Urban Views Weekly June 22,2016

June 22, 2016

Scholar of the Week - Destiny Pryor

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Financial and in-kind support from businesses and corporations are so important to the life of nonprofits.

Whether through event sponsorships or grants for programs and operations, businesses matter. They provide visibility, funding and talent. Employees and executives serve as board members and volunteers donating their time, expertise and money. They encourage others to do the same; inviting their consumers, customers, partners and employees to join them in giving.

marketing or other business goals. These are a few examples of the positive impact corporate philanthropy can have on a business.

Corporate philanthropy also strengthens the community. Every day we see the impact that Wells Fargo, FedEx, Nike, Toyota, UPS, and other businesses, large and small, make on the quality of life in communities across the country. Local businesses are also busy investing in our nonprofits with funding and volunteer hours that increase nonprofits’ impact.

“Corporate

philanthropy ...

strengthens the

Likewise, there are benefits that accrue to businesses who engage with nonprofits. These include the opportunity to extend your brand to a new audience, or to communicate your support of specific nonprofits to your current audience. Supporting a nonprofit is an ideal way to increase visibility, network, and extend your brand. Sponsoring nonprofit events also helps attract and retain talent, especially amongst employees who want to feel connected to their community through the workplace. It can also be a creative – and often cost-effective – way to meet

community.”

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Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

It is important to focus on the business-related benefits of a relationship with a nonprofit. At the same time, it is important to remember that nonprofits provide a community with many intangible benefits that a business cannot purchase or provide.

For example, if your company seeks to ensure that it conducts business with minority and women owned firms, then it is important to support those nonprofits that incubate, continues to page 8 mentor, and help

Ervin B. Clarke, Publisher publisher@urbanviewsweekly.com Flora C. Clarke, Administrative Assistant flora@urbanviewsweekly.com

VOL. 9, ISSUE 25 Urban Views Weekly, LLC 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410 Richmond, VA 23230 Office: (804) 441-6255 Fax: (888) 439-2534 Cover photo Dinwiddie County High School 2016 graduation

Ervin B. Clarke

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Scholar of the Week

By Janeal Downs

Over the past years, Destiny Pryor’s multiple interests have led her to pursuing different opportunities. Her willingness to try new things is very noticeable throughout her time in high school.

“These opportunities shaped me into the person I am today; someone who is willing to try any and everything,” Destiny stated in an essay. When she was younger, Destiny said she was always the child getting into things and couldn’t remain still. Her active personality has only carried over and increased in her older years.

Destiny Pryor

of Richmond Community

High School

GPA: 4.8 College of Interest: University of Richmond Major Community Service: Food banks and homeless shelters Strong Interests: Chemistry and teaching Favorite Activities: Marching Band, softball, volunteering and spending time with friends

Not only is Destiny interested in music and sports, but also science and mathematics. “My participation in the MSI: Richmond and advancement in these subjects are reasons for this deep interest,” Destiny stated. Her passion for these subjects has influenced her to pursue a degree in chemistry from the University of Richmond. She was first introduced to the university when she had the opportunity to do research in the school’s chemistry lab. Growing comfortable with the school and its professors encouraged her to make it her top choice. In the future, Destiny’s dream job would be to work Among all of her activities, some of her as a chemistry professor at any university. favorite things to do include participating in Originally, she was more attracted to the the marching band, playing softball, spending research side of chemistry, but her love for time with friends and volunteering. Since the sharing information with others has geared early age of 7, Destiny has been interested in her more toward the professor path. “Being instrumental music. For the past 11 years, she able to collect and share information with ™ has learned how to play the flute, the bass ek e W e h t f others has always been a comfortable state o clarinet and the French horn. In reference to for me, ” Destiny stated.

“Pursuing this career sports, softball helps her stay active, fit and will allow me to have the most satisfaction in also helps her meet new people. While she life and will create so much happiness.” attends Richmond Community High School, she plays for John Marshall High School. This gives her the opportunity to meet Along with all of her extracurricular work, Destiny currently people outside of her school. “The connections I get to make has a 4.8 GPA. One of her main inspirations is her mother. “Just with other people and the friends and relationships that I have always working hard and going to school, she’s always told me made now, can definitely last a while and be useful in the future,” that that’s really important,” Destiny said. “(She) always gets me Destiny said. Other organizations she is in include the National off to the right start and keeps me on the right path.” Destiny Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student plans to continue to stay on the right path and always stay active Ambassadors, Community Council, the Spanish Club, etc. as she works hard to accomplish her goals.

