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Flash Story
Fitness: Achieve Your Health Goals with These Expert Tips What Motivates People
to Seek Help From a Snoring Specialist? US health insurers raise rates to match
increase in usage A Retirement Journey: Health Insurance Issues Health insurance
giant Empire pulls out of NYC’s controversial Medicare plan for retired city
workers
Fitness: Achieve Your Health Goals with These Expert Tips What Motivates People
to Seek Help From a Snoring Specialist? US health insurers raise rates to match
increase in usage A Retirement Journey: Health Insurance Issues Health insurance
giant Empire pulls out of NYC’s controversial Medicare plan for retired city
workers

MAIN STORY

 * Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE GIANT EMPIRE PULLS OUT OF NYC’S CONTROVERSIAL MEDICARE PLAN FOR
RETIRED CITY WORKERS

Billie S. Dickenson July 29, 2022
 * Fitness


FITNESS: ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

Billie S. Dickenson May 6, 2024
 * Health Education
 * Health Tips
 * Healthy Life


WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP FROM A SNORING SPECIALIST?

Billie S. Dickenson December 28, 2022
 * Health Insurance


US HEALTH INSURERS RAISE RATES TO MATCH INCREASE IN USAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 31, 2022
 * Health Insurance


A RETIREMENT JOURNEY: HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES

Billie S. Dickenson July 30, 2022
 * Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE GIANT EMPIRE PULLS OUT OF NYC’S CONTROVERSIAL MEDICARE PLAN FOR
RETIRED CITY WORKERS

Billie S. Dickenson July 29, 2022
 * Fitness


FITNESS: ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

Billie S. Dickenson May 6, 2024
 * Health Education
 * Health Tips
 * Healthy Life


WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP FROM A SNORING SPECIALIST?

Billie S. Dickenson December 28, 2022
 * Health Insurance


US HEALTH INSURERS RAISE RATES TO MATCH INCREASE IN USAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 31, 2022
 * Health Insurance


A RETIREMENT JOURNEY: HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES

Billie S. Dickenson July 30, 2022
 * Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE GIANT EMPIRE PULLS OUT OF NYC’S CONTROVERSIAL MEDICARE PLAN FOR
RETIRED CITY WORKERS

Billie S. Dickenson July 29, 2022


EDITOR'S PICKS

 * Fitness


FITNESS: ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

Billie S. Dickenson May 6, 2024
 * Health Education
 * Health Tips
 * Healthy Life


WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP FROM A SNORING SPECIALIST?

Billie S. Dickenson December 28, 2022
 * Health Insurance


US HEALTH INSURERS RAISE RATES TO MATCH INCREASE IN USAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 31, 2022
 * Health Insurance


A RETIREMENT JOURNEY: HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES

Billie S. Dickenson July 30, 2022

FEATURED STORY

 * Fitness


FITNESS: ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

Billie S. Dickenson May 6, 2024
 * Health Education
 * Health Tips
 * Healthy Life


WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP FROM A SNORING SPECIALIST?

Billie S. Dickenson December 28, 2022
 * Health Insurance


US HEALTH INSURERS RAISE RATES TO MATCH INCREASE IN USAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 31, 2022
 * Health Insurance


A RETIREMENT JOURNEY: HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES

Billie S. Dickenson July 30, 2022
 * Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE GIANT EMPIRE PULLS OUT OF NYC’S CONTROVERSIAL MEDICARE PLAN FOR
RETIRED CITY WORKERS

Billie S. Dickenson July 29, 2022
 * Fitness


FITNESS: ACHIEVE YOUR HEALTH GOALS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

Billie S. Dickenson May 6, 2024

In today's fast-paced world, prioritizing our health and fitness is more
important than ever. Whether you're aiming to lose weight, build muscle, or
simply improve your overall well-being, embarking on a fitness journey can be
both empowering and rewarding. This comprehensive guide is designed to provide
you with the knowledge and motivation you need to kickstart your fitness journey
and achieve lasting results.


THE IMPORTANCE OF FITNESS


UNDERSTANDING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining good health and
well-being. Engaging in regular exercise not only helps to strengthen muscles
and improve cardiovascular health but also boosts mood and reduces the risk of
chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.


EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF REGULAR EXERCISE

Regular exercise offers a multitude of benefits, including increased energy
levels, improved sleep quality, and enhanced cognitive function. Additionally,
it can help to alleviate stress and anxiety, leading to better mental health and
overall happiness.


SETTING SMART FITNESS GOALS


DEFINING SPECIFIC, MEASURABLE, ACHIEVABLE, RELEVANT, AND TIME-BOUND GOALS

Setting SMART goals is essential for success in any fitness endeavor. By clearly
defining your objectives and establishing a realistic timeline for achievement,
you can stay motivated and track your progress effectively.


