Category: good

  • Where Cases Are Being Reported Now

    According to updates from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) and multiple state agencies, this outbreak is now clearly multi-state:

    • The index cluster has been traced back to the Waco, Texas, barrel racing and rodeo events.
    • As of November 25, 2025, at least 33 confirmed EHV cases linked to the Waco event have been reported in eight statesTexas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington, Arizona, and South Dakota.
    • Earlier updates noted confirmed neurologic EHM cases and additional EHV-1 positives in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Louisiana, with at least two horses euthanized in Texas due to severe disease

    Several other states, including Missouri, North Dakota, and New Mexico, have issued alerts or confirmed individual cases connected to horses that traveled to or from these Texas and Oklahoma events, underscoring how quickly EHV follows the competition circuit.

  • Where the Horse Virus Outbreak Has Spread in the U.S.

    The current horse virus outbreak isn’t hypothetical—it’s a live, evolving situation that started with a single high-profile event and spread across much of the country in just a few weeks.

    How the 2025 EHV-1 Outbreak Started

    In early November 2025, horses gathered in Waco, Texas, for the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) World Finals and Elite Barrel Race, held November 5–9. In the days that followed, veterinarians began seeing horses with fever and neurologic signs that tested positive for Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1), specifically the neurologic form known as equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM).

    What looked like a local issue at first quickly revealed a much wider footprint as exposed horses returned home across state lines and additional cases surfaced.

  • Choose Natural Methods Instead of Chemicals

    Eco-friendly landscaping means working with nature, not against it. Ditching harsh pesticides protects birds, bees, and soil organisms. Instead, use companion planting, natural sprays, or introduce beneficial insects to control pests. This not only supports wildlife but also promotes a stronger garden ecosystem.

    Let Nature Be Wild in Places

    Not every patch of the garden needs trimming or shaping. Allowing a small corner to grow wild will give pollinators and small animals a safe place to live and feed. Wild grasses, clover, dandelions, and fallen leaves may seem untidy, but they provide food, shelter, and protection for different species.

    Your Garden Can Be a Sanctuary

    Environmentally friendly landscaping is not about giving up beauty. It is about inviting nature back in. By creating healthy, natural habitats, your garden becomes more than just a visual space. It turns into a living ecosystem where birds sing, butterflies dance, and new life begins again and again.

  • Add Wildlife-Friendly Water Features

    A water source is one of the most powerful ways to attract and sustain wildlife. It offers washing, drinking, and breeding areas for birds, frogs, and insects. You do not need a large pond. Even a small barrel pond or a shallow stone basin can become a life source in your garden. Just make sure it has safe edges so bees, hedgehogs, and small creatures can use it without risk.

    Build Safe Havens for Tiny Creatures

    Insects are nature’s helpers, and creating homes for them adds both charm and purpose to your garden. A simple bug hotel made from logs, bamboo, and dry twigs gives ladybugs, bees, and lacewings a safe place to rest and reproduce. Leaf piles, log stacks, and undisturbed corners also make perfect shelters for hedgehogs and beneficial insects.

  • 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.