4 unique financial challenges facing millennials

millenials word cloud on a vintage blackboard isolated on white - demography concept

Generation Y, or the millennials, get a lot of flack on lots of fronts. While every older generation may hold some resentment towards the new one for not appreciating what they have, times can change for the worse as well. In many ways, millennials are at a disadvantage financially. With the stress of student loans and the complications of finding a job, some young people are discouraged by their futures.

Here are four unique ways millennials might be challenged, and how they could solve these issues.

  1. Budgeting. Life is unpredictable, and it’s hard enough making a budget. Sticking to a budget can be hard, especially when many young people’s lives are wild and full of opening and closing doors. Big decisions can throw their budget into the trash, or reformat it completely. Make short-term goals, and leave room for changes.
  2. Debt. From student loans to credit card debt, the age for burden is getting younger. Many people under the age of 26 are already saddled with student loans by the time they get into college, and they can struggle underneath it for years. Don’t ignore your debt, but try to build your life despite it. It shouldn’t own your life or your thoughts, but it shouldn’t leave either. Give it a place to stay, but don’t be your debt’s butler.
  3. The cost of renting. While in the long run, buying a house can be a much better investment, many young people do not have the resources to sink their teeth into such a permanent agreement. Their lives are rapidly changing, and buying a house can be a ball and chain that could haunt them forever. Try laying your investments elsewhere, and put your money in smart places.
  4. Emergency funds. Everyone is going to have a few emergencies in their life. From sick family members to injured pets to personal issues, many young people may not have money to sock back for a rainy day fund. Having money put away for a stressful time can be vital to reacting to a situation, so be sure to put a dollar or two into your piggybank every week.

It’s easy to get confused, especially when you’re young and thrust into a world of responsibility. 2BenefitU realizes this, and offers a special service for anyone with questions, no matter their age. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and build a future you can enjoy.

5 Reasons Your MRI or a CT scan was denied

CT scanA big bill is the last thing you want if you are recovering from being sick. From missing work to the physical stresses of being sick, there are lots of reasons tensions can run high when you or a loved one is ill. When you add medical bills to the mix, being sick can be an expense on top of being a hassle.

There are many reasons your insurance may deny your claim, and some of them can be discussed and solved. If your claim has been denied, do not panic. Make sure to look over the EOB, and here are some things you might see.  

  1. Pre-authorization or referrals. Some procedures, like CT scans and MRIs, require precious referrals and authorization beforehand. If your doctor ordered the tests before requesting them, you may receive an unwanted bill in the aftermath. Try speaking to your doctor, and ask them to contact your insurance provider to discuss matters further.
  2. Billing problems. Make sure to double-check your paperwork after a procedure.  In case you are covered under two policies, like both your insurance and your spouse’s, the billing can get mixed up and send to the wrong provider.
  3. Non-covered charges. This sounds scary, but it’s important to remember what is covered and what isn’t. Some insurance policies do not cover certain procedures, so be sure to check your plan. If you decide you have needs outside of your policy, it may be a good idea to switch plans in the future.
  4. Filing problems. Make your list and check it twice! Be sure your information is up-to-date and accurate, and be sure to fix problems as soon as they arise by calling your insurance’s customer service. Even minor transcription issues can cause issues for you in the future, so don’t make the mistake of leaving things for later.
  5. Out-of-Network. It may sound complicated, but some healthcare providers are not in your network. This can cause the bill to go to you instead of your insurance. If the procedure is non-emergency or for elective reasons, the costs (or a bigger part of them) may go to you in the end.

If you’ve been denied frequently, it may be time to start considering paying out pocket for your scans. They can be very expensive, but also necessary for proper medical care. While it is not insurance, you can save on CT and MRI scans by joining the 2BenefitU group. Save 25%-75% on scans by participating providers, and start saving yourself time, hassle, and money.

6 famous people who fought and conquered depression

fighting depressionDepression is a serious illness of the brain, and it can affect more than just one person. If you or a family member has or had depression, you know up close what this disease can do to people’s physical and mental health. It’s always important to reach out and conquer your demons, and finding role models and representation can help inspire you to think better, do better, and be better.

