process may not be complete when Open Enrollment starts again on November 1.
• A bill could be adopted to cancel the decision.
• other measures could be taken, depending on the decision.

For more on the case king c. Burwell, with follow on Twitter at GoHealth @GoHealthDotCom.

Lauren Mandel

In the US, more one -third of adults are considered obese. This is equivalent to almost 80 million people.

Although obesity is now classified as a disease by the American Medical Association, there is hope for affordable care through Obamacare. While some health plans covered drugs for obesity, procedures and treatments in the past, now under the Affordable Care Act, most health insurance companies are required to offer a kind of coverage of obesity.

Obesity screenings and counseling for adults are considered preventive care services under the Affordable Care Act. preventive care services do not require copayment or co-insurance, even if you have not yet met your annual deductible.

We have described what is covered by the health plans market for obese people and that obese individuals can do to improve their health.

Enjoy screenings and counseling

If you are unsure whether you are considered obese, you may receive a screening for obesity free as part of the preventive care service. People who are considered obese can also receive free advice to help manage their disease. This often includes weight loss programs, which can help individuals to permanently maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Consider weight loss surgery

As of 2014, 23 States had to cover bypass weight bariatric and gastric loss surgeries for patients who are considered obese. These surgeries reduce the size of the stomach of a patient, reduce the urge to overeat, and significantly improve their health. Before the Affordable Care Act, only five States mandated covered these surgeries to help with weight loss

Get health insurance now

Remember :. Under the Affordable Care Act, you can not be denied coverage for a pre-existing condition, including obesity. Look for health coverage that meets your health and budget needs. Having health insurance will help you lose weight and also help you live your healthiest and safest life.

It was at this time again, children across the country are packing their meals, loading their backpacks and boarding the bus back to the classroom. Sending children back to school can be a bittersweet moment, with the summer coming to an end, but there are ways you can prepare your family for the seasonal transition.

Establish a routine.

According to the National Sleep Foundation, teenagers need at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep, with young children who need more than that to be well rested. Get the kids to bed on time, and encourage them to set their own alarms so they can practice and get themselves out of bed

Be creative with lunches.

Although there is nothing wrong with a true peanut butter and jelly sandwich, it's nice to surprise the kids with something new and different in their lunch boxes . Try turkey roll-ups or salad of fresh pasta topped with vegetables and a side of grapes frozen as a sweet, healthy treat. Take a step further and have your children pack their own lunches just before going to bed the night before.

transport safety practice.

Regardless of their preferred method of transport, it is important for all children to stay safe on the way to school. Remember their seat belts are mandatory, even if their friends on the bus to leave. And if they walk to school with friends, tell them to take roads with sidewalks and crossing guards when possible.

Encourage activities after school.

Today's children often go home, have a snack, and plop in front of the television for hours at a time. Instead of going straight home, encourage your children to pick up an extracurricular activity, or drop them off at a friend's house for a few hours of group assignments or playing outside.

Schedule a doctor visit.

pediatric services is one of the 10 essential health services under the Affordable Care Act, which means that all individual health plans must cover these services for children under 19 years Get your child to the doctor for a routine visit before school starts to make sure they are happy, healthy, and updated with all vaccines and the necessary treatments.

by Elizabeth Fay

The health insurance shopping period the nation is just weeks away, and while many people instinctively buy HealthCare.gov, it might be helpful to consult a different site.

web brokers like GoHealth make a serious impact on reducing the uninsured rate, more people are turning to them to shop for health insurance. Many Medicare Web brokers offer an online store where you can shop for the same plans offered on HealthCare.gov the same price, but the shopping experience is often faster and more user friendly.

A leading Web Brokers Group recently joined together to form the Association for Web-Based Health Insurance Brokers (AWHIB), and the group shared the following statistics to demonstrate the important role that they play in the Americans connection with affordable health insurance.

• The average waiting time call center was 1 minute 29 seconds, compared with 8 minutes 17 seconds HealthCare.gov.

• one of all insurance registration 8 health on the federal market facilitated (HealthCare.gov) came through web brokers like GoHealth.com.

