#Affordable Health Insurance Texas

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Affordable Health Insurance

Health insurance is a type of insurance that helps cover the cost of medical expenses. It can be provided by an employer or purchased individually from an insurance company. Health insurance plans typically have different levels of coverage, ranging from basic to comprehensive, and they often come with different costs, such as premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

Before signing up for a health insurance plan, it's important to understand your specific healthcare needs and budget. You should consider factors such as your age, health status, and any pre-existing conditions you may have. You should also research the various affordable health insurance plans available to you and compare their costs and benefits.

Some common types of health insurance plans include HMOs, PPOs, and EPOs. HMOs typically have lower out-of-pocket costs but limit you to a specific network of healthcare providers. PPOs offer more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers but may have higher out-of-pocket costs. EPOs are a hybrid of HMOs and PPOs, offering some of the benefits of both.

Ultimately, choosing the right health insurance plan for you and your family requires careful consideration and research. By understanding your healthcare needs and the different options available to you, you can make an informed decision that best meets your needs and budget.

[sidras-tak]

Accessibility takes too goddamn fucking long.

My brother was paralyzed in October 2023. We got him home from the hospital (in Texas, when we live in Iowa) in a clunky old hospital chair. He hated it. He was scared and angry and in pain and his life had just changed forever and he couldn’t do anything for himself in that wheelchair. His first goal (aside from learning how to transfer) was to get a wheelchair. My family was lucky enough to afford one so we thought it would be easy enough. Nope.

We couldn’t buy him a wheelchair. He needed a prescription. For a wheelchair. A doctor had to examine him and declare him in need of a wheelchair. It wasn’t good enough that he had scans and tests showing tumors cutting off his spinal cord. He needed his primary care doctor to examine him during a physical and write a prescription. He was making 2-4 transfers a day, tops. He had no energy to get to a doctor. Home health was in and out every day. He had no time to get to a doctor. He didn’t get a prescription for almost a month. Then it had to go through insurance.

We asked if we could skip insurance and just buy a wheelchair for him. Nope. They wouldn’t sell us one, not even at full sticker price. It needed to be approved by Medicare. We ordered a wheelchair, a nice one, a good shade of green, sporty, small. It would let him move around the house. He would be able to cook, to reach drawers and get stuff from the fridge and brush his teeth and put his contacts in at a sink. We were told it would take awhile, maybe two months. Silently we all hoped he would be around to see two more months.

He went on hospice care on a Saturday in March. On Monday, I was calling his friends to come see him before he died. I got a call on his phone. It was the wheelchair company. They were about to order his wheelchair, she said, but there was an issue with insurance— had he stopped being covered by Medicare? Well, yes. When he started hospice care, he got kicked off Medicare. The very nice woman I talked to told me to call her if he resumed Medicare coverage so she could order his wheelchair. He died less than 12 hours later.

We ordered that chair for him in early December. Medicare didn’t approve the order until March. He was dead before they got around to it. He wanted that fucking wheelchair so badly. The only reason he had any semblance of independence and any quality of life for the last five months of his life was because the wheelchair company lent him an old beater chair, a very used model of the chair he ordered. If I could go back and change one thing about his end-of-life, I would get him his dream wheelchair. He told me again and again he couldn’t wait to get it, so that he could feel like a person again. He made the best of what he had with that old beater chair, but it still makes me mad to this day. He was paralyzed. He needed a chair that afforded him dignity. We had the money for it. And yet, we were left waiting for five months, for a chair that wouldn’t even get ordered until the day he died.

[girl-in-a-hoodie1]

Affordable Health Insurance in Texas Options for Your Guide to Savings

Affordable health insurance in texas  a consumer's handbook  is a comprehensive guide offering texans insights into navigating the state's healthcare market. From understanding coverage options to finding budget-friendly plans, this handbook equips readers with essential knowledge to make informed decisions and access quality healthcare without financial strain.

Understanding The Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

This section provides an overview of the Affordable health insurance texas including the types of health insurance plans available, key stakeholders in the industry, and regulatory considerations that impact consumers. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed decisions when selecting a health insurance plan.

Exploring Coverage Options for Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Here, readers will learn about the various types of health insurance plans available in Texas, including HMOs, PPOs, EPOs, and high-deductible health plans (HDHPs). This section will outline the pros and cons of each plan type and help consumers determine which option best fits their needs and budget.

Navigating The Affordable health insurance texas in  Marketplace

This section provides guidance on how to navigate the Texas health insurance marketplace, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace. Readers will learn how to access the marketplace, compare plans, and enrol in coverage. Additionally, information on subsidies and financial assistance programs available through the marketplace will be provided.

Understanding The Affordable health insurance Texas in cost

Health insurance costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. This section will help readers understand these costs and how they impact overall healthcare expenses. Tips for managing costs and maximising coverage will also be included.

