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Know the different kinds of health coverage that may be available to you

2023-12-29T12:35:00

(BPT) – When you are looking for a plan to cover your health care needs, and perhaps those of your loved ones, it can be confusing to know what your options are and what you might be eligible for. And there could be a lot of factors that come into play, such as how old you are, where you live and your level of income.

Access to affordable health care coverage is more attainable than you might think. If you have questions about the different types of coverage being offered and who might be eligible, here’s a quick guide to help.

Employer-based coverage: For the 54% of Americans with employer-provided coverage, many employers set aside a 2- to 3-week period between September and December when their employees can select health benefits for the following year. A lot can change in a year, so if you have employer-based coverage, consider whether your current benefits are still meeting the needs of you and your family and see what plan changes your employer has made in the options offered. If you are unsure about your options, check with your employer.

Medicare: This is a federal program that provides health insurance for people 65 years and older, with certain exceptions for those younger than 65. There are several types, or “parts” of Medicare.

  • Parts A (hospital insurance) and B (medical insurance) are considered Original Medicare.
  • Part C is what’s also known as Medicare Advantage and combines Parts A and B and usually includes prescription drug coverage. These plans often also offer additional benefits such as dental, vision and fitness.
  • Part D plans are stand-alone plans that help pay for prescription drugs. Part D plans may be added with Original Medicare and/or a Medicare supplement insurance plan, as well as with certain Medicare Advantage plans that don’t include prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement insurance plans, also known as Medigap plans, help pay some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Original Medicare.

For more information about Medicare, visit MedicareMadeClear.com.

Medicaid: This is a federal health insurance program that is managed by each state, so the eligibility requirements (such as income level) may differ from state to state. Medicaid plans can also provide access to care for pregnant women, children, eligible low-income adults and people with disabilities. Medicaid plans cover things like hospital stays, doctor visits, and nursing home care. Often it includes things like prescription drug coverage, dental care and more. Check with your state plan to find out if you’re eligible and what that specific plan covers. Or visit MedicaidHelper.com.

Dual Special Needs Plans: Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. In this case, they are also able to have what’s called a Dual Special Needs Plan, or D-SNP. It combines features of both programs, but also can contain benefits that are exclusive to dual plans, such as credits for healthy food and help with utilities. These plans are administered by each state.

Other Special Needs Plans include:

  • Chronic Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) for people living with severe or disabling chronic conditions
  • Institutional Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) for people who live in a skilled nursing facility
  • Institutional-Equivalent Special Needs Plans (IE-SNPs) for people who live in a contracted assisted living facility and need the same kind of care as those who live in a skilled nursing facility

Individual & Family ACA Marketplace plans: These plans are available on the Health Insurance Marketplace, also called the Exchange. This is where Affordable Care Act (ACA) health care plans are sold, offering affordable coverage, sometimes at low- to no-cost, for you and your family. These are health plans people can buy on their own. If you do not have health insurance through a job, Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), or another source, an Individual and Family Plan may be a good alternative for you. To find out more about UnitedHealthcare’s Individual and Family Plans or to see if they’re available in your state, visit UHCExchange.com.

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How Medicare Advantage addresses social drivers of health

2023-12-29T12:35:00

(BPT) – As a health care navigator at UnitedHealthcare, John wears many hats. Some days are spent helping members locate physicians in their area or better understand their benefits, while others are filled with questions about billing. But providing the support members need often means looking beyond claims or copays to other issues impacting health — ones that aren’t always seen as health care issues.

John recalls one member he worked with earlier this year whose largest obstacle was housing. Operating with a disability and on a single income, he struggled to navigate local programs designed to help people like him address housing challenges.

“So I did some research, calling county and local offices to get information that might best fit his needs,” John says.

He soon facilitated a conference call with the member and a neighborhood housing service in Kalamazoo, Michigan, to help him get “mortgage ready” and into stable housing. At the end of that call, the member told John, “You made my hero-of-the-day list.”