• registrations through Web brokers have increased 0% in one year, which is an indication of the buyers are realizing the value of web brokers.

"AWHIB performance during the last open enrollment period is a testament to the technical and operational expertise of our members and our industry," said Shane Cruz, President and Chief AWHIB Technology Officer at GoHealth. "With 2016 Open Enrollment Period approach, we expect our industry continues to grow and contribute to reducing the uninsured rate as more people use the capabilities and the dealer registration services on the Web."

When the Open Enrollment Period begins on November 1, consider a Web broker as GoHealth. You can skip the wait and still get the quality, affordable health coverage.

Lauren Mandel

Share this Infographic on your website

<p> <img src='http://blog.gohealthinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Uninsured-Straight-North-final.jpg' alt='The Decreasing Uninsured Rate in the United States' width='540px' border='0' /> </p> <h3> Share this Infographic on your website </h3> <p> <textarea onclick='this.focus();this.select()' style='width:540px;height:100px'> <p> <img src='http://blog.gohealthinsurance.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Uninsured-Straight-North-final.jpg' alt='The Decreasing Uninsured Rate in the United States' width='540px' border='0' /> </p> <p>

Lauren Mandel

According to a study the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the main reason people have chosen not to obtain health insurance was due to the potential cost. However, a health insurance plan does not have to be expensive to provide excellent coverage.

Do you think you can not afford health insurance for 2016? We have three reasons why you can -. And why you should register now

Most people can obtain financial assistance

Last year, four out of five people who registered in market coverage received tax credits to reduce the cost of their monthly payments. The received average tax credit was $ 270 per month.

I do not know if you qualify for a tax credit? Read our guide, including easy-to-read graphs to help you determine your estimate. Our Chartered Insurance agents can also help you determine if you can get a tax credit to help cut costs.

affordable plan options are available

Even if you have heard of the increase in premiums across the country, do not assume that you will pay more for coverage: changes in rates can vary greatly depending on the location. Premiums in Seattle are down 10 percent, while premiums in Minneapolis were up 29 percent. Make sure you evaluate all your options before enrolling in a plan.

Even with higher premiums, the Department of Health and Human Services predicts 70 percent of people will be able to find a health plan for less than $ 75 per month after tax credits. And more than two thirds of counties in the United States will have three or more transmitters to choose from. So if you think you are limited to only a few expensive plan options, think again.

There may be more expensive not to obtain health insurance

go without health insurance may actually end up costing you more in the long term. The penalty for going without coverage in 2016 is $ 695 or 2.5 percent of your income, whichever is greater. And when you add to this fine medical bills batteries that you acquire throughout the year, you could end up paying a hefty amount for health care expenses.

Lauren Mandel

If you had $ 695 to spend everything you wanted, what would you choose?

The Obamacare fine to go uninsured in 2016 is $ 695, which is above the medical expenses out-of-pocket, you may suffer for not having coverage. Rather than return $ 695 to the government to go uninsured, enroll in coverage and use $ 695 for something you really want or need.

I do not know what to do with these savings? We have some ideas that range from creativity and fun of necessary and practical.

Learn to speak French (or Italian or Spanish or German)

Cost: $ 500

If culture is what you are after, say "yes" to learning french. For $ 500 (or even less often), you can download Rosetta Stone lessons in your desired language. You learn at your own pace, and you can even give up to five family members have access to lessons, too.

Take the yoga

Cost: $ 479 for three months

We are always stressing the importance of giving priority to your health. What better way to do that this winter by practicing yoga? By getting health insurance and avoid the tax penalty, you can use that $ 695 for the purchase of three full months of yoga classes.

Adopt a puppy

Cost: $ 425

looking for your new best friend? Go to your local animal shelter where you can meet the puppies and dogs available for adoption. Most adoption expenses include things like visits to welfare and vaccines, and the costs are often much cheaper than $ 425.

Take a cruise

Cost: $ 449 for a 7-day cruise

We all need a break from reality every once in a while, and there's no better way to take that break on the opening seas. Cruises are an easy, all-inclusive way to take much needed vacations, view several places at once, and reduce costs. You'll even have some money left for excursions and cruising extras.