Tips for Choosing The Right Affordable health insurance Texas in plan

Choosing the right health insurance plan can be overwhelming. In this section, readers will find practical tips and advice for selecting a plan that meets their healthcare needs and budget. Factors such as network coverage, prescription drug coverage, and provider networks will be discussed to help consumers make informed decisions.

Maximising Benefits and Coverage of Affordable health Insurance in Texas 

Once enrolled in a health insurance plan, it's essential to understand how to maximise benefits and coverage. This section will provide tips for using preventive services, understanding covered services, and navigating the claims process. Readers will learn how to make the most of their health insurance coverage to stay healthy and save money.

Resources and Support in Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Finally, this section will provide readers with a list of resources and support services available tAffordable health insurance in texaso help them navigate the complexities of the Texas healthcare system. This may include contact information for consumer assistance programs, healthcare advocacy organisations, and government agencies that provide information and support to consumers.

Conclusion

Affordable health insurance in Texas  A consumer's handbook serves as an invaluable resource for Texasans seeking to navigate the complex healthcare landscape. By providing comprehensive insights into coverage options, marketplace navigation, cost management strategies, and plan selection tips, this handbook empowers consumers to make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. With access to this essential information, Texasans can confidently choose affordable health insurance plans that meet their needs and budget, ensuring access to quality care and peace of mind. Ultimately, this handbook serves as a beacon of knowledge and guidance, helping Texasans navigate the intricacies of the healthcare system and secure the coverage they deserve.

[floraflorenzi]

Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Navigating the complex landscape of healthcare in Texas can be daunting, but affordable options exist for residents seeking coverage. With a range of plans tailored to different needs and budgets, Texans can access essential medical services without financial strain. From comprehensive coverage to cost-effective alternatives, affordable health insurance in Texas ensures individuals and families can safeguard their well-being without sacrificing financial stability. Understanding these options empowers Texans to make informed decisions about their healthcare, promoting a healthier and more secure future.

The Importance of Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Affordable Health Insurance In Texas, access to affordable health insurance is crucial for ensuring the well-being of its residents. Affordable coverage not only protects individuals and families from the financial burden of medical expenses but also promotes preventive care and early intervention, leading to better health outcomes overall.

Understanding The Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Texas boasts a diverse healthcare landscape, with numerous providers, insurers, and plans available to its residents. However, navigating this complex system can be challenging, especially for those seeking affordable options. Understanding the various types of coverage, including employer-sponsored plans, government programs like Medicaid and CHIP, and individual marketplace plans, is essential for making informed decisions about healthcare.

Factors Affecting Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Several factors influence the affordability of health insurance in Texas, including income level, household size, geographic location, and pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, state policies, market competition, and regulatory frameworks play a significant role in shaping the availability and cost of insurance plans. Understanding these factors can help individuals and families assess their eligibility for subsidies, discounts, and other cost-saving opportunities.

Exploring Affordable Health Insurance Options in Texas

Texans have access to a range of affordable health insurance options tailored to their unique needs and preferences. From low-cost catastrophic plans to comprehensive coverage with robust benefits, there are choices available for every budget and lifestyle. Furthermore, enrollment periods, special enrollment events, and assistance programs provide additional avenues for accessing affordable coverage.

Tips for Finding Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Finding affordable health insurance in Texas requires careful consideration and research. By comparing plans, assessing coverage needs, and exploring eligibility for subsidies and financial assistance programs, individuals and families can identify the most cost-effective options available to them. Additionally, seeking guidance from insurance brokers, community organisations, and healthcare navigators can provide valuable support in the decision-making process.

Overcoming Barriers to Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Despite the availability of affordable options, many Texans still face barriers to accessing health insurance. These barriers may include limited awareness of available programs, language barriers, lack of transportation to enrollment events, and misinformation about the enrollment process. Addressing these challenges requires community outreach, education initiatives, and policy reforms aimed at expanding access to affordable coverage for all Texans.

The Future of Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

As Texas continues to grapple with healthcare access and affordability issues, the future of affordable health insurance remains uncertain. However, ongoing efforts to expand Medicaid, improve healthcare infrastructure, and increase consumer awareness are promising steps toward ensuring that all Texans have access to quality, affordable coverage. By prioritising healthcare equity and collaboration among stakeholders, Texas can build a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for future generations.

Conclusion

Affordable health insurance in Texas is essential for safeguarding the well-being of its diverse population. Accessible coverage not only protects against financial strain but also fosters a healthier society by promoting preventive care and timely medical intervention. By understanding available options, addressing barriers to access, and advocating for policy reforms, Texans can work towards a future where quality healthcare is accessible and affordable for all, ensuring a brighter and healthier tomorrow for the Lone Star State.