The impact of social drivers

Nearly 10% of Americans 65 years or older face food insecurity,[1] and between 2021 and 2022 the poverty rate for older adults increased from 10.7% to 14.1%, reflecting greater overall economic insecurity for American seniors.[2]

In response, the health care system is paying much closer attention to the overall impact of these social factors.

“For a long time, health care was focused on acute and chronic illnesses, as well as an episodic model for how we manage specific conditions,” said Dr. Alexander Billioux, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare Community and State and also responsible for leading the company’s population health and social care efforts. “We’re now taking a more holistic view, where we can improve health by thinking about the context in which people live their lives.”

“That,” he said, “is really where the social care component comes in.”

Dr. Billioux adds that while traditional Medicare is not really set up for identifying social needs or addressing them, managed care — and Medicare Advantage in particular — has that flexibility.

Making meaningful connections to meet social needs

Turning data into action is where UnitedHealthcare has made great strides over the past few years. In 2022 alone, the company screened 4.7 million Medicare Advantage enrollees for social needs using an approach that included health risk assessments; phone calls; in-person visits; and analysis of surveys, claims and administrative data. Of those screened, UnitedHealthcare identified 2 million enrollees with unmet social needs that could be impacting their health.[3]

But identifying these needs was just the first step. Using individualized outreach tactics — dictated by members’ noted preferences —UnitedHealthcare contacted 1 million people who said they wanted help, and from there made 2.3 million social-needs referrals to various national and regional social services programs.

Ultimately, UnitedHealthcare verified that 853,000 Medicare Advantage enrollees were connected to services and supports that addressed a social need. And the result wasn’t just a step toward better health, but also meaningful cost savings for these individuals. In 2023, the company is expanding its outreach efforts and expects to screen more than 5.5 million members — driving even more connections to important support services for those in need.

“We’re taking those extra steps by telling members these programs exist, as well as contacting, coordinating and advocating,” Billioux says. “People who have had long exposure to the health system might think that no one is paying attention to these social drivers. So we’re working hard to try and change that, because we really are here to help.”

Added John, “I love having the opportunity to help our members; I want to be that person.”

To learn more about how UnitedHealthcare’s holistic medical and social support model is identifying and addressing the needs of millions of people each year, access the research brief on UnitedHealthGroup.com.

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A national home builder is helping build a better tomorrow by democratizing energy efficiency and scaling sustainability

2023-12-28T07:01:00

(BPT) – From building homes, offices and all other private and public structures used every day, the construction industry touches the lives of everyone. Given the impact and scale of construction, it’s essential that the industry find ways to reduce its environmental impact and embrace sustainable practices.

According to the World Green Building Council®, buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. About 28% comes from operational emissions — including the energy used to heat, cool and power buildings — and the remaining 11% from materials and construction.

However, the industry is changing. One company that is committed to its long-term vision for sustainability is Clayton®, a national builder of attainable, single-family homes.

The homebuilder recognizes that it has a responsibility to carefully manage and minimize the environmental impact of the homes they sell, as well as their operations. Through homebuilding innovations, waste reduction, resource conservation efforts and philanthropic partnerships, Clayton aims to meet communities’ needs today while opening doors to a better life for generations to come.

“Focusing on sustainability is the right thing to do for the communities we serve and the world we live in. As builders committed to attainability, we know that every dollar counts, which is why we tackle waste in all of its forms — from materials and resources to the efficiency of our build process. We also recognize our unique opportunity to improve access to home energy efficiency, something our homeowners want and need,” said William Jenkins, Senior Director of Environment and Sustainability at Clayton. “Ultimately, these efforts help us to fulfill our vision to develop housing innovations that improve lives and build a better tomorrow.”

Building with sustainability in mind

Clayton builds homes that can help homeowners save money on utilities while also conserving the planet’s natural resources. Clayton’s eBuilt® homes are built to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home (DOE ZERH) specifications. These homes can save homeowners up to 50% on annual energy bills1 and, when paired with a renewable energy system, can offset most or all the home’s annual energy use.

