Weekly Report 2-51

How To Make the Most of Your Medicare Open Enrollment Options

By d-mars.com News Provider

Each year when the Medicare open enrollment period comes around, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the many choices you have. You're not alone - most people have questions this time of year. What's the best way to get the most from your benefits? What if Medicare doesn't cover everything you need?

If these types of questions are swirling in your mind, not to worry. There are simple ways to think through your options and find a plan that suits your unique needs.

"Start by listing out what's most important to you when it comes to health plan coverage," says Mathew S. Philip, M.D., an Internal Medicine physician at Duly Health and Care. "There are some areas you may want to keep consistent, like your primary care physician, while you may be open to changing your pharmacy. Thinking about these things before starting the Medicare open enrollment process will save you time."

Would I benefit from an all-in-one plan?

Medicare all-in-one plans, like Medicare Advantage, may help simplify your options, and may provide more comprehensive and cost-effective benefits. Be sure to find out if your preferred provider participates in the plan you choose. For instance, Duly Health and Care physicians and providers participate in the following Medicare Advantage plans:

• Aetna

• Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois

• Humana

• United Healthcare

Could I use more benefits than I currently take advantage of?

Dr. Philip and the experts at Duly Health and Care, formerly DuPage Medical Group, recommend that you ask these questions when evaluating your Medicare health plan options:

Dr. Philip and the experts at Duly Health and Care, formerly DuPage Medical Group, recommend that you ask these questions when evaluating your Medicare health plan options:

Does this plan include benefits that are most important to me?

Take time to review your healthcare needs over the past year. What medical services and prescriptions did you need? How much did you pay for premiums and out-of-pocket costs like copays for doctor visits and prescriptions? Reflecting on your needs over the past year can help determine what benefits you'll likely need in the year ahead.

Can I continue to see my primary care physician?

If it's important to you to stay with your current primary care physician, you'll want to make sure that provider is in your plan's network.

Are my prescriptions covered, and is my preferred pharmacy in-network?

If you rely on regular prescriptions from month to month, and you prefer to use a specific pharmacy near you, ask about your prescription coverage and make sure your pharmacy is in the network.

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for things that aren't covered by original Medicare, like vision, hearing, dental and wellness programs. Plans may also include a broader range of "extra benefits" than they have in the past, including transportation to doctor visits, over-the-counter medications, adult care services and other health and care tools and resources to support your well-being.

Ask yourself if you would like to take advantage of these types of benefits, and if they would make a difference for your wellness, convenience and overall quality of life.

How can I get help comparing plans?

The Medicare website has information about plan options. If you need personalized plan recommendations, Duly Health and Care is partnering with the Integrity Medicare Helpline to offer one-on-one appointments with an independent licensed agent (call 1-855-205-2037). You can also sign up to attend a Medicare 101 seminar at Duly.IntegrityMedicareHelpline.com.

Preparation is the key to feeling confident about making the best choice for your health. To learn more, visit DulyHealthAndCare.com/Medicare.

Source: BPT

Looking for a More Meaningful Career? Educators Are Needed

By NNPA Newswire

At age 62, Sandy Weber became unemployed when her customer service job was eliminated during the COVID pandemic. A friend encouraged her to give substitute teaching a try. "I didn't realize I could work in a classroom without a teaching background," Weber said. "It was the best decision I've made in years."

U.S. workers faced unprecedented challenges this past year. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, were forced out of the labor force to care for dependents or resigned to re-evaluate what kind of career they really want. About 7.5 million workers quit their jobs in April and May, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Those who have lost, have left or are thinking of leaving their job might want to consider a career in the classroom.

Schools and daycares everywhere need new talent, as a record number of educators are among those who have left their jobs to care for their own children or choose early retirement. While this puts the education system under pressure, it presents an ideal opportunity for career changers wanting to make a difference in children's lives.

"Because of this pandemic, people have had time to reassess what's really important to them," said Nicola Soares, president of Kelly Education. "The need for a career change, plus the desire to find greater purpose and flexibility are driving workers to seek meaningful employment in schools."