[odinsblog]

🗣️THIS IS WHAT INCLUSIVE, COMPASSIONATE DEMOCRACY LOOKS LIKE

Minnesota Dems enacted a raft of laws to make the state a trans refuge, and ensure people receiving trans care here can't be reached by far-right governments in places like Florida and Texas. (link)

Minnesota Dems ensured that everyone, including undocumented immigrants, can get drivers' licenses. (link)

They made public college free for the majority of Minnesota families. (link)

Minnesota Dems dropped a billion dollars into a bevy of affordable housing programs, including by creating a new state housing voucher program. (link)

Minnesota Dems massively increased funding for the state's perpetually-underfunded public defenders, which lets more public defenders be hired and existing public defenders get a salary increase. (link)

Dems raised Minnesota education spending by 10%, or about 2.3 billion. (link)

Minnesota Dems created an energy standard for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. (link)

Minnesota already has some of the strongest election infrastructure (and highest voter participation) in the country, but the legislature just made it stronger, with automatic registration, preregistration for minors, and easier access to absentee ballots. (link)

Minnesota Dems expanded the publicly subsidized health insurance program to undocumented immigrants. This one's interesting because it's the sort of things Dems often balk at. The governor opposed it! The legislature rolled over him and passed it anyway. (link)

Minnesota Dems expanded background checks and enacted red-flag laws, passing gun safety measures that the GOP has thwarted for years. (link)

Minnesota Dems gave the state AG the power to block the huge healthcare mergers that have slowly gobbled up the state's medical system. (link)

Minnesota Dems restored voting rights to convicted felons as soon as they leave prison. (link)

Minnesota Dems made prison phone calls free. (link)

Minnesota Dems passed new wage protection rules for the construction industry, against industry resistance. (link)

Minnesota Dems created a new sales tax to fund bus and train lines, an enormous victory for the sustainability and quality of public transit. Transit be more pleasant to ride, more frequent, and have better shelters, along more lines. (link)

They passed strict new regulations on PFAS ("forever chemicals"). (link)

Minnesota Dems passed the largest bonding bill in state history! Funding improvements to parks, colleges, water infrastructure, bridges, etc. etc. etc. (link)

They're going to build a passenger train from the Twin Cities to Duluth. (link)

I can't even find a news story about it but there's tens of millions in funding for new BRT lines, too. (link)

A wonky-but-important change: Minnesota Dems indexed the state gas tax to inflation, effectively increasing the gas tax. (link)

They actually indexed a bunch of stuff to inflation, including the state's education funding formula, which helps ensure that school spending doesn't decline over time. (link)

Minnesota Dems made hourly school workers (e.g., bus drivers and paraprofessionals) eligible for unemployment during summer break, when they're not working or getting paid. (link)

Minnesota Dems passed a bunch of labor protections for teachers, including requiring school districts to negotiate class sizes as part of union contracts. (Yet another @SydneyJordanMN special here. (link)

Minnesota Dems created a state board to govern labor standards at nursing homes. (link)

Minnesota Dems created a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which would set price caps for high-cost pharmaceuticals. (link)

Minnesota Dems created new worker protections for Amazon warehouse workers and refinery workers. (link)

Minnesota Dems passed a digital fair repair law, which requires electronics manufacturers to make tools and parts available so that consumers can repair their electronics rather than purchase new items. (link)

Minnesota Dems made Juneteenth a state holiday. (link)

Minnesota Dems banned conversion therapy. (link)

They spent nearly a billion dollars on a variety of environmental programs, from heat pumps to reforestation. (link)

Minnesota Dems expanded protections for pregnant and nursing workers - already in place for larger employers - to almost everyone in the state. (link)

Minnesota Dems created a new child tax credit that will cut child poverty by about a quarter. (link)

Minnesota Democrats dropped a quick $50 million into homelessness prevention programs. (link)

And because the small stuff didn't get lost in the big stuff, they passed a law to prevent catalytic converter thefts. (link)

Minnesota Dems increased child care assistance. (link)

Minnesota Dems banned "captive audience meetings," where employers force employees to watch anti-union presentations. (link)

No news story yet, but Minnesota Dems forced signal priority changes to Twin Cities transit. Right now the trains have to wait at intersections for cars, which, I can say from experience, is terrible. Soon that will change.

Minnesota Dems provided the largest increase to nursing home funding in state history. (link)

They also bumped up salaries for home health workers, to help address the shortage of in-home nurses. (link)

Minnesota Dems legalized drug paraphernalia, which allows social service providers to conduct needle exchanges and address substance abuse with reduced fear of incurring legal action. (link)

Minnesota Dems banned white supremacists and extremists from police forces, capped probation at 5 years for most crimes, improved clemency, and mostly banned no-knock warrants. (link)

Minnesota Dems also laid the groundwork for a public health insurance option. (link)

