Cold vs. COVID: Symptoms and Treatment Understanding the differences between respiratory diseases helps you protect yourself and your loved ones and get the proper treatment quickly if an infection does occur. While the common cold and COVID-19 can cause similar symptoms, these illnesses have marked differences. A basic knowledge of these contrasts will help you take care of yourself and get efficient treatment. Read more

Cold Vs Flu: What's the Difference? When you start to feel a tickle in your throat or a sniffle in your nose, you may wonder if you've caught a cold or the flu. Both ailments are respiratory infections, but they're caused by different viruses and can have significantly different levels of severity. Knowing which one you're dealing with is crucial for getting the right treatment and taking proper precautions to prevent spreading it to others. Read more

High Cholesterol Education: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment High cholesterol is one of the most prevalent and dangerous medical conditions worldwide. Complicating matters is that high cholesterol is hard to detect on its own. It is often called a “silent killer” as it causes few noticeable symptoms, meaning those managing the condition may not even know they have it. Because of this, it’s essential to understand what high cholesterol is, its associated risks, and how to treat the condition. Read more

Can't Afford Health Insurance? 5 Ways to Save on Costs Health insurance costs are taking the biggest jumps in years, according to the Wall Street Journal. A recent report projects that costs for employer coverage will rise by around 6.5% for 2024, while premiums for people who have individual insurance plans sold under the Affordable Care Act are expected to rise by about 6% next year. If you find yourself in either situation, here are five important considerations for the future: Read more

Sexual Health Q&A When we talk about health, the conversation often revolves around diet, exercise, and mental wellness. While these aspects are undeniably crucial for a balanced life, there's another equally important facet of health that often gets swept under the rug—sexual health. In honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month, we spoke with Sesame’s medical director, Dr. Allison Edwards, MD, to address some questions about safe sex practices, contraceptive methods, and the importance of emotional well-being and healthy interpersonal relationships. Read more

Why Medicaid Redeterminations Are Paused in 12 States The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) is calling on a number of states to pause Medicaid redeterminations after identifying a number of disenrollment issues and procedural errors. Read more

Counselor or Therapist: What’s Best for Me? A counselor or therapist is a good place to start for those seeking treatment for a mental health problem or for people just looking to talk through life’s bumps and bruises with someone. While both of these types of caregivers work directly with patients to address their concerns and needs, their professions vary in crucial ways. Learning the difference between a counselor and a therapist can help you make a more informed decision about the type of care that’s best for you. Read more

Bloodshot Eyes: Causes and Relief Bloodshot eyes can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Whether you've just glanced in the mirror to find your eyes tinged with red, or you've been struggling with this issue for a while, you likely have questions. What causes bloodshot eyes? How can you find relief? And when should you consult a healthcare professional? Read more

First 10 Drugs Named for Medicare Price Negotiations On Tuesday morning, the U.S. government announced the first 10 drugs subject to direct negotiations between Medicare and pharmaceutical companies. For the first time ever, Medicare will be able to hash out medication prices directly with pharmaceutical manufacturers. The initiative aims to make essential medications more affordable for millions of Americans and marks a significant step in a broader strategy to rein in soaring drug costs. Read more

Psychiatrist or Psychologist: What’s Best for Me? Many people don’t know the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, if they know there is one. While both psychiatrists and psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, these professions differ slightly in how they approach the practice and the treatment options they can offer. Learning the difference between these mental health providers can help you make a more informed decision about who you see and why. Read more

Therapist or Psychologist: What’s Best for Me? Whether you are new to mental health care, getting back into it, or searching for a new provider, knowing the difference between practitioners makes all the difference in the world. Learning the difference between therapists and psychologists can help you make a more informed decision about who you see and why. Read more

Can Medication Treat Vision Loss? More than 90 million Americans over 40—3 in 5 people in this age range—have some form of vision loss. This includes 1 million people classified as legally blind and 3 million with vision impairment after correction. The National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates these numbers will double by the year 2050. If you or a loved one are managing vision loss, you should know that several treatment options are available to help slow the progression of your condition and even improve vision in some cases. Read more