CRAFTING YOUR PERSONALIZED FITNESS PLAN

Creating a personalized fitness plan tailored to your individual needs and
preferences is key to long-term success. Consider factors such as your current
fitness level, exercise preferences, and time constraints when designing your
workout routine.


NUTRITION FOR OPTIMAL HEALTH


UNDERSTANDING THE ROLE OF NUTRITION IN FITNESS

Nutrition plays a fundamental role in supporting your fitness goals and overall
health. Fueling your body with the right nutrients is essential for maximizing
performance, promoting muscle growth, and facilitating recovery.


MAKING HEALTHY FOOD CHOICES

Focus on incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean
proteins, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and excessive sugar, and
prioritize hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.


EFFECTIVE WORKOUT STRATEGIES


INCORPORATING STRENGTH TRAINING INTO YOUR ROUTINE

Strength training is a crucial component of any fitness regimen, helping to
build lean muscle mass, increase metabolism, and improve functional strength.
Include a variety of exercises targeting different muscle groups for optimal
results.


EMBRACING CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE

Cardiovascular exercise is essential for improving heart health, burning
calories, and enhancing endurance. Incorporate activities such as running,
cycling, or swimming into your routine to elevate your heart rate and boost
stamina.


LIFESTYLE CHANGES FOR LONG-TERM SUCCESS


PRIORITIZING SLEEP AND RECOVERY

Adequate rest and recovery are vital for allowing your body to repair and
rebuild after intense workouts. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night and
incorporate rest days into your exercise schedule to prevent burnout and reduce
the risk of injury.


MANAGING STRESS LEVELS

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health,
making it essential to incorporate stress-management techniques into your daily
routine. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to
promote relaxation and reduce tension.


FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)

 * How often should I exercise to see results?
   * Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes
     of vigorous activity per week, spread out over several days.
 * What are some healthy snack options for fueling workouts?
   * Opt for nutrient-dense snacks such as Greek yogurt with berries, a banana
     with almond butter, or a handful of mixed nuts.
 * Is it necessary to take supplements for fitness?
   * While supplements can be beneficial for certain individuals, it's best to
     focus on obtaining nutrients from whole foods whenever possible. Consult
     with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
 * How can I stay motivated to stick to my fitness routine?
   * Find activities that you enjoy and enlist the support of friends or family
     members to help keep you accountable. Setting achievable goals and
     celebrating your progress along the way can also boost motivation.
 * Should I consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new
   exercise program?
   * It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider before
     beginning any new exercise regimen, especially if you have pre-existing
     medical conditions or concerns.
 * What role does hydration play in fitness?
   * Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining optimal performance during
     workouts and supporting overall health. Aim to drink water regularly
     throughout the day, especially before, during, and after exercise.


CONCLUSION

Embarking on a fitness journey is a transformative experience that can lead to
improved health, increased energy, and greater self-confidence. By following the
expert tips outlined in this guide, you can take charge of your fitness and work
towards achieving your goals. Remember to stay consistent, listen to your body,
and celebrate your progress along the way. Here's to a happier, healthier you!

 * Health Education
 * Health Tips
 * Healthy Life


WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO SEEK HELP FROM A SNORING SPECIALIST?

Billie S. Dickenson December 28, 2022

There are people who snore and have no apparent issues as a result. Others feel
that snoring is interfering with their quality of life in some way, and may be
affecting their health. The truth is that snoring is not something to be taken
lightly. Here are some of the more common reasons why people decide to seek out
a snoring specialist and find out what's causing the snoring in the first place.


CONCERNS BY FAMILY MEMBERS

It's not unusual for people to seek medical care after family members raise
concerns about their snoring. This is especially true when the snoring has a
spouse or partner thinking about sleeping in another room. When other family
members can be in other parts of the house and clearly hear the snoring, that's
a sure sign something is up.

In this instance, the patient may seem to be fine, but has some concern for the
welfare of others. If some treatment will end the snoring, everyone will be a
little happier.


WAKING UP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT

Others may not feel the need to see a specialist until the snoring begins to
cause issues with the ability to sleep. For example, the patient notices that he
or she wakes up multiple times at night. There seems to be no apparent reason
for waking up. Once awake, getting back to sleep is not always easy.

Concerns about this are reason enough to seek help from a medical professional.
It's quite possible that whatever causes the snoring is also the reason behind
waking up during the night. Even the snoring itself may be the cause. Once the
origin is identified, it will be easier to administer a treatment and once again
enjoy a good night's sleep.


FEELING TIRED FIRST THING IN THE MORNING

There's no doubt that snoring may lead to enjoying less restful sleep. Even if
the patient does not remember waking up frequently, the quality of sleep may be
less than what the patient needs. The outcome is feeling tired in the morning,
almost as if there was no sleeping at all.