I’m happy for the people of Minnesota, but as a Floridian living under Ron DeSantis & hateful Republicans, I’m also very envious tbh. We know that democracy can work, and this is a shining example of what government could be like in the hands of legislators who actually care about helping people in need, and not pursuing the GOP’s “culture wars” and suppressing the votes of BIPOC, and inflicting maximum harm on those who aren’t cis/het, white, wealthy, Christian males. BRAVO MINNESOTA. This is how you do it! And the Minnesota Dems did it with a one seat majority, so no excuses. Forget about the next election and focus on doing as much good as you can, while you still can. 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

👉🏿 https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1660846689450688514.html

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[ms-demeanor]

sorry for clarification: you no longer live in vegas? i scrolling through boss blog has me confused. you were wfh for a while

I am actually still WFH - large Bastard and i moved to Vegas because he got a job there in November 2019; he spent late may thru early july 2020 in the hospital because of heart failure, then got fired from his job in September and went back to LA because he had health insurance in California but not Las Vegas because his shitty boss never started the insurance that was supposed to be a benefit of the job.

So after he got fired he went back to LA to see his cardiologist and it turned out he was in late stage liver failure as a result of the heart failure and in February 2021 he was admitted to a transplant hospital and he had a heart and liver transplant in March and then was in the hospital for four months recovering and while he was recovering i moved us back from Vegas to his mom's house and then after a year and a half with his mom while he recovered we started renting my dad's house because my dad moved from LA to Texas in June 2020 (and at that time rented his house to my cousin).

I worked from home while i was moving us back from Vegas and while he was recovering from the transplant and i continue to mostly work from home because as a transplant patient he is immune compromised.

But now that the new bosses are in town for the transition of ownership i'm going in while they're here so i can ask them how to do stuff and get a much in person training as possible. When they leave I'll probably go into the office once or twice a week for half a day (it's also a 30 mile drive in LA traffic to get to work, and my old boss literally hasn't been paying me enough to go to the office - I can't afford to drive in more than a couple times a week unless i get a raise because it's like 200$ a month in gas).

Anyway, it's been a busy and stressful few years, but i lived in Vegas from May 2020 to April 2021 and was completely alone there from September to April (Which was still better than living with my mother in law, which is why we tried so hard to make it in Vegas even though large Bastard was so sick) and we're back in LA now.

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

August 6, 2024

Heather Cox Richardson

Aug 07, 2024

Today Vice President Kamala Harris named her choice for her vice presidential running mate: Governor Tim Walz of Minnesota. Walz grew up in rural Nebraska. He enlisted in the Army National Guard when he was 17 and served for 24 years, retiring in 2005 as a command sergeant major, making him the highest-ranking enlisted soldier ever to serve in Congress, according to the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.  

He went to college with the educational benefits afforded him by the Army, and graduated from Chadron (Nebraska) State College. From 1989 to 1990, he taught at a high school in China, then became a social studies teacher in Alliance, Nebraska, where he met fellow teacher Gwen Whipple, who became his wife. They moved to Minnesota, where they both continued teaching and had two children, Hope and Gus, through IVF. 

Walz became the faculty advisor for the school’s gay-straight alliance organization at the same time that he coached the high-school football team from a 0–27 record to a state championship. The advisor “really needed to be the football coach, who was the soldier and was straight and was married," Walz said in 2018. 

Walz ran for Congress in 2005 after some of his students were asked to leave a rally for George W. Bush because one of them had a sticker for Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry. Walz won and served in Congress for twelve years, sitting on the House Agriculture Committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

Voters elected Walz to the Minnesota state house in 2018, and in his second term they gave him a slim majority in the state legislature. With that support, Walz signed into law protections for abortion rights, supported gender-affirming care, and legalized the recreational use of marijuana. He signed into law gun safety legislation and protections for voting rights, and pushed for action to combat climate change and to promote renewable energy. 

Strong tax revenues and spending cuts gave the state a $17.6 billion surplus, and the Democrats under Walz used the money not to cut taxes, as Republicans wanted, but to invest in education, fund free breakfast and lunch for schoolchildren, make tuition free at the state’s public colleges for students whose families earned less than $80,000 a year, and invest in paid family and medical leave and health insurance coverage regardless of immigration status. 

While MAGA Republicans are already trying to define Walz as “far left,” his votes in Congress put him pretty squarely in the middle.  His work with Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan to expand technology production and infrastructure funding in the state was rewarded in 2023, when Minnesota knocked Texas out of the top five states for business. The CNBC rating looked at 86 indicators in 10 categories, including the workforce, infrastructure, health, and business friendliness. 

Walz checks a number of boxes for the 2024 election, most notably that he hails from near the battleground states of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania and comes across as a normal, nice guy. He favors unions, workers’ rights, and a $15 minimum wage. He is also the person who coined the phrase that took away the dangerous overtones of today’s MAGA Republicans by dubbing them “weird.” As a student of his said: “In politics he’s good at calling out B.S. without getting nasty or too down in the dirt…. It’s the kind of common sense he showed as a coach: practical and kinda goofy.”

