Author: Brian Scopinich

Access to health (for) Everyone Everywhere

With one in ten people not having health insurance in the United States, I think it’s safe to say we have an access problem within the industry. But what does it mean to have real access to healthcare? It’s more than just being given a single option, take it or leave it. It’s more than being trapped for a year paying for coverage you don’t understand. 

Here at HealthEE by HBG, access means two things, education, and freedom. First, you should control your health and be free to choose how much coverage is right for you—space in selecting the range and longevity of the coverage. Only want benefits while you are between jobs, waiting to join your partner’s plan, or enduring a waiting period for a new job? Then, you can use HealthEE by HBG. More than just the power of choice, with our advisors on the Ask Evan team, you have access to guidance and education to understand better why you need what you need. We’ve taken something as guarded and confusing as healthcare and turned the conversation to ease and possibility. With Ask Evan in your corner, no question is too small. Your dedicated advisor will take you step by step through how the process works, yes, but also have a casual and honest conversation about your lifestyle and health needs. Once you understand what you need, you can enter our online marketplace and add your coverage to your cart. 

Having access is a power in itself. In our first year, HealthEE by HBG has provided this power to 125,000 members through association partnerships within real estate, logistics, teachers, healthcare, and a myriad of other industries. You can also wield the power of access by scheduling a call with our ask Evan team here or browsing the original online store that started it all here.

Sweet as Apple Pie

I grew up in a huge apple pie family. It could be the middle of July, but if the family was getting together, grandma made at least two pies for the occasion. As yummy as they are, apple pie isn’t the healthiest of recipes, so I scoured for something a bit more health-conscious that still gave me the same warm and cozy feeling as apple pie. 

Baked Cinnamon apples 

Difficulty level: Easy 

Ingredients:

  • 6 Apples 
  • 1 cup Old fashioned oats
  • 2 tablespoons of Coconut oil (melted)
  • 2 tablespoons Honey 
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (I always fudge this with a little extra for good measure)
  • ½ teaspoon Ground ginger 
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ cup Pecans (chopped) 
  • Optional – Apple cider 

Step 1: Core your apples & preheat your oven to 400

First, slice the top of your apple to create a flat surface. Next, take a sharp knife and carefully cut out the center of your apple. The goal is to get the seeds and make an apple bowl, if you will. You can squeeze a little lemon juice on top to prevent browning. 

Step 2: Grease an 8×8 oven-safe dish with cooking spray or coconut oil 

Step 3: Time to combine your oats, pecans, and spices. Add in melted coconut oil and honey. Now stir.

Step 4: Place your cored apples on your dish, pour in your oat mixture as evenly as you can and press the filling towards the center of the apples. 

Step 5: Pour water (or apple cider) into the bottom of the baking dish, cover the apples with foil and bake for about 30 minutes. For extra flavor, baste the apples with cider every 10 minutes. 

 

Step 6: Uncover the apples for the last 5 minutes. 

The apples should be fork tender when cooked, let cool and enjoy!

 

*Recipe via thecleaneatingcouple.com

How you can support your kids mentally this back to school

We are living through some unprecedented times, and even before the global pandemic, teenagers have been historically prone to believing no one quite understands them or what they are going through. Here are a few tips and friendly reminders to get you into the right headspace for supporting your kids returning to school this fall.