With the aid of a snoring specialist, it's possible to determine if snoring is
involved. That will make it easier to determine what's causing the snoring,
settle on a course of treatment, and hopefully be able to sleep soundly again.


FEELING SELF-CONSCIOUS ABOUT CAMPING AND OTHER PURSUITS

Knowing that you snore may cause you to avoid certain activities that would
otherwise be enjoyable. For example, you would love to go fishing and camping
with friends for a weekend, but worries about snoring and keeping others awake
may cause you to decline invitations. In like manner, you may be concerned about
taking business trips that would require sharing a hotel room with a coworker.

Rather than continue to skip things that you would like to do, seeing a
specialist is the best solution. Once the snoring is no longer a problem, it
will be easier to relax and enjoy any activity that you like.

If you've noticed that snoring is happening, now is the time to find out why.
Once the reason is uncovered, it will be a lot easier to decide what needs to
happen next.

 * Health Insurance


US HEALTH INSURERS RAISE RATES TO MATCH INCREASE IN USAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 31, 2022

SACRAMENTO, California (AP) — After putting off routine health care for much of
the pandemic, Americans are now returning to doctors’ offices in big numbers — a
trend that’s starting to show up in higher insurance rates across the country.

Health insurers in individual marketplaces across 13 states and Washington D.C.
will raise rates an average of 10% next year, according to a review of rate
filings by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

That’s a big increase after premiums remained virtually flat for several years
during the pandemic as insurers seek to recoup costs for more people using their
policies, combined with record-high inflation that is driving up prices for
virtually everything, including health care.

The rates review included Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan,
Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

“We’re at a point in the pandemic where people are using health care that they
may have put off before,” said Larry Levitt, executive vice president for health
policy with the Kaiser Family Foundation. “We have a double whammy right now of
people using more care and inflation throughout the economy.”

In California, state officials announced Tuesday that rates would increase an
average of 6% next year for the 1.7 million people who purchase coverage through
Covered California, the state-operated health insurance marketplace. That’s a
big jump after years of record low increases, when rate increases averaged about
1% in the past three years.

Increased use of health plans was the biggest reason for the increase,
accounting for four percentage points, according to Jessica Altman, executive
director of Covered California.

“That is really the consistent message that other states are seeing as well, and
even more so than California,” she said.

About 14.5 million people purchased individual health coverage through state
marketplaces this year, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

That’s a small portion of the total number of insured Americans, as about 155
million people get their insurance through their employer-sponsored coverage.
But Kaiser said the filings for the individual plans are more detailed and
publicly available.

The annual open enrollment period for when customers can shop for and buy 2023
coverage starts this fall. That’s the main window each year when people on the
individual market can buy coverage or change plans.

How much people will pay for coverage depends on a variety of factors, including
where they live and what type of plans they choose.

The rate increases come as Congress debates whether to extend financial help for
consumers through the American Rescue Plan — the $1.9 trillion economic aid
package Congress passed last year to combat the economic impacts of the
pandemic.

The American Rescue Plan included significant funding to keep health insurance
premiums low for people who purchase coverage through state marketplaces.

California receives about $1.7 billion annually from that funding to make sure
no one paid more than 8.5% of their household income on monthly premiums.

If that assistance expires at the end of this year, about 3 million Americans —
including 220,000 Californians — would likely drop coverage because they will no
longer be able to afford it, according to an analysis by Covered California.

Without guidance on whether Congress will extend the assistance next year, some
insurers have reacted by proactively raising rates in anticipation of people
dropping coverage. The uncertainty accounted for half a percentage point of
California’s 6% increase, Altman said.

California officials have lobbied hard for Congress to extend the financial
assistance through the American Rescue Plan. In general, the price of health
insurance premiums depends on who is buying coverage. If its mostly sick people,
the premiums are more expensive. If more healthy people buy them, the premiums
cost less.

Altman said California has managed to keep its rate increases below the national
average in part because more healthy people are buying coverage through Covered
California than most other states.

She said that’s in part because of a California law that taxes people who refuse
to purchase health coverage. But she said it’s also because of subsidies that
keep premiums low so more people can afford them.

Altman said not extending the federal financial assistance would price some
people out of coverage and “is the core outcome to be concerned about here.”

“That would be a big step backwards,” she said.

___

Associated Press health writer Tom Murphy in Indianapolis contributed to this
report.

 * Health Insurance


A RETIREMENT JOURNEY: HEALTH INSURANCE ISSUES

Billie S. Dickenson July 30, 2022

Over the past two weeks, we’ve focused on the story of Bob, a recent retiree.
We’ve gone over his pre-retirement experience and his journey through the
processing of his retirement application. This week, we’ll look at his health
insurance choices.

