Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2024-10-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – New Empower research explores the annual process and what matters most to American workers

Over half of Americans (53%) report that cost is the primary driver for choosing benefits during open enrollment, and 35% of Millennials (27% of people overall) enroll in the least expensive option regardless of what the plans offer, according to research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing and advice.

Some 41% say they would have made different benefit elections if they had a better understanding of the options. Less than half of younger generations know where to find the information and details needed to make decisions about their benefits (44% of Gen Zers, 50% of Millennials). Fewer than 2 in 5 (38%) Americans feel that the open enrollment process is easy and user-friendly, and 37% admit to feeling overwhelmed when it comes to selecting benefits.

Beyond healthcare (70%), dental (53%) and vision plans (45%), Americans rank access to retirement plans (45%) and financial advice (24% overall, 42% Gen Z) among the most important employer benefits.

“Our study shows that Gen Zers are especially craving financial advice, and it tops their wish list of workplace benefits,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “From a retirement plan to financial coaching, plus concrete safeguards like an emergency savings account, people highly value benefits that directly support their financial happiness.”

Americans have ideas for how to make the open enrollment process better. Nearly half (48%), including 60% of Baby Boomers and 53% of Gen Xers, would like to see a side-by-side comparison of plans and benefits, a clear explanation of pricing differences among plans (46%), and better pricing on plan options (44%). One in five (21%) say a longer enrollment period would improve the process.

More findings:

• HSA-a-day: 1 in 4 (24%) Americans (27% of men and 21% of women) have money in a Health Savings Account (HSA). Just half of people (50%) say they understand what an HSA is, with more Gen Xers (57%) and fewer Gen Zers (40%) familiar with the option. About 1 in 5 (21%) have used their HSA benefit so far this year.
• Roll call: One in 5 (20%) overall do not enroll in their employer’s benefit plan, and the likelihood of opting out is even greater for younger generations: 1 in 4 Gen Zers (26%) and Millennials (27%) do not enroll in their employer’s plan, compared with just 16% of Gen Xers and 15% of Baby Boomers.
• Time saver: Time is Money to many people, and more of it might make for an improved open enrollment process, too: Just 39% feel the open enrollment window is long enough.

About the study

The Empower “Open Enrollment” study is based on online survey responses from 1,237 Americans ages 18+ fielded by YouGov from September 27-30, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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2024-10-11T00:01:00

(BPT) – What’s next for branded content?

Branded content is a powerful, targeted way to connect with consumers, aligning your brand with their values. And it’s highly effective. A Nielsen report found branded content produced 86% brand recall. According to the International Journal of Advertising, branded content is 22 times more effective than traditional advertising.

If it’s not on your PR and marketing radar now, it should be. But, as the industry and technology evolve, branded content is evolving, too. For PR pros and marketers, it’s important to stay current on how best to use this powerful tool.

David Olson, senior vice president at Brandpoint, the industry leader in creating and distributing branded content, offers his insights into the future of this powerful tool. (Spoiler: it’s about leveraging AI correctly and focusing on personalization.)

Generative AI improvements and refinements

Longform content? Expert writers are the best at that. But AI can be a powerful ally in the process of creating that content. And it’s getting better at it.

Generative AI is best at story ideation and brainstorming, coming up with different approaches to a topic, and optimizing headlines. It can also help adjust tone and style for customized outreach. AI previously struggled at research — a critical aspect of brand storytelling — but has recently made positive strides and can help save time, as long as you double-check all sources for accuracy.

AI can create different versions of the same content

AI can quickly create multiple versions of your content, customized for different target audiences.

A basic example would be a lawn mower company using different imagery when speaking to people in Mississippi versus Minnesota to reflect the regional landscape and weather conditions. They might highlight different benefits of the product based on what people need in those locations. Digging even deeper, it could use language that is more appealing to people in those locations, such as different dialects or idioms.

Augmented and virtual reality

Immersive experiences through augmented reality and virtual reality will be huge.

Let’s say a museum is doing an exhibit on Ernest Hemingway that offers AR or VR where people scan or interact with artifacts to learn more. It may include photos of the writer and others at Hemingway’s favorite haunt in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s. You could use your phone to scan a code next to the photos to learn the history of this venerable establishment, Hemingway’s ties to it and to the owner, and that yes, the restaurant really does serve Sloppy Joes. Email yourself the recipe and enjoy one for dinner that night, in honor of Papa.

