NOVEMBER 2018
Diversity: The art of thinking independently together-Malcom Forbes
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Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMag.com www.GetRuralLeaderMag.com
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Contents
5 Fighting the Good Fight: Five Misconceptions About U.S. Poverty
Launched in March 2014, Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication with a mission to highlight every day people doing extraordinary things in business, education, music, community, art, sports, and leadership nationally and abroad. Rural Leader Magazine honors exemplary individuals on a variety of levels, such as the 20 under 20 Honors, 40 under 40 Honors, Best Small Town Restaurant, Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People, the Scholars of Collegiate Distinction, Fifty under Fifty, and the Eagle Elite Club.—
6 Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers: What You Need to Know 7 Six Ways Public Broadcasting Serves Local Communities 9 How Home Dialysis Impacted One Woman’s Quality of Life 12 3D Printing Is Reimagining the Way We Live Today
15 Why Our World Needs Wood 16 The Changing Face of the American Student: The Growth of Online Learning 18 How to Save on Your Healthcare Costs in 2019 21 Five Tips for Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment 23 Simple Ways to Get Your Budget on Track This Holiday Season
13 Three Things Small Businesses Can Do to Compete in the Talent War
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Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@ RuralLeaderMagazine.com—
Editor’s Note Dear Readers, Inside this issue, there are a number of great articles about leadership best practices, building positive self-esteem and productivity! We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, I hope you enjoy this issue and continue to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google +, and LinkedIn. Thanks again for your continual support! Sincerely,
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Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
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Fighting the Good Fight: Five Misconceptions About U.S. Poverty Many Americans will pass right by the Red Kettles and ringing bells of The Salvation Army this season. Some simply have little money to spare for those in need this year. But others will consciously opt out because of misconceptions about why so many Americans - 39.7 million people, a full 12.3 percent of the U.S. population - are still living below the poverty threshold. One prevailing myth is that most of the poverty-stricken are unemployed people living off government benefits by choice. But research has repeatedly shown most Americans would prefer employment over welfare. Of U.S. residents living below the poverty line, some 25 million are adults with disabilities, 18 million are children, 6.7 million are among the “working poor” and a good number of others are struggling to recover from medical emergencies, job losses and other financial setbacks. “Ask us why the poor are poor, and we have a response quick at the ready, grasping for this palliative of explanation,” Matthew Desmond notes in the New York Times. “Rather than hold itself accountable, America reverses roles by blaming the poor for their own miseries.” Some other common misconceptions about poverty in the U.S.: Myth: No one in America really goes hungry. Food stamps, food kitchens and food shelves help stem the problem, but can’t eliminate hunger entirely. At least one in seven U.S. households suffered from food
hardship in 2016-2017, reports the Gallup-Sharecare Well-Being Index. Myth: The poor are best represented by homeless people and those living on the street. In fact, many of the poverty-stricken have housing, hold down jobs and are trying their hardest to get ahead, but can’t generate enough income to support their families. Myth: Poor people aren’t as motivated. Research has shown over and over that poverty stems not from a lack of initiative, but from a wide scope of other factors including low wages, lack of jobs, poor school quality, high childcare costs, a racialized criminal justice system and discrimination in the labor market. “While grit may have ushered you up the socioeconomic ladder in the late 19th century, it’s no longer up to the task today,” writes Stephen Pimpare in the Washington Post. Myth: Growing up in poverty has no lasting effect on children. Many believe in the outmoded idea that every American has an equal chance to succeed in life. In truth, poor children begin their journeys at high risk for physical, social, emotional and behavioral problems attributed to lack of nutrition, physical stimulation and/or emotional development. And those challenges can be difficult to overcome as they grow up and attempt to break the cycle of poverty. Myth: Being poor in the U.S. is better than being poor in other countries. That may be true when we compare our living conditions to those in some Continued On Page 17 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | November 2018 5