Walz is also a symbol of an important resetting of the Democratic Party. He has been unapologetic about his popular programs. On Sunday, July 28, when CNN’s Jake Tapper listed some of Walz’s policies and asked if they made Walz vulnerable to Trump calling him a “big government liberal.” Walz joked that he was, indeed, a “monster.” 

“Kids are eating and having full bellies so they can go learn, and women are making their own health care decisions, and we’re a top five business state, and we also rank in the top three of happiness…. The fact of the matter is,” where Democratic policies are implemented, “quality of life is higher, the economies are better…educational attainment is better. So yeah, my kids are going to eat here, and you’re going to have a chance to go to college, and you’re going to have an opportunity to live where we're working on reducing carbon emissions. Oh, and by the way, you’re going to have personal incomes that are higher, and you’re going to have health insurance. So if that’s where they want to label me, I’m more than happy to take the label.” 

Right-wing reactionary politicians have claimed to represent ordinary Americans since the time of the passage of the Voting Rights Act—on August 6, 1965, exactly 59 years ago today—by insisting that a government that works for communities is a “socialist” plan to elevate undeserving women and racial, ethnic, and gender minorities at the expense of hardworking white men. 

Historically, though, rural America has quite often been the heart of the country’s progressive politics, and the Midwest has had a central place in that progressivism. Walz reintegrates that history with today’s Democratic Party. 

That reintegration has left the Republicans flatfooted. Trump and J.D. Vance expected to continue their posturing as champions of the common man, but on that front the credentials of a New York real estate developer who inherited millions of dollars and of a Yale-educated venture capitalist pale next to a Nebraska-born schoolteacher. Bryan Metzger, politics reporter at Business Insider, pointed out that J.D. Vance tried to hit Walz as a “San Francisco-style liberal,” but while Vance lived in San Francisco as a venture capitalist between 2013 and 2017, Walz went to San Francisco for the first time just last month. 

Head writer and producer of A Closer Look at Late Night with Seth Meyers Sal Gentile summed up Walz’s progressive politics and community vibe when he wrote on social media: “Tim Walz will expand free school lunches, raise the minimum wage, make it easier to unionize, fix your [carburetor], replace the old wiring in your basement, spray that wasp’s nest under the deck, install a new spring for your garage door and put a new chain on your lawnmower.” 

Vice President Harris had a very deep bench from which to choose a running mate, but her choice of Walz seems to have been widely popular. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Joe Manchin of West Virginia, who are usually on opposite sides of the party, both praised the choice, prompting Ocasio-Cortez to post: “Dems in disconcerting levels of array.” 

Harris and Walz held their first rally together tonight in Philadelphia, where Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro, who had been a top contender for the vice presidential slot, fired up the crowd. “Each of us has a responsibility to get off the sidelines, to get in the game, and to do our part,” he said. “Are you ready to do your part? Are you ready to form a more perfect union? Are you ready to build an America where no matter what you look like, where you come from, who you love, or who you pray to, that this will be a place for you? And are you ready to look the next president of the United States in the eye and say, ‘Hello, Madam President?’ I am too, so let’s get to work!”

Pennsylvania is a crucial state, and Shapiro issued a statement offering his “enthusiastic support” to the ticket. He pledged to work to unite Pennsylvanians behind my friends Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and defeat Donald Trump.”

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

[spnscripthunt-inactive]

In Their Own Words: What is the most difficult sacrifice you’ve made to pay down your medical debt?“

“Had to move into rental place from home and not able to buy a house. Cut in some household or good food for kids.” -35 year old woman with $5,000-$10,000 in medical debt, Texas

“Quality of life. We’ve never been able to ‘get ahead’ because we have a 35 year old disabled daughter. We’ve had medical debt for 35 years varying from 30k down to $500.” -60 year old woman with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, Tennessee

“Not paying bills on time, creating larger bills due to late fees. Depleted savings.” -38 year old man with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, North Carolina

“Cutting out any expenses/services I can. No job, fixed income and chemo. Even with insurance, no one can afford cancer.” -67 year old woman with more than $25,000 in medical debt, Nebraska

“Limiting birthday/Christmas gifts for children and grandchildren.” -83 year old woman with $1,000-$2,500 in medical debt, New Jersey

“Getting a second job. I’m exhausted and I don’t see a way out.” -44 year old woman with $1,000-$2,500 in medical debt, Ohio

“I can’t do anything; I literally stay at home. Never taken my kids on vacation. I’m a single mother and all my money supports the household. So, there are not a lot of extras in my house.” -55 year old woman, with $2,500-$5,000 in medical debt, Missouri

“Strain on relationship with [my] father due to asking for help to pay medical expenses; negative impact on mental health issues (e.g., significant increase in anxiety symptoms).” -35 year old woman with $10,000-$25,000 in medical debt, New York

“This was medical debt for my (now deceased) husband — my credit cards are maxed-out, savings is gone, I will need to relocate to afford rent and pay down bills.” -67 year old woman with $10,000-$25,000 in medical debt, Illinois

Source: Lopes L, Kearney A, Montero A, Hamel L, Brodie M. Health care debt in the U.S.: the broad consequences of medical and dental bills [Internet]. San Francisco (CA): Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation; 2022 Jun 16 [cited 2023 Oct 11]. Available from: https://www.kff.org/report-section/kff-health-care-debt-survey-main-findings/

—

So far we've raised $3,196.20 [2:11 PM Eastern; Sun Oct 15] for RIP Medical Debt toward our $5,000 goal.

