While most Americans have heard of Medicare as one of many health care coverage options, they may not know how it differs from other privately offered options, such as Medicare Advantage. This article explains the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, including the various doctors one can seek care from, the differences in cost and the range of coverage between plans.

The annual Gallup poll found that a record number of Americans postponed medical care last year. In the survey, 38% of respondents said they or a family member postponed care in 2022, compared to 26% in 2021. The 2022 percentage is the highest figure since Gallup began tracking Americans’ postponed medical care in 2001.

March is recognized as National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to evaluate the food and beverages you’re putting into your body.

Living with a chronic illness can be draining, both physically and mentally. As such, people who live with a chronic illness are at a higher risk of developing a mental health condition. Likewise, mental health symptoms can cause a flare-up or worsen if you have a chronic health condition.

The winter months are notorious for bringing sickness. Influenza (flu) season begins in October and peaks between December and February. Colds are also more common during the season. Further adding to the mix of potential wintertime illnesses, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) are swiftly circulating in the United States.

A brief lapse in memory, such as misplacing your wallet or forgetting a birthday, is often associated with being overly busy or having an excessive amount of stress. In fact, memory loss is a common part of aging. What can be problematic is when the episodes of forgetfulness increase and intensify into a more severe problem, such as mild cognitive impairment or even Alzheimer’s disease.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 6.4% year over year in January, slightly down from 6.5 % in December. While the latest number represents a slight slowdown, the CPI was above predictions of 6.2%, signaling ongoing financial struggles for consumers.

According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, each year, cardiac arrest causes 300,000 to 450,000 deaths in the United States. It is more common in older men than women. This condition is fatal if it’s not treated immediately. This means it’s essential to know the signs of cardiac arrest and how to respond to someone experiencing it.

This February marks the 57th annual American Heart Month, dedicated to drawing attention to the risks of hypertension (high blood pressure). Hypertension can increase your risk of stroke, heart disease, heart failure, kidney failure, vision loss, pregnancy complications and more. Read on to learn what you can do to improve your heart health.

Auto insurance costs are on the rise across the country due to inflation, increased claims and rising repair costs. Personal auto insurance premiums are expected to go up 7% during 2023. Therefore, customers like you are looking for ways to lower their insurance costs.

The majority of Americans experience stress frequently. A 2022 survey found 84% of Americans experienced stress weekly, up from 78% in the previous year.

Homeowners insurance is an integral part of financially protecting yourself and your home. However, a recent study of 2,000 Americans found that 45% have had a claim denied due to improper coverage and 65% do not fully understand their policies.

When times get tough, it can be instinct to look for a coping mechanism. Coping mechanisms can help people feel like they’re escaping reality by relieving stress or being able to distract their minds. While this is a normal feeling, it becomes a problem when one turns to unhealthy coping mechanisms, which can be harmful in the long run.

Health care advocacy group Medical Billing Advocates of America estimates that up to 80% of all medical bills have errors. While working with high patient influxes and various medical codes, it’s easy for billing mistakes to happen. As such, it’s crucial to look over your bill thoroughly to help save money.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) released the results of its annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The survey asks Americans about their experiences with mental health conditions, substance use and pursuit of treatment.

Some people wake up ready to take on the day, while others may need more time or a cup of coffee to start their day. Regardless of which camp you’re in, there’s an art and a science to waking up refreshed in the morning. Unfortunately, many fall short when it comes to getting enough sleep.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS), the rate of labor union membership decreased from 10.3% in 2021 to 10.1% in 2022. The 2022 unionization rate is the lowest since the BLS started tracking comparable union data in 1983.

Selecting and utilizing dental benefits is crucial because the condition of your teeth and gums significantly impacts your overall health. Proper oral health care can help prevent oral infections, tooth decay, gum disease, and other conditions. Not only does good oral health support your teeth and gums, but your overall health and well-being.

California’s Pacific storms—known as atmospheric rivers—have resulted in more than $30 billion in damages and economic losses since Dec. 2022, according to AccuWeather Inc. Major flooding, widespread power outages, landslides, fallen trees and road closures have cost between $31 billion and $34 billion in economic impact.

If you miss your open enrollment deadline, you could lose coverage and be unable to make benefits changes or enroll until the next enrollment period. One exception to this rule is if you experience a life-changing qualifying event that would trigger a special enrollment period (SEP). Events such as getting married or divorced, having children or losing eligibility for other health coverage can trigger special enrollment rights.