Tag Archives: Health information Websites

Jul 25 2015

The Supreme Court, Health Care, and You

On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court made an important decision about the Health Insurance Marketplace keeping           quality, affordable coverage for millions of Americans.  The Supreme Court’s decision confirmed that if you qualify, you can receive financial assistance, including premium tax benefit to make coverage more affordable no matter where you live.

On average, consumers enrolled in the Marketplace are receiving $3,260 per year in tax credit, or $272 each month.

About 8 in 10 consumers could find coverage for $100 or less with tax credit through the Marketplace.

If you don’t have health insurance, see if you can get health coverage for 2015.  You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period due to life change, such as marriage, having a baby, or losing other coverage.  Open enrollment for 2016 starts on November 1, 2015.

For more information, click here.

Teaching Suggestions

  • Ask students if anyone in their family is affected by the Supreme Court ruling, and if so, how?
  • Ask students to prepare a summary of the major provisions of the Affordable Care Act.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why is it important to inform the Marketplace about any changes to your household, income, and insurance status?
  2. If you have health insurance through your employer or purchased it on the individual market, does the Supreme Court ruling impact you?
Aug 6 2014

Health Scams: Don’t Take Risks With Your Health and Your Money

Lots of people are fooled with buying health products that sound great, but are really fakes.  These products may cause serious health problems, such as pain, suffering, or even death.

Watch out for the following fraudulent claims:

  • It’s Natural. Just because a product is “natural” does not mean it is safe.
  • It’s So Easy. Don’t believe the promises of “lose weight while you sleep.”  If it sounds too easy, it might be a scam.
  • Miracle Cure. Generally, one pill will not treat or cure many different illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, AIDS, or arthritis.
  • It Worked for Me. Personal success stories by “real people” or doctors are easy to make up.
  • They Don’t Want You to Know. Always ask your health care providers what is best for your health.

 

For additional information on health fraud and scams go to http://www.fda.gov/healthfraud, http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, and http://www.ftc.gov

Teaching Suggestions

  • Ask students if they have fallen prey to health care scammers.
  • Have students make a short presentation with a summary of actions that might be taken to avoid health scams.

Discussion Questions

  1. Why do health scammers continue to prey on unsuspecting consumers?
  2. What can consumers do to avoid being victimized by health scammers?