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers: What You Need to Know Peggy Lavender, 63, of Brookhaven, Georgia, knew her life would change when her husband, Jim, 66, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago, but she never expected it to be this challenging. Following Jim’s diagnosis in 2014, Lavender managed to balance her career as a fifth-grade teacher with caregiving responsibilities, but as her husband’s caregiving needs increased, so, too, did her stress. Lavender retired earlier than she planned to become a full-time caregiver for Jim. “I survived breast cancer and my son’s bout with lymphoma, but becoming a full-time caregiver for my husband is the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Lavender said. “Every day there is loss. It’s demanding physically and emotionally. I feel very alone.” Lavender, however, is not alone. Today, more than 16 million Americans are providing unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. An Alzheimer’s Association report shows these caregivers shoulder more caregiving responsibilities than other caregivers, helping with a wider variety of activities and spending more hours per week providing care. “It’s the totality of caregiving that really gets to you. It’s everything,” Lavender said. “I know it 6 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | November 2018
sounds selfish, but I feel like I have no time for me.” Nearly half of dementia caregivers say providing care is emotionally stressful, and 30 percent say that providing care often involves physical strain. Dementia caregivers are nearly twice as likely to say that their health has gotten worse as a result of their caregiving responsibilities and 35 percent report their health has declined as a result of caregiving. Today’s dementia caregiver Increasingly, dementia caregivers are juggling multiple demands, including work, family and geographic separation. Consider these facts: * One quarter of dementia caregivers are “sandwich generation” caregivers - meaning that they care not only for an aging parent, but also for children under age 18. * One in six millennials (age 18-34) are serving as caregivers to someone living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. * More than 1 in 10 caregivers (12 percent) are long-distance caregivers, living more than an hour away from the care recipient. To help caregivers balance competing priorities while maintaining their overall health and wellbeing, the Alzheimer’s Association offers these tips: Continued on Page 10
Six Ways Public Broadcasting Serves Local Communities Nonprofit broadcasting outlets keep families connected to their community, informed on the news of the day and entertained regardless of age, gender or demographic background. Community radio stations, public broadcasting and non-commercial outlets bring a content-focused approach to their daily programs. Here are six primary ways these outlets help local communities thrive: * Creating a more engaged, informed community. Recent research from Political Quarterly shows those who have access to public service broadcasting are better informed about government and politics, are more trusting of others, maintain more positive civic attitudes and have greater confidence in democratic institutions. That educated and engaged listener base is more likely to engage on key community issues. * Stimulating creativity and innovation. Through programming that engages, explains and explores, public broadcasting supports STEAM subjects. But many stations go beyond that. Spokane Public Radio, for example, recently rehabilitated a former fire
station to include a state-of-the-art performing and recording studio for regional artists, thanks in part to grant funding from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. * Supporting local cultures. Public and non-commercial stations can often focus on elements of local and regional culture that might go unrecognized by other media outlets. For example, Anchorage-based Koahnic Broadcast Corp., a public radio station, and Nome-based KNOM Radio, a non-commercial outlet, both concentrate their efforts on programming that addresses the needs and interests of Alaska’s Native populations. KBC’s National Training Center also provides training opportunities for Alaska Natives and Native Americans interested in broadcasting careers. * Filling the reporting gap. As some news sources struggle to maintain profitable business models, public broadcasting continues to offer in-depth coverage of important issues. Because its primary mission is Continued from page 10 GetRuralLeaderMag.com | November 2018 7
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How Home Dialysis Impacted One Woman’s Quality of Life A skeptic at first, 71-year-old Clara Tanner began her journey on dialysis treating in a center even though her son, who is her care partner and an experienced dialysis technician, continually tried to convince her to make the switch to home dialysis. After a year of going into a center for treatment, Tanner switched to treating in her home, and she’s stayed with that treatment option for the past 10 years. “He kept telling me I needed to come home, but I wasn’t ready,” Tanner said. “I didn’t know what it was all about.” For many people on home dialysis, having more flexibility and freedom when it comes to their treatment schedule is important and can help prevent missed treatments. Missing a treatment has never been an issue for Tanner. “Home dialysis allows people on dialysis to dialyze from the comfort of their home, giving them better control of their treatment schedules, more time for themselves, their families, their jobs and the activities they enjoyed before starting dialysis,” said Dr. Martin Schreiber, chief medical officer of Home Modalities for DaVita Kidney Care. There are two types of dialysis that can be done at home: peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD). PD is a needle-free dialysis treatment that’s most similar to a person’s natural kidney function. Instead of cleaning the blood outside of the body, PD uses the person’s peritoneum, which acts as a filter to remove toxins and fluid in place of the kidneys. It can be done during the day at home or work, at night during sleep - or potentially even on vacation. HHD uses a machine with a filter to remove fluid and waste from the blood. HHD treatments can be