Beyond designing and building homes with energy-efficient features, Clayton is working to conserve resources and recycle construction materials. Clayton purchases materials in bulk and works with its suppliers to save on packaging and shipping of items like lumber, siding and sheetrock. These materials are often ordered pre-cut to simplify their use in construction and drive down scrap. The builder’s ISO® 14001 program2 focuses on reuse and recycling to ensure excess materials don’t go to waste. In 2022 alone, Clayton diverted over 51,000 tons of waste from the landfill.

Targeting carbon emissions

Clayton is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in its operations, specifically targeting the emissions from its consumption of fuel and purchased electricity. To accomplish this, the company is modernizing its fleet with hybrid vehicles and electric forklifts.

At Clayton Sulphur Springs, the homebuilder has installed a 200-kilowatt solar carport system. This system produces enough renewable energy to account for 30%-40% of its electricity usage. Clayton will continue to expand its reliance on renewable energy in its operations and install several solar energy systems at home building facilities in East Tennessee, Arizona and at Clayton’s Home Office.

Developing water-saving innovations

Water is becoming scarce in many regions of the world, especially in the American Southwest. The Southwest is considered one of the more sensitive regions in the world for increased risk of drought caused by environmental changes. In New Mexico, droughts are expected to worsen in the next half century, making water an even more precious resource.

When building homes, drywall and painting tools must be cleaned to ensure home construction quality. Previously, a building facility in New Mexico used fresh water each time they cleaned the drywall mud and paint tools. However, to help combat drought, Clayton Albuquerque has developed an in-house process to filter the water used to clean the tools three times before it is directed to the municipal wastewater system. This innovation saves over 100,000 gallons of water a year!

Contributing to a sustainable future through partnerships

Clayton is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates. One way it does so is by partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation®, the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting native tree species in established forests.

Planting trees helps to restore critical forest ecosystems and is an effective way to help combat climate change. Large-scale reforestation projects are planned in strategic locations, leading to cleaner water, improved air quality and increased biodiversity in their surrounding regions.

This year alone, Clayton will plant 1.19 million trees in forests of great need in 11 different states across the United States. By 2025, Clayton and the Arbor Day Foundation will have planted over 4.47 million trees since their partnership began in 2022.

Drive change to build a better tomorrow

Clayton seeks to evolve the housing industry by driving change through sustainability and innovation. With each home they build, they strive to create a reality where sustainable living isn’t just a dream — it’s simply the way we live.

To learn more about how Clayton is working toward its sustainability goals, visit https://www.claytonhomes.com/sustainability/.

1. Energy.gov ZERH guidelines

2. ISO is the registered trademark of the International Organization for Standardization

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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Fueling the future: Addressing childhood food insecurity in our communities

2023-12-28T06:01:00

(BPT) – Food insecurity is a growing issue in the United States and poses a particular challenge for families with children under the age of 18. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nearly 6.5 million American households with children experienced food insecurity in 2022, when they were uncertain of having or unable to acquire enough food to meet the needs of all their family members.

The winter months can be especially hard for families facing food insecurity. Extra expenses during this time of year, like higher home heating costs, often force many families to make tough choices about basic needs.

According to Feed the Children — a nonprofit focused on alleviating childhood food insecurity — higher food prices, economic instability and other factors have made providing for a family even harder, with one in five children in the U.S. being hungry this holiday season.

While there’s no single solution, individuals and organizations can step up to help. For example, one company is working to support students in high-needs communities with access to food and other critical resources.

Supporting children now and year-round

Food companies play an important role in addressing this issue, often through collaboration with nonprofit groups. That’s why for over a decade, Frito-Lay has partnered with Feed the Children to provide food for families across the U.S. and help achieve its mission to create more smiles and a brighter future with every bite.