Scholar0

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Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

3

ViewPoints

By Dr. T

This is NOT Reality-TV…it’s Reality To call what passes for “reality” on TV even close to actual reality is an absolute farce. One might even say it’s patently absurd. But many people follow these reality-TV sagas with the fervor of a religious pilgrimage as if they were in pursuit of the Holy Grail. They engage in fervent critical discourse around the various perspectives, life-like dramas and dilemmas involved with the utmost belief that the so-called real-life or LIVE results actually matter. (Spoiler Alert) Not only do they not matter, they are not REALITY!

four-letter words spewing forth and vapid media memes breaking over Twitter speak to an incredible amount of misinformation and ignorance, as well as some type of mystifying blanket of apathy that has overtaken us. We, as a nation, have finally succumbed to a type of mindless disconnection and denial, and are willing to give up and give in to a Reality-TV mentality. Will we allow our collective future to fall into the hands of individuals who obviously lack the qualifications, temperament, knowledge and fundamental understanding of global affairs to be our Commander-in-Chief and the “Leader of the Free World?” Are we really going to allow that to happen? With the increasing levels of racism, misogyny, xenophobia, homophobia and Islamophobia being elevated to the political arena by our so-called leaders and their surrogates, will we ultimately challenge ourselves to be true to what we say we believe? Are the foundational principles of the United States of America, its Constitution and its call for “Freedom, Liberty and Justice for All” the ground on which we stand or NOT?

Political discourse is being played out in the new era of Twitter bytes as a major media information source, as if serious political and social concerns can actually be discussed with any depth or purpose on that particular platform. Instead, it serves as a stage for the typical random “putdowns” and “callouts” of political leaders, parties and agendas. These reductionist discursive debates oft come across like the “mean girls” in middle schools all over the country, or the bullies and bystanders many diversity and cultural sensitivity trainers discuss when speaking to 8th grade classes nationwide. The depth of the discussion and the interrogation of the issues involved fall woefully short This is not a game show, people. We are not on Reality-TV, no matter how much it may of having any real meaning or substantive useful information. Therefore, there is little sometimes feel that we are. Our integrity is being challenged and the whole world is hope that they can induce any real change or impactful action. It’s all just noise! People watching. What do we truly believe, and are we willing to STAND UP for those beliefs? on the various sides either don’t engage at all, or the discourse is so shallow it takes on Or, are we just going to change the channel and hope for a different outcome next the characteristic nature of those reality-TV shows that week? You cannot call out someone for making racist inundate cable television stations in communities all statements and then, in the same breath, say but I Tawnya Pettiford-Wates, Ph.D. over the country. continue to support them without consequence. That’s Founder and Artistic Director the kind of choice they make on the TV shows we call Given the serious nature of this country’s social, The Conciliation Project and Associate Professor Reality-TV… not the choices we make when actual political, global and economic concerns, the level of people’s REAL LIVES are at stake.

Virginia Commonwealth University dis-engagement amongst the voting populous are not only depressing, but also disturbing. The amount of

DrT@Margins2theCenter.com | www.theconciliationproject.org

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SAVOR

Family Features

Staying well-hydrated is especially important during the summer months.

In addition to normal body functions, higher temperatures draw more water through perspiration, so consciously replacing your fluid content becomes essential for overall health.

“Every system in your body – from reproduction and digestion to circulation, mood and memory – depends on water,” said Elizabeth Somer, M.A., R.D., and author of several nutrition and wellness books.

However, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 44 percent of adults drink fewer than four cups of water per day (less than half of the recommended eight glasses per day), and in some cases, no water at all.

Hydrate Your Way to a Healthy Summer What many people don’t realize is that beverages aren’t the only way to hydrate your body. In fact, water-dense foods such as watermelon can also boost your hydration. Sweetly flavored, low-calorie watermelon is 92 percent water and offers several nutrients along with the cancerfighting antioxidant lycopene.