Launching a fulfilling education career is easier than you might think. There are many ways to begin, even without teaching credentials. Schools are welcoming more candidates with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and work experiences than ever before. Weber was able to transfer her customer service skills to managing the classroom.

Options for starting a new position in the classroom

Here are four opportunities that could lead to a lifetime career.

1. Substitute teachers

Every school district needs hundreds of substitute teachers during a normal school year. Post-pandemic, that number is even higher. Credentials for substitutes vary by state, so job seekers should check their state's department of education or local school district website. Pay varies according to levels of education and experience and can range anywhere from $100 to $200 a day.

2. Paraeducators

Even with virtual schooling, there is a strong demand for paraeducators across all grade levels. Also known as paraprofessionals, they often work with children who have special needs by providing support to students in and out of the classroom. Successful paraeducators are those who are team players, have

CDC Hosted Virtual Recruitment Event

good communication skills and are knowledgeable about children.

3. Tutors

The ongoing need for learning recovery from the pandemic is creating a surge in demand for tutors. Pay ranges from $20 to $50 an hour for math and science tutors. Tutoring is a great option for people with a variety of professional experiences and allows for flexibility with scheduling (more evening and weekend hours)

4. Early childhood educators

Working with infants and young children is fun and creative. While early childhood teacher positions may require certifications (varying by state), assistant, substitute or aide roles are accessible in these settings, offering steady part-time or full-time work with infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

How to get started

Many positions demand a high school diploma or G.E.D., but any work environment featuring children will also require a background check. Employers provide information about the vetting process or may arrange it for candidates.

Here are two resources to get started: KellyEducation.com connects job seekers with classroom positions primarily in the Northeast, Southeast and Southwest, offering full-time opportunities and flexible schedules in early childhood settings and PreK-12th grade. Kelly Education also assists with alternative pathways to a long-term career in education, and hours worked in the classroom can be included toward future certification or degree programs.

In the western U.S., TeachersOnCall.com is a service that hires substitute teachers, paraeducators, tutors and early childhood education staff. Job seekers can choose their grade level, schools and days they want to work. "Making a career change to help out in schools has been really satisfying," said Weber. "And I feel like I'm making a difference.

Source: BPT

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Students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities

By NNPA Newswire

Recently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hosted a special event for students and recent graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of the agency’s efforts to improve outreach and recruit diverse talent.

The event, Noted: Building on the Legacy of HCBUs in Public Health, gave students the opportunity to engage with HBCU alumni leaders at CDC and learn more about the agency’s fellowship and training programs.

“Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a source of achievement, pride, and pivotal impact for all Americans, and the talent afforded specifically from HBCU graduates in our workforce is imperative to ensure health equity in our science and interventions as we address the impacts of racism and social determinants on health,” said Celeste Philip, M.D., M.P.H., CDC’s Deputy Director for Non-Infectious Diseases and Howard University alumna. “CDC is committed to strengthening partnerships with HBCUs to recruit the next generation of scientists and leaders, so that we remain a pinnacle in public health.”

As the nation’s premier public health agency, CDC offers unique opportunities to pursue public service and address the most pressing issues affecting communities across the country.

Attendees heard from HBCU alumni leaders at CDC about their own experiences within the agency’s fellowship programs and their professional paths.

Fellowship representatives also provided an overview of their respective programs, key considerations for applying, and the importance of having HBCU students and alumni within the CDC workforce.

“Partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities has never been more important, as the public health workforce needs highly skilled and talented professionals who bring their diverse lived experiences and perspectives to meet the most critical public health challenges of the 21st century and beyond,” said Donna Hubbard McCree, Ph.D., M.P.H., R.Ph., Associate Director for Health Equity in CDC’s National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention and Howard University alumna.

In addition to CDC staff, the event also included remarks from Congresswoman Alma Adams, founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus.

The Biden-Harris administration called on all federal agencies to establish clear plans to strengthen Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to build accessible and equitable pathways into Federal service and talent programs in a September 2021 Executive Order.

Source: National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)

“CDC is working to systematically expand its outreach to develop a more inclusive workforce better equipped to assess and address the needs of an increasingly diverse U.S. population.”