At the start of the pandemic, Frito-Lay and Feed the Children recognized that the role of schools in the United States was changing. Due to this shift, they expanded their partnership by launching Building the Future Together. Schools across the country are often providing more than just education. The partnership strategically evaluated what was needed most and set out to create a program that enables school districts to provide students and their families with everyday essential items and other much-needed resources.

“Food security is more critical than ever and as a food company, we have a responsibility to do our part to ensure students and families have what they need to succeed,” said Nikki Jolly, Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship and Social Impact at PepsiCo Foods North America. “We believe that when our communities thrive, we all thrive.”

Supplies such as shelf-stable food items, hygiene products, books and more are given to school districts to distribute to students and their families throughout the school year and whenever they are needed most. The products stocked in schools’ resource rooms can be a lifeline for families, especially in times of tragedy.

“We had a family impacted by a house fire and spent time in temporary housing, hotels, etc.,” said a staff member at Phoenix Union High School District. “We were able to tell this family to save money for living expenses and visit the resource center weekly ­­­­— and sometimes biweekly — for food, snacks and hygiene products.”

So far, the program has served over 110,000 families and has provided nearly 1.5 million pounds of resources. In its fourth year, Building the Future Together has launched in some of the highest-needs cities across the country to provide additional support to local school districts, including Atlanta, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Phoenix.

Schools that have participated in the Building the Future Together program say they’ve seen a 63% increase in school attendance and student engagement, a 38% increase in student confidence and a 25% improvement in student grades. The measurable impact of this program allows more students to complete their education, setting them up for greater financial stability and independence for themselves and their families.

“Food insecurity is often invisible,” said Feed the Children President and CEO Travis Arnold. “We rarely know what someone else is going through, which is why we need to take care of our neighbors. Feed the Children is thankful for the partnership with Frito-Lay and their support of the Building the Future Together program as we tackle the important issue of childhood food security.”

There is still more work to be done to address childhood food insecurity. During the colder months, get into the spirit of the season and do your part to help children and their families receive what they need to succeed. To learn more or donate, visit FeedTheChildren.org.

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Take on the new year with these 4 simple tips

2023-12-27T15:01:00

(BPT) – After a holiday season of parties and entertaining, it’s time to get back into our wellness routines and take on the new year ahead! It can be easier than you think to make 2024 a year of positive changes. To help you create some healthy balance, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares a few helpful tips.

1. Prioritize self-care through sleep

Self-care isn’t just a buzzword or trend. If you want to improve your well-being after the holidays and beyond, it’s time to double down on self-care, especially sleep. Just one night without enough sleep can leave you feeling drowsy, low energy, slow and irritable, according to Sleep Foundation.

This year, make your life easier and invest in your whole health by setting and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night so you can wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day. It’s helpful to create a relaxing bedtime routine, like reading a book or taking a warm bath, to let your body know it’s time to wind down.

2. Set clear, achievable goals

As we shift out of the holiday season, you may be thinking of how you can achieve your ambitions and change your habits in the new year. When setting goals, make sure they’re clear and achievable. When you set unrealistic expectations, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and abandon your resolutions.

So, this year, be realistic so you’re more likely to achieve your goals and reap the benefits. Start by breaking your goals down into small, manageable steps. For example, if you want to work out more, don’t start by hitting the gym every day. Instead, start small by aiming to get active two to three times a week. Once you meet this goal, you can build on it!

3. Add nutrient-rich foods

After the holidays, you don’t need to overhaul your entire eating routine. Simply give your health a boost by adding foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients to each of your meals and snacks. For example, add berries into your morning oatmeal, put extra veggies on a sandwich, or grab mixed nuts and hard-boiled eggs instead of processed chips for a quick snack on the go.

Eggs are great for not only snacks, but also for meals like scrambled eggs for breakfast or shakshuka for dinner. Opting for Eggland’s Best eggs will ensure you’re getting superior nutrition in your diet, as they contain six times more Vitamin D and more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, to help boost immunity and wellness during cold season and keep you energized throughout the day.