  1. Encourage sharing 
    • While they may not immediately pour their hearts out to you, making a point to check in and ask how your kids are doing consistently is always a great place to start. The key here is to encourage conversation, not criticism. As a parent, it’s easy to react quickly with an opinion or advice when sometimes kids want to be heard. Maybe you can return to how you feel about whatever they are sharing at a later moment. Still, at this moment, if your immediate response is negative, your kids may begin to associate talking about their problems with you with negativity which is not an association either of you want. Try more general, less polarizing initial reactions. 
  2. Support but take a step back where you can 
    • Setting goals and routines create structure and help kids develop a sense of responsibility. That being said, adolescents crave independence, and finding a balance between the two can negate the oh-so-common trope of teens feeling the need to sneak and lie. 
  3. Work through conflict together. 
    • Working through conflict goes hand in hand with our last point. Sure, you are the parent, and your kids should just trust and listen to you. Still, you are raising them to be independent, functioning members of society who will inevitably have their own opinions that may differ from yours or get themselves into situations that may cause you to be angry. Sometimes it’s best to walk away. At the moment, it can be challenging for both of you to articulate your feelings appropriately, which creates further frustrations and leaves room for one of you to say something you probably don’t mean. 
  4. Set an example and take care of your own mental health 
    • Even when they seem worlds away, your kids are watching you. How you take care of yourself and handle situations paves the road. Keeping an open mind when discussing therapy, depression, and anxiety will positively affect how your kids handle these issues on their own. There is no shame in recognizing you need help and seeking it. However, if you express a feeling otherwise, if your kids need help, they may not ask for it, and whatever is troubling them will only snowball into a more significant issue later down the line. 
  5. Ask for their opinions. 
    • Every parent wants their children to have a good life and to find fulfillment. It’s easy to refer back to gaps in your experience or try to instill your exact definition of success or societal standards simply because you think it will help them achieve happiness. Still, the truth is what provides you joy will not always provide enjoyment for your kids. When you truly love someone, you learn to agree to disagree with them. Whether regarding religion, politics, the way they want to cut their hair, their pronouns, their sexuality, or their style, remember they have long lives ahead of them to either flourish with their choices or change their minds and need a shoulder for support. 

6 Stretches you can do from your desk

The view from over our computer screens may have changed since the pandemic, with work from home reigning supreme for many. However, one thing that hasn’t changed is our computers being the center of our work world. Spending hours on screen can be draining, and it’s essential to be mindful of our bodies and take care of ourselves; one great way to do this is to use these six easy stretches throughout your day. They are all desk-friendly, and your back will thank you!

  1. Focus- Neck
    • Sitting up straight, slowly tilt your head to your right side and gently lift your right hand to the top of your head to extend the stretch. Do this on either side for 5-10 seconds each and repeat when needed.
  2. Focus- Shoulders 
    • Extend your hands in front of you and intertwine your fingers, palms facing away from your body. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds if you want a little more stretch to push into your hands slightly.
  3. Focus- Back 
    • For this stretch, you can sit, but it works better standing. Reach your right hand over your head in a sweeping motion resting your left hand on your hip. Hold here for 5-10 seconds and switch. 
  4. Focus- Hands 
    • Hand stretches are not as widely discussed, but with our hands in constant motion between our computers and phones, they deserve some love. Reach your arms straight out in front of your hands in fists, roll your wrists in circles after five circles, and switch and roll counterclockwise. Now straighten out your fists, and with your palms facing away from you, use one hand to pull your fingers back towards your chest. Everybody’s flexibility is different so take this slow. 
  5. Focus- Legs 
    • This one does require you to stand. Standing straight, pull your leg back, pointing your toes as if to reach up and touch your toe to your behind, and hold your foot here. You can use your desk or a nearby wall to steady yourself. Again everybody’s flexibility is different, so if you can’t fully tuck your knee back on the first go, that’s OK stretching takes practice. Over time, this and the other stretches will become easier. We recommend 15 seconds on each side to start. 
  6. Focus- Shoulders and upper arms 
    • Take your right arm horizontally across your chest, and take your left hand at a vertical angle over your arm. You should feel this one on the outside of your upper arm. Hold here for 15 seconds each. 

Doing these stretches once or twice a day will help you feel less tension and looser as you leave whatever your office is for you and continue your day. 

Beyonce said release your job, so you did….Now what do you do if you get sick?

