Category: good

  • Create a Pollinator Pathway

    Pollinating insects need consistent access to nectar across seasons. Instead of planting flowers in isolated spots, build a connected pathway of pollinator-friendly blooms across your garden. Choose plants with varied blooming times to offer a year-round feast.

    Snowdrops, salvia, marigold, and sedum help attract bees, butterflies, and even humming moths, keeping your garden lively from spring to fall.

    Bring Life Back with Sustainable Landscaping Support

    Sometimes, wildlife-friendly landscaping needs a little expert guidance, especially when it comes to garden layout, soil restoration, or wildlife habitat planning. Working with professionals like Natures Own Landscapes can help you design a space that not only looks beautiful but also restores ecological balance by integrating ponds, wildflower meadows, native hedges, and natural shelters.

  • Does BetterHelp Take Medicare or Medicaid? What to Do If It Doesn’t

    Many people who use Medicare or Medicaid hope that BetterHelp will be a low-cost way to get therapy. But the truth is simple: BetterHelp does not accept Medicare or Medicaid. The platform is not part of any federal or state insurance program, so members must pay on their own.

    This can feel confusing for older adults, people with disabilities, or families who rely on state health plans. After all, Medicare Part B, Medicaid, and many state mental-health programs do cover therapy with other providers. So why not BetterHelp?

    It comes down to billing rules. Federal insurance programs require therapists to follow strict laws, submit detailed paperwork, and meet set standards for every state. BetterHelp works with thousands of therapists across the U.S., and meeting every rule in every state would be hard and very expensive.

    If you depend on Medicare or Medicaid, you still have good choices. Many telehealth clinics do take these programs. Community health centers, nonprofit counseling groups, and state-approved online therapy platforms often provide free or very low-cost sessions. Some even offer appointments within the same week.

    So even though BetterHelp is not an option for Medicare or Medicaid users, therapy is still within reach. The best steps are:

    • Look for in-network telehealth providers
    • Ask your plan for a list of covered mental-health specialists
    • Check your state’s virtual behavioral-health programs

    Both Medicare and Medicaid have expanded online therapy benefits in recent years. That means many people can still get steady and affordable support — just not through BetterHelp.

  • A big part of BetterHelp’s value is the flexibility it gives.

    BetterHelp is a cash-pay service, but it can still be the cheaper and easier choice for many people. People with high deductibles often learn that insurance won’t cover therapy until they pay thousands out of pocket. This can make in-person therapy more expensive than they expected. Others spend weeks trying to find an in-network therapist, only to face long waitlists or very limited openings.

    A big part of BetterHelp’s value is the flexibility it gives. Instead of short, limited sessions set by an insurance plan, users can talk with their therapist more often, message when they need support, and book sessions that fit their schedule. Because matching happens fast, people who are struggling can get help within a day or two instead of waiting weeks.

    That’s why choosing between insurance and BetterHelp is not only about price. For many Americans, it comes down to access and timing. BetterHelp removes common barriers like slow scheduling, strict coverage rules, and yearly session caps. In their place, it offers quick, steady, and flexible care that people can use when they need it most.

  • Paying for BetterHelp With HSA, FSA, or EAP

    This is one of the easiest ways to reduce your costs.

     BetterHelp Is Eligible for HSA/FSA

    BetterHelp provides documentation that meets IRS requirements.

     EAP Programs May Cover Some Costs

    Some employers offer:

    • EAP reimbursement
    • Mental health stipends
    • Flexible wellness budgets

    Ask HR or your benefits manager.

    What BetterHelp Actually Costs in 2025

    BetterHelp pricing varies by location and therapist type, but most U.S. users pay:

    • $70–$100 per week
    • $280–$400 per month

    Plans include:

    • Messaging therapy
    • Live video/phone sessions
    • Worksheets and tools

    Compared to in-person therapy ($120–$220 per session), many patients find the cost manageable even without insurance.

  • Does BetterHelp Work With Aetna, Cigna, BCBS, or Kaiser?

    BetterHelp is out of network for all major insurers, including:

    • Aetna
    • Cigna
    • UnitedHealthcare
    • Blue Cross Blue Shield
    • Kaiser Permanente
    • Tricare
    • Humana

    Being out of network doesn’t mean you can’t use your insurance at all—but it does mean the platform won’t file claims on your behalf.

    PPO vs. HMO: This Matters

    • PPO plans sometimes reimburse for out-of-network therapy
    • HMO plans typically do not cover out-of-network services

    Before signing up, ask your insurer:

    1. Do you cover out-of-network psychotherapy (CPT code 90837 or 90834)?
    2. Do you cover teletherapy specifically?
    3. What percentage is reimbursed?
    4. Do you require a diagnosis?
    5. Do I need a superbill?

    Can You Get Reimbursed for BetterHelp? (Sometimes Yes)

    You may be able to get partial reimbursement depending on your plan.