Here are just a few celebrities who have wrestled with their mental illness and come out on top.

  1. Rosie O’Donnell. This big name is best known for her show ‘The Rosie O’Donnell show’ and she has spoken about her depression many times. Like a number of other comedians, she suffered from bouts of depression for much of her life, and overcame it with the help of anti-depressants and a colorful outlook on life.
  2. Russel Brand. Being a man, he found it hard to express his emotions, and his sadness, without being scorned or mocked for being ‘weak.’ He speaks about his experiences with drugs, alcohol, and improper coping methods in his book, and encourages others to find help.
  3. Catherine Zeta-Jones. This beautiful starlet was diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, and shortly after being released from rehab, she went public to raise awareness. She still speaks out against those with biased opinions about manic depression, and has made great strides to support victims of bipolar disorder find help and acceptance.
  4. Ellen DeGeneres. Because of her sexual orientation, she lost everything, including her happiness. She now lives happily, and works constantly to encourage acceptance for people of all sexuality.
  5. Demi Lovato. After being grilled about the uniform scars on her arms, Demi Lovato came to reveal she was a victim of depression and an eating disorder. She has beaten her depression and her ED, but she still fights for the equal treatment of mental illnesses among other diseases.
  6. Ruby Rose. After revealing her depression in a series of emotional statuses, she encouraged others to seek treatment and keep living. She encourages victims of depression to find anything to hold onto, whether it be a pet, a friend, or a family member.

If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, it is important to know you are not alone. 2BenefitU also offers counseling packages, so no matter where you are or what time it is, you will always have someone to talk to.

Stress, Back Pain, and Chiropractic Methods

Holidays are fast approaching, and added stress can cause back and neck pain as well as headaches, hip and joint pain, and more. It’s easy to get out of alignment when your body and mind are going a hundred different directions at once!

This goes double for workers in retail, warehouses, factories, and those who sit at desk all day long, hunched over a keyboard or squinting at a screen. Demands made by family, kids, bosses, co-workers, friends, church groups and volunteerism can wear you down and give you extra aches and pains.

Cold weather tops off the list of things that can make you hurt all over. However, pain meds are just a way to mask real problems – and an adjustment to your body itself could relieve a lot of the sensitivity you may be experiencing.

Why a Chiropractic Benefit?

Typical health plans either don’t cover chiropractic treatments, or offer a very small, capped reimbursement for a fixed number of visits per year. This means those who can benefit from a chiropractic treatment must often simply pay out of pocket for their care or seek out the cheapest practitioner in town.

About UHS Chiropractic™

This benefit, which is just one of the many you’ll receive with a plan from 2BenefitU, gives you access to the UHS Chiropractic™ network. This network has over 3,000 qualified chiropractors participating nationwide, all of whom will offer you a free initial consultation to determine the source of your pain.

Once the course of treatment is determined, you’ll be able to book your sessions at a discount; 50% off of diagnostic procedures and x-rays on-site at the chiropractic office, and 30% off most treatments and other services! Every member of your household can use this benefit, and if you already have a chiropractor, you can nominate him or her to be part of the UHS™ network.

If you don’t have a chiropractor, you can use the UHS™ member portal to find a provider near you, or call the toll free number for help. When you make your appointment with the chiropractor, tell them “I’m with UHS™,” and they will automatically apply your discount and supply you with a receipt which you can submit to your insurance company if they do reimburse any portion of chiropractic treatment costs.

Why wait to start feeling better? The Chiropractic Benefit and over 20 more are included in household plans starting at just $19.95 per month.

Health, Wealth, and Happiness – There’s a Connection!