Even more personalization

Remember Tom Cruise in “Minority Report” and the customized advertisements as he walked through the mall? Spielberg was correct in seeing branded content as hyper-personalized. The more you can make content relevant to the individual, the more powerful the connection you create.

Inclusivity and diversity

Forget the broad strokes; we need to carefully consider things like age, ethnicity, abilities and sexual preference. In brand storytelling we must remember the people we’re talking to and reflect the things that matter most to them. This aligns well with the idea of personalized content.

Search is not the holy grail it once was

Much of branded content is not indexable by Google. Search is changing because of AI, so ranking is going to be even more difficult now. If you’re a brand putting out blog content, getting it to rank is challenging. It’s tough for a lot of brands to let go of that as the holy grail.

It’s not a quantity game we’re playing anymore. It’s not about posting more than your competitors. If you’re just posting for the sake of getting something up and out into the digital world, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You become the exact white noise you’re hoping to break through. Focus on quality instead.

Branded content is always evolving

Ultra personalized branded content will be more interesting and relevant. But, things are always evolving, which means it will be key for brands to pivot and embrace change as it comes.

Brandpoint is the leader in creating and distributing branded content, with average results of 1,000 print and online placements and a site audience of 140 million-170 million. Contact Brandpoint today to learn more about how to put the power of branded content to work for you.

2024-10-10T16:03:00

(BPT) – This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment brings a major change for prescription drug users: a new payment program for older adults and those with disabilities to spread out their costs over time, making it easier to manage out-of-pocket expenses.

With 90% of Americans over 65 taking at least one prescription, and one in five skipping doses due to costs (Source: KFF), this plan could make a meaningful difference for millions, helping them afford the medications they need to stay healthy. Starting in 2025, Medicare drug plan members can spread out their prescription costs over time, avoiding the need to pay in full each time they fill a prescription.

“The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is an important new option that can help Medicare beneficiaries manage their prescription drug costs and access the medications they need,” said Patrick Wildman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Lupus Foundation of America. “The option to spread out prescription costs over the course of the year is critical — especially for those living with chronic and serious conditions like lupus who can have high drug costs and who rely on multiple medications to manage their disease.”

What Does This Mean for You?

Eligible beneficiaries can enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan during annual enrollment starting Oct. 15, 2024 and throughout the plan year. This benefit, along with a newly instituted $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Part D members, represents the biggest change to Medicare since the introduction of Part D in 2006. The “donut hole” will disappear in 2025, so no one will have to pay more than $2,000 per year for their covered prescriptions.

This change means you can worry less about managing large bills at the pharmacy, and instead spread those costs out over manageable monthly payments, giving you more control over your finances.

Who Benefits the Most?

While all eligible beneficiaries can use the new program to better plan and manage prescription costs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has previously stated that those most likely to benefit include anyone who spent more than $2,000 on out-of-pocket prescription costs in the past year and anyone struggling to pay out-of-pocket costs upfront at the pharmacy.

Pharmacists Are Ready to Help

Pharmacists nationwide are prepared to answer customer questions about the program. However, beneficiaries will need to enroll via their Part D plan sponsor before they can receive their medications for $0 upfront at the pharmacy.

“Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall health and well-being,” said Summer Kerley, Vice President of Health Plan Solutions for Rite Aid Corporation. “By spreading out your payments, this program makes it easier to stay on track with medications, which means better disease management and better quality of life.”

The Future of Cost Smoothing in Healthcare

This shift in spreading healthcare costs over time is becoming a standard approach across the industry, with commercial insurers, employer plans, and Medicare embracing cost smoothing programs. The solutions provide certainty of affordability, allowing more patients to access the care they need without the stress of large, unexpected bills.

Don’t Miss Out — Explore Your Options

With the Annual Enrollment period opening Oct. 15, 2024, now is the time to explore your options. Visit Medicare.gov, Paytient.com/MPPP, or call your Medicare plan provider to see if you qualify and learn how to enroll. Don’t wait — taking control of your healthcare costs today could mean better health and financial stability in 2025 and beyond.

2024-10-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – What’s scarier than ghouls and goblins? Cybercriminals. According to the FBI, people lost $12.5 billion to cyber scams in the U.S. in 2023. Now, that is frightening!

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take stock of your cyber protections. While the fear of scammers getting access to your personal and financial information can be daunting, fear not! Here are five tips to keep your finances safe.