Whether eaten out of hand, tossed into a salad or blended in a healthy beverage, there are dozens of delicious ways a healthy serving of watermelon can help hydrate.

Crave-worthy snacks. Thoroughly chill the watermelon then slice, ball or cube it for a quick, refreshing and juicy boost. For kids, cut one-inch slices of the watermelon then use cookie cutters to make fun shapes for snacking.

Frozen treats. Puree watermelon, add chunks of fruit and pour into freezer molds for a sweet way to beat the heat.

Healthy juices. Make a simple Watermelon Juice for a great postworkout snack, or try this flavorful Watermelon Lemonade to put a fresh spin on a summertime favorite. Another option: add watermelon to your favorite fruit shakes or smoothies for a new flavor twist.

Salads and sandwiches. Easily add extra hydration into your regular meals by tossing chunks of watermelon into a salad or layering strips of the fruit on a sandwich or wrap.

Find more mouthwatering ideas and recipes at watermelon.org.

Watermelon Lemonade Servings: 5 cups 1/2 2 1/2 2/3 2

cup lemon juice cups water cup agave syrup cups watermelon chunks

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve over ice.

Watermelon Juice Servings: Vary, depending on watermelon size 1 watermelon, washed and cut into chunks.

Blend 2-3 cups watermelon at a time until smooth. Strain into serving pitcher, if desired.

Note: If not strained, juice will need to be stirred until blended prior to serving.

Honoring another gift of life.

When the Donate Life flag rises above downtown and on billboards throughout our community, join us in saluting the organ donor, living or deceased, who has just given others the most selfless gift: life.

See Tuwanda’s inspiring organ donation story at vcuhealthtransplant.org, then sign up to be an organ donor at donatelifevirginia.org.

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Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

5

You did it! After four years of late-night library study free will, not based on what grade you’ll get in the end. sessions, dreadful class schedules, cramming for exams, And let’s face it – how many people are really equipped to and staring blankly at computer screens trying to write figure out life on their own after 21 years of depending on that 10-page paper, you’ve finally walked across that stage. older, wiser people to call the shots? Having a mentor puts For some students, you in the driver’s seat of graduation day felt like your own life, while making it would never come. For more educated guesses along others, simply making the path to success. Unsure it to college was an of which career to embark accomplishment. But on? Find someone whose regardless of which level of success you’d category you fall in, like to reach and pick and whether higher their brain about education is a family how they found tradition or you’re a their niche. Curious first-generation college about how to make student, making it connections in your through some of the field or land your toughest years of young dream job? Mentors adulthood is worthy of can direct you to celebration. proper networking Canaan Mills, Valedictorian events, help you pitch For four years –and sometimes longer –students are tasked yourself to potential employers, share their connections, with earning a GPA that would land them a dream job. and even prep you for interviews. Mentors offer valuable Professors teach the importance of remaining involved on insight on everything from business lunch etiquette to campus through organizations, fraternities, and sororities negotiating a salary, and while you have to own your own in order to gain leadership experience that makes them successes and failures, having someone to impart their marketable to future employers. Upon enrollment, you’re wisdom helps minimize bumps in the road. equipped with an advisor from whence you get guidance on how to make the best decisions for your academic “A great mentor will see talents and abilities in you that future. But when the dust settles, real life doesn’t come you don’t see in yourself, and they will help bring those with assigned advisors and professors who instill wisdom things out of you,” says Van-Neisha Johnson, Family & in their students three times a week. After the confetti Consumer Science Teacher at Armstrong High School. falls, the balloons deflate, and the graduation BBQ ends, “Be eager to LEARN, Be eager to LISTEN, and be willing graduates are faced to accept an extra pair of hands with the sobering life that will help you get to where question: What’s next? you want to go!”

We’re here to help.

Get a mentor.

Value experience over money.

“No experience is wasted…

Everything in life is happening to grow you up, to fill you up, to help you to become more of who you were created to be.”