done on a person’s own schedule and in the privacy of their home. A nephrologist, which is a physician who specializes in kidney care, guides people with kidney disease to help identify the best treatment option for them. While home dialysis treatments primarily take place in the home, people on PD and HHD still come into a center about once a month for support. Tanner worked with her physician when considering switching to HHD treatments. Her physician also prescribed a treatment plan that works best for her condition and lifestyle to help her manage her treatment schedule. That said, Tanner cautions that being on HHD doesn’t give a person a license to slack off. “You have to have discipline,” Tanner said. “You’ve got to do what you’re supposed to do and diet is so important.” Not only is each type of home dialysis treatment different, but every person on home dialysis is unique. Dietitians who specialize in helping people on dialysis with their diets take into consideration a person’s lab results, access to food and food preparation, weight, malnutrition and other factors to help come up with diets that work best for the individual. For example, Tanner loves watermelon but, because it’s high in potassium, she has a strategy to control her cravings. “When I want watermelon, I cut out everything else that has potassium,” Tanner said. “Everything should be done in moderation.” One piece of advice Tanner recommends: “Ask questions so you can be aware and don’t assume you know.” To learn more, visit DaVita.com/Home.—
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Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, continued from page 6 Take care of yourself - It can be easy to neglect your health while caring for others, but making sure you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Carving out just 30 minutes a day for yourself to do something you enjoy can go a long way to reducing caregiver stress. Maintain good communication - Help other family members understand the demands you’re facing and enlist their help and support. A 2017 Alzheimer’s Association survey found that 91 percent of Americans believe it “takes a village” to care for a person living with Alzheimer’s, but many caregivers fail to ask for help. Seek support - Organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Access local support groups or online communities to connect with other caregivers. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.
Know you’re doing your best - It’s normal to lose patience or feel like your care may fall short sometimes. You’re doing the best you can. For support and encouragement, consider joining an online or in-person support group. Lavender said love and support from her two sons, support group friends and her strong faith have helped sustain her during a difficult journey. Her advice to other caregivers: Reach out and ask for help. “Too many caregivers are hesitant to ask for help or they just don’t know how,” she said. “But as a caregiver you need guidance to better help the person you’re caring for, but also emotional support for everything you are going through.” To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and to find resources for caregivers, families and people living with the disease, visit the Alzheimer’s Association website at www.alz.org.—
Six Ways Public Broadcasting, continued from page 7 public service and not profit, it can remain independent of corporate influences without sensationalizing news issues to boost ratings. As such, public channels are more highly trusted than commercial channels for the accuracy, reliability and impartiality of their news coverage, according to Political Quarterly. * Diversity in programming. Relatively unencumbered by commercial pressures, public stations are free to broadcast shows and podcasts its leaders believe have the most information and entertainment value to listeners. That typically contains a wide range of programming, from hard news, news features and in-depth documentaries to entertainment, 10 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | November 2018
sports coverage and educational kids’ shows. * Ad-free. Since public stations are generally funded through tax money and private contributors, many stations can forgo all advertising revenues. That can be a breath of fresh air in an age when we’re bombarded at every turn by invasive ads, and it allows audiences to focus without interruption on the quality programming being presented. These are just a few reasons the Murdock Trust supports public broadcasting outlets across the Pacific Northwest through grants. Visit murdocktrust.org to learn more.—
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3D Printing Is Reimagining the Way We Live Today 3D printing is reimagining the way you see your bathroom: When additive manufacturing technology - better known as 3D printing - was first invented more than 30 years ago it was intended to make the product design and manufacturing process more efficient. At that time, 3D printing was used primarily as a way to create prototypes to validate and perfect product design, but the inventor, Chuck Hull, had no idea how it would change the way we live. Today, 3D printing has evolved beyond product prototypes only used by industrial designers and engineers. Manufacturers all over the world now rely on additive manufacturing to produce final parts and products that are purchased and experienced by mainstream consumers across the marketplace. This includes parts in automobiles and appliances, medical and dental implants, custom prosthetic limbs and food, and has also become an important component in interior design, reinventing what