Bob has an ongoing dilemma when it comes to health insurance. He arguably
doesn’t really need Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage or Medicare,
because he is a veteran with a service-connected disability. That means all of
his medical needs (service-connected and otherwise) are provided by the Veterans
Health Administration, at no charge. VHA does bill private insurers (including
those in FEHB) for the non-service connected care it provides.

Nevertheless, Bob enrolled in FEHB during his civilian service at the Federal
Aviation Administration for a couple of reasons: in case he should need it for a
future spouse, should he remarry, and in order to meet the requirement of being
enrolled for the five years prior to retiring. Now that he’s retired, if he
cancels his FEHB coverage, it’s a one-way ticket out. Bob isn’t eligible to
suspend his FEHB, since having VA health benefits is not one of the reasons an
enrollee can take this action. And he isn’t eligible for TRICARE because he
isn’t retired from military service. 

Since Bob is over 65, he is enrolled in Medicare Part A. But he chose not to
enroll in Part B (coverage for doctors and outpatient services). This won’t put
him at great risk, because FEHB doesn’t require Medicare enrollment to maintain
coverage. Bob has considered dropping FEHB, but he believes it’s possible
Congress may not provide enough funding in future years for the VA to care for
all veterans. Veterans who are in one of the lower priority groups could
conceivably lose health care benefits in the future.

Bob could enroll in Part B later in a future general enrollment period. These
are held each year from Jan. 1 to March 31, with coverage effective July 1. But
he might be subject to  a late enrollment penalty for every 12-month period in
which he could have been enrolled but chose not to. Currently, Bob has the
opportunity to participate in a Part B special enrollment period,during which he
can enroll without penalty. It will end eight months after his retirement last
December. 

Here’s Bob on his insurance decisions: 

I enrolled in FEHB with the GEHA Standard Option FEHB plan when I onboarded in
2012, but switched to the GEHA High Deductible Health Plan about four years ago.
My current premium is $136.95 per month. The HDHP includes a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement, since I am not eligible to have a Health Savings
Account. Having other health insurance, such as Medicare, disqualifies members
from using the HSA, so GEHA establishes an HRA that does not earn interest and
is not portable if I switch to another plan. But it does provide $900 annually
to spend on co-pays for qualified medical expenses, as defined by the IRS.

The way I see it, having this extra $900 a year benefit effectively reduces my
monthly premium. The way it works is when the VA sends the bill for my care to
GEHA, GEHA pays the amount that would be covered by the plan. The remainder is
covered by the VA, leaving me with $0 out of pocket expense for my care. I don’t
have to worry about meeting the deductible or paying copayments since the VA
covers my medical expenses.

Upon reaching my 65th birthday, I enrolled in Medicare Part A, since there is no
premium for this coverage that helps cover the cost of in-patient
hospitalization. Post-retirement, I am continuing my FEHB plan with GEHA but not
Medicare Part B. Still, I question whether I really need it, when all of my
medical care is free at the VHA. Veterans make up 30 percent of the federal
workforce. And some of those veterans, like me, have service-connected
disabilities and access to free medical care through the VHA. I also know
retired veterans who thought that TRICARE for Life was free, until I told them
that they had to enroll in Medicare Part B as well. With very few exceptions,
all of my VHA visits are non-service-connected.

Bob’s Bottom Line

Bob’s top piece of retirement planning advice is not to be afraid to ask
questions. He told me the people he spoke with at various federal agencies
actually seemed to enjoy helping with whatever questions he had. Keep in mind
that Bob communicates very clearly and takes his time. Customer service is a
two-way street.

Of course, when it comes to retirement preparation, everyone needs to run the
numbers. Make some rough financial projections, so you have a general idea of
your income and expenses in retirement.

Bob has about half of his retirement income coming from his Social Security
benefit, a little less than 20% from his federal retirement benefit, about 30%
from a private sector pension that does not receive a cost of living adjustment,
and roughly 3% coming from the VA. He doesn’t need to withdraw from his
investments yet.

Overall, Bob is in very solid financial shape, due to his foresight, patience
and planning.

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 * Health Insurance


HEALTH INSURANCE GIANT EMPIRE PULLS OUT OF NYC’S CONTROVERSIAL MEDICARE PLAN FOR
RETIRED CITY WORKERS

Billie S. Dickenson July 29, 2022

A major insurance company has pulled out of a deal to administer New York City’s
new Medicare Advantage Plan — the latest setback in the city’s effort to shift
roughly 250,000 retired municipal workers onto the controversial health
coverage.