Now we can’t blame Beyonce for the great resignation, but “Break My Soul” sits top of our minds as the movement’s anthem. The traditional 9-5 has been a quintessential puzzle piece in achieving the American dream for generations. In contrast, the past two years’ events made 9-5 the furthest thing from a dream for many Americans.
The lockdown of 2020 was an eye opener for employees. From the flexibility of work from home to the considerations one can take for their mental health, there were many factors leading employees to make the jump.
Forging your own path is an admirable pursuit, but don’t forget to take care of your health along the way. Leaving a full-time job means leaving the insurance that came with that job. Now you may be rolling the dice and going uninsured, but if the past two years have taught us anything, it should be how life can change in a blink of an eye.
Here you are at the start of a new chapter of your career. The last thing any freelancer wants is to pay out of pocket for medical bills. You don’t need a traditional full-time job to have health care; you need HealthEE by HBG. Our online marketplace has a variety of insurance packages at low costs that you can purchase on a monthly or quarterly basis. No open enrollment, no employer sponsor, no 9-5 required. We want you to have the freedom and flexibility you left your job for.

HealthEE Habits For A Healthy Life

Summer is a time for spontaneity, too much ice cream, day trips to the beach, and sun on our faces. But as we move into August, we must come back to reality and check in with ourselves. August is the best time to evaluate what works with my routines and what doesn’t. Especially here in New York, the change of the seasons makes it difficult to stay motivated, and I find having consistent habits an excellent grounding element. If you have been searching for a new routine or want to spruce up your current one, look no further. Here are six habits for a healthier life,

Stretch every morning,

Stretching takes only a few minutes and will set your day up for success. In our monthly newsletter, we share stretches specific to lifestyle. Next month we will be sharing stretches designed for desk workers, you can sign up to receive the newsletter by filling out the get in touch form here, but an excellent place to start is to reach down and touch your toes. My mother has always taught me that if she can still feel her toes, so should I, and I extend this challenge to you. Do you want to be outdone by my mom? I didn’t think so. If you can’t quite reach out of the gates, no biggie; every day, try to reach a little lower. However, if you can touch your toes with no problem, I challenge you to put your back against a wall, heels touching the wall, and bend, keeping your legs flesh to the wall for a bit more of a challenge. 

8 hours of sleep a night,

This habit is much harder in the summer when it seems there is every reason to stay out or finish that beach read, but your body will thank you for the extra recharge, and your heart will probably thank you too for not needing as many cups of coffee. 

Stay up to date with your checkups and doctor’s visits,

With the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget that appointment you scheduled six months ago before whatever fabulous plans landed in your lap, but keeping those appointments is essential to your health. Especially with affordable preventative essential care options available here, there is no reason not to go. 

Read everyday,

The average attention span of a human is 8.25 seconds. The average attention span of a goldfish is 9 seconds. I’m not talking about the average teen human or whoever you think is more addicted to technology than you are. That’s humans across the board. Whether it be a news article or a book, reading more than captions and tweets will be more stimulating for your mind and your sanity- not everything you read on social media is worth your time. 

Go easy on yourself and practice self-love,

Now I can almost feel your eyes rolling. “self-love” has been quite the buzzword as of late, but there is a good reason. Now, this looks different for everyone. Self-love to me can be walking by the dog park or journaling. But it can also be more subtle, talking to yourself in a kinder tone, not being mad at yourself for your mistakes, and complimenting yourself instead of criticizing when you walk by a mirror. Self-care to my brother is having the latest Yankees t-shirt. Well, each to each your own. There are no rules as long as what you’re doing makes you happy and brings you a sense of peace. 

Drinking water, 

Get yourself a reusable cup or bottle to keep by your desk and watch as, almost unconsciously, you drink more water. Drinking water helps every part of your body, from your joints to your brain to your internal body temperature. The benefits of water need no introduction. You simply have to choose to dedicate yourself to drinking at least2 liters of water a day. 

The Do’s & The Don’ts Of Benefits

Finding Insurance can be frustrating. With all the jargon and confusing requirements, consumers often end up with coverage they can’t even afford to use, but won’t realize until they are in the emergency room or leaving the doctors and peak at the bill. Worse, traditionally, insurance contracts are a year-long commitment. Locking you into your insurance for the entire year. Nothing is worse than an overpriced jail sentence leaving you scared to get sick. Whether you currently have the coverage you don’t love or are a recent addition to the roster after turning 26; we’ve broken down the do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking benefits:

Do- Ask Questions!