Understanding Grief, Loss and Trauma: A Conversation with a Grief Counselor Grief is a deeply personal and universal experience that affects everyone at different times and in varying intensities at some point in their lives, whether it’s the passing of a family member or the end of a relationship. Unfortunately, talking about mourning, loss and trauma can be extremely difficult, and because of this, many of us have lingering questions about the grieving process. In honor of National Grief Awareness Day, we sat down with Sesame clinician Dr. Sarah Williams, LMHC, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in grief, loss, and trauma, to address these questions and more. Read more

Blue Shield Drops CVS for Cost Plus Drugs, Amazon In a significant healthcare industry shake-up, Blue Shield of California - one of the state’s largest health insurers - has made the decision to restructure its pharmacy benefit. Despite a long-standing relationship with CVS’s Caremark, they are hiring a new Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM), Abarca, and adding services from Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon Pharmacy for mail order delivery (largely for generic drugs). Read more

Back-to-School Health Tips August means it's time to start thinking about school again. Swimsuit racks become backpack aisles, and pool toys are swapped with school supplies on store shelves. Summer is winding down, and the new school year is approaching. We’ve put together a simple list of tips you can use to help ensure that your kids stay healthy and safe this coming year. Read more

Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine May Save Employers Cash, Study Finds With nearly 40% of Americans putting off medical care due to cost last year and healthcare costs topping $31,000 for a family of 4 in 2023, the need for a healthcare model that prioritizes accessible, affordable care has never been more critical – but new research hints that direct-to-consumer telemedicine may be part of the cure both for employees and employers. Read more

4 Benefits of Teledentistry Teledentistry has developed into a multibillion-dollar industry that is improving access to dental care for millions of Americans. The benefits of teledentistry are as profound as they are many. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most crucial advantages of teledentistry and how this exciting new platform can save you time and money. Read more

Lower Left Back Pain from Internal Organs Lower back pain is a condition that’s becoming increasingly common, affecting nearly 70% of adults at some stage in their lives. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that lower back pain, or LBP, is the single leading cause of disability worldwide. Lower back pain can often be attributed to injuries in muscles, ligaments or the spine. However, when the pain is felt on one side of your back, such as the lower left side of your back, it can be a sign of a more serious issue with internal organs like the kidneys, colon, uterus or pancreas. Read more

Breast Cancer: Facts and Resources Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 300,590 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in 2023. Globally, breast cancer accounts for 12.5% of all new cancer diagnoses yearly. To help better understand breast cancer—how prevalent it is, how it’s diagnosed and treated, and how to prevent it—we put together this guide. Read more

What is Teledentistry? Understanding Online Dental Care Telehealth (or telemedicine), the crossroads of telecommunication technologies and health care, changed Americans’ access to health care. From online mental health appointments to prescription refills, these live video meetings connect patients to health care providers in real-time. But what about oral health care? Read more

Statins Statins are a class of prescription drugs used to treat high cholesterol. According to Harvard Medical School, nearly half of American men between the ages of 65 and 74 use statins. Almost 39% of women over the age of 75 use these drugs. Nearly a quarter of all American adults over 45 are taking some form of statin medication for high cholesterol. In this article, we'll take a look at what statins are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

The Best Therapist Directories: Pricing, Pros and Cons of Listing Your Practice Therapist directory platforms have emerged as a critical tool for professionals seeking to expand their client base. Yet, with a plethora of choices available, understanding the benefits, limitations, and costs associated with each platform is vital for making an informed decision.Read more

4 UV Protection Products Protecting our skin from harmful UV rays is paramount, but let's face it - amidst the excitement of outdoor activities and the tranquility of lazy days, remembering to slather on another layer of sunscreen can slip our minds. That’s why we've compiled a list of innovative UV protection products to supplement your sunscreen usage and bridge the gaps in your summer skin routine. Read more

3 Benefits of Online Urgent Care Over the past four years, telehealth has become more and more prevalent in health care. Across a wide range of specialties, doctors and patients have found that video visits are effective, convenient and affordable. In this post, we’ll explore one of the leading areas for telehealth use: Urgent care. Read more

