Where Can I Find Information About Health Insurance?

With October 1 fast approaching, consumers need to begin gathering information on their options for health care. There are several resources that can help you with this. HealthCare.gov is the federal government's main site for information about health insurance and the new law. Also, the Institute of Medicine created a resource center to help guide consumers in answering four questions:

• What are my choices for health insurance?
• How do I get it?
• How do I use it?
• How much will it cost me?

In addition to these slide presentations, there is a video and a printable consumer's guide.

The National Network of Libraries of Medicine Middle Atlantic Region has put together a page of consumer resources about the Affordable Care Act for people living in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Finally, the National Library of Medicine has a health insurance page where you can get information and links that may answer specific questions you may have. You can also sign up for e-mail updates.

Get Ready for the Health Insurance Marketplace

October 1 is the first day for open enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace. The enrollment period ends on March 31, 2014. If you live in Pennsylvania, your access to the Marketplace will be at HealthCare.gov. (Spanish language speakers, click on Cuidadodesalud.gov.) Coverage starts as soon as January 1, 2014.

 HealthCare.gov has all the information you will need to enroll. You can learn about different types of coverage, explore options, and compare plans. To start you'll need some basic information about your household income, your budget for purchasing a health plan, and any health benefits through your employer. Make sure you understand how coverage works and make a list of any questions you may have. You can get ready now by clicking here. 

You can also call for help. The following phone numbers are now open.

Individuals: 1-800-318-2596 (TTY 1-855-889-4325)
Customer service representatives-24/7 (English and Spanish/Language line for 150 additional languages)

Small business owners (SHOP program): 1-800-706-7893 (TTY1-800-706-7915)
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EST

Farmers Markets: Directory

It is getting close to that time of year when everyone anticipates the opening of the local farmers market. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables is part of a healthy diet. Eating locally grown foods is part of social consciousness. Find out where the closest farmers market is to your location. The directory is brought to you by the US Department of Agriculture and can be searched by zip code and can be limited by the products sold and the types of payment accepted, including WIC and SNAP. Click here.

Medical Tests and Treatments-Choosing Wisely

Sometimes patients ask their physicians to order tests or treatments that are not necessarily appropriate or which might actually be harmful. Consequently the American Board of Internal Medicine joined with leading specialty organizations to develop Choosing Wisely, lists of evidence-based tests and procedures for patients and physicians to discuss in order to make wise decisions.

Here is a list of conditions to check for the best advice on how to proceed if a condition affects you.

Here is a complete list of Choosing Wisely recommendations.

Energy Drinks May Have Heart-Related Side Effects

At a recent meeting of the American Heart Association researchers reported that energy drinks may have harmful side effects, even among the healthy. In those who drank only 1-3 cans of a drink, systolic blood pressure (the top number in a BP reading) was higher. Also, in those who consumed this type of drink the QT internal, a segment of the heart’s rhythm on an EKG, was longer. Prolonged QT intervals can cause serious irregular heartbeats and even sudden cardiac death. To read more about the study highlights go to American Heart Association Meeting Report.

"Disaster Hero" Helps Children Prepare for Emergencies

Kids in grades one to eight can learn how to prepare for disasters and emergency situations by playing "Disaster Hero," a new online video game from the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). Players create their own hero  to compete with cartoon heros, who are "elite disaster specialists." The scenarios include earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods.  The goal is to teach children the basics of preparedness. "Disaster Hero" also has games, puzzles, and quizzes where children learn about escape routes, avoiding hazards, and putting together emergency kits. The website also has parent and teacher resources. ACEP developed the game with funding from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). "Disaster Hero" is available at http://www.disasterhero.com.

Neti Pots and Other Nasal Irrigation Systems

Many people who have sinus problems often treat themselves by using nasal irrigation systems such as the Neti pot.  The FDA recently released a report about these devices, including some questions and answers and how to use them safely.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm316375