–Oprah Winfrey

While academic advisors and professors are no longer an option, post-grad life means exposure to more In college, students are often men and women in pushed to pursue the degree the workforce who DCHS faculty that offers the best salary in the can provide excellent end.

And with the reality of student loan debt knocking counsel as you decide on what comes next. For the first on your bank account’s door shortly after graduation, it’s time in your life, your decisions are based on your own 6

Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

I Gradua Now W

5 Ke Post-G Suc

By Janna

easy to have your eye on the ultimate goal and overlook what it’ll take to get there. Placing a paycheck above everything else, though, is a sure way to cheat yourself out of invaluable lessons and experience that come from positions that don’t pay top dollar…yet. Internships provide excellent opportunities to work closely with people who are where you aspire to be, and oftentimes, you’ll learn firsthand what it takes to acquire that long-term success. Don’t despise small beginnings, the old adage goes.

And although you have your eye on the almighty dollar, those small beginnings – fetching coffee, filing paperwork, shadowing managers – builds character and industry knowledge that make you attractive to future employers.

If you’re unsure of the industry you want to conquer, seek out administrative positions – positions where you acquire skill that’ll make you an asset at any office or firm.

Read!

Okay, it’s a bit of a bummer, right? To leave school, the place where you read what felt like millions of books by force, and suddenly begin reading voluntarily. It seems like self-inflicted torture. But here’s where reading truly is

has either written a book or shares books that have shaped their future. So do your research! The mentor you’ve chosen can share their experiences, yes, but the marvelous thing about picking up a book is that you’re exposed to the experiences of people deemed “untouchable.”

ated!…

What?

Tasteful Tweets and Pleasant Posts, Please.

eys to Graduate ccess

a M. Hall

fundamental. The key is to read for purpose, not pleasure, and equip yourself with tools you didn’t learn in school.

“While in academia, you’re constantly being reminded of the importance of staying a step ahead of your competitors,” says George Wythe High School English Department Chair, Jimmette Jones. “Such a tip becomes increasingly essential when transitioning to the workforce. One of the key ways to ensure your preparedness is through the use of reading. Never lose the ability to be teachable, coachable, and trainable.”

Seek out memoirs of men and women you admire, and get inspired by their story. Whether it’s President Barack Obama or your favorite musician, you’ll be surprised at the lessons you learn when you delve deeper into who they were before you knew their name. Oftentimes, you’ll learn lessons of perseverance, triumph, and defeat. Other times, you’ll learn how to avoid making the same mistakes they made and have an even bigger impact than you ever imagined. If you’re sure of your desired career, research books that provide pro-tips on excelling in that field. Think of your favorite brands –more often than not, their CEO

open up plenty of opportunities including mentorship, future employment, educational grants, and more,” says Ryan James, Economics Teacher for Richmond Public Schools. “In this generation, more and more people are earning college degrees and it is imperative to set yourself apart from the competition.”

To make networking more enjoyable and less awkwardly painful, join interest groups and attend social events happening in your city. The Living in the digital age, nearly National Urban League’s Richmond everyone has a social media chapter is an excellent opportunity account, spending hours a day to meet young black professionals sharing videos, funny memes, from all industries, from teaching and their unsolicited opinions. to technology. They meet monthly Unfortunately, employers also and even host events where nonspend their time on social members can fellowship and network media, only they’re seeking with other urban professionals. With out the accounts of potential a small annual membership fee, Alexis Campbell gives employees. They observe you’ll get involved in educational, Reflections of Class of 2016 the photos you’re tagged in economic, and social justice issues in online, posts you write on Twitter, and what you publish your community and learn how you can make an impact on Instagram, looking for clues on the type of person together. Most of all, it’s a fantastic way to meet likethey may be adding to their team. Knowing this, make minded young people who, like you, aren’t far removed all public profiles professional while also adding your from their college years. Navigating the corporate world own personal flair that shows your unique qualities. isn’t easy, but having a solid support system comprised of Refrain from using profanity, keep your photos clean people walking the same path makes it that much easier. and tasteful, and ask that friends who post photos from Countless members of the National Urban League have a wild night out un-tag you. You’re looking for a job, helped fellow members extend their network even further, here! Your personal life should be private, and anything connect with others in their industry, and even acquire public should be a reflection of your best side. Take a jobs. hint from the many journalists, politicians, and executives Feeling the sense of post-collegiate confusion is normal, who have lost their job due to controversial social media and stepping into true adulthood is scary for almost posts. You’re a reflection of the company you work for, everyone. But it’s important to know that you’re not alone, and those companies want employees who can represent and keys to success are right at your fingertips at every them at all times. To take it a step further, use social media turn. platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to market yourself to potential employers. It’s never too soon to create an online conversation with companies you have your eye on, and social media bridges the gap between the Human Resources department that handles your résumé and the person who you’ll actually work directly with.