Save for retirement

Cost: $ 695

instead of using to pay the tax penalty, put that $ 695 away for your golden years. You contribute more money to your 401k, or you open a Roth IRA to avoid taxes on these funds, you will feel much more comfortable knowing that money is saved for your retirement.

Lauren Mandel

It is almost new year! As we approach the end of 2015, we have GoHealth we find a reflection on the various blog posts we created, especially, loved the blogs you read more.

So as you celebrate the beginning of 2016, we want you, our readers celebrate, summarizing our top 10 blogs of the past year.

1. Have you ever wondered if you can use your HSA funds to pay for Obamacare premiums? Well, apparently a lot of you: This blog is our job reading a number of the whole year
2. The Obamacare tax penalty is not a joke :. This year, the fine for going uninsured went even to $ 695 or 2.5% of your income, whichever is greater. And yes, you really can get a fine for not having coverage.
3. Looks like a lot of you during a valued insurance recycling disease before the third year of the Open Enrollment began in November. This blog answers questions about Obamacare and how have registered.
4. We published our first eBook in October, and the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Use our health insurance buying guide to find coverage, and look out for a second eBook to us next year.
5. Did you know your plan may have a separate deductible for prescription? It is important to investigate this information before signing up, and our blog from 2012 can help you avoid the shock of the pharmacy sticker.
6. For many of us, carbohydrates are an inevitable weakness. To help you make healthier versions of the foods you already love, we have proposed alternatives to low-carb to your favorite comfort foods.
7. We love creating infographics to illustrate important information, so we did just that for the three Open Enrollment dates you need to know. Pay special attention to 31 January, which means the end of Open Enrollment.
8. Have you prioritize your heart health? In honor of American Heart Month in February, we offered five of the best foods you should eat to fuel your heart health.
9. There are certain exceptions that allow you to get coverage outside of Open Enrollment, which are called events of the qualifying life. Another infographic illustrates these events, which include having a baby, moving, and get married.
10. One of the most common events qualification Life is having a baby, but did you know that some plans cover home births? Learn more about this type of coverage and whether midwives are also covered

Bonus :. So it was not in the top 10, but our blog post about what you could buy with $ 695 instead of paying the tax penalty for going uninsured Obamacare was one of our favorites personal.

Lauren Mandel and Leon Macapagal

Did you know February is American month of the heart? Did you also know heart disease is the leading cause of death among women?

The heart disease and other heart problems can be avoided, and during American Heart Month, we encourage you to take control of your future. Here are some ways that you can achieve your heart healthy in February.

Lauren Mandel

The objective to 23 ^e annual national senior health & Fitness Day is to help keep older Americans healthy and fit. Thousands of elderly people will participate in activities across the country today that will help you teach them how to achieve this.

We want to do our part to help our clients Medicare eligible to achieve this, so we are providing 6 tips on driving safety and the best exercises you can do during your golden years.

Focusing on flexibility

As you age, you may experience other problems with your body, especially common problems. The best type of exercise you can do to help manage and prevent these problems is something that emphasizes flexibility. Try a yoga class or low-impact Pilates class, and also be sure to stretch for at least a few minutes every day, even on days when you do not do a complete workout.

Keep your heart rate up

According to the American College of Sports Medicine, the elderly should continue to engage in regular aerobic exercise, even as they age. Choose a workout that raises your heart rate to about 50 to 70 percent of your maximum heart rate. Logical aerobic fitness options include water exercise or long walks.

Put your safety first

Whatever fitness choices you make today and in the future, your safety should always come first . Whether that means wearing a bike helmet, stretch properly after an intense workout or stay hydrated throughout your day, you should never compromise safety for the good of a workout .

Make sure you cover

Accidents do happen, and without coverage of health insurance, you could face expensive medical bills face injury. You can explore your Medicare options, and find the plan that works best combination for what you need. And that way, when you are practicing yoga or join an aerobics water, you can rest easy knowing that you are financially protected.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.