you think is possible. The 3D printed future: When Kallista, a division of Kohler, sought to execute its new Grid Sink Faucet design, the company quickly realized the idea could not be executed via traditional manufacturing methods. Rather than sacrifice the design, the team turned to 3D printing. Working with 3rd Dimension - an additive manufacturing services provider - Kallista employed a layer-by-layer production approach on 3D Systems 3D printing technology to manufacture the faucet to the exacting specifications of the designer. The resulting faucet is significantly stronger and more durable than if it had been produced using traditional manufacturing methods. By carrying through the designer’s vision, Kallista created a faucet that shifted away from excessive decoration and materials to instead expose a design that boasts the clean, understated lines of minimalist form. The result was a faucet that delivers on its design without compromising functionality. Additional benefits of 3D printing: While 3D
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printing solutions are inspiring designers everywhere, giving them the opportunity to expand their creativity, 3D printing also offers several other benefits to companies and consumers, including: * A single source of efficiency and strength. “Some assembly required” is a catchphrase synonymous with traditional manufacturing and it is that assembly that also exposes the end product to errors in the pieces, poor construction and added time to fabricate the object. However, because 3D printed objects are made in one solid piece, they solve many of these issues. They are structurally stronger, free of connection weaknesses and expertly assembled to specifications. * Environmental consciousness. While traditional manufacturing takes raw materials and trims them down to the finished product, 3D printing builds the desired piece by adding material as the process goes along. This means it essentially utilizes only the amount of material necessary to create the object. The result is less waste and a reduced environmental impact. * Faster results, favorable returns. The 3D printing process offers a new level of accuracy and rapid part production with the ability to reduce - and in many cases, eliminate - material waste, which also favorably impacts a project’s overall bottom line. Reimagining what’s possible: Since its creation, the Kallista Grid Faucet has been nominated for and won seven awards, including “Best In Show” at the Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in 2018. It is proof that the technology of 3D printing is reimagining the rules for manufacturing and design. As 3D printing continues to evolve, it will push the boundaries in product design and production. 3D printing is transforming manufacturing and the doors to what is possible are suddenly wide open. To learn more, visit www.kallista.com.—
Three Things Small Businesses Can Do to Compete in the Talent War Life at a small company, 50 employees or less, has its upsides. But an employee departure is not one of them. When someone from the team moves on to new opportunities, everyone feels it, whether that means shuffling workloads or working extra shifts. Added to the day-to-day pressures of running a business is finding time and resources to recruit someone with the talent, drive and personality to fill out the team. Not only is the market tight, but it can be hard to compete when top talent is fielding more alluring offers from big companies, which may come with flashy perks and bigger paychecks. “An advantage small firms have is that more people are looking to work for a company they feel cares about their well-being,” said David Poirier, national director of Small Group Sales at Guardian. “Small business owners and leaders can evaluate what motivates their employees, and work to enhance their employees’ experience with technology, voluntary benefits and increased flexible work.” The truth is, small businesses hold big opportunity for talented employees and prospects, and there are
a few things a company can do to help improve its recruitment and retention strategy. 1. Support your employees’ financial needs. Even if you already offer a benefits package, it’s worth finding out whether the current offerings are, in fact, meeting the needs and concerns of employees. For example, four in 10 small business workers say they depend on workplace benefits for financial security, according to the latest set of findings from Guardian’s Annual Workplace Benefits Study: Small Business, Big Benefits. To create a benefits plan that stands up to the competition, rethinking it as a means to help workers improve financial wellness can serve as a guide. Expanding the offerings to voluntary benefits, such as assistance with student loan repayment, or supplemental health coverage, like accident insurance, for high-deductible health insurance plans, can help workers manage their biggest costs. Another effective approach is to offer support to help workers achieve their financial goals, such as financial education, support services and professional guidance. GetRuralLeaderMag.com | November 2018 13