56% of people admit they’re completely lost when understanding their health insurance* Imagine you are purchasing a house or a car. You want those life pillar purchases to be well informed. So you hire an inspector or request a vehicle history report. When you buy insurance, whether, for a car or house or your health, you should use the same fine tooth comb in selecting your coverage because, like a car or a house, coverage is not one size fits all. You seek different needs in a home than your friends or peers and it is the same with your insurance. Not knowing where to start is OK. The confusion surrounding how insurance works sparked us to put Evan to work with a team. Ask Evan is not a salesperson. He is an educator the same way a home inspector isn’t trying to sell you a home but is there to help you know what lies between the walls. Ask Evan is available to help you read between the lines of the traditional industry jargon.

Don’t- Put off enrolling in life insurance. 

When we are healthy and young, it is easy to justify putting off life insurance. Especially with other pressing purchases to be made, but as we get older and our health becomes more and more at risk, the price of policies only gets higher. The life insurance policy you can get today will not be there when you’re five years older. 

Do- Protect all members of your family- AKA keep your furry friends healthy and happy. 

Nothing is better than coming home from a long day to an excited tail wagging. Our pets are dependable sources of love and cuddles (unless you’ve got a cat or a bird, but hey that’s on you), and we as their owners are their whole world. If there were a way for them to stay waiting for us at that door day in and day out forever, I know I’d be the first in line. Unfortunately, like us, pets get old or get hurt. When this happens, it’s not a question of if you want them better but whether you can afford the strain of treatment or surgery. Getting pet insurance is a proactive approach to your pet’s health. We can’t make them live forever, but we can give you a sense of security regarding their health protection. 

Don’t- Go without medical coverage.

No one is superhuman. Going without medical coverage is rolling the dice on your health. If the past few years have taught us anything, it should be that life can change in an absolute blink. To that point, life happens, and if you find yourself between jobs or on a new path, you can still get medical coverage. We have low-cost essential medical coverage available here.

Do- Shop for coverage using trusted sources like HealthEE by HBG. 

The HealthEE by HBG store is available to everyone, built by industry experts with decades of experience to provide access to coverage for all and education about that coverage. Whether you’re a freelancer, a part-time employee, or can’t make heads or tails of your employer-sponsored plan, HealthEE is a trusted resource for browsing and getting your questions answered. Our Ask Evan support team is full of real people, all with the goal of not selling you coverage but helping you understand your options and working through what will work best for your lifestyle. From cost to service to flexibility, our team has done the work, so you don’t have to.  

Coverage You Didn’t Know You Needed, Until Now…

Everyone knows the basics regarding insurance; typically, you’ve got medical, vision, and dental, which dominate most employer-sponsored coverage plans; however, there is lots of red tape and restrictions regarding coverage. You may think you are well protected, but read on to discover all the coverage options available to you and your family so you can rest easier;

For starters, it is never too early for life insurance. But unfortunately, nearly 50% of Americans don’t have any. This lack of life-insured Americans could be primarily due to typical 9-5 employer-sponsored plans excluding the option, but the longer you wait, the more you pay, and the less secure you leave your family.

For many, having a sense of home is quintessential to feeling safe, but our homes aren’t untouchable. You can face crushing repairs and replacement costs in a fire, break-in, or natural disaster. We know you would want your sense of home reinstated asap, and one way of ensuring such is to have a comprehensive but budget-friendly renters and home insurance policy. So if your home is where your heart is, don’t leave yours uninsured.

Our furry friends are one of the family. They eat with us, watch tv with us and unfortunately grow old. As they grow older, they, like us, are more vulnerable to sickness. Unexpected pet emergencies can strain your finances, especially if they require ongoing care. Be proactive and protect your pets so you and your family can enjoy their love for their entire lives.