4. Try new flavors

With a new year comes new responsibilities, new activities and overall busy times. It can be easy to fall into the habit of the same boring meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner that neglect wholesome ingredients.

To expand your palate and try new flavors, consider unique, better-for-you recipes when meal planning. Set a goal to cook a new recipe every week, inspired by a culture or nationality that you’ve been wanting to test out, like this delicious Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco from Eggland’s Best. This recipe is sure to energize your mornings and set a positive tone for the day — and year — ahead!

Bacon, Jalapeno, Red Onion and Spinach Scramble with Queso Fresco

Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Serves 4

Ingredients

· 8 Eggland’s Best eggs, large

· 6 thick slices of bacon

· 4 cups baby spinach leaves

· 1/2 cup red onion, slivered

· 1 jalapeno chile, stemmed and thinly sliced, seeding optional

· 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

· 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt, to taste

· 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

· 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco, farmer’s cheese or mild feta

Directions

1. Set a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the bacon and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and reserve it in a bowl. Remove all bacon fat from the pan and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the onion and jalapeño and cook for 2-3 minutes, until wilted but not browned. Incorporate the spinach, mix, and continue cooking for a couple of minutes until completely cooked and wilted.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low, pour eggs over the spinach mixture and as they cook, scramble with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook to desired doneness. For tender eggs, cook them for 2-3 minutes. Top with the browned bacon bites and queso fresco.

To find other delicious recipes to incorporate into your meal routine in 2024, visit EgglandsBest.com.

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4 revved-up resolutions to make in 2024

2023-12-27T10:01:00

(BPT) – When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, there are some “classics,” such as exercising more, budgeting better, or learning a new skill. But what about when it comes to our vehicles? According to new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index Survey, many Americans are considering automotive goals for the new year: 79% said they would be likely to set a resolution about vehicle ownership, and another 51% indicated they would set one about their driving habits.

Here are some revved up resolutions to consider for the new year and beyond:

Stay on top of maintenance.

For those planning to set a goal related to vehicle ownership, the top resolution is to stay on top of maintenance (26%). There are a few easy ways to help avoid speeding past routine maintenance. For example, make a note to check your tires at least once a week, ensuring that they are both properly inflated and that the tread is in good shape. Keep a penny in your glove box, and insert it into your tire once a week with Lincoln facing down; if his whole head is visible, it is time to replace the tire.

Keep it clean.

Nearly another quarter of respondents (22%) said they are likely to set a resolution to keep their vehicles cleaner. This can be as easy as making a trip to the car wash on a regular basis or keeping a trash bag in your car. And did you know that keeping your car cleaner can actually help paint and wax jobs last longer? Not to mention, your passengers will appreciate a tidy interior.

Buy a new vehicle.

This one may actually be considered a classic, but 22% of drivers are likely to set a goal to buy or lease a new vehicle next year. If that may be you, now is the time to start considering your budget and what type of vehicle will best fit your lifestyle — whether that’s off-road, electric (EV) or something else entirely.

Try a new driving experience.

Even if you may not be in the market to buy a new car anytime soon, trying out a new type of vehicle may be a fun way to spend a day — and give you ideas for when it is time to refresh your own ride. Hankook found nearly a quarter (24%) of Americans who will set a driving-related resolution said they’ll try to drive a new type of vehicle for a full day in the new year, and 20% will aim to take a new type of vehicle out on a road trip, such as a vintage car or an EV. Another 20% are interested in learning more about different types of vehicles, even if that doesn’t mean getting behind the wheel of one.

Regardless of what resolution you plan to set in 2024, it is always a good idea to use the changing of the calendar as a chance to make sure you are up-to-date on all vehicle maintenance, registrations, and insurance to ensure a smooth drive into the new year.

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The value of a smile: Showing gratitude for a record-setting year

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – What can a smile do? The simple act of smiling can open the door to friendship, start conversations, express love and joy — and so much more. But for many children with a cleft lip and palate, easily sharing a smile with others may seem far out of reach.

