Posted on Monday, March 7, 2016

How Do I Get Health Insurance for my Child?

One question that I get asked periodically is, “How do I get health insurance for my kids?” This particularly comes up during pregnancy when parents start thinking ahead to the birth of their baby.

Getting health insurance for your kids doesn’t need to be complicated. You will usually go to your own health insurance company and add them to your plan.

If you receive your health insurance through your employer, you can go to your human resources department and add the child to the health plan when the child is born. If you are receiving health insurance from another carrier, you will contact the company directly to add your child to your health plan.

If you don’t have insurance (remember: under current regulations, everyone should) or can’t insure your child on your plan, the next place to look is Medicaid. Medicaid offers a Children’s Health Insurance Program, aptly named CHIP. It offers early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment, just as other health plans do.

There are income restrictions for CHIP, however, so if your income doesn’t qualify you, then you’ll want to go through the health exchange (that is, Obamacare) to get your kids insured.

One standard that Obamacare brought with it, which now applies to most health plans, is that parents can keep their children on their health plan until the age of 26, as long as the child is enrolled in school.

This has made it easier to ensure that children have health insurance.

As you would for your own health plan, shop around to find the best solution for your family. Make sure your children have a health plan that covers their specific needs.

Want to know more about choosing health plans? Get my ebook set Easy Healthcare: Set Two. It included Choosing Your Health Insurance, and Obamacare, as wells as What You Need First. It is available in all major ebook formats. Get it here.

Posted on Thursday, March 3, 2016

Helpful Healthcare Links for March 3, 2016

Many topics this week are at the forefront of healthcare news. We want to ensure that you are up-to-date in health news so that you are able to make the best health care choices for you and your family. Here are a few trending topics this week:

In Texas, a law that passed in 2013 restricts abortion clinics as unconstitutional. The U.S. Supreme Court will make a decision in the coming weeks that could have a widespread effect for abortion clinics nationally.
- Better Care or Onerous Restrictions? Texas Abortion Law Going Before Supreme Court

NPR reports that after a recent poll it conducted, most Americans believe they have not been impacted by the Affordable Care Act (also called Obamacare). Around 80 percent of respondents said they’ve had good or excellent health care. While 42 percent have rated the health care system within their states as “fair or poor.”
- Many Dislike Health Care System But Are Pleased With Their Own Care
- Poll: Only 15 Percent Say They’ve Benefited From ObamaCare

A new study reveals that the Zika virus may lead to temporary paralysis. There are now 107 cases that have been reported among U.S. travelers returning from infected areas and 40 are said to have been transmitted in U.S. territories. The most affected area thus far is Puerto Rico.
- New Study Links Zika Virus to Temporary Paralysis
- 147 Zika Cases in the U.S., New Test for Virus

The first uterus transplant was performed in the United States last week on a 26-year-old girl. This cutting edge procedure, if successful, could allow other women who don’t have a uterus, the ability to have children through vitro fertilization.
- Surgeons Perform First U.S. Uterus Transplant

Check Out Our Helpful Health Care Links! Health News That Works For You.

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Be sure to check out my newest offering When Life Happens: What to do about unexpected health concerns. This is a bit different than my other books. When Life Happens is a workbook filled with information, tips, and tricks for getting through accidents, difficult diagnoses, rehabilitation, and what to do with the kids through it all. But it also has activities to guide you through your situation. You can find it here.

We hope we have helped you SPIN YOUR HEALTHCARE YOUR WAY!

Posted on Monday, February 29, 2016

4 Tips for Moms Caring for Sick Children

Having a sick child at home is no fun, for them or for you. When it happens, try these tips to keep everyone happy and returning to good health.

Keep the drinks coming. I don’t mean adult beverages for you. With most illnesses, drinking liquids is important for hydration and flushing the body, so make sure you continue to have your child drink water, Pedialyte, and no-sugar-added juices. While you’re at it, make sure you stay hydrated, too. Taking care of yourself will help you take better care of your sick child.

Engage in gentle playtime. Though your child may not be up for running around outside, play is a great way to get some light movement and engage the brain. Try puzzles, sculpting in Play-doh, or coloring pictures. Let them put stickers on their pajamas. Pull out that kids’ doctor kit and take turns diagnosing each other. Read stories together. Cuddle under a snuggly blanket while singing along with or reciting lines from their favorite movie.

Let them see nature. Depending on your child’s ailment, a few minutes outside may be beneficial. Have them breathe in the fresh air and feel the sun on their face. If they can’t go outside due to illness or poor weather, situate them so they can see out a window.

Call the pediatrician. If your child has any symptoms you don’t understand or shows unusual behavior, call their doctor. They may be able to give you some tips over the phone or you may need to go in for an office visit for a more thorough exam. Either way, it’s important to notify your pediatrician of any health concerns.

It may not be a fun day, but you’ll both get through it and back to your normal routine soon. What tips do you have for taking care of sick children? Share in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter. I’d love to hear from you.