Diabetes Medication: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Diabetes medication is a broad family of drugs used to help control blood sugar levels in patients managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While there is a diversity of diabetes medications available, they are primarily administered in oral or injectable form. Most of these drugs contain some form of the insulin hormone, which plays a key role in regulating blood glucose (sugar) levels. In this article we will take a look at what diabetes medications are, what they're used for, and how to use them.
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Fibrates: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Fibrates are a class of drugs that lower triglyceride levels in the body. Health care providers use this combined action to treat high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) and high levels of lipids (hyperlipidemia) in adults. In this article we will take a look at what fibrates are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Bronchodilators: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Bronchodilators are drugs used to relieve asthma symptoms, allergic rhinitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). These drugs help dilate—or widen—the organs (bronchi) that allow airflow to and from the lungs. In this article we will take a look at what bronchodilators are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Urgent Care: Know Before You Go Urgent care centers provide crucial medical care for non-life-threatening medical concerns. Urgent care locations are plentiful and highly convenient. Visits to an urgent care clinic also cost, on average, less than a trip to a primary care doctor’s office. These medical facilities offer rapid, and high-quality care to patients who do not have health insurance or are under-insured, and often save patients an unnecessary trip to the emergency room. However, there are a few basic facts about urgent care facilities that you should keep in mind before you go. Read more

Is Medical Debt Affecting Your Credit? As health insurance deductibles and premiums increase at record numbers, medical debt is growing more and more common for millions of Americans. According to a recent Lending Tree Survey, almost a quarter of Americans have unpaid medical bills – and medical debt doesn't just impact those without insurance. Here’s what you need to know about medical debt and its impact on your credit score. Read more

Diuretics: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Diuretics, also known as water pills, help release excess fluid from the body through urine. This action is used to treat conditions such as high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, edema (fluid retention in the body), and other conditions. Diuretics pull sodium from the kidneys into the urine. This helps reduce overall fluid levels, which can lower blood pressure. In this article we will take a look at what diuretics are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Shopping for Care: How to Reboot the US Healthcare System Today in the New York Times, an excellent guest essay by a pair of economists, Drs. Liran Einav and Amy Finkelstein, highlights how America's fragmented approach to providing health care has us spending a lot but getting a little. Still, it's shocking to see that, despite large-scale reforms like the Affordable Care Act, the United States still spends twice as much, proportionally, as other countries for health care. Despite that, we spend just as much of a share of our economy on public financing for health care, compared to countries with universal insurance. [Read more]

Be Cool: Summer High-Temp Health Tips School’s out, the weather’s warm, and the living is easy. These summer months are perfect for outdoor adventures and soaking up as much sunshine as possible. Unfortunately, they’re also ripe for sunburns, dehydration, and other health problems that pause your plans. We want you and your family to get the most out of your summer activities. Whether heading to the beach, hiking, or tackling yard work, these simple safety tips can help you stay healthy and safe in high temperatures. [Read more]

Everything You Need to Know About Tick Bites Ticks are tiny, parasitic arachnids that feed on the blood of humans and animals. There are over 900 species of tick, many of which are found in the United States. Of this diversity, only a few types of tick actually bite and spread pathogens like viruses and bacteria that cause disease. While many tick bites are harmless and do not cause any symptoms, bites from a tick can cause an allergic reaction or worse. Because of this, tick bite identification, symptom monitoring, and treatment are crucial in preventing serious complications. Read more

NSAIDs: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) treat inflammation and pain symptoms caused by various medical conditions. NSAIDs are also known as pain relievers or painkillers. In this article we will take a look at what NSAIDs are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Antihistamines: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antihistamines are a class of drugs that are used to treat the symptoms of allergies. In this article we will take a look at what antihistamines are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Are You Choosing the Right Health Care Plan? Navigating the maze of healthcare plans can be a daunting task. Between the jargon, fine print and confusing acronyms, picking the right plan can feel incredibly overwhelming. In fact, the complexity of healthcare plans often leads people to spend more money than necessary. You might think that opting for a plan with a low deductible or shiny label like "Platinum" is the best choice, but the answer may surprise you. Read more