2. Enhance work-life balance. Everyone wants less stress, but unfortunately, work is a common source of it. Take a look at the quality of the workday from the employees’ perspective. Are they always feeling stressed? Are they expected to be available during off-hours to respond to work issues? Most people enjoy a challenge. However, if the work structure keeps the stress response in alwayson mode, it makes personal time less enjoyable, diminishing emotional well-being. In the Guardian study, only half of small-business workers say their employer cares about their overall well-being, yet the results suggest that taking steps to show that you care for employees can raise loyalty. More than half (55 percent) say a caring employer would keep them working for the same employer for 10 years or more. Fortunately, the study identified some solutions that small businesses can easily provide to show employees they care. For example, an increasing number of small businesses say they have taken steps to improve work-life balance, such as flexible work schedules and remote work options. Wellness packages that help employees optimize their health goals in their spare time, such as discounts for gym memberships, also help. 3. Make the switch to digital. We live in a digital world where consumers have access to everything they want in the palm of their hands. Bringing that
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same concept into the workplace with benefits can go a long way with employees, particularly because they want their benefits to be easier to access and understand. One thing that is helping small firms, especially start-ups, deliver an enhanced employee experience is the increased use of cloud-based software and digitalizing various aspects of the HR and benefits functions. In fact, the Guardian study found 52 percent of small businesses have digitalized a majority of their benefits processes. For those companies that have made the switch, their satisfaction with the benefits process is considerably higher compared to those who are mostly paperbased. These results suggest an employer that invests in technology will not only be happier with the experience, but they will create a strong culture of well-being in their firm that can help foster retention and loyalty. While a small business owner has a lot on their plate to keep their business going, it’s important they show their employees that they value their contributions and have their employees’ best interests in mind. Doing that can make a small firm one that attracts top talent and inspires good people to stay. If you’re considering changes to your benefits, contact The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.—
Why Our World Needs Wood More than 30 years ago, the United Nations General Assembly established World Habitat Day, an important step in acknowledging that everyone deserves a safe place to live. However, housing availability in many cities is at a crisis level, where families have to choose between daily essentials and keeping roofs over their heads. Half of U.S. renters are living paycheck to paycheck because they’re spending more than 30 percent of their incomes on housing, according to the 2017 America’s Rental Housing Report - and that’s not just an issue felt in the U.S. but also across North America, Europe and Asia. That means less money on other everyday essentials like food, medicine and transportation. On Oct. 1, Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations will celebrate World Habitat Day as an opportunity to rededicate themselves to making sure everyone has suitable housing in North America and across the globe. At the American Wood Council (AWC), we’re also taking this time to draw attention to the critical need for a resilient and sustainable built environment, and the building material that can help us build more homes. That material is wood. Making homes safe and sustainable: By 2050, experts estimate the global population will rise by more than a quarter, increasing the total population to
around 9.7 billion people. This puts great pressure on all facets of our ecosystem. It also means it’s increasingly critical to find affordable, safe, carbon-neutral and sustainable alternatives to existing structural materials. In the U.S. specifically, more than 90 percent of single family homes and 86 percent of multi-family buildings are built using wood framing, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Developers and architects choose wood because it provides the highest cost savings without compromising on key factors like speed of construction, safety, durability and environmental impact. Such savings can be passed onto homeowners or renters. Compared to other building materials, wood also leaves a smaller carbon footprint. When trees are sustainably harvested and manufactured into products, they continue to store carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere. If builders further increased the use of wood for remodeling projects and construction of multi-family structures, studies show the carbon benefit would amount to 21 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year, equivalent to taking 4.4 million cars off the road indefinitely. Multi-story wood-framed buildings also present city leaders with the opportunity to create more urban infill buildings - those that leverage vacant GetRuralLeaderMag.com | November 2018 15
or underused property and revitalize communities. These structures provide an affordable solution that meets code without compromising on cost. And when built to code, those structures can last for generations. Simply put, the savings associated with wood construction can make the difference between having a home and no home at all. A safe bet: Wood buildings are designed to meet the same rigorous standards that all building materials must meet, as requirements of our nation’s building codes. Wood is commonly used in areas of high seismic activity, since it’s naturally flexible and can offer a degree of motion that would cause damage to more rigid materials. In fact, wood school buildings are prevalent along the west coast due to wood’s perfor-
