With inflation knocking at the door of Americans and family budgets being stretched thin,
many of us are struggling from the unhealthy effects of rising health care costs and health
insurance premiums. Today over 147 million Americans have no health insurance. Many of
those people are facing personal bankruptcies which are currently at an all time high. A
recent study showed that unpaid medical bills were a major contributor to over half of
personal bankruptcies in our country today. But it doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is
a few moments to fill out the form below, and then you can get affordable health insurance
quotes from multiple insurance providers!
many of us are struggling from the unhealthy effects of rising health care costs and health
insurance premiums. Today over 147 million Americans have no health insurance. Many of
those people are facing personal bankruptcies which are currently at an all time high. A
recent study showed that unpaid medical bills were a major contributor to over half of
personal bankruptcies in our country today. But it doesn't have to be that way. All it takes is
a few moments to fill out the form below, and then you can get affordable health insurance
quotes from multiple insurance providers!
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| Call Now For A Free Consultation & Quote 1-866-983-4222 |
| Low Cost Health Insurance Can Prevent Bankruptcy! |
| Quality Insurance Guarantee We promise to give you quality health insurance at an affordable cost. |
| Timely Service Guarantee Turning Point Benefits Group is dedicated to a no-nonsense approach to health insurance in North Carolina and South Carolina. We focus on giving you the insurance you need in a timely and cooperative manner. |
| Turning Point Benefits Group Copyright 2008 :: Terms Of Use |
| Get Your Free Quotes Now! |
Low cost health insurance is an important part of personal financial planning. With
health care costs rising much faster than inflation, medical costs have become a
large part of an individual's financial picture. For more free advice and information
on many aspects of personal financial planning, visit:
www.Great-Financial-Planning.com
To keep up to date on current financial topics, visit the blog:
www.Turning-Point.us
Many people who have not yet shopped to buy their own insurance plans wonder
how much a family insurance plan will cost.
We are an independent insurance brokerage representing many major health
insurance carriers in multiple states. We have a wide variety of affordable, low cost
health insurance plans ranging from the very budget friendly to the most benefit rich
plans available. Health insurance plans have many moving parts that all effect the
monthly premium. Things like deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, prescription drug
deductibles all have an effect on how low your monthly premiums will be. We can
help you customize your health insurance plan so that it fits into your monthly
budget. Just fill out the simple form above to get your free health insurance quotes
now.
SWINE FLU Update (From Coventry Healthcare, AKA Wellpath)
Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Coventry Health Care has been monitoring the developing outbreak of Influenza
H1N1 (Swine Flu) across the country. According to the best information available, the
flu vaccine administered for the 2008-2009 flu season does not seem to be effective
in preventing H1N1, but anti-viral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza
(zanamivir) have been shown to be effective in combating it.
As such, Coventry has liberalized our policies regarding the administration of Tamiflu
and Relenza in a manner that meets CDC treatment and prevention
recommendations. Moreover, we will reactivate our influenza drug monitoring
program as a way to monitor H1N1 activity in our membership. We anticipate that
this situation will change quickly in the near future and, we will enhance and modify
our programs as necessary to respond appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, usually seen in pigs, caused by the influenza virus
H1N1. Humans do not normally get H1N1, but people who come into close contact
with pigs can get infected.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?
Symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular flu: fever, cough,
sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported
diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 as well. In the past, like seasonal flu,
severe illness (for example, pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have
been reported with H1N1 infection in people. Also like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause
existing chronic medical conditions to become worse.
Is H1N1 contagious?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the
current H1N1 outbreak is contagious - possible to spread from human to human.
However, at this point the CDC does not know how easily the virus spreads. People
with H1N1 should be considered potentially contagious as long as they show
symptoms and possibly up to 7 days following the start of the illness. Children,
especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.
What is being done about the H1N1?
The White House, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are monitoring the situation and working
with local, state, and public health agencies to gather information. Public health
officials have increased surveillance both within the United States and in Mexico.