During this season of joy and giving, Smile Train, a nonprofit organization that partners with local health care professionals around the world to provide free surgery and other comprehensive cleft care to those in need, looks back with gratitude on a memorable year — and forward to their upcoming 25th anniversary.

The burden of clefts

Did you know that 540 babies are born each day with a cleft? A cleft is when a baby’s top lip and/or the roof of their mouth does not form properly during pregnancy. Cleft-affected children often have difficulty eating, breathing, hearing and speaking. Clefts can even lead to malnutrition and death. Children with clefts are regularly harassed and bullied for the way they look, often forcing them to drop out of school for their own safety.

But there is hope for these children. The largest cleft-focused organization in the world, Smile Train supports free surgery and comprehensive cleft care, including nutritional support, speech therapy, psychosocial counseling, dental services and more through their many global health care partners. Since 1999, Smile Train has supported more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries in more than 90 countries.

Smile Train also partners with two of the biggest, most respected names in healthcare, Haleon, a global leader in consumer health, and Dentsply Sirona, the world’s largest manufacturer of dental supplies and technologies, as well as with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Kids Operating Room and Lifebox, to exponentially increase their impact and capacity for innovation.

A record-setting year

In 2023, Smile Train challenged themselves to raise awareness about the power of a smile in a bold new way: by setting the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the world’s largest online album of smiling mouths. GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ gave them a number to beat — 20,000. Then Dentsply Sirona upped the stakes with a pledge to donate an additional $120,000 to Smile Train if they set the record.

With 21,271 unique smiles collected via their online campaign, Smile Train and Dentsply Sirona officially set the new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title on Oct. 6, 2023 — World Smile Day!

Celebrating a 25th anniversary by looking back

Smile Train is celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2024, by celebrating the many ways they’ve lit up the world with smiles. Over the past quarter century they have done this by:

  • Sponsoring more than 1.5 million free cleft surgeries for people of all ages since their founding in 1999
  • Partnering with local medical teams in more than 90 countries
  • Enabling essential, non-surgical cleft care treatments in more than 35 countries
  • Training more than 2,100 trained medical professionals, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, orthodontists and nutritionists around the world
  • Partnering with more than 1,100 medical centers worldwide
  • Providing 40,000+ training opportunities to health care workers in traditionally marginalized regions
  • Acquiring Simulare Medical, a leader in life-like 3D printed surgical simulators, in 2020

Smile Train has also empowered people with clefts in the U.S., the U.K. and around the world to join together, take pride in who they are, and raise voices for facial equality through organizing Cleft Community Advisory Councils, Cleft Con, a college scholarship program and other cleft-community-led initiatives.

In addition, the organization has put cleft care on the global health agenda at the United Nations (UN), the World Health Organization (WHO) and other multilateral institutions and lobbied for the cleft community’s needs at premiere global health and development conferences around the world.

Gratitude for every supporter

Smile Train could not perform their crucial work without the countless people and organizations who have contributed their time, resources and invaluable support over the past 24 years.

“We’re so grateful to our large community of donors, partners and ambassadors for another stellar year of providing children with clefts access to lifesaving health care,” said Susannah Schaefer, president and CEO of Smile Train. “We’re going into 2024 at full steam ahead because of the generosity of so many. We can only continue our transformative work thanks to the continued support of those around the world who care about putting smiles on the faces of children everywhere.”

Take advantage of year-end charitable giving opportunities by showing your support for Smile Train’s life-saving work. Visit SmileTrain.org to learn more and to donate today.

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3 sneaky reasons you have trouble saving and how to start saving more

2023-12-22T09:01:00

(BPT) – Are you struggling to save more and spend within your means? You’re not alone. According to Fidelity’s Money Mindset study, 59% of young Americans cringe at the thought of checking their bank account balance and 57% dread budgeting. While it’s understandable to avoid tasks that cause stress, neglecting your finances now will only add up to more money worries in the long run.