Update your devices to keep the tech-zombies away: Keep your devices’ operating systems up to date. Those updates contain more than just fancy features; they include critical security updates that protect you from vulnerabilities. Keeping your devices updated ensures that fraudsters won’t have a ghost of a chance to access your personal information.

Steer clear of public Wi-Fi to dodge the cyber-goblins: Don’t shop or complete any financial transactions on public Wi-Fi. Instead, wait until you get home or to a more protected network connection. Public Wi-Fi is risky as there could be scammers lurking, waiting to steal your private data!

Secure your sign-on to keep the digital demons at bay: Protect your online accounts with multi-factor authentication, known as MFA. Enabling MFA means you require a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before you’re allowed to access the service. Why does this matter? Because even if one factor (like your username/password) is compromised, fraudsters won’t be able to meet the second authentication requirement (like a biometric or text code), ultimately stopping them from trick-or-treating their way into your accounts and walking away with your personal information, money or worse!

Use your digital wallet to avoid spooky surprises: When making transactions, use your digital wallet for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a high-tech Ghostbuster keeping your financial info secure.

Zero Liability ensures you’re guarded from nightmares: Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold consumers responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” provided they are promptly reported, and the cardholder used reasonable care in protecting the card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability applies to your purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online or via a mobile device and ATM transactions. With protections like that, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check. So, keep your card close, and don’t let your security turn into a nightmare!

2024-10-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – A topic that many people find challenging to understand and even talk about is life insurance. However, having life insurance is like any other kind of insurance — it offers peace of mind and financial protection in case something unexpected happens in the future.

In the 2024 Insurance Barometer from the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), while just over half (51%) of American adults said they have some type of life insurance coverage, 42% say they need life insurance — and 22% say they do not have enough coverage.

The good news for anyone who needs more insurance (or would like more coverage) is that it’s most likely easier to navigate, purchase, and pay for life insurance than you think. In addition, features such as a no-fee electronic funds transfer (EFT), which is offered by Boston Mutual Life, make the process even more seamless.

What’s holding so many people back from having a financial safeguard against the unexpected?

Why don’t people have life insurance?

The LIMRA study uncovered the top 3 reasons preventing people from buying life insurance (or having enough of it):

• The belief that it’s too expensive.
• Having other financial priorities.
• Not being sure what type they need or how much to buy.

Fortunately, these reasons may not be as big of a hurdle for you as many believe. Here’s why:

Most people overestimate the cost

In the LIMRA study, 72% overestimated the true cost of a basic term life insurance policy. In fact, the overestimate from all respondents totaled over 3 times the actual price. Where did they get the idea life insurance would be much more expensive than it really is? Over half (54%) said their estimate was based on a “gut instinct” or “wild guess.”

To learn the actual cost of life insurance for you, contact a local insurance professional. It may surprise you how much more affordable it is to get the peace of mind you’re looking for.

Navigating financial priorities

It’s understandable for people of all ages to have feelings of financial insecurity. While those feelings pervaded all demographic groups in the LIMRA study, almost two-thirds (62%) of the people who currently own life insurance reported feeling financially secure, compared to the feelings of less than half (46%) of those who do not own life insurance.

In fact, for those earning a household income between $50,000-$150,000 per year, those who own life insurance were 20% more likely to feel secure than those who do not.

Financial obligations and priorities may vary for each family, but the top five financial concerns revealed in the LIMRA study have remained consistent for a number of years:

• Having enough money for retirement
• Paying for long-term care
• Saving for an emergency fund
• Supporting oneself if disabled or too sick to work
• Paying for emergency medical expenses

Many of these concerns can be addressed through investing in whole life insurance. Whole life insurance is permanent life insurance that provides protection for your entire life and offers financial support through a claims payout to your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) at the time of your passing. But in addition to that protection, whole life insurance also accumulates a cash value that you can access during your lifetime if you need it for expenses such as buying a home, paying for college, or settling debts.

What kind of insurance will best protect you and your family?

It can be confusing to know what kind of insurance to purchase, and how much. Every individual and family situation can be unique, so it’s important to consult an insurance professional about your specific needs. In addition, ensure that you’re making the most of all the insurance benefits provided by your employer by talking to your HR representative. You can also find information about insurance options that can provide peace of mind and future financial protection at BostonMutual.com.