    How Out-of-Network Reimbursement Works

    1. You pay BetterHelp out of pocket.
    2. You request monthly invoices from BetterHelp.
    3. You submit a superbill to your insurance provider.
    4. Your insurer reimburses a portion (if eligible).
  • How Popular Is BetterHelp — Is It Legit or a Scam?

    BetterHelp is one of the biggest online therapy platforms in the U.S. Since launching in 2013, it has expanded to all 50 states. Its goal has always been simple: make therapy easier to access, more affordable, and more convenient.

    Because of that reach, many people who may never try in-person therapy end up using BetterHelp. For a lot of users, it works well. One review found that 86% of clients said they would use the service again, and many liked the mix of messaging, video, and audio sessions.

    However, being popular does not mean it’s perfect. Some users say their experience felt uneven. Therapist quality can vary. Some people get great support, while others feel their sessions were rushed or disconnected. As one Reddit user said, their first therapist was “amazing,” but the next one “did not help at all.”

    BetterHelp has also faced real criticism. In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) said the company shared sensitive health data with advertisers after telling users their information would stay private. BetterHelp settled the case and paid $7.8 million. The company now says it has changed its privacy practices, but the incident still raises concerns for some people.

    So, is BetterHelp a scam? No. It is a legitimate therapy provider with licensed professionals. But like any therapy—online or in person—your experience depends on:

    1. How well you match with the therapist
    2. How much you engage in the process

    At its best, BetterHelp gives fast, flexible, and often more affordable access to mental health support. At its worst, it can feel inconsistent, and some may be uneasy about past privacy issues.

    BetterHelp is real and helpful for many people, but it’s not a perfect solution. If you join, check your therapist’s credentials, set clear expectations, and switch therapists if the match doesn’t feel right.

  • Quick Answer: Does BetterHelp Take Insurance ?

    No. BetterHelp does not take insurance directly—not from private insurers, Medicaid, or Medicare.

    BetterHelp operates as a cash-pay service, meaning patients pay out of pocket rather than using in-network benefits. This can feel discouraging if you rely on insurance for most health services, but there are still ways to reduce your cost, including:

    • Using HSA or FSA funds
    • Requesting out-of-network reimbursement
    • Applying for financial aid discounts
    • Choosing a subscription plan that fits your budget
  • How Often Should You Deworm a Horse Based on Risk Level

    Not all horses with the same age need the same schedule.

    Low-risk horses

    • Minimal herd size
    • Clean pasture management
    • Consistently low fecal egg counts
      These horses may only need annual or twice-yearly treatment.

    Moderate-risk horses

    • Shared pastures
    • Boarding barns
    • Occasional travel
      Often require targeted treatments based on testing.

    High-risk horses

    • High fecal egg counts
    • Crowded environments
    • Frequent new arrivals
      May need more frequent, vet-guided deworming.

    Seasonal Horse Deworming Schedule in the U.S.

    Most targeted programs focus on seasonal timing, not monthly dosing.

    • Spring: Address strongyles before peak grazing
    • Summer: Often no deworming unless tests indicate need
    • Fall: Treat bots and encysted larvae when appropriate
    • Winter: Minimal activity in colder regions; climate-dependent
  • What a Modern Horse Deworming Schedule Looks Like

    A modern horse deworming schedule is built around three principles:

    1. Testing before treating
    2. Adjusting frequency based on risk
    3. Timing treatments to parasite life cycles

    Instead of deworming all horses the same way, owners evaluate each horse individually. Many adult horses turn out to be low parasite shedders and require minimal intervention.

    This approach reduces costs, lowers chemical exposure, and helps preserve the effectiveness of available medications.

    Why Location and Management Matter in the U.S.

    Parasite pressure varies widely across the United States.

    • Horses in warm, humid regions often face longer parasite seasons
    • Northern climates may have more seasonal risk
    • Overcrowded pastures increase exposure
    • Regular manure removal lowers parasite load

    A small private pasture with one or two horses carries far less risk than a busy boarding barn with frequent new arrivals. That difference directly affects how often deworming is needed.

  • What Comes Next for Global Shipping

    The future of shipping is being shaped by three forces working together:

    1. Tighter climate rules
    2. Fast advances in fuel and ship technology
    3. Rising pressure from investors, cargo owners, and consumers

    Global trade will continue to rely on shipping. But the industry’s ability to operate in a low-carbon world is no longer guaranteed. How well shipping cuts emissions will affect climate goals, trade stability, jobs, and fairness for communities near ports.

    Key Takeaways

    • Shipping moves about 80% of global trade and produces around 3% of global emissions
    • Without action, shipping emissions could rise sharply by 2050
    • Heavy fuel oil is being replaced by cleaner energy options
    • IMO rules and regional policies are pushing ships to use less fuel