Birth Control Pills: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Birth control pills are oral contraceptives used to prevent pregnancy. These drugs are sometimes known as “the pill,” as they are commonly supplied as an oral tablet taken once a day. Birth control pills are among the most effective methods of birth control. When taken correctly, this form of birth control is 99% effective at preventing pregnancies. In this article, we will take a look at what birth control pills are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Antihypertensives: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antihypertensive drugs–also known as antihypertensive agents–are a class of medications used to treat high blood pressure. The word “antihypertensive” describes diverse sub-classes of drugs, all used to help lower blood pressure. In this article, we will take a look at what antihypertensives are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

HIV Prevention Drugs: What You Need to Know HIV is still an ongoing public health concern around the world, but there is no denying that we have entered an era marked by a steep reduction in newly diagnosed HIV cases. While testing rates have slowly increased, recent developments in preventive medicine have yielded some of the most dramatic results in slowing the spread of HIV. In this article, we will look at this relatively new class of prophylactic medication, specifically what these drugs are, how they work, and what to expect when taking them. Read more

Antidepressants: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antidepressants are prescription drugs used by health care professionals to treat depression. There are many different types of antidepressants. The word “antidepressant” is an umbrella classification for diverse subgroups of drugs used to treat depression. In this article, we will take a look at what antidepressants are, what they're used for, and how to use them. Read more

Should I Go To Urgent Care or the ER? Some health concerns require immediate medical attention. However, you may experience uncertainty about where to go to get the care you need. It’s not always easy to determine whether or not you need to go to a walk-in clinic, an urgent care center, or the emergency room. Here are the differences between these medical centers to help you make a more informed decision. Read more

Urgent Care vs. Primary Care: When and Where To Go Seeking medical care after an injury or illness can be stressful. Not only are you dealing with a medical problem, but you also may not know where to go. While primary care and urgent care clinics diagnose and treat many of the same conditions and concerns, there are significant nuances between these health care services. In this article, we’ll outline the differences between primary and urgent care and recommend where and when to go based on your condition. Read more

Minority Mental Health Month Since 2008, July has been designated as National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This observance is held in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, one of the founder members of the National Alliance on Mental Illness Urban Los Angeles. Her grassroots and creative work focused on mental health in BIPOC communities, making her a trailblazing figure in helping to destigmatize mental health conversations in underresourced communities. In honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, Sesame is joining organizations nationwide in observance of National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ve put together some basic facts and resources to push this conversation forward and pay tribute to Bebe Moore Campbell's work. Read more

Keeping Your Cholesterol in Check During Cook-out Season Nothing says “summer” like the smell of hamburgers and hotdogs sizzling on the grill. Unfortunately for our collective cardiovascular systems, however, the centerpieces of a summer cookout can significantly alter cholesterol levels and lead to damaging results for people managing high cholesterol or blood pressure levels. Don’t worry; you can make many heart-healthy swaps and changes and still enjoy a grilling session. These easy adjustments allow you to enjoy a delicious summer feast without worrying about spiking cholesterol levels. Read more

Food for the Brain: How to Eat for Your Mind The brain only makes up 2% of an adult’s body weight, but it consumes nearly 20% of the body’s energy. With that in mind, it only makes sense that keeping your body properly fueled is a key component of brain health and cognitive function. In honor of World Brain Day, we sought advice from Sesame registered dietitian nutritionist Brittany Bettingen MS, RDN, on how to bolster cognitive capabilities - memory, focus and beyond - through dietary modifications. Read more

Healthcare costs expected to rise 7% in 2024 Healthcare consumers across the nation are bracing themselves for an impending increase in healthcare costs. According to a recent report from major consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the cost of treating patients is projected to rise by 7% in 2024, driven by providers’ expense growth and subsequent rate increases. Read more

Antibiotics: Uses, Types, and Side Effects Antibiotics are a type of antimicrobial drug used to treat bacterial infections. Doctors use these drugs in the treatment of humans and animals. In this article, we will take a look at what antibiotics are, what they are used for, and how to use them. Read more