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2024-09-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you more worried about fraud than you were a few years ago? According to the 2024 Trust Index Report by Telesign, almost 60% of people worldwide and nearly half of all Americans are more fearful of becoming fraud victims than they were just two years ago. Not only do we need to stay vigilant about the traditional forms of digital fraud, but now there is increased global anxiety fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

This is not a nebulous fear, nor is it an idle threat. People are more anxious about fraud because there’s more fraud, period. Considering we need to watch out for data breaches, online attacks, telephone scams, phishing, and bank and mail fraud, just to name a few, if you’re not concerned, you’re not paying attention.

According to the Trust Index, nearly one-third of people in the U.S. have been victims of fraud in the past three years. Of those, most have said it happened during the past six months alone. That uptick is troubling. Part of the problem stems from the fact that fraud tactics evolve rapidly, especially in this new era of AI. The report found that 68% of Americans believe they or their family members are vulnerable to digital fraud. The most common fraud tactics include:

Phishing. This is when you get an email, text, or phone call from a fraudster claiming they’re from a reputable company or organization. For example, you might get an “alert” that you need to update your information. A link in the email goes to a fake site that looks like the real thing. Generative AI has enabled fraudsters to super-charge phishing attacks.

Social engineering. Social engineering attacks occur when fraudsters combine publicly accessible information with manipulative tactics to pressure you to provide sensitive identification data. Bad actors often begin the attacks by collecting information about their targets on social media and websites. Next, they contact you directly and pose as a trusted connection, such as your employer. Combining these tactics can quickly lead to compromised credentials and the potential for account takeover, resulting in damage and theft.

Fake accounts. This is one of the most troubling aspects of AI. According to the Trust Index, 14% of people believe they have recently been exposed to deep fake videos or voice clones, and this number is expected to rise in the future. While technology firms are making strides in how quickly they can identify, label, and remove AI-generated images and videos from the digital world, not enough attention is paid to how this content is distributed. One of the primary ways is through fake accounts, both online and via social media.

Although artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) provide benefits to many companies and consumers, they have also ushered in a new era of sophisticated tools that facilitate fraud. As businesses fight to protect you and your personal information from bad actors, they’re learning it’s often necessary to use those same AI and ML capabilities to defend against them.

How best to protect yourself from fraud in this rapidly evolving AI landscape? Here are six tips from Telesign:

Use two-factor authentication whenever it’s available. It will be more annoying to have to deal with the aftermath if your identity is stolen.

Use antivirus software to help protect your personal information. It scans for and detects malware that could infect your computer.

Never click on links from unfamiliar sources and pay special attention to those that look legit but might set off your internal radar. Bogus links can infect your computer with malware or lead you to phishing sites that can trick you into sharing your personal information.

Never share personal information via email. Most companies state clearly that they do not ask for sensitive information over email.

Use complex passwords and don’t reuse passwords. A password manager can help by storing and managing all of your current and past passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all.

Use online security alerts for your digital accounts when available, such as banking or other financial services.

Telesign solutions provide fraud protection, secure communications, and enable the digital economy by helping companies and customers to engage with confidence. To learn more about the latest fraud trends, read the full 2024 Trust Index Report.

2024-09-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – Artificial intelligence (AI) undeniably continues to shape the workplace. Companies across the globe are navigating how to integrate AI into their business operations and strategies — making it increasingly paramount for professionals to keep pace with these modern tech advancements.

This AI-focused landscape might be overwhelming for some, but there is a significant opportunity for workers to excel by learning new skills and enhancing existing ones. Based on new research conducted by Reputation Leaders and sponsored by DeVry University, there are several considerations individuals should keep in mind when working to progress in an economy influenced by AI.

1. AI skills are no longer a nice-to-have

Gone are the days when AI was a distant concept; it is now a present-day reality shifting current roles and creating new ones. From automating routine tasks to providing data-driven insights, AI tools are changing what businesses, and their workers, need to succeed in the future. Employers recognize this, with the research finding that 73% believe hiring more people with AI skills will benefit their organization. Meanwhile, most workers (83%) say AI skills will have some impact on their ability to remain employable.

The challenge is that while nearly 9 in 10 employers (87%) are offering upskilling opportunities, they estimate on average only about half of workers (55%) participate. While employers continue to identify how to best train on AI, this signals a vast opportunity for workers to take advantage of their company’s continuing education offerings. If they are not sure how to align their skills with the future needs of their company, they can proactively ask how they should be upskilling for their specific career advancement.