Start building your network early on.

Welcome to the real world, where you actually have to start making effort to socialize with people outside of your social circle! It can be dreadful, yes, but so essential to your success. “The ability to network is an essential skill that is necessary for both short and long term success in your career. Connecting with other professionals can

Photos Dinwiddie County High School 2016 graduation

Ervin B. Clarke

Barbara Pittman, School Board Chairman, shakes hands of graduates www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

7

Virginia State University Removed From Academic Warning The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has voted to REMOVE Virginia State University (VSU) from Warning status and REAFFIRMED the University’s regional accreditation. At its meeting today, the Board of SACSCOC found that VSU has satisfied all the standards that led to the University being placed on warning status in 2015. “Over the past few months, we have worked diligently to provide documentation that transparently addressed compliance with the relevant SACSCOC standards and committed to devoting the necessary resources to not only meet, but to exceed these accreditation standards,” says VSU President, Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. “This process has afforded us the opportunity to be intentional about enhancing policies, programs, services, and operations.

We are confident that the findings released today will further secure VSU’s sustainability as a highly effective and fiscally stable university dedicated to providing

8

Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

opportunities for a quality education.

We have remained committed to this mission since 1882.”

Rector of the VSU Board of Visitors, Mr. Harry Black says, “Dr. Abdullah has provided superb leadership over the past few months.

He and his staff worked tirelessly to ensure that VSU met and exceeded the SACSCOC standards. Congratulations to the academic professionals at VSU for continuing to provide excellent academic opportunities for students.”

In April, a Special Committee conducted an on-site evaluation of VSU’s compliance with the Principles of Accreditation—the accreditation standards of the Commission. SACSCOC accreditation includes all components of the institution—all programs, branch campuses, off-campus sites, and distance learning programs as reported to the Commission; thus, the removal of the warning status applies to the University in its entirety.

FUNdraising from page 2

build the capacity of these firms. It is difficult for a municipality or business to contract with firms that don’t exist, or that have challenges scaling to meet increased demand. History has shown the important role that minority business development organizations play, especially when there is a history of limited business opportunities for minority and women owned businesses.

One way to make a difference is to sponsor your local black chamber of commerce, or the local chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Sponsoring their events also supports their ongoing work.

Here are our closing thoughts: When reviewing sponsorship or giving opportunities, consider the direct business benefits and the indirect ones.

Consider how your investment in local nonprofits can help create a climate that attracts and retains young professionals. Diverse, inclusive communities depend on the services, expertise and advocacy provided by nonprofits such as your local NAACP chapter, LGBTQ community center, and Latino serving organizations among many others. Your financial support makes a difference.

Copyright 2016 – Mel and Pearl Shaw Mel and Pearl Shaw are the authors of Prerequisites for Fundraising Success available on Amazon.com.

For help growing your fundraising visit www. saadandshaw.com or call (901) 522-8727.

www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

The Deal

By Nathaniel Sillin

How to Research and Reduce Healthcare Costs Whether you’re planning a future procedure or navigating care after a sudden illness or accident, smart consumers have a plan in place to avoid hidden costs and billing errors common to our ever-changing healthcare system. You should too.

question practitioners (or their billing departments) and price-compare procedures the way you would any major purchase. Depending on your local medical resources, you may have the option to conduct your research online. Here are some ways to begin.

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) made it possible for all Americans to get some form of healthcare coverage regardless of their medical history. That’s the good news. The bad news is that everyone’s personal health circumstances and solutions are different, and we’re still far away from the day when the coverage we buy – either individually or through our employers – can prevent us from getting unexpected bills for services and procedures our insurer didn’t cover, or errors made in the billing process.