How To Treat A Sunburn When the allure of sunny days draws us outdoors, we often forget the flip side of soaking up the sun - the dreaded sunburn. The discomfort of sunburn is a common consequence of overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Common as they are, sunburns are more than just a temporary inconvenience; they can lead to significant discomfort and long-term skin and skin cell damage - including melanoma skin cancer - if not treated appropriately. Read more

3 Healthy Barbecue Sides As the long days of summer come calling, so do the irresistible aromas of sizzling barbecues, an undoubted centerpiece of backyard gatherings and sunset soirees. Luckily, nourishing your body doesn't have to mean compromising on taste. In this spirit, we've put a new spin on the quintessential BBQ menu and reimagined our favorite sides and salads with some fresh alternatives. The result? A lineup of healthy BBQ sides that are not just easy to prepare, but also align with your nutrition goals without skimping on the flavor factor. Read more

Sinus Infection vs. Cold Sinus infections and common colds cause many of the same symptoms, so much so that you may have a hard time distinguishing between the two. These conditions require different treatment methods, so knowing their differences is important. In this article, we will outline some of these illnesses' shared characteristics and symptoms. We will also dive into the significant differences between them. Read more

Do I Have a Sinus Infection? A sinus infection (acute sinusitis) is an infection of the nasal cavities. These spaces can become infected, inflamed, and swollen. This can lead to uncomfortable symptoms such as a stuffy nose and facial pain. So, what is a sinus infection? How do you know if you have one? In this article, we’ll look at the different types of sinus infections, what causes them, and more. Read more

Tired of Battling Your Health Insurance? Consider Cash-Pay Care Health insurance, by definition, is supposed to protect patients against financial risk so that they can access medical care. However, burgeoning data highlights that in the US, health insurance and insurance bills are some of the biggest barriers to medical care. According to a recent survey from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), almost 60 percent of insured adults in the US experienced health insurance problems such as denied claims, provider network issues, healthcare provider scarcity, pre-authorization problems and more. However, there is a promising alternative emerging: cash-pay care. Read more

7 Tips for a Safe Summer Vacation Ah, the allure of a well-deserved summer vacation. Whether you’re traveling towards the serene blue of the ocean, the lush foliage of mountain trails or the bustling energy of a new city, the thrill of packing up and setting off to an exciting locale is universal. Unfortunately, the change of environment, diet and routine that comes with travel can make you more susceptible to certain health ailments. From traveler's diarrhea to pesky insect bites, these vacation woes can dampen your holiday spirits and throw a wrench in your well-planned summer itinerary - especially if you don’t have access to your normal primary care provider or require out-of-state medical care. Read more

Men’s Mental Health June is Men’s Health Month–a whole month dedicated to raising awareness around men’s health issues and encouraging healthy habits in men. But June is about more than your physical health. Men’s Health Month also encompasses mental health for men. Sesame is committed to the destigmatization of mental health for everyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnic identity. To do so, we are joining organizations worldwide to celebrate Men’s Health Month. We’ve put together a fact sheet to shed some light on men’s mental health in the United States and a list of resources you can use to improve or maintain yours. Read more

Men’s Health Month Men’s Health Month was created in 1944 to raise awareness about preventable health problems and encourage a healthy lifestyle for both men and boys—a whole month dedicated to getting men to take charge of their health. To help you get started, Sesame has put together some simple tips to put you behind the wheel of your wellness journey. Read more

Best Antibiotics for Sinus Infection Sinus infections can be frustrating, painful, and prolonged. These infections of the sinus cavities in the skull are very similar to the common cold but often last longer and cause more pain. If you are experiencing a sinus infection, you want to get rid of it as fast as possible. We get that. In this article, we’ll look at your best antibiotic treatment options and whether or not this is the proper treatment for you. Read more