mance in earthquakes. Wood can also carry greater maximum loads for longer periods of time during high-wind events like hurricanes, and have been approved by FEMA to build “safe rooms” for refuge during natural disasters. Bottom line, our world relies on wood. Without it, we could be facing far worse housing and environmental crises. In the spirit of World Habitat Day, AWC is helping draw awareness to wood as a building material that delivers durable, safe, cost-efficient structures for our communities. To learn more about the benefits of wood products and how AWC can be a valued resource in ensuring a resilient, safe and sustainably built environment, visit www.awc.org.—
The Changing Face of the American Student: The Growth of Online Learning Today’s college students are just as likely to be moms and dads themselves, full-time and part-time employees or members of the U.S. armed forces. Many students juggle work and family, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, which found that 62 percent of students work full- or parttime, and 29 percent have at least one dependent. Needing flexibility and variety in course offerings, more students are turning to online learning to design a path that fits their lifestyle. As a result, online learning is seeing significant growth. A recent study found more than 6 million students take online courses across the U.S., and that number continues to rise. At ASU Online, programs 16 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | November 2018
have grown significantly, with a 60 percent increase in freshman enrollment since fall 2016 to more than 35,000 students in over 175 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. As part of ASU EdPlus, created to advance inclusion, efficiency and innovation, the online program implements technologies students need to succeed, paired with committed coaches and academic advisors. “At ASU, we work diligently to lay the right groundwork for each student at a personal and individual level because we know there is no silver bullet to student success,” said Leah Lommel, chief operating officer of ASU Online. “Each learner is unique - what works for one may not work for
another. This reality requires a tireless commitment to innovation on the part of higher education.” Career success: Access to higher education remains the best pathway to career success, directly impacting employment opportunities and wages. The Center on Education and the Workforce found that bachelor’s degree holders earn 31 percent more than workers with an associate’s degree and 74 percent more than those with a high school diploma. Further, emerging technologies and the changing nature of industries have created a demand for new types of skilled workers. Higher ed programs need to be flexible and adaptable, allowing students to study during the hours - or minutes - that fit their schedules. With online programs, students can gain practical knowledge throughout their program that can be immediately applied on the job, making them even more valuable in their current roles. As online programs continue to expand, students are more closely able to map coursework to their desired field of work. Support structure is key to successAdoption of online learning is fueled by the fact that universities are discovering that it can be just as effective as faceto-face learning. However, support and guidance are essential to success. From strong faculty support
to success coaches and career advisors, universities providing high-touch student services throughout a student’s journey see the best outcomes.
Fighting the Good Fight, Continued from pg. 5 developing nations, but the U.S. doesn’t manage its poverty problem nearly as well as most other wealthy nations. UNICEF recently reported, for example, that the U.S. has a greater percentage of “food-insecure” children than 35 of our richest neighbors. Such misconceptions may take awhile to refute, but in the meantime, compassionate organizations like The Salvation Army are fighting every day to offer Americans food, shelter, clothing, supplies and a range of other services. Last year the 153-year-old
nonprofit was able to assist more than 23 million people in need in the U.S., spending an admirable 82 cents of each dollar it receives to support community service programs. This season, join the #FightForGood by donating to The Salvation Army’s 128th Annual Red Kettle Campaign whenever you see bell ringers out and about. You can also donate online throughout the year, or contribute over the phone by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.—
For students stepping back into school after many years, support and encouragement are key. The ASU Online Student Success Center, which pairs each student with a personal success coach, has seen enrollment scale five-fold. Coaches are a lifeline as students juggle life with studying and coursework. Facilitating conversations with students related to academic and personal goals, and career aspirations, coaches offer support, help students overcome obstacles and connect them to other campus resources. Online learning allows universities to meet students where they are, academically and personally. Today’s student is approaching education from a new standpoint, with different requirements and needs. The power of innovation in online learning means that each student can complete a degree in a way that was simply not possible before. Interested in learning more about ASU Online’s programs? Check out https://asuonline.asu.edu/ online-degree-programs to explore the range of options ASU Online offers.—
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How to Save on Your Healthcare Costs in 2019