With what we've raised so far RIP can wipe out over $300,000 in medical debt (nationwide).

Our goal is to wipe out $500,000 in medical debt (nationwide) and, as an incentive for donating $10+ we're doing an (optional) raffle of the last of our server (group) purchased scripts.

Key raffle scripts:

$1000 - signed Walker & Gotham Knights pilots

$2000 - Wayward Sisters (by Kim, Briana, Kathryn)

$3000 - The Winchesters (signed by so many)

$4000 - Stranger in a Strange Land (Jensen & Danneel)

$5000 - Lebanon (JDM, Sam Smith, J2, Misha)

Our fundraising page:

[chadfallout76podcast]

Major Update: Life...is a changing for me/us (and a sneak peek of Vault-Tec Rises!

Good afternoon!

I wanted to give you all an update on Vault-Tec Rises as well as an update on myself and some major life changes happening this year that may impact our season while the dust settles. Firstly, I'm more than halfway done with our next major feature length episode, "Vault-Tec Rises"...which is technically episode 16, set BEFORE Little Sanctuary of Horrors. It essentially is the story of how everyone came to be there in the first place, what Vault-Tec and the Enclave are really up to, and is the start of our last 4 episodes of the season as the Battle for Appalachia begins.

Secondly, I've shared quite a bit about the journey of these past 10 years with my husband Travis and his struggle with mental health. Many of you were kind of enough to support or share our GoFundMe to help take the pressure off the crushing debt we were under with mounting medical bills and his bills, none of which was covered by insurance fully. Trying to keep us afloat financially has been a long-term struggle of mine and here's in New Hampshire we just haven't been able to get ahead. After having to cancel some of his services last week as we couldn't afford them, we made some major decisions.

The next few months I'll be doing a lot of painting, landscaping, plastering and prepping to list our home on the market. Financially we can't afford to buy again for a while, so we're stuck renting. Based on what things are selling for in the area, I'm not too worried about getting out of it fairly quickly. We'll be moving to Texas, in between Dallas and Fort Worth in a really beautiful, new planned community where leasing and the overall lower cost of living will save us $20k a year which will allow us to not only fix our debt issue permanently, but also they have one of the leading centers in the country for C-PTSD. Once settled, I'd be able to get him more direct help he's needed that we just don't have access to out here.

Texas is going to be a big, big change for us...a huge move, but one I'm eager to make. Our backup editor is continuing to plug away at stories as well as I've had my hands full with work trying to keep the lights on (literally). I wanted to explain all of this with clear honesty so you know what I've been doing, what I'll be doing this year and why it often takes us so long to ship episodes to you. Your patient and support of me really, really means the world to me. The other benefit of this move is that once I'm not strangled hustling for work 7 days a week, I'll have more free time to actually create. Something I really want to do...as there are still two more seasons of Chad and some other projects I really want to share with you all.

I hope to have our 3-hour feature length Vault-Tec Rises completed in the next few weeks, so stay tuned. :) And if you can please excuse how hectic this year will be between selling and moving halfway across the country I'd appreciate it.

Much love to you all,

Ken

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[coverageguru]

Dental Health Insurance

 Root canals are a common procedure used to repair and save damaged or infected teeth. Although they can be expensive, dental health insurance can help cover the cost of a root canal. In this article, we will explain the basics of root canal costs and how different types of insurance policies can help reduce your expenses.

Root Canal Cost Without Insurance

The average cost of a root canal varies depending on the type of tooth being treated. For front teeth, the procedure typically costs between $300-$1500, while bicuspids are slightly less expensive at around $250-$1300. Molars tend to be the priciest option, running anywhere from $400–3000 per tooth. Fortunately, with dental insurance and other types of coverage, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Root Canal Cost With Insurance

Many health and dental insurance policies provide coverage for root canals. Generally speaking, basic health insurance plans will cover 50–60% of the cost, while more comprehensive plans may cover up to 70–80%. Generally speaking, plans that offer higher monthly premiums or larger annual deductibles have more coverage for costly procedures like root canals. Additionally, some employers may offer supplemental coverage that also covers part or all of the cost of a root canal. It’s important to review your policy documents carefully before making a decision about whether or not to pursue treatment. Additionally, some insurers may offer discounts or special rates on root canal procedures. However, it is important to check with your insurer to understand what is covered and the available discounts that may be available.