People have been asked to contact both their public health office and their doctors if
they believe they have been exposed to H1N1. The CDC is posting the latest
information about the outbreak in the US and Mexico on its website www.cdc.
gov/flu/swine.
Is it safe to travel?
At this time, there are no travel restrictions in place for any country. Please continue
to monitor the situation for any travel advisories that may be posted on the CDC
website.
How can I protect myself against H1N1?
There are some simple steps that people can take to help prevent the spread of
germs that cause diseases, including H1N1.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based or anti-bacterial hand
cleaners also work.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Is there a vaccine that protects against H1N1?
No, there is currently not a vaccine that protects against the H1N1 strain associated
with the current outbreak.
Can I get H1N1 by eating pork or pork products?
There is nothing to show that H1N1 can be passed through food. Eating properly
handled and cooked pork, and pork products, is safe. Cooking pork to an internal
temperature of 160° F kills bacteria and viruses.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with the flu or a flu-like illness, it is recommended that you:
• Call your doctor or health care provider
• Stay home from work or school
• Stay away from others to avoid infecting them
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs spread this way
How serious is a H1N1 infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 in humans can vary from a mild case to a severe case.
Between 2005 and January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 were detected in the US
with no deaths reported. However, H1N1 infection can be serious. In 1976 Fort Dix,
New Jersey experienced an outbreak of more than 200 cases. Several people were
seriously ill, and one died. In September 1988, a previously healthy, pregnant 32-
year-old woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after contracting H1N1.
She died 8 days later. It is too soon for anyone to know how serious the current
outbreak will be. Please continue to monitor the situation at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.
You may also follow developments on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.gov.
Is there a medication I can take if I get H1N1?
Recommendations for use of antiviral medications may change as more data on how
susceptible this strain of H1N1 is to the drugs becomes available. Antiviral treatment
should be considered for people with confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of
H1N1. Treatment with antiviral medications should be started as soon as possible
after the onset of symptoms because the evidence for benefits is strongest when
treatment is started within 48 hours of onset.
However, some studies have shown benefit, including reduced deaths or shorter
hospitalization, even for patients whose treatment started more than 48 hours after
onset. The recommended length of treatment is five days. Follow your doctor's
instructions for treatment exactly based on the age of the infected person. Treatment
of hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for flu complications should be a
top priority.
What if I don't have H1N1, but I think I may be or have been exposed to
H1N1?
Antiviral medication is recommended for prevention of H1N1 if there is a potential for
exposure to H1N1, or if you were exposed within the last 10 days, if you are:
• A person with high-risks for flu complications living in a household in close
contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case
• A school-age child with high risks for flu complications who had close, face-to-
face, contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case
• A traveler to Mexico with high-risks for flu complications
• A health care worker or public health worker who was not using appropriate
personal protective equipment during close contact with a confirmed, probable, or
suspect case of H1N1 during the case's infectious period
Antiviral medication should be considered for prevention of H1N1 if there is a
potential for exposure to H1N1 and you are:
• A health care worker with high-risks for flu complications who is working in an
area of the health care facility that contains patients with confirmed H1N1, or who is
caring for patients with any acute respiratory illness
• A non-high risk person who is traveling to Mexico, a first-responder, or a border
worker who is working in areas with confirmed cases of H1N1
People with high-risks of flu complications include:
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People 65 or older
• Children younger than 5
• Pregnant women
Does Coventry cover antiviral medications?
Coventry has arranged to cover both Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) in
accordance with the current CDC recommendations for H1N1 for members who have
pharmacy benefits through Coventry. Members should check their Prescription Drug
List for information about what tier the medications are on. If you have questions, you
can call the Pharmacy Help Desk number on the back of your ID card.
Should I ask my doctor for a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza to keep on
hand just in case?
No. Purchasing and having "on hand" medications takes drugs out of the pharmacy
and makes them less available to flu patients who actually need it. Also,
inappropriate use of the drugs, for things like a runny nose, can lead to the
development of viruses that are resistant to them making the few medications
available to treat serious flu cases less effective. Your best course of care is to seek
medical attention if you become ill. If there is a need for an antiviral flu medication,
your doctor should be the one to advise you and prescribe it. Your doctor is the best
person to stay up-to-date on the types of diseases going around and give you the
appropriate advice.
health care costs rising much faster than inflation, medical costs have become a
large part of an individual's financial picture. For more free advice and information
on many aspects of personal financial planning, visit:
www.Great-Financial-Planning.com
To keep up to date on current financial topics, visit the blog:
www.Turning-Point.us
Many people who have not yet shopped to buy their own insurance plans wonder
how much a family insurance plan will cost.
We are an independent insurance brokerage representing many major health
insurance carriers in multiple states. We have a wide variety of affordable, low cost
health insurance plans ranging from the very budget friendly to the most benefit rich
plans available. Health insurance plans have many moving parts that all effect the
monthly premium. Things like deductibles, co-pays, co-insurance, prescription drug
deductibles all have an effect on how low your monthly premiums will be. We can
help you customize your health insurance plan so that it fits into your monthly
budget. Just fill out the simple form above to get your free health insurance quotes
now.
SWINE FLU Update (From Coventry Healthcare, AKA Wellpath)
Influenza H1N1 (Swine Flu)
Coventry Health Care has been monitoring the developing outbreak of Influenza
H1N1 (Swine Flu) across the country. According to the best information available, the
flu vaccine administered for the 2008-2009 flu season does not seem to be effective
in preventing H1N1, but anti-viral medications like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza
(zanamivir) have been shown to be effective in combating it.
As such, Coventry has liberalized our policies regarding the administration of Tamiflu
and Relenza in a manner that meets CDC treatment and prevention
recommendations. Moreover, we will reactivate our influenza drug monitoring
program as a way to monitor H1N1 activity in our membership. We anticipate that
this situation will change quickly in the near future and, we will enhance and modify
our programs as necessary to respond appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is swine flu?
Swine flu is a respiratory disease, usually seen in pigs, caused by the influenza virus
H1N1. Humans do not normally get H1N1, but people who come into close contact
with pigs can get infected.
What are the signs and symptoms of H1N1 in people?
Symptoms of H1N1 in people are similar to the symptoms of regular flu: fever, cough,
sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported
diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 as well. In the past, like seasonal flu,
severe illness (for example, pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have
been reported with H1N1 infection in people. Also like seasonal flu, H1N1 may cause
existing chronic medical conditions to become worse.
Is H1N1 contagious?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that the
current H1N1 outbreak is contagious - possible to spread from human to human.
However, at this point the CDC does not know how easily the virus spreads. People
with H1N1 should be considered potentially contagious as long as they show
symptoms and possibly up to 7 days following the start of the illness. Children,
especially younger children, might be contagious for longer periods.
What is being done about the H1N1?
The White House, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), and the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are monitoring the situation and working
with local, state, and public health agencies to gather information. Public health
officials have increased surveillance both within the United States and in Mexico.
People have been asked to contact both their public health office and their doctors if
they believe they have been exposed to H1N1. The CDC is posting the latest
information about the outbreak in the US and Mexico on its website www.cdc.
gov/flu/swine.
Is it safe to travel?
At this time, there are no travel restrictions in place for any country. Please continue
to monitor the situation for any travel advisories that may be posted on the CDC
website.
How can I protect myself against H1N1?
There are some simple steps that people can take to help prevent the spread of
germs that cause diseases, including H1N1.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw
the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or
sneeze. If soap and water are not available, alcohol-based or anti-bacterial hand
cleaners also work.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Is there a vaccine that protects against H1N1?
No, there is currently not a vaccine that protects against the H1N1 strain associated
with the current outbreak.
Can I get H1N1 by eating pork or pork products?
There is nothing to show that H1N1 can be passed through food. Eating properly
handled and cooked pork, and pork products, is safe. Cooking pork to an internal
temperature of 160° F kills bacteria and viruses.
What should I do if I get sick?
If you get sick with the flu or a flu-like illness, it is recommended that you:
• Call your doctor or health care provider
• Stay home from work or school
• Stay away from others to avoid infecting them
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth as germs spread this way
How serious is a H1N1 infection?
Like seasonal flu, H1N1 in humans can vary from a mild case to a severe case.
Between 2005 and January 2009, 12 human cases of H1N1 were detected in the US
with no deaths reported. However, H1N1 infection can be serious. In 1976 Fort Dix,
New Jersey experienced an outbreak of more than 200 cases. Several people were
seriously ill, and one died. In September 1988, a previously healthy, pregnant 32-
year-old woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia after contracting H1N1.
She died 8 days later. It is too soon for anyone to know how serious the current
outbreak will be. Please continue to monitor the situation at www.cdc.gov/flu/swine.
You may also follow developments on the DHHS website at www.dhhs.gov.
Is there a medication I can take if I get H1N1?
Recommendations for use of antiviral medications may change as more data on how
susceptible this strain of H1N1 is to the drugs becomes available. Antiviral treatment
should be considered for people with confirmed, probable, or suspected cases of
H1N1. Treatment with antiviral medications should be started as soon as possible
after the onset of symptoms because the evidence for benefits is strongest when
treatment is started within 48 hours of onset.
However, some studies have shown benefit, including reduced deaths or shorter
hospitalization, even for patients whose treatment started more than 48 hours after
onset. The recommended length of treatment is five days. Follow your doctor's
instructions for treatment exactly based on the age of the infected person. Treatment
of hospitalized patients and patients at higher risk for flu complications should be a
top priority.
What if I don't have H1N1, but I think I may be or have been exposed to
H1N1?
Antiviral medication is recommended for prevention of H1N1 if there is a potential for
exposure to H1N1, or if you were exposed within the last 10 days, if you are:
• A person with high-risks for flu complications living in a household in close
contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case
• A school-age child with high risks for flu complications who had close, face-to-
face, contact with a confirmed, probable, or suspected case
• A traveler to Mexico with high-risks for flu complications
• A health care worker or public health worker who was not using appropriate
personal protective equipment during close contact with a confirmed, probable, or
suspect case of H1N1 during the case's infectious period
Antiviral medication should be considered for prevention of H1N1 if there is a
potential for exposure to H1N1 and you are:
• A health care worker with high-risks for flu complications who is working in an
area of the health care facility that contains patients with confirmed H1N1, or who is
caring for patients with any acute respiratory illness
• A non-high risk person who is traveling to Mexico, a first-responder, or a border
worker who is working in areas with confirmed cases of H1N1
People with high-risks of flu complications include:
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People 65 or older
• Children younger than 5
• Pregnant women
Does Coventry cover antiviral medications?
Coventry has arranged to cover both Tamiflu (oseltamivir) and Relenza (zanamivir) in
accordance with the current CDC recommendations for H1N1 for members who have
pharmacy benefits through Coventry. Members should check their Prescription Drug
List for information about what tier the medications are on. If you have questions, you
can call the Pharmacy Help Desk number on the back of your ID card.
Should I ask my doctor for a prescription for Tamiflu or Relenza to keep on
hand just in case?
No. Purchasing and having "on hand" medications takes drugs out of the pharmacy
and makes them less available to flu patients who actually need it. Also,
inappropriate use of the drugs, for things like a runny nose, can lead to the
development of viruses that are resistant to them making the few medications
available to treat serious flu cases less effective. Your best course of care is to seek
medical attention if you become ill. If there is a need for an antiviral flu medication,
your doctor should be the one to advise you and prescribe it. Your doctor is the best
person to stay up-to-date on the types of diseases going around and give you the
appropriate advice.
"Turning Point Benefits
insurance fast, and at a great
rate. We would recommend
them to anyone!"
-Tom & Jennifer L.
insurance fast, and at a great
rate. We would recommend
them to anyone!"
-Tom & Jennifer L.