Best OTC Options for a Sinus Infection Sinus infections are responsible for nearly 73 million accumulated restricted activity days in the United States. Nearly 15% of Americans experience a sinus infection in a given year. These widespread infections cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, and facial pain. While a sinus infection causes symptoms similar to those of a common cold, several specific treatment options are available to reduce your symptoms. We’ve compiled a quick outline of what a sinus infection is before diving into how to start feeling better fast. Read more

UTI Symptoms and Causes Urinary tract infections–UTIs–are prevalent medical conditions affecting the urinary system. Nearly 10% of women get yearly UTIs, while 40-60% of all women will experience at least one UTI in their lifetime. While most UTI cases are easily treatable with medication and preventative measures, untreated UTIs can cause serious medical complications. That’s why we’ve put together this guide. Below, we will discuss UTI causes, risk factors, symptoms, treatment options, and preventative measures. Read more

Migraine Awareness: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment If you’ve ever experienced a migraine, you’re not alone - in fact, you’re one of almost one billion people who are affected by migraines worldwide. Migraines, which are often misunderstood or dismissed as "just a headache," can be disabling and disruptive to a person's daily life in more ways than one. In honor of National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we’re exploring some frequently asked questions about this common yet complex neurological condition. Read more

Protecting Yourself from Wildfire Smoke: Frequently Asked Questions As wildfires continue to burn in Canada, poor air quality conditions from wildfire smoke looms large in parts of the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The hazardous air quality and air pollution resulting from these fires can have detrimental effects on our health, particularly on the respiratory system. We’ve addressed some frequently-asked questions about air quality, wildfire smoke health risks and more below. Read more

Merck Pharmaceuticals Challenges Medicare Drug Price Negotiation
In an unprecedented move that's setting the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries abuzz, Merck & Co., a multinational pharmaceutical company, filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government on June 6th, 2023. We spoke with Mike Botta, PhD and co-founder of Sesame, to discuss the details of the lawsuit and its potential implications for both the healthcare industry and the millions of Americans who rely on Medicare for their prescription drugs. Read more

UTIs: Why Targeted Treatment Matters Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the top reasons for urgent care and telehealth visits, accounting for more than 8 million appointments a year. Yet despite the prevalence of UTIs, testing and treatment options for UTIs highlight room for improvement. Recent data indicates that roughly 60% of antibiotics prescribed for UTIs in the outpatient setting do not conform with clinical guidelines. Even more shockingly, about 40% of women who are experiencing UTIs struggle with repeat urinary tract infections. If you’ve ever had a UTI, are experiencing UTI symptoms, or have struggled with recurring UTIs in the past, read on. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of a targeted, correct UTI diagnosis, at-home UTI testing options and when to see a doctor about your infection. Read more

How to Find an LGBTQ+ Friendly Health Care Provider
Finding the right health care provider can be difficult for anyone, but members of the LGBTQ+ community have historically experienced even more significant challenges getting quality care. Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer experience marginalization, discrimination, and inadequate care due to their sexual and gender identities. Read more

Skin Cancer Awareness: Causes, Signs and Tips for Prevention May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which serves as an opportunity to shine a spotlight on one of the most common cancers in the world. Melanoma rates more than doubled from 1982 to 2011, and it’s estimated that almost 187,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2023. This data highlights that it’s never been more critical to be informed about skin cancer signs and prevention. In this blog, we’ll explore the causes behind skin cancer, essential prevention strategies and the vital importance of regular dermatology appointments for early detection and successful treatment. Read more

U.S. Appeals Court Blocks Ruling That Overturned Free Preventive Health Care On Thursday, a federal judge in Texas struck down a provision of the Affordable Care Act that required 100% insurance coverage (with no copayments or deductibles) for a range of preventive medical services, including many screenings for cancer and diabetes, STD testing, some medications, HIV-prevention measures and more. The provision, which required that insurers cover these preventative care services at no cost to patients, was deemed unlawful by US District Judge Reed O’Connor. If O’Connor’s ruling is not appealed to the Supreme Court and overturned, it means that insurance companies will no longer be required to cover these preventative services at no cost to the consumer. Read more