2. Responsible AI use is imperative

Most workers already see the benefits of AI, such as an increased ease of working and productivity, and only 1 in 5 workers (19%) feel their job security has decreased because of the technology. In addition, AI can allow employees to concentrate on work involving things like strategic decision-making and collaboration, rather than administrative or other mundane tasks.

“The future of work is all about the synergy between the individual capabilities and AI technologies,” said Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at DeVry University. “Embracing AI as a partner in your work can enable you to engage in higher-value activities that foster innovation and growth.”

With that, it is important for workers to abide by the guidelines set by their employers to make sure they are using the technology responsibly and can take advantage of its benefits. In fact, half of employers say AI poses potential data privacy and confidentiality risks for their organization. If workers are not sure how or when to use AI in their roles, they should be cautious when experimenting with the technology and ask their manager about the best options for proper training.

3. Learning for the future doesn’t require a traditional degree

There are a variety of options for workers to acquire new skills, and this does not always necessitate a four-year college degree. Engaging with academic institutions that offer flexible, accessible and personalized alternate learning pathways can help workers pursue their desired career ambitions while balancing other commitments.

Seventy-five percent of employers agree that people who take the initiative to upskill or reskill, including in AI, will get ahead in their careers. If a worker is unsure about their employer’s professional development offerings, they should ask their HR department about available resources for ongoing learning. This could include earning certifications, certificates or participating in other targeted skills development opportunities funded by employers.

“Asking about AI training opportunities not only demonstrates your willingness to learn, but it also signals to your employer that you are invested in the future of the company,” said Dave Barnett, chief administrative officer at DeVry University. “I’d remind anyone who feels they are not being adequately trained on AI that it is not too late to build the skills for the future you want.”

Lifelong learning can have a positive impact on career mobility. While workers should not be alone in their quest to learn, this quest requires a sense of individual ambition to keep up in an AI-driven era. To learn more about continuing education opportunities and preparing for the modern workplace, visit DeVry.edu.

2024-09-26T13:31:57

(BPT) – With cattle ranching featured front and center in America’s living rooms due to the popularity of shows highlighting the western lifestyle, and with Climate Week piquing interest in sustainability, it’s a good time to raise awareness about how farmers and ranchers — and their cattle — do a lot more for the country and environment than just being the backdrop of a popular western drama series.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, it’s about ranchers as stewards of sustainable land management, their cattle playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and wildfires, and beef’s role in a healthy, sustainable diet.

New research links cattle grazing to wildfire mitigation

New research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service recently reported some surprising findings: Grazing can benefit invasive sagebrush communities and more than that, can combat wildfires. With much of the western U.S. beset by wildfires in recent years, it is crucial for people living in those areas to understand that cattle grazing actively mitigates the effects and spread of fires by consuming plants that would otherwise act as fuel.

Outdated dogma suggests livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe in western rangelands negatively impacts those ecosystems. This new research, published in the scientific journal Ecosphere, found the opposite is true. According to the report, the ARS discovered that “strategically applying livestock grazing prior to the occurrence of climate-induced wildfires can modify sagebrush steppe characteristics in ways that decrease fire probability in the communities, promote biodiversity while reducing postfire annual grass invasion, fire-induced loss of native bunchgrasses and fire damage to soil biocrusts.”

In plain language, it means that if cattle graze on the sagebrush steppe regularly, it will induce shorter flame lengths if a fire occurs, slow the rate of fire spread and prevent invasive grasses from popping up after the fire moves through. That’s because, when cattle graze, they’re munching away on grass and plants that could otherwise act as fuel during wildfire season, and they’re doing so on land that is most often unsuitable for growing crops.

How cattle grazing can benefit the land

“As we talk about climate change, and the dryness that we see, cows are a great mitigator of wildfires,” said Janey VanWinkle, a fourth-generation cattle rancher in Colorado. “In a lot of areas where there are invasive plant species, for example, cheatgrass, cows will eat that forage down, which slows the burn once a wildfire is started.”

Ranchers like the VanWinkle family are conservationists. While caring for their animals, they’re also caring for the land.

“When talking about land use, you could ask, ‘Could this land be used for producing crops and other types of food?’ and the answer is, most likely not where I live, with one of the limiting factors here being water,” VanWinkle explained.

The ways cattle grazing can benefit the land go even deeper than preventing wildfires. According to 2024 UC Davis research, grazing:

• Decreases the potential for soil erosion and regulates the return of nutrients to the soil
• Promotes plant diversity and abundance by regulating weed growth
• Preserves open space and regenerates soil and plant life to promote carbon sequestration through the biogenic carbon cycle.