Empire BlueCross BlueShield, one of the country’s largest health insurance
providers, notified Mayor Adams’ office that it’s not going to help roll out the
Advantage plan after the city failed to provide a start date and benefit
specifics as requested by July 15, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

“This timeline was important because delaying any further would not give
retirees enough time to fully understand their options, benefits, and coverage
in advance of open enrollment,” the statement read. “Given the level of
uncertainty at this time, we informed the city that (Empire) is not able to
participate.”

In light of Empire’s withdrawal, City Hall spokesman Jonah Allon said Adams’
administration is on the hunt for a new provider.

“We remain committed to moving forward with the program and are exploring
alternative options,” Allon said.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams (Shawn Inglima/for New York Daily News)

Empire’s exit is the latest hiccup in the Adams administration’s push to
implement the Advantage plan, which is supposed to save the city hundreds of
millions of taxpayer dollars annually thanks to the partnership with a private
insurance provider.

First proposed by former Mayor Bill de Blasio, the plan was supposed to go into
effect earlier this year with Adams’ blessing.

But Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank blocked the plan, ruling in March
that it was illegal because it contained a provision that would slap a $191
monthly penalty on retirees who opted to keep their current traditional Medicare
instead of getting automatically enrolled in the Advantage plan for free.

The Adams administration is appealing Frank’s ruling. City Hall confirmed
Tuesday that the appeal is ongoing.

Frank’s decision was the result of a lawsuit filed by the NYC Organization of
Public Service Retirees, which has argued the Advantage plan would water down
health coverage for the city’s tens of thousands of retirees, including by
instituting complicated pre-authorization requirements for certain medical
procedures and treatments.

FILE - In this May 14, 2019, file photo signage on the outside of the corporate
headquarters building of health insurance company Anthem is shown in
Indianapolis. (Michael Conroy/AP)

Marianne Pizzitola, the organization’s president, said she has for months asked
City Hall for an opportunity to discuss the matter with Adams — and that she
finally got a meeting scheduled with the mayor for this past Monday.

However, late Sunday, Pizzitola said she got word from City Hall that Adams
could no longer meet after finding out the city remains in litigation with her
group.

Pizzitola, a retired FDNY EMT, said she wishes Adams would take time to hear
from her and the thousands of other former city workers who have pleaded with
him to scrap the Advantage plan and let them stay on traditional Medicare.

“I really wish that he would just listen,” she said.

 * Health Insurance


HOW TO AVOID A TAX SURPRISE FROM MARKETPLACE HEALTH COVERAGE

Billie S. Dickenson July 27, 2022

Kateryna Onyshchuk | iStock | Getty Images

If your income is trending much higher this year than you anticipated, it's
likely a welcome shift.

However, for anyone who gets their private health insurance through the public
marketplace, that extra cash could mean an unexpected tax bill when they prepare
their 2022 return next spring. A midyear income check could help avoid that.

Basically, if you receive premium subsidies (technically, advance tax credits)
through the marketplace, having annual income that's higher than what you
estimated when you enrolled could mean you're not entitled to as much aid as
you're receiving. And any overage would need to be paid back at tax time.

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REPORT CHANGES THAT MAY AFFECT INSURANCE SUBSIDIES

"You really should go into [your account] and take the steps to change your
estimate so they can revise the subsidies as soon as possible," said Kristin
Esposito, director for tax policy and advocacy with the American Institute of
CPAs.

Esposito said a drop in income should also be reported — which could result in
you getting bigger monthly subsidies. Make sure your account reflects other life
changes, too, including marriage or a new member of your household, which also
can impact the size of the aid.

"There are a lot of circumstances that can change and affect your insurance
coverage," said Cynthia Cox, a vice president at the Kaiser Family Foundation
and director of its Affordable Care Act program. 

Changing your information generally involves calling the exchange or going to
your online account and updating your application (or calling the exchange). If
you used an insurance agent or broker to sign up, or were assisted by a
community organization, you should be able to get help from them, as well.


INCOME CAP CHANGES MAY REDUCE TAX SURPRISES

Roughly 89% (12.9 million) of the 14.5 million people enrolled in private health
insurance through the public marketplace — which was authorized by the
Affordable Care Act of 2010 — are receiving subsidies. Generally speaking,
people who get coverage this way — either through healthcare.gov or their
state's exchange — are those who can't get workplace insurance or who don't
qualify for Medicaid or Medicare.

Subsidies through the exchange were expanded for 2021 and 2022 due to the
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. (Senate Democrats are trying to get the
current expansion extended for two more years, although it's still uncertain
whether it will happen.)

> It's still important to report an income change to avoid any kind of surprise,
> but hopefully the worst kinds of surprises won't happen as much this year.
> 
> Cynthia Cox
> 
> Kaiser Family Foundation and director of its Affordable Care Act program

Prior to the temporary expansion, the aid was generally available to households
with income from 100% to 400% of the federal poverty level.