Your money and your wellbeing could be inextricably linked, according to studies from the CDC, which reveal that 4/5 of people with chronic illness have their condition caused or severely exacerbated by stress – and that ¾ of healthcare costs are due to chronic illness. Some of the signs of stress related illness include:

  • Headaches / migraines
  • Stomach trouble / IBS / ulcers
  • Shoulder, back, and neck pain
  • Dental issues (tooth grinding and clenching, bruxism)
  • Sleeplessness, insomnia, and fatigue

Most people cite the following in all or part as contributing to their stress levels:

  • Issues with finances (including medical bills and student debt)
  • Issues at work (including wages and / or scheduling)
  • Issues at school (including worries over tuition and bullying)
  • Issues at home (including family, kids, spouses, and pets)

If your everyday level of anxiety is high, it could be contributing to how you feel physically. For many people, just a little more financial security can make a big change in how they feel physically, mentally, and emotionally. Since health and wealth are connected, improving one can improve the other.

The Health Wealth Connection Benefit from 2BenefitU

This benefit is ideal for those seeking to regain some control over their finances and their physical health. The connection offers a fully customizable approach to your needs, with features like a financial planner who can help you balance your budget, save money, get rid of debt, and create a five or ten year plan.

You’ll also have a health coach who can provide tips for sleeping, exercise, and fitness options as well as reminders to visit the doctor, dentist, and other medical professionals on a regular basis for check ups and tune ups.

A nutritionist will deliver all kinds of healthy ideas and fun recipes to you, along with recipes, dietary tips, calorie counting, and weight loss. Finally, your mental and emotional health can be addressed by a counselor to help you manage or eliminate anxiety, frustration, stress, and depression.

The Health Wealth Connection gives you access to a vast library of information you can use to make your day to day life better and create a future to work towards.  You’ll love the weekly tips on health, money, and managing stress, and it’s well worth it when you consider you get over a dozen other benefits  with our plan starting at just $15.95 a month.

The Holidays are Too Busy for Illnesses!

The Holidays are Too Busy for Illnesses!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and you’ve got travel plans to make, bags to pack, last minute work obligations, and more to do – Being sick just isn’t an option.

Of course, that’s when you always get sick and so does everyone else. The ERs start to overflow, the doctors’ offices are packed and have no appointments open, and you can’t stand the thought of having to take four days to lie in bed eating chicken soup and hoping for a turn for the better.

The good news is, you don’t have to tough it out or wait helplessly for a doctor’s appointment. Telemedicine is changing the way people can receive routine care for things like colds, the flu, bronchitis, laryngitis, and more. 92% of conditions people are normally seen for a doctor in this office are things which can be diagnosed, treatment recommended, and even prescriptions write for over a Telemedicine consult.

How does Telemedicine Work?

If you have the telemedicine benefit from 2BenefitU, it’s incredibly easy to get appropriate medical care via a quick phone or video call.  You simply pick up the phone and speak to a board-certified physician who can diagnose many common conditions right over the phone. They will listen to you, ask questions, consult with specialists if needed, and then prescribe basic (non-controlled) medications, and advise you on at-home care for yourself or your child.

If the presenting condition is determined to be serious, they’ll also let you know if it’s time to go to the doctor, an urgent care location or ER. You don’t have to suffer or watch a family member suffer. You don’t have to take time off from work or school to travel to a doctor or medical care center and wait for hours. You don’t even have to leave your couch or your desk – just pick up a phone.

Telemedicine is Ideal for the Whole Family

The Telemedicine option offers you an easy, effective way to get a quick, effective diagnosis and treatment without having to trade off valuable work time and family obligations. You’ll most likely be feeling better in next to no time, and able to resume making your plans to spend time with friends and family over the holidays.

Telemedicine covers the whole family, so one monthly subscription price (plans start at $15.95 per month) will ensure you have instant medical consultations available whenever you need them. Sign up with 2BenefitU, and get Telemedicine and many other bundled enhanced health and wellness benefits today!

10 Tips for Living with Braces

10 Tips for Living with Braces

Living with braces can be a big adjustment! It’s hard to get used to the new feel of the inside of your mouth and the surfaces of your teeth. However, with proper care and maintenance, and a little time, you’ll soon be accustomed to your braces and when they finally come off you’ll be surprised at how quickly time has passed. These 12 tips can make living with braces easier!