Cattle and bison have been grazing on U.S. lands for centuries. With careful stewardship of ranchers like the VanWinkle family, they can be helping the planet for centuries more.

“Cattle grazing truly is the best use of this land as it provides wildlife habitat and a very high-quality source of protein,” VanWinkle said. “What really matters is protecting our landscapes. I assure you that I want my grandchildren to know what it’s like out in nature and on the ranch.”

2024-09-25T08:01:00

(BPT) – The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which runs from October 15 to December 7 is approaching, and with it comes a wave of changes that could make this year one of the most challenging yet for beneficiaries. But navigating AEP doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s how you can prepare and make the most of this crucial time:

1. Review Your Current Plan

Start by reviewing your Annual Notice of Change letter, which arrives in September. It will outline key changes to your current plan, including costs, doctor and pharmacy networks, and additional benefits like gym memberships or grocery allowances. Knowing these changes can help you decide whether your current plan still meets your needs.

2. Compare Your Options

Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans can vary significantly. Use this time to compare plans and assess how they meet your prescription needs, preferred doctor networks, medical facilities and budget. Doing so could save you money and ensure you’re getting the coverage that best fits your health and financial situation.

3. Use Available Resources

If comparing plans feels overwhelming, there are resources available to help. Platforms like eHealth provide easy-to-use tools that allow you to compare a wide range of plans from top insurance companies, both online and over the phone. According to a recent study of 67,884 user sessions nationwide, eHealth found that Medicare Advantage enrollees who compared their current Medicare Advantage plan with available 2024 plans using eHealth’s platform could be saving an average of $1,100 per year on medical bills and prescription drugs with a lower cost plan.

4. Get Help from a Professional — For Free

Licensed insurance agents can provide personalized assistance at no cost to you. They’re knowledgeable about different plans and can help match you with one that suits your needs. An eHealth survey of more than 2,100 Medicare Advantage enrollees conducted in March found that beneficiaries who work with an agent feel more confident in their choice, with 66% feeling “very confident” in their plan selection. And remember, agents are paid the same for similar plan types and there is no obligation to enroll. Their goal is to help you find the best fit for you.

5. Don’t Procrastinate

It’s tempting to delay deciding, but waiting until the last minute can lead to rushed choices that may not be in your best interest. Schedule time early in the AEP period to review your options, consult with an agent if needed, and make a confident decision.

This year, tackle your insurance plan coverage with confidence. To learn more, compare plans and find help from a professional licensed insurance agent and benefits advisor please visit eHealth at www.ehealth.com or call 844-373-9751, TTY 711.

2024-09-23T08:01:00

(BPT) – When we talk about women’s wellness, physical, mental and emotional health often take center stage, but there’s another key aspect that’s just as important: sexual wellness. Like any other part of health, sexual wellness plays a vital role in reducing stress, improving mood and fostering a deeper connection with yourself or your partner. Despite its importance, this area of wellness is often overlooked.

There remains an ongoing gap between how women’s and men’s sexual wellness is prioritized. This gap isn’t just about access to products, but also extends to education, resources and pleasure. Research shows that women’s experiences with sexual satisfaction and wellness are frequently under-prioritized, contributing to broader inequalities in how women’s sexual health is addressed.

As discussions around women’s wellness evolve, many are beginning to recognize that sexual health is a vital part of self-care. However, access to high-quality, safe sexual wellness products often comes with challenges, whether it’s the cost or finding options that feel empowering and inclusive.

Bellesa Boutique, known for its commitment to empowering women, is offering a direct solution by launching BB Outlet by Bellesa, making sexual wellness products more accessible than ever before. With over 300 high-quality, body-safe products, it’s creating a space where women can explore and prioritize sexual wellness as an essential part of their health journey — regardless of their budget or level of experience.

“Sexual wellness is a fundamental part of a woman’s overall health, and everyone should have access to products that support that without financial barriers,” says Michelle Shnaidman, CEO of Bellesa. “BB Outlet was created to ensure that no one has to choose between quality and affordability when it comes to their sexual health and well-being.”

Every item is made with 100% body-safe, premium materials, so whether you’re looking to explore something new or enhance your wellness routine, there’s a collection for every body and preference. The selection also includes wellness products and accessories tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all.

Ready to explore your pleasure on your terms? Visit BBOutlet.com and discover affordable ways to prioritize your sexual wellness today.