The cap on income was eliminated for 2021 and 2022, and the amount that anyone
pays in premiums is currently limited to 8.5% of their income as calculated by
the exchange. 

The temporary removal of the income cap means there may not be as many cases of
people having to repay all of their subsidies: Before, if someone estimated
their income was at 399% of poverty but it ended up at 401%, they'd have to
account for those subsidies on their tax return.

"It's still important to report an income change to avoid any kind of surprise,
but hopefully the worst kinds of surprises won't happen as much this year," Cox
said.


REVIEW KEY TAX FORMS NEXT SPRING

When you start getting tax forms early in 2023 (for example, your W-2, or 1099
forms due to interest or dividend income), one of them generally will be a Form
1095-A from the insurance marketplace, which details how much you received each
month in tax credits.

That document is then used to complete Form 8962, which shows whether you
received the correct amount in subsidies — and if not, what the excess or
shortfall is, Esposito said.

Any amount you weren't eligible for would reduce your refund or increase the
amount of tax you owe. Likewise, if you are entitled to more than you received,
the difference will either increase your refund or lower the amount of tax you
owe.

 * Health Insurance


RETIREE HEALTH INSURANCE TO END FOR NEW ADMINISTRATORS IN BUFFALO SCHOOLS |
EDUCATION

Billie S. Dickenson July 26, 2022

Lifetime health insurance is about to become a thing of the past for
administrators in the Buffalo Public Schools.

Administrators hired after July 2023 will not be eligible for health insurance
paid for by the district after they retire, under the terms of a new contract
approved this week by the School Board. 

“It is significant. It’s something the district had pursued for at least the
last two collective bargaining agreements,” said Robert Boreanaz, the attorney
for the Buffalo Council of Supervisors and Administrators.

Over the years, Boreanaz said, Buffalo had become one of the few districts in
New York State still providing retirees with health insurance.

Administrators hired prior to July 2023 will remain eligible for retiree health
insurance.


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Those hired after July 2023 will have the option of selling back to the district
up to 120 unused sick days to be used toward the cost of their health insurance
premiums after they retire.

Teachers in Buffalo still receive retiree health insurance. The Buffalo Teachers
Federation is currently in negotiations with the district for a new contract.
Union President Phil Rumore said the district is hoping to negotiate an end to
retiree health insurance for teachers.

“Every union has the right to do what they think is best for their members,”
Rumore said. “But I believe it’s against everything that unions stand for, to
sacrifice newer members for existing members.”

The administrators union represents about 200 principals, assistant principals
and Central Office administrators.

"This contract benefits both parties by eliminating the discrepancy in pay
between elementary and high school principals, makes changes to health care
benefits, in addition to raises and a signing bonus," said School Board
President Lou Petrucci.

Until now, elementary principals had been paid less than high school principals.

“Many years ago, the elementary schools were much smaller than the high schools,
and had less students. That’s not the case anymore,” Boreanaz said.

The contract brings nominal increases in the amount that administrators have to
contribute toward their health insurance premiums. Veteran administrators will
now pay 10% of their premium, and new administrators will pay 16%.

The contract also brings pay increases.

This summer, administrators will receive a 10% raise, plus step increases. Then,
for each of the following three years, they will receive a 3% raise, plus step
increases.

Boreanaz pointed out that the administrators union’s previous contract, which
was reached in 2017, expired nearly two years ago.

Administrators also will each receive a one-time bonus equal to 7% of their
annual salary as a result of ratifying the new contract. 

The administrators union met with district officials 13 times over 16 months to
hash out the terms of the new contract, he said. The majority of the progress
toward reaching the contract was achieved under the past few months under
Superintendent Tonja Williams, Boreanaz said.

“Unequivocally, the principals and administrators of the Buffalo School District
are really looking forward to a new chapter and working with and supporting the
new superintendent,” he said.

Now that the administrators contract has been settled, Petrucci said, the board
can focus on settling the teachers contract.

"Contracts are about more than just dollars; new contracts help the district to
address changes in working conditions and benefits," he said.

Get our local education coverage delivered directly to your inbox.





 * Nutrition


IN ORDER TO LIVE LONGER, WEIGH EXERCISE AND NUTRITION EQUALLY

Billie S. Dickenson July 26, 2022

According to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine,
putting all of one’s eggs in either the exercise basket or the nutrition basket
cannot protect you from chronic diseases. An effective longevity routine needs
to include a balance of both.

An international team of researchers sourced data from 350,000 individuals from
the U.K. Biobank, a massive database of health information on British citizens,
which medical professionals rely on for these sorts of sweeping analyses. They
began the study a decade ago, when the median age was 57, and the participants
were all free from “cardiovascular disease, cancer or chronic pain.”