Accidents happen, and we are all guilty of leaving something behind, whether it be a pair of sunglasses, AirPods, or our phone. Who among us hasn’t had to replace a bike, laptop, or tennis racket over a split-second fumble or left their phone after a mad dash out of an uber. When these mistakes occur, you can face high prices to replace your personal belongings. AKKO offers plans to ensure up to 25 items for just $15 a month, a steal compared to the high ticket of apple care or replacing items independently.

In today’s digital age, there are endless opportunities for your identity to become vulnerable. Whether you open an email from a supposed prince by mistake or a password becomes compromised, even the most careful among us are vulnerable. Identity theft requires an inconvenient, lengthy, and highly costly recovery process. For years to come, you may have tax and credit issues. In 2021 the average victim of identity fraud lost more than $1,000 per incident. Everyone with a digital footprint is at risk making identity protection a necessity that is more affordable than you think.

You never think you or your family will be in an accident or diagnosed with cancer until it is. When the unimaginable happens, the last thing anyone wants to think about is money, but when the medical bill starts rolling in, rest easy knowing you’ve got coverage that will take care of you and those you love.

Now that you know about these options why wait, browse these coverage options and more here.  

 

3 Common Life Insurance Myths

Did you know that only 31% of Americans say they are “very” or “extremely” knowledgeable regarding life insurance?* The insurance world can be overwhelming for many, but it doesn’t have to be. It is said that the truth can set you free, so today, we are freeing you by busting some of the most common myths surrounding life insurance. 

If you think, “I have group life through my work; I don’t need an individual policy.” I hate to rain on your parade, but this is a classic myth, group life often provides $20,000 or just a single year’s salary, which isn’t nearly enough to ensure your family has financial security when they need it most. On the other hand, an individual life insurance policy offers up to $2 million in coverage. In addition, policies start at just $9 a month, a bargain that will give your family a sense of stability knowing they are financially protected.

“I can always get life insurance later.” Another misinformed myth, as we get older, our health becomes increasingly more at risk leading to policies increasing in price. If you wait too long, your rate will be exceedingly higher than if you lock in a lower rate while you’re healthy.

“It’s too expensive,” You’re not alone in this train of thought; more than half of Americans overestimate the cost of life insurance by as much as three times a policy’s average rate*. However, individual life insurance is more affordable than you think.

Locking in your life insurance will save you and your family many headaches later down the line. So do your older self a favor and browse your options today, click here for a quote. 

*According to 2021 data from financial research firm LIMRA

We’ve Done The Work For You

A quick google search of insurance will produce a startling number of hits, all filled with confusing industry jargon. Many unable to break through the noise will purchase plans with too much or too little coverage. Having the wrong coverage doesn’t benefit anyone. Here at HBG, our team of experts are industry veterans that have seen it all and want to help you find benefits that do just that, benefit you. 

You may think your insurance options begin and end with your employer. However, we know how limiting this can be, our plans do not require employer sponsorship, meaning your coverage is yours and follows you in the event of a life change such as a job change or move within the country.

Our team has had decades of experience in the insurance industry and has curated an array of plans that are accessible and possible for everyday life. In addition, we have researched, reviewed, and vetted every carrier seeking the best value for our benefits, from cost to service to flexibility. As a result, we’ve taken insurance from a buzzword with 2,680,000,000 (and counting) search results to a user-friendly online store as easy to navigate as your favorite online retailers.

The Healthee by HBG expertise doesn’t stop with the online store itself. You can become an expert by utilizing our dedicated support team headed by Ask Evan, whose specialty is educating customers on their benefit options. The Ask Evan team is available to discuss plans that make sense for you and your family. So the next time you need to make a doctor’s appointment or have to order a prescription, you will do so with the confidence that what you need is covered and supported. Ask Evan your questions by text, phone, email, or virtual appointment. It’s never been easier to ask questions and educate yourself on your coverage.

Enjoy our hard work and expertise by browsing all our products here. We’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for medical plans, home, auto, supplemental coverage, or even device insurance, we’ve done the work for you.