Your cable bill, entertainment expenses and travel extras - these often top the list when families sit down to discuss where they can save money. One expense you should add to your list this year is healthcare costs. Because autumn marks the beginning of the annual open enrollment period for employees, now is the ideal time to sign up for a new health benefit plan or adjust your current plan. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are two options for you to consider if you’re looking to save money in the new year. But, how do they work? Both FSAs and HSAs are tax advantaged accounts, allowing individuals to set aside money, tax-free, to pay for eligible healthcare expenses such as co-pays, coinsurance deductibles, prescriptions, etc. However, there are several key differences between the two. An FSA, which can only be provided by your employer, generally does not have any eligibility requirement and allows you to set aside up to $2,700 (contribution limit for 2019) in the account - most of which must be used within the plan year. An HSA which you can obtain on your own or through your employer - requires that you have a qualified high deductible health plan (HDHP). Contribution to HSAs 18 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | November 2018
are limited to $3,500 for individuals with self-only HDHP coverage and $7,000 for individuals with family HDHP coverage, and the money can be used to cover medical expenses throughout your lifetime. With all FSAs and employer-linked HSAs, a portion of your paycheck can be set aside for deposit into your FSA or HSA account automatically pre-tax, saving you money in the long run. Plus, your employer may also contribute funds to your HSA. Signing up for an FSA or HSA is a convenient way to ease your spending when your healthcare plan doesn’t cover certain expenses, such as over-thecounter prescriptions, travel vaccines and diagnostic tests. In fact, 48 percent of FSA users said they would be likely to cut back on medicines and treatments if they didn’t have an FSA, according to a 2018 Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account Consumer Research study commissioned by Visa and conducted by Kelton Global. According to the study, 89 percent of FSA users agree that saving money through pre-tax contributions tops their list of reasons for having an FSA. In addition to financial benefits, there are emotional benefits to having an FSA. Seventy-nine percent of FSA users said their account helps them
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take control of their medical expenses and an equal number said it makes them feel confident they can pay for a medical emergency. One of the most convenient ways to access funds in an HSA or FSA is with a Visa Healthcare Card. It allows employees to easily access and use the funds in their HSA or FSA to pay for qualified medical expenses wherever Visa debit cards are accepted, making it easy to pay for expenses such as: * Co-pays and deductibles * Prescriptions * Dentist visits: Cleanings, orthodontia, dentures * Exams: Physicals, dermatologist * Vision care, including exams, new glasses, LASIK * Hearing exams and aids * Medical equipment such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers * Smoking cessation programs For added convenience, most pharmacies, grocery stores and other retailers that sell healthcare products
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have the capability to distinguish between covered items and non-covered items when you pay for them using a Visa Healthcare Card, so you don’t have to wonder whether something is covered. By using a Visa Healthcare Card at these locations, you no longer have to pay out-of-pocket and then submit receipts to be reimbursed for your medical expenses, saving you time and paperwork! There’s a reason why 64 percent of FSA users prefer to access their funds with their FSA card, and 74 percent of users without a debit card are interested in one. Likewise, 60 percent of HSA debit card owners cite “easy to use” as their top reason to like their HSA debit card and 86 percent would recommend an HSA to others. As you review your options this open enrollment season, ask your employer if they offer an HSA or FSA with a Visa Healthcare Card to provide easy access to your funds. To learn more, visit www. visahealthcare.com.—
Five Tips for Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment Medicare Open Enrollment is in full swing. For most people enrolled in Medicare, the annual Open Enrollment period (Oct. 15 through Dec. 7) is the only opportunity to make changes to your existing Medicare coverage. Even if you are happy with your Medicare coverage, you should take the time to explore your options. There may be a plan that is better suited to your health and financial needs that could save you hundreds of dollars in the upcoming year. During Medicare Open Enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can switch Part D prescription drug plans; switch Medicare Advantage plans, which offer health (and often drug) coverage through private insurers; switch from Original Medicare, administered by the federal government, to Medicare Advantage; or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. All changes made to coverage during open enrollment take effect on Jan. 1, 2019. Dan Klein, president and chief executive officer of the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation, an independent charitable organization dedicated to helping people afford out-of-pocket costs for prescribed medications, offers the following tips for navigating Medicare Open Enrollment. 1. Do your homework: Take the time to shop around and understand the benefits and costs of each plan so that you can find the coverage that works best for you. Changes to your health status, doctors or healthcare providers, prescription drugs or budget may mean that your current plan is no longer the most cost-effective choice. Insurance companies can also make annual changes to their plans that might affect the drugs covered, provider networks and your out-of-pocket costs. 2. Make sure your doctors and providers are in-network: Before selecting a plan, it’s smart to check that your preferred doctors, hospitals and pharmacies are in the plan’s provider network. If you visit a doctor, hospital or pharmacy that is outside of the network, you will likely have to pay more. If your insurance company has changed your plan’s provider network for next year, you may want to use Open