If you’re ready to start spending smarter, save more and improve your financial health, you may be interested to know what could be keeping you from having a better relationship with money. Check out these three sneaky reasons why you might be having trouble saving money and how you can take steps to overcome them.

1. You avoid thinking about your money

Sometimes, when something causes us stress, we avoid thinking about it altogether. Finances are no different. In fact, Fidelity’s Money Mindset study found 1-in-3 young Americans say they would rather deep clean their bathroom than check their savings account. While not monitoring your money might provide momentary relief, in the long term, it can make your financial situation worse. You might forget about automated and recurring payments or overspend, and not realize until it’s too late to save.

Instead, be proactive about your financial health. Getting your finances in check can sound scary, but it doesn’t have to be! Sit down and think about how you’re spending your money and what changes you’d like to make.

One great tool to use is automation. Automatically transferring a certain amount into your savings every month can be a great option to make sure you’re making progress toward your goals without daily monitoring and stress. There are plenty of apps that can help you get started with this process. For example, Fidelity Bloom® is a free financial app that offers automated routines to help you grow your savings – like recurring transfers to your Bloom Save account.

In addition to automating savings routines, built-in incentives and recurring transfers, the app can also help expand your financial knowledge. In-app prompts and friendly nudges provide actionable steps you can take every day to help you navigate day-to-day finances and address the underlying causes that might be making it difficult for you to save.

2. FOMO and societal pressures keep you spending

The fear of missing out (FOMO) might also lead to missing out on savings. Many young Americans report feeling pressure to keep up with their peers which can lead to spending more money than they originally intended and impact their ability to save. Fidelity found that 61% of young Americans admit they spend more money than they intend because of FOMO.

This doesn’t mean you have to skip every concert and vacation but try to limit your spending to the activities you really want to attend and know you can afford. Soon enough, you may find that you’re able to both spend on the activities you really want and save for your future.

With Fidelity Bloom®, you get access to two accounts: one “save” account that helps you build your savings and a “spend” account that helps you track everyday spending. Having these two separate accounts, can help you be sure you’re only spending the amount you’ve set aside for spending, instead of tapping into your savings.

3. You think you can wait to save

Saving for the future can seem like a lofty, far-off goal, especially when there is so much to spend on now. In fact, 76% of young Americans believe that to save money, they’d have to cut back on spending on things that bring them joy. But the earlier you prioritize saving, the less stressed and better prepared you’ll be for the future.

A good first step is to create an emergency savings account, so you’re prepared for any unexpected expenses that come up or potential job loss. Nearly half of young Americans (49%) say they wouldn’t be able to cover an unexpected expense of $1,000. Fidelity suggests saving at least six months’ worth of essential expenses in an emergency fund.

Fidelity Bloom® can also help you with your savings goals. It’s the only app that matches up to 10% on your Save account each year up to $300. You can also save while spending on everyday purchases with debit card rewards and customizable round-ups into your Save account.

Changing your saving and spending habits can be difficult, but becoming aware of them is the first step to changing them. To help you with your saving and spending journey, download the Fidelity Bloom® app so you can take an honest look at your finances and start saving today. To learn more, visit Fidelity.com/Mobile/Bloom.

About Fidelity Investments

Fidelity’s mission is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. With assets under administration of $11.5 trillion, including discretionary assets of $4.4 trillion as of September 30, 2023, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a diverse set of customers. Privately held for 77 years, Fidelity employs more than 73,000 associates who are focused on the long-term success of our customers. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://www.fidelity.com/about-fidelity/ourcompany.

About Fidelity’s 2022 Money Mindset Study

The 2022 Money Mindset Study presents the findings of an online sample of 2,010 adults 18 years of age and older with a checking or savings account, which represents 98% of American adults, with a focus on the 1,008 respondents 18-44 years old. Interviewing for this CARAVAN omnibus survey was conducted April 15-20, 2022, by ENGINE INSIGHTS, which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results of this survey may not be representative of all respondents meeting the same criteria as those surveyed for this study.