With the most comprehensive dental insurance plans, it’s possible to greatly reduce the out-of-pocket cost of a root canal. According to Value Penguin, some employers offer the highest option of coverage which can bring a $1000 root canal down to as low as $300 or $500. These plans may come with larger monthly premiums — up to around $100-$150 per month depending on the employer.

[aibidil]

Ok millennials and parents of Gen Z, huddle time. What are we going to do about our Gen Z and (preemptively) Gen Alpha kids' politics? Especially those of us who are parents to Gen Z men? We've all seen the data showing that millennials aren't getting more conservative as we age. To give them credit where credit is due, Boomers were the ONLY age group to shift left in the 2024 US election. Millennials didn't move much from 2020, but it was slightly to the right. Gen X and Gen Z moved significantly to the right—9 points and 13 points, respectively. Gen Z men shifted 15 points to the right, while Gen Z women shifted 9 points to the right.

Obviously the left as a whole has some work to do here, but I can't help thinking that some of the work might be done by us as parents or friends of Gen Zers and, preemptively, Gen Alphas. (Maybe part of the issue is that most Gen Zers have Gen Xer parents, and we know that Gen X is the other age group that shifted significantly to the right?) These kids are coming of voting age in a really fucking difficult world political moment, and it makes sense to me that they need guidance in this venue like they do in the rest of life.

Clearly parents don't have control over our kids' politics, but we also have a huge ability to influence and help educate them. Some spit-balling thoughts of things we need to be doing:

Talk as rationally as we can about economics and how economic policies affect us. Help them understand what politicians are saying about the economy, e.g. what is a tariff? what causes inflation? If we aren't clear about these things, let's include them in our research trying to figure it out. I can't help but think that most Trump voters simply do not understand what a tariff is and what it will mean for US consumers, if it's passed

Help them learn to play out different scenarios—to think through what will happen down the line if various proposed policies were enacted. That is, help them to think logically about not just what will happen immediately after a policy is passed, but what that would be likely to happen next, and next, and next. This ability to think down the line is so important in so many parts of life, and it's not necessarily something that comes easy to most of us.

On abortion: This wasn't a huge issue this election in the US. That said, I've had really good luck talking with my boys about why abortion is important, and this is a case where the framing of the issue is so important. "Parenting is hard. Don't we want all kids to have parents who actually wanted to be parents? Do you think that someone who doesn't want kids, or knows they can't afford kids, or knows they can't handle kids should be forced to give birth? What would that mean for their baby?"

Talk about it whenever political issues affect you. It's much easier to understand politics when it touches your family, but if we don't talk about it, they won't understand it. For example, I've got a lot of chronic health issues, so health insurance has been a big political concern of mine. I can explain that insurers not very long ago used to be able to deny people coverage if they had any preexisting condition, and that it's only democrats and the pressure of the political left that accomplished getting rid of that. And now we need to make sure we keep that win, because it's the right thing, but also because here is how it would affect us

Talk about all the rights we have that are actually quite new. Lawrence v. Texas (legalizing consensual sodomy) was only in 2003! Gay marriage has only been nationwide since 2015! Explain why gay marriage is important. Not because we believe marriage is some mystical thing, but because it confers legal benefits like the ability to visit your sick partner in the hospital, to be the next of kin, to get spousal health insurance, etc. It's so easy to think these rights have been around longer than they have.

If we're worried about vulnerable people under a Trump presidency, talk about our worries in as concrete a way as possible, because if we aren't concrete, they are tempted to think we're being hyperbolic. "I'm worried that trans folks won't be able to access medical care or their medication because Trump has talked about passing laws to do that. I know that access to gender-affirming care is vital because suicide rates are high among trans folks if they can't access care. When I listen to politicians talk about trans people, it makes me angry and sad because they're stoking fears but those fears aren't based in reality. Meanwhile trans people will actually be hurt by these policies right away." Or about mass deportations: "Trump has promised to deport immigrants, which is wrong—how does he think our country will survive? The people he's talking about deporting are an important part of our society. And aren't we all immigrants, if we're not indigenous? But it's even worse than that because he isn't only talking about deporting undocumented people. The policies he's promised to enact also plan to deport even people who are here legally with visas or temporary protected status, and he wants to use a law from 1798 called the Alien Enemies Act to justify it. That's the same law they used to justify horrifically holding Asian Americans in camps during WW2! I worry for these fellow people because it's inhumane and I also know it would be terrible for the economy, which seems like it would be against the right's purported goals, doesn't it?"

Any time you start a discussion like this, listen to what they have to say in response. Don't shut them down! It's tempting to shut them down especially if they say some nonsense—especially if it seems like nonsense they're parroting from right-wing youtubers. It's so tempting. If it triggers you, buy yourself a minute to cool down by asking them to say more or explain what they mean.