Enrollment to switch to a plan that will include your current doctors, hospitals and pharmacies in-network to lower your medical costs. 3. Make sure your medications are covered: Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Many Medicare Advantage plans provide prescription drug coverage as well. It’s important to ensure that your plan covers the medications you need and that the plan’s network of pharmacies makes it convenient for you to access your drugs. Switching prescription drug coverage, or even adding it for the first time, can help make the critical medical treatments you need less expensive. 4. Assess if the plan is a good fit for your budgetThere may be changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans that affect your out-of-pocket costs. Out-of-pocket costs are your expenses for medical care that aren’t reimbursed by insurance. When selecting a plan, you should consider what you will be responsible for paying under the plan, including the deductible, out-of-pocket limit, co-pays and co-insurance. 5. Determine how you will pay for your out-ofpocket costs: With rising deductibles, premiums, co-pays and co-insurance, the inability to pay is a growing problem for people with Medicare. There may be assistance available to you if you cannot afford the out-of-pocket costs for your prescription medications. You should research your options now. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for a federal Medicare Low Income Subsidy (LIS) - also known as Extra Help - to help pay for your prescription drug costs. You may also be eligible for a patient co-payment assistance program like PAN that provides people with financial assistance to cover out-of-pocket costs for their medical treatments. You can learn more about PAN and patient assistance charities by visiting PANFoundation.org. By taking the time to re-evaluate your existing coverage and learn about all the options, you can save significantly on your healthcare costs next year.—
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Simple Ways to Get Your Budget on Track This Holiday Season
Americans will have lots to celebrate this holiday season, with unemployment rates at an all-time low and consumer confidence on the rise. According to The Annual Retail Sales Forecast for the Holiday Season from Deloitte, retailers have their sights on sales of more than $1.1 trillion. We all get caught up in the spirit of giving, yet the most wonderful time of year is also one of the most stressful financially. But holiday spending doesn’t have to break the bank - a little planning can let you enjoy and be merry. Here’s a checklist to get started: Budget for big purchases : * Credit cards: Divide up the big-ticket items. Buy them across several off-season months and pay your balance in full. * Free shipping: Some online retailers offer free shipping with orders over a certain amount. In late December, some retailers have been known to offer free shipping days with guaranteed delivery by Christmas. * Delayed financing: Look for store credit card promotions that offer low interest rates or delayed financing on large purchases. Pay it down over time without incurring interest. * Online tools: Struggling to budget alone? Explore online services like Nummo, which can help you consolidate your accounts and keep track of your finances. Save with coupons and deals * Save: There’s always the old-fashioned way of saving a little money each month throughout the year, and then spending what you’ve saved. Or save in advance for the more expensive items.
* Credit cards: Redeem credit card points for gift cards you can use for your holiday shopping; alternatively, offer up specific store gift cards as a present. * Delayed offers: Retailers are tracking what you do online, and often if you leave something in your shopping cart, the retailer will come back with a reminder followed by a discounted offer. * In-store shopping days: Black Friday has always been a big shopping day, so you might want to ask your favorite retailers what they have planned ahead of time. Some big-box retailers begin their Black Friday promotions on the Wednesday before, with extended store hours, and might even be open on Thanksgiving. Also, don’t forget to shop local on Small Business Saturday - your favorites stores may have the best bargains yet. * Online shopping days: Online retailers offer significant discounts on days like Cyber Monday and Small Business Saturday. Buy now, pay later * Credit card rates: If you are going to apply for a new card, check introductory offers for rates, balance transfer opportunities and delayed financing options. * Store credit cards: Often when you open a card at checkout, you receive a discount on your entire purchase. Store cards also offer coupons and deals throughout the holiday season if you use your store credit card. That said, make sure not to keep a balance for long, as store credit cards can have higher interest rates. Holiday spending still causing you stress? The experts at Nummo can help you manage, maintain and improve your financial health for the holidays and beyond.—
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