  1. When you first get braces, plan to be eating soft foods for a few days – like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Your mouth will be just a little sore from the fitting and the feel of the braces against your inner lips may make them tender. You can put some wax on your braces to ease the transition.
  2. Up your oral hygiene game. Brushing and flossing is even more important now, as food particles and bacteria can get stuck behind braces. Your dentist will show you how to brush and floss with braces on.
  3. Stay away from sticky foods and foods high in starch or sugar as well as hard foods and candies. Anything you have to bite into such as chicken on the bone, corn on the cob, or even whole apples can be hard on your braces so cut everything up and take small bites.
  4. Don’t chew or bite on things. Pencils, pens, fingernails – all of these can do damage to your braces and the alignment of your teeth and lengthen your course of treatment.
  5. Use mouthwash to help kill bacteria in your mouth after lunch and snacks, when you can’t brush or floss. You can also use intraoral dental pics to get at food stuck behind braces.
  6. Don’t use whitening products on your teeth while you have braces. The whitener won’t be able to get to the enamel where the braces are attached, and you’ll end up with spots on your teeth when the braces come off. You can have a professional tooth whitening done as a celebratory gift to yourself when the treatment is over.
  7. Check your braces and wires regularly for signs of damage, and go to the dentist immediately if there are any issues. If you have to cut a wire, use strong fingernail clippers that were sterilized with alcohol.
  8. Don’t panic if teeth feel slightly loose. Teeth may feel slightly loose at times as they shift position, and will become firmly stuck in place again soon.
  9. If you play sports, a mouthguard is a must; even if you don’t wear braces it’s a good idea. This can prevent damage to your teeth, lips and gums in case of a face impact.
  10. Don’t forget to smile! Don’t be self-conscious about your braces. Lots of people have braces and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. In just 12-24 months your smile will be as gorgeous as you always hoped it would be.

Our Dental Benefit can make getting braces easier. Get the smile you’ve always wanted!

Visiting the Chiropractor for the First Time

Visiting the Chiropractor for the First Time

If you are using 2BenefitU’s Chiropractic Benefit, you may find yourself visiting a chiropractor for the very first time. You may be anxious, curious, and not sure about what to expect, how to act, how to dress, or what will happen. This do’s and don’ts guide can help your first visit be a success!

Do make sure your personal hygiene is on point. Don’t work out right before an adjustment. If you can get a quick shower in before you head out to the chiropractor’s office, do so, and take it easy on the perfume, cologne, or deodorant. The chiropractor will be right up in your personal space so think about that.

Don’t be self-conscious about your appointment. Think of it as a needed medical procedure, and relax. The chiropractor is a professional, and they are providing you with health care so don’t be nervous.

Do wear comfortable, appropriate clothing. Avoid garments that might shift around too much and cause an embarrassing outfit malfunction, but also don’t wear clothing that is too tight and restrictive. The chiropractor will be focusing on your spine, so hip hugging leggings and a comfortable T-shirt would be fine for a girl; a tee and board shorts for a guy.

Don’t make any assumptions about your treatment. Be prepared for the chiropractor to ask you to sit, stand, lie down, and move your body – and for him or her to manipulate your body during the exam and treatment. They may also ask to see any x-rays or CT scans / MRIs you have had done to make sure they don’t cause any problems.

Do plan on aftercare, especially after the first few appointments. It’s not unusual to feel sore as your body is encouraged back into alignment. A hot bath with Epsom salts can do wonders. Try to schedule appointments near the end of the day so you can relax afterwards.

Don’t tip your chiropractor. They aren’t a massage therapist providing a luxury service – they are health care professionals providing you with needed and appropriate care. Treat them like you would any other doctor who is seeing to your needs.

Do plan on regular adjustments until your body learns how to function properly again. Most people don’t see a chiropractor until their issues are severe and have been going on for a long time. It can take multiple visits to get your spine into alignment.

Visiting a chiropractor can be a little scary but knowing what to expect and how to act and dress can relieve your anxiety and make your visits comfortable and productive.

Do You Need Durable Medical Equipment or Diabetic Management Supplies-

Do You Need Durable Medical Equipment or Diabetic Management Supplies?

If a person who has been hospitalized and is being discharged with a treatment plan which includes durable medical equipment, the person responsible for getting those items will vary.