Know how you’re covered for both emergencies and non-emergencies. It’s easier to plan for a hip replacement you’ll need in six months than for emergency surgery after an accident or sudden illness, but it’s important to think through how your coverage works in both situations:

It’s also important to know that many health insurers are adjusting to the reality of universal coverage by narrowing the assortment of doctors in their networks, leaving more patients at risk of “surprise” bills if they are treated by practitioners outside their insurer’s network.

There are some helpful resources — both public and private — which have emerged that price health procedures. Using those resources can help avoid some major out-ofpocket healthcare expenses. It’s also essential to determine what practitioners may be in or out of network, particularly if it’s an emergency.

So what can you do to prevent these unexpected health costs? If you are not on Medicare, which tends to have more standardized pricing and coverage, you need to

Emergency: Emergencies are a challenge to price because it’s tough to know which practitioners and services you’ll actually need. The key is to make a plan for emergencies. Speak to your insurer now – and consult your primary care physician – to confirm that you have a good range of in-network emergency doctors at the hospital of your choice. If not, you might want to think about switching plans during your next enrollment period. Put an easy-to-find “in case of emergency” card in your wallet next to your health insurance card that makes your preferred hospital visible to first responders or other helpers. Also, list your primary care doctor’s and your health care power of attorney’s contact information. Finally, make sure the person you designate as your health care power of attorney has access to your insurance and physician network information so he or she can guide your care more affordably if you’re incapacitated.

Non-emergency: If your doctor is recommending a particular

TanyaFree.com/ Urban Views Weekly Poll While Republicans are trying to rein in Donald Trump, Democratic presumptive nominee Hillary Clinton has received an endorsement from President Obama. After giving a powerful critique of Trump, Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren also endorsed Clinton.

There has been speculation among political pundits of a Clinton/ Warren Democratic presidential ticket. Some think it would be a dream ticket, while others think we are not ready for an all-female ticket.

What’s your take? Is the country ready for an all-female ticket? Would you cast your vote for a Clinton/Warren ticket?

continues to page 11

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www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

9

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You’ve been ignoring me for a while. We don’t go for walks as often as we used to.

You barely eat anything green anymore.

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Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

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Classifieds

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PLACE YOUR AD TODAY

in-hospital or outpatient procedure in the coming weeks or months, you’ve got time to plan, so do it. Query your physician or his or her billing department about the cost of the procedure and what other practitioners (such as an anesthesiologist) might be involved. Then spend equal time speaking with your insurer about what you’ve learned and how extensively the procedure in question will be covered. Make sure you understand if your insurer covers the procedure on an inpatient (hospital) or outpatient (office) basis – some insurers are reportedly cutting back on outpatient coverage.

Know your deductible.

The latest annual Kaiser Foundation employer health benefits survey indicated some whopping figures for health care deductibles – the outof-pocket total you have to pay before the bulk of your health coverage kicks in. For example, if you have a $3,000 deductible that you haven’t touched this year, that’s the initial out-of-pocket amount you’re going to have to pay for any big procedure.

Keep that figure in mind as you continue your research on medical options. That’s why it’s important to keep such amounts in an emergency fund or, if you have the option, set aside in a health savings account (https://www. irs.gov/publications/p969/ar02.html) where you can keep funds not only for the deductible, but for other potential out-of-pocket health costs.

Review bills closely. One recent study has reported significant errors in medical bills, particularly for hospital stays. Keep in mind www.UrbanViewsWeekly.com

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that the price-comparison exercise doesn’t stop on the way in to a procedure. You need to keep an eye on pre- and post-procedure bills from practitioners, hospitals and your health insurer for accuracy. If you see an error, contact the appropriate party or parties immediately to correct the problem.

Bottom line: There are very few industries going through as much change as healthcare.

Universal coverage is good, but it’s important

to know exactly what it pays for before you need it. Set aside time to think through your health issues and do your research to help reduce healthcare costs that can impact your overall budget. Learning to save money now can preserve your budget later.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

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Urban Views Weekly | June 22, 2016

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