Help them learn to vet news and images, especially in this age of AI. We can talk through our own thought processes when we hear a fact or story. How do you know if something—a fact, an image, a video—is true? What kind of process should you be running EVERYTHING through? We need to help them develop this skill so they don't give up on even trying and become full of despair at living in a post-truth world.

What other ideas do you have? Please add on. I feel such a sense of responsibility over my white Gen Z boys, and I know I can't be the only one who thinks we need a fucking plan. No one has ever parented in this environment before—let's help each other.

[bretodeau99]

Margaret Atwood on the rollback of women's reproductive rights in Texas - from 2017

"Sometimes people have to live their dream. So if living their dream means a lot of dead women and orphans, maybe they're going to have to live that dream. And maybe they're just then going to have to figure out who's going to have to pay for this. Who's going to pay for the orphans, and the dead women? Because that's what you're going to have.

I'm waiting for the first lawsuit in which the family of the dead woman sues the state, and I'm also waiting for a lawsuit that says, if you force me to have children that I cannot afford, you should pay for the whole process. You should pay for my pre-natal care, you should pay for my otherwise very expensive hospital delivery, you should pay for my health insurance, you should pay for the upkeep of this child after it is born (because that's where the concern seems to cut off with these people - once you take your first breath, out the window with you), and it is really a form of slavery to force women to have children that they cannot afford, and then to say that they have to raise them.

So if that's not going to be the story, you're going to end up with Romania under Ceaușescu, in which the orphanages fill up. [Ceaușescu] mandated four children per woman, and you had to have a pregnancy test every month, and if you did not get pregnant you had to state why - why you had not gotten pregnant. It was nuts. And it did result in a number of suicides and a number of kids being put into orphanages with no proper care at all. It was just horrible. So if that's what you want, State of Texas, live your dream. We can all watch and see what that looks like, and whether you're actually going to go so far as to force this upon women, and families, and not pay for any of it.

If you're drafted into the army - the other situation in which the state seizes control of your body - at least you get three meals a day, clothing, and a place to sleep. So if you're going to do that to women, pay up."

Watch here

[floraflorenzi]

Affordable Health Insurance in Texas

Affordable health insurance in Texas can be accessed through strategic approaches such as exploring subsidies on the Texas health insurance marketplace, comparing plans based on premiums and coverage, and considering medicaid and chip eligibility for low-income individuals and families. Utilising preventive services and understanding network limitations can further optimise cost-effective healthcare solutions. By implementing these strategies, Texasans can secure affordable coverage that meets their healthcare needs while managing their budget effectively.

Navigating Affordable Health Insurance Texas Strategic Approaches

Affordable health insurance  Texas often involves leveraging subsidies and tax credits available through the Texas Health Insurance Marketplace. These financial aids can significantly lower monthly premiums for eligible individuals and families, making comprehensive coverage more accessible.

Comparison Shopping for Cost-Effective Plans Affordable Health Insurance Texas 

Strategically comparing health insurance plans based on premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coverage benefits is essential in finding affordability without compromising quality care. Evaluating multiple options allows Texans to select a plan that aligns with their healthcare needs and financial circumstances.

Exploring Medicaid and CHIP Eligibility Affordable Health Insurance Texas 

For low-income Texans, exploring eligibility for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can provide access to free or low-cost health coverage. Understanding the criteria and application process for these programs is crucial for individuals and families seeking affordable healthcare solutions.

Utilising Preventive Services for Cost SavingsAffordable Health Insurance Texas 

Affordable health insurance strategies in Texas include taking advantage of preventive services covered by insurance plans at no additional cost. Regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations can help detect health issues early, ultimately reducing healthcare expenses by avoiding more extensive treatments down the line.

Maximising Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs):

Texans can strategically utilise Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs) to save money on healthcare expenses. Contributions to these accounts are tax-deductible and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses, providing a tax-efficient way to manage healthcare costs.

Understanding Network Limitations and Cost-Effective Providers

Being mindful of provider networks and choosing cost-effective healthcare providers within these networks can help Texans optimise their health insurance coverage. Selecting in-network doctors, hospitals, and facilities can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses and maximise the value of insurance benefits.

Staying Informed and Seeking Assistance

Finally, staying informed about changes in healthcare policies, enrollment periods, and available assistance programs is essential for navigating affordable health insurance in Texas. Utilising resources such as insurance brokers, community health centres, and online tools can provide valuable guidance and support in finding the most cost-effective coverage options.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by employing strategic approaches such as exploring subsidies, comparing plans, and leveraging preventive services, Texasans can secure affordable health insurance without compromising on quality care. Understanding eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid, maximising savings through HSAs and FSAs, and staying informed about network limitations further enhance affordability. With these proactive strategies, individuals and families can navigate the complexities of the Texas healthcare system and ensure access to comprehensive coverage that meets their needs while managing costs effectively.