Best Allergy Medications: What You Need to Know Unfortunately, no one has found a way to cure allergies yet. No one likes having a runny nose, itchy eyes, or sneezes that just won’t stop. Some people experience these symptoms at a specific time of year, known as “seasonal allergies.” On the other hand, some people experience these symptoms all year round. We’ve detailed some of the best allergy medication options available to help you find the best treatment for your allergies. Read more

The Best At-Home UTI Tests Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are exceptionally common medical conditions that account for about 8 million doctor visits every year. Unfortunately, these infections are sometimes hard to detect. Many people experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. So, how do you know if you have a UTI? And how do you diagnose one before it causes complications? There are several at-home tests, including MyUTI's PCR kit, that provide results quickly and conveniently. Browse these options to find the best UTI test for your symptoms and your budget. Read more

Mental Health Awareness Month May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Founded in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health—now known as Mental Health America—to raise awareness and promote education about mental health and mental illness, Mental Health Awareness is a time for Americans to center mental well-being in their daily lives. Sesame is joining hundreds of organizations across the country to reflect on the ongoing need for mental health care and end the continuing stigma around mental health issues. Read more

Better Hearing and Speech Month May is Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about hearing and speech disorders. BHSM encourages individuals to understand the importance of early detection, intervention and treatment options for communication disorders. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of getting checked for hearing and speech disorders, signs of hearing and speech disorders, and questions about how Sesame can help you access auditory and speech pathology resources to help with communication assessments. Read more

A Letter from Sesame CEO David Goldhill Dear Sesame Members, as the CEO and co-founder of Sesame, I am writing to share some important news with you. Today, May 11th, marks the official end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). This is a significant milestone, and we recognize the immense challenges and sacrifices everyone has made throughout this difficult period.We understand that some of our customers may find themselves without healthcare coverage due to Medicaid disenrollment following the end of the PHE. Please know that we are committed to ensuring that you continue to have access to the quality medical care you need, not only for COVID-19 but also for mental health, primary care and other important services. Read more

Medicaid Disenrollment: A State-By-State Look at Redeterminations If you're losing Medicaid coverage when the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency ends, there are resources available to help you access affordable health care without insurance. You may be eligible for subsidies to make health insurance more affordable through healthcare.gov or state-based health insurance exchanges, and you can also refer to the U.S. Health Care Price Index (USHPI), which tracks what Americans are paying for cash-pay medical care in all 50 states. Read more

Controlled Substances, Telehealth and the End of the PHE As the PHE comes to an end on May 11, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is proposing new restrictions (or restoring previous restrictions) on the prescription of certain controlled substances - including some anxiety medications, painkillers, ADHD medications and more. Here’s what you need to know about the upcoming proposed changes to the prescription of controlled substances. Read more

How to Cure Ringworm Fast Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes an itchy circular rash. Ringworm generally causes mild symptoms and will usually go away with antifungal treatment. We’ve outlined some basic facts about ringworm such as possible causes and symptoms. We’ve also detailed methods to treat ringworm fast. Read on to learn more about ringworm (and how to get rid of it). Read more

Vaginal Yeast Infection: Symptoms and Causes Vaginal yeast infections are one of the most common women’s health issues - so common, in fact, that they affect approximately 75% of women at some point in their lives. However, yeast infection symptoms can be identical to symptoms of other more serious conditions, such as dermatitis (skin irritation), certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and bacterial vaginosis. Because of those similarities, it’s important to understand vaginal yeast infection causes, symptoms, testing and treatment options so that the infection can be identified and managed effectively. In this blog post, we’ll address some frequently asked questions about vaginal yeast infections, causes and symptoms, along with treatment options and preventative measures to help women stay healthy and comfortable. Read more

5 Ways To Get Rid of a Cold Sore Fast Cold sores - also known as oral herpes or herpes labialis - are small fluid-filled blisters that appear on or around the lips. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, nearly half of all Americans between the age of 14 and 49 carry the herpes virus that causes these sores (sometimes referred to as fever blisters). Once infected, you carry the virus for life. Although cold sores cannot be cured, there are several treatment options available to reduce your symptoms and speed up the healing process. Read more

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