The researchers set rubrics for diet quality and level of activity. For
instance, as The New York Times pointed out, the best diets included “over four
cups of fruit and vegetables per day, two or more servings of fish per week,
less than two servings of processed meats per week and no more than five
servings of red meat per week.” Meanwhile, the best exercisers regularly walked,
biked and engaged in “vigorous exercise” for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Breaking a sweat for just 10 to 75 minutes a week was associated with “lower
risk of cardiovascular disease mortality.” That’s one short session a day.

Far and away, the lowest mortality risk came at the center of the Venn diagram:
those who sourced high-quality diets alongside consistent movement were likelier
to live longer, healthier lives. Their data was especially robust in the realm
of cardiovascular health, which is no small achievement. Across the globe,
cardiovascular disease (CVD) is easily the leading cause of death.

This might all sound really obvious. We all know that working out and eating
right is a great idea. Why do we need expensive, international studies to remind
us of something we learned in elementary school health class?

In practice, though, it’s difficult to observe both equally. There are a fair
share of people who eat nutritiously, yet don’t observe a consistent fitness
regimen (which hamstrings one’s heart health, limits endurance and has an array
of unwanted side effects, like poor bone density). On the flip side, there are
many amateur and professional athletes who view their concentration as license
to eat whatever they want.

Marathon trainees go crazy on Seamless after a long run, weightlifters commit to
“dirty bulking” as they try to up their bench press. This reductionist thinking
assumes that health is simply a game of calories in and calories out — and goes
further to imagine that if you’ve worked really hard on the roads or in the gym,
you’ve “earned” a piece of cake.

From a mental health standpoint, yes, it’s important to treat yourself. But from
a longevity perspective, it’s important to remember that the body treats
unhealthy food choices all the same. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to outrun
or out-lift a steady slate of meals high in sugar, salt and fat. It can come as
a shock — to the patient and all their friends — when a high-performing athlete
develops a chronic disease. But if that athlete wasn’t favoring a non-processed,
whole-food, largely plant-based diet, CVDs are very much in play.

The good news? You don’t have to listen to fitness influencers on Instagram.
Your workouts don’t have to be so difficult, and your body doesn’t have to look
a certain way. Instead of training like a triathlete, favor simple adjustments
to your daily routine that the body absolutely counts as exercise. Walk
everywhere; take the stairs where possible; make sure you really sweat a few
days a week. If you pair a lifetime of movement with a clean diet, your
lifetime’s going to stick around a while.





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 * Health Insurance


N.J. PUBLIC WORKERS FACE BIG INCREASE IN HEALTH INSURANCE RATES IN COMING YEAR

Billie S. Dickenson July 25, 2022

Hundreds of thousands of public workers, early retireesm and school employees in
New Jersey are facing potential rate increases of as much as 24% for health
benefits under proposals being considered by the State Health Benefits
Commission.

Rate increases being considered include a 24% increase for medical and a 3.7%
increase for pharmacy benefits for active public workers, as well as a 15.6%
increase in medical and a 26.1% increase in pharmacy benefits for public workers
who retired before the age of 65, according to an email sent to county
administrators from New Jersey Association of Counties Executive Director John
Donnadio.

Donnadio said in the email that the figures, which haven’t been made public,
were shared by an insurance and benefits broker.

StateTreasury spokeswoman Jennifer Sciortino acknowledged rate increases were
being considered and added that rates for active members and early retirees
would likely increase between 12-20% across the various plans for the upcoming
year.

A vote to approve the rate increases was scheduled for Monday, but the state
health benefits board and the Division of Pension and Benefits postponed the
vote after acknowledging during a public meeting on July 13 that more time would
be needed to address questions and concerns, Sciortino said.

“As has been the official process for many years now, the presentation materials
provided to the State Health Benefits Program and School Employees Health
Benefits Program Commissions last week are confidential until the rates are
finalized,” Sciortino said.

The New Jersey League of Municipalities on Wednesday sent an email urging
members to contact their representatives and the governor’s office, prompting a
public outcry from state and local governments, as well as Democratic and
Republican state lawmakers.

“This is a staggering increase that will saddle taxpayers, public sector workers
and educators with higher costs at a time when we are all contending with
inflationary pressures and a possible recession,” state Senate President
Nicholas Scutari, D-Union; Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, D-Essex and
Senate Budget Chairman Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen, said in a joint statement.

The Democratic state senators urged the board to reject the proposal and called
on New Jersey Treasurer Elizabeth Muoio to use her authority to block the
planned approval “and make sure a full accounting of the finances of the two
health benefits’ plans is made public and fully discussed.”

Republican leadership in the state Legislature on Thursday called for the
creation of a special legislative committee to investigate Democratic Gov. Phil
Murphy’s administration for a “failure to control health care costs for public
employees, retirees and taxpayers.”