Important Information

The Fidelity Bloom App is designed to help with your saving and spending behaviors through your Save and Spend accounts, which are brokerage accounts covered by SIPC. They are not bank accounts and therefore are not covered by FDIC insurance.

Keep in mind that investing involves risk. The value of your investment will fluctuate over time, and you may gain or lose money.

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Trends in homebuying: Understanding today’s real estate landscape

2023-12-22T08:01:01

(BPT) – Trends in real estate and home buying go far beyond mortgage rates and home prices. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has identified several more trends that provide insight into today’s homebuyer and what they are looking for in a home.

Who are the buyers?

There is a big difference between a first-time buyer and someone who already owns a home. In fact, the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports a 23-year age gap between a typical first-time buyer (35 years old) and a repeat buyer (58 years old).

There are also more unmarried people buying homes today. While 59% of all buyers were married couples, single females purchased 19% of homes, followed by single men (10%) and unmarried couples (9%). It’s also noteworthy that 70% of recent home buyers did not have a child under 18 living in the home, a drastic increase from 42% back in 1985.

“First-time buyers remain active and continue to account for about 30% of all home purchases,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “While saving for a down payment remains a challenge, the overwhelming majority of first-time homebuyers are not putting down 20% and many are getting financial help from parents, families and friends. The repeat buyer has a significant advantage as they can utilize equity from their previous home to either pay cash or reduce their mortgage as they move up or down in home size.”

Staying close … again

“The pandemic-fueled, work-from-anywhere trend that allowed so many to purchase a home in more affordable areas seems to be subsiding,” Wilcox said. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agents are reporting more and more buyers who left a market are starting to return due to work or because they miss family and friends.”

This trend is shown in NAR data, according to Wilcox.

“For years before the pandemic, it was normal for repeat buyers to move within 15 miles of their previous home,” she said. “It jumped to 50 miles a year ago as so many opted to move to more affordable locations and take advantage of the remote work boom. We are back to a 20-mile radius today.”

What do buyers want?

NAR reported that 39% of repeat buyers traded up, while 33% purchased a smaller home. But home size is not the only consideration, according to Wilcox.

“It was interesting to see that 60% of all buyers said the quality of the neighborhood was the most important factor in determining where to live,” she said. “We are returning to a real estate market where life events trigger buying decisions. Being close to family and friends is the biggest driver of where people want to be, even more than affordability.

“We are also seeing a trend in longevity in a home. While most live in their home for 10 years, today’s buyer believes they will stay in their recently purchased home for at least 15 years. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to look as far into the future as possible when choosing their next home and thinking about job locations, marriage, children, and other factors.”

What about older Americans?

Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is tracking the home buying and selling patterns of baby boomers. This generation, those now 59-77, have redefined societal norms since they were born and are now doing the same in housing as they age. The U.S. Census reports the homeownership rate is more than 75% for baby boomers and AARP reports an overwhelming majority of this group wants to age in place.

“One of the big questions hanging over the housing market is how long baby boomers will stay in their existing homes,” Wilcox said. “As those in this demographic move on to the next phase in their lives, they will be looking for more manageable homes, nearby medical facilities, accessible community amenities and proximity to friends and loved ones. A good real estate professional will be able to assist and understand how to maximize the equity they have built.”

NAR shared that those over 60 almost tripled the number of home purchases in senior-related housing compared to the previous year (19% vs. 7%, respectively). Retirement, health of a loved one and the desire to downsize are the driving factors for a move for those 65 and older. Only 3% in this age group say they want a larger home.

The process

The fast-paced housing market continues. It’s important that buyers select an agent with whom they are comfortable, with a like-minded communication style and experience working in the price points and communities the buyer is interested in. It is also important to choose an agent who can help identify reputable loan officers with various financing options.

“More than half of all buyers use an agent who was referred to them or someone they worked with previously,” Wilcox said. “I always encourