New Rating Structure for Children 15 and Older

If you have a child that is age 15-20 be aware that their coverage through the Marketplace in 2018 will be higher than before.

The federal child age bands for premium rates have been updated to better reflect the health risk of children and to avoid significant premium increases for an individual when they reach age 21.

For the plan year 2018, there is:

• One age band for individuals age 0-14,
• One-year age bands for individuals between ages 15-63, and
• One age band for individuals age 64 and older

Vision Health and Eye Safety

As we lead busier and busier lives, we may not always take the best care of our vision.  When you add in the amount of time we all spend in front computers, tablets and smart phones, getting an annual eye exam can go beyond just getting a new pair of glasses or contacts.

According to American Optometric Association, if you are experiencing symptoms such as eye strain, fatigue, headaches, or even blurry vision, you may be suffering from Computer Vision Syndrome.  We never heard of this until now either.  To give your eyes a break, follow the “20-20-20” rule: every 20 minutes look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

 An annual eye exam may also detect signs of a serious health problem

• Diabetes
• Certain types of Cancer 
• Heart disease
• Glaucoma
• High Blood pressure
• Rates effective as of 7/1/2017
• Macular Degeneration

Tips to protect your vision:

• Eating plenty of dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale
• Eating fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, albacore tuna, and trout.
• Wash your hands before removing your contacts
• Clean your contact lenses to avoid infections
• Wear protective eyewear including sunglasses that block UVA and UVB Radiation
• Wear protective eyewear at work and during sports

Sample Rates for Individual/Family As of 7/1/2017
Individual	$14.51
Individual + Spouse	$24.60
Individual + Child(ren)	$37.74
Family	$37.74

Written By Bud Fassnacht

Benefits of Regular Dental Exams

Not everyone enjoys going to the dentist. However, did you know that having a regular dental checkup can detect other health problems you may not even be aware of?

According to the American Dental Association more than 90% of all systemic diseases have oral manifestations, including swollen gums, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and excessive gum problems.

Some of these diseases include:

• Diabetes
• Leukemia
• Oral cancer
• Certain types of Cancer
• Heart disease
• Kidney disease

Having a regular dental exam can catch the early signs of gum disease. Research has shown gum disease has links to other medical problems including:
Osteoporosis

• Alzheimer’s
• Kidney & Pancreatic Cancer 
• Heart Disease
• Respiratory Disease
• Increased risk of premature birth

Tips for better oral hygiene:

• Brushing your teeth for two to three minutes - twice a day. 
• Flossing daily to remove plaque from places your toothbrush can’t reach. 
• Eating a healthy diet 
• Avoiding cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. 
• Seeing your dentist immediately when you have any unusual oral symptoms like bad breath, mouth sores, red or swollen gums or sore jaws

Many Dental plans cover x-rays at least once a year under preventative benefits and exams plus general cleanings twice a year with no waiting periods or cost to you. 

Sample Rates for Individual/Family
Individual	$35
Individual + Spouse	$69
Individual + Child(ren)	$90
Family	$125

 



     Rates Effective 3/1/2017

If you have any questions or would like more information on available dental plans please contact Creekstone Benefits at (740) 967-0210.

Written by Bud Fassnacht