  • If a return home is in the offing, the hospital discharge planner (usually a nurse or social worker) will assist with ordering.  
  • If home care is planned through a certified agency, the nurse or supervisor should to arrange delivery of necessary equipment and disposable supplies.
  • Is a trip to a rehabilitation and physical therapy facility is in the offing, equipment will be available – on release, a physical therapist is supposed to evaluate the need for home equipment and coordinate the ordering.

Doctors may also prescribe health management supplies such as nutrition supplements or needles for insulin injections and other diabetic supplies. For incontinent patients, extra bed and lifestyle supplies may be needed as well. A responsible person – whether the patient or the caregiver – must ensure the proper equipment is ordered and delivered on time.

If the discharge of a patient is sudden, the care plan may not be discussed until the last minute, leaving little or no time to plan for and obtain durable equipment and supplies. Equipment used in the hospital may not be available for home use, and some discharge planners may order inappropriate equipment and supplies if they are not aware of a patient’s specific needs and the home environment.

In addition, many discharge planners may have already had conversations with insurance companies, and may present the equipment option for which the insurer will pay – this may not be the best option, so ask for all the options and figure out what will work best for the patient’s unique needs and situation.  If more suitable equipment must be paid out-of-pocket, it may be necessary to find cost effective options.

2BenefitU’s Durable Medical Equipment Benefit can help you get the supplies and equipment you need for your loved one at a good price with fast delivery. You can order by phone, and enjoy quick service and exactly the supplies you need sent right to your door, including huge savings:

You can save 20% to 50% and an additional $5 on orders over $100. Save on walking aids, wheelchairs, scooters, hospital beds, bathroom safety, orthopedic products and more.

In addition, the 2BenefitU Diabetic Management Benefit can help you save money on things like test strips, lancets, and more – making your out of pocket medical costs lower and helping you keep your family member comfortable, safe, and healthy.

eyewear

Paying Too Much for Eyewear?

Prescription eyewear can be a necessity to daily life for many. Those who need their vision corrected may be unable to drive, work, or read without their glasses or contacts – yet many health plans fail to provide this very necessary type of coverage. With 2BenefitU’s Vision Benefit, these out of pocket costs can be lowered.

And costly they are. According to many recent news articles, the prescription eyewear industry is ridiculously overpriced; with little regulation in the industry, those who need corrective lenses are virtually held captive by rising eyewear costs.

This is especially true for those for whom simple single vision lenses and frames won’t cut it. If you have astigmatism, need bifocal or trifocal lenses, or find yourself limited in frame selection due to thickness of lenses or other considerations, the cost can quickly double or triple.   

Prescription eyewear is currently a $64 billion industry with massive 500-percent markups. Eye doctors may tell you that you can’t have your own prescription, or may refuse to release pertinent details about your eyewear needs, such as the pupillary distance (aka PD, derived by measuring the space between your pupils with a ruler), cutting you off from cheaper deals elsewhere.

This can make it even more infuriating to get your glasses or contact lenses without paying trumped up costs. When you end up with a high pressure salesperson who assumes you need special non-scratch coating, sun reactive tint changing lenses, and the most expensive J-Lo designer frames, you can be looking at a $600 bill even for a basic pair of glasses.

To make things worse, even if you do have vision insurance, many companies pay the bare minimum and the lenses can take weeks to be ground in some remote lab. If you have kids on Medicaid plans, even eyewear stores with their own in-store lab are forced to send the lenses off to an “approved” lens grinder, and many parents end up paying cash for a pair of glasses as they are unable to wait 6-8 weeks or more for the backlog.

Thankfully there’s a better option. The Vision Benefit from 2BenefitU isn’t vision insurance, but it does provide major discounts at hundreds of opticians and eyewear retailers across the country – even the big names like LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears, Target, JC Penney, VisionWorks, and more. Doctors not in network can be nominated.

Savings range from 20-60% off of prescription eyewear, 10-40% off of contacts, 10-30% off of eye exams, 15-40% off of online options and mail order services, and even a 40-50% discount off of the average price of Lasik eye surgery.  All of this with 2BenefitU’s Vision Benefit, which covers your whole family!