“The 24% premium increase proposed for most active employees will take thousands
more out of their paychecks annually and lead to huge costs for local
governments that will translate into higher property tax bills for struggling
families,” state Senate Republican Leader Steven Oroho, R-Sussex, said in a
statement. “We must investigate the failures that led to these catastrophic
premium increases to develop an effective plan going forward.”

The proposed rate increases shine a new spotlight on allegations that the Murphy
administration squashed an attempt to recover $34 million the state paid to
Horizon for a cost savings program that outside consultants found “yielded no
apparent savings,” according to a report from Bloomberg.

Horizon administers health care plans for state and local government employees
and retirees in New Jersey.

“It’s absolutely scandalous that high-level administration officials would
intercede to prevent Horizon from being held accountable as premiums are set to
skyrocket,” Senate Republican Budget Officer Declan O’Scanlon, R-Monmouth, said
in a statement. “Employees, retirees, and taxpayers deserve to know why.”

Sciortino said several “extraordinary factors” are affecting rates for the
coming year, including higher utilization of medical services during the
COVID-19 pandemic and a return to normal services and procedures that had been
previously postponed.

Those factors are being compounded by rising prices amid historic inflationary
pressures that have increased health care costs nationwide.

“While there is significant volatility in health care trends, the rate increases
for the State plans are in line with rate increases that our consultants’ other
clients are experiencing and are also being reported nationwide,” Sciortino
said. “We believe that these circumstances are an anomaly, rather than the norm,
and we believe that it is more likely than not that utilization and costs will
normalize.”

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Derek Hall may be reached at dhall@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter
@dereknhall.



 * Nutrition


US$ 500 MILLION PROJECT WILL HELP TO STRENGTHEN EGYPT’S FOOD AND NUTRITION
SECURITY

Billie S. Dickenson July 25, 2022

Washington, June 29, 2022 – The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors
yesterday approved a US$500 million loan to bolster Egypt’s efforts to ensure
that poor and vulnerable households have uninterrupted access to bread, to
strengthen Egypt’s resilience to food crises and to support reforms in food
security policies, including to improve nutritional outcomes.

The Emergency Food Security and Resilience Support Project will help cushion the
impact of the war in Ukraine on food and nutrition security in Egypt. The
Russian Federation and Ukraine are the world’s largest wheat exporters, and the
war has driven up prices and created nutritional shortfalls, particularly for
people who rely on bread for their daily nutritional needs. Bread is a staple in
Egypt and this new project links wheat imports to direct assistance to the poor
and vulnerable population through Egypt’s Bread Subsidy Program.

“This project supports the government’s strong commitment to ensuring that the
needs of citizens continue to be met even amid a very challenging global context
caused by concomitant crises such as COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine,” said Dr.
Rania Al-Mashat, Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation. “In addition to
ensuring sustained food security, this project supports national climate efforts
by increasing agricultural resilience.”

The project will finance the public procurement of imported wheat, equivalent to
one month of supply for the Bread Subsidy Program which supports around 70
million low-income Egyptians, including approximately 31 million people under
the national poverty line. The project will also support national efforts to
reduce waste and loss in the wheat supply chain through the upgrade and
expansion of climate-resilient wheat silos, sustainably improve domestic cereal
production, and strengthen Egypt’s preparedness and resilience to future shocks.

The new financing supports Egypt by mobilizing immediate short-term relief to
address supply and price shocks while simultaneously bolstering Egypt’s longer
term food security strategy and improved nutrition for the poor and vulnerable.
A significant number of households in Egypt reduced their food consumption
during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have a lasting impact on nutrition and
the cognitive development of young children. An improved nutrition strategy,
including through balanced diets, is a key element of this project.

“This emergency operation comes at a very critical juncture when the food
security of many countries is threatened by the war in Ukraine,” said Marina
Wes, World Bank Country Director for Egypt Yemen and Djibouti. “It is part of
broader World Bank efforts to support Egypt’s green, inclusive and resilient
recovery. As always we are keen to continuously support Egypt in overcoming
obstacles to its ambitious sustainable development plans and to further enable
the country to pave the way for a prosperous and productive future for all its
citizens.”

The project incorporates climate change efforts through a variety of
interventions, including via investments to modernize wheat silos to
significantly reduce wheat waste and loss, as well as introducing farmer
extension and training programs that promote climate-smart agricultural
practices.

On May 18, the World Bank announced actions it plans to take as part of a
comprehensive, global response to the ongoing food security crisis, with up to
$30 billion in existing and new projects in areas such as agriculture,
nutrition, social protection, water and irrigation. This financing will include
efforts to encourage food and fertilizer production, enhance food systems,
facilitate more trade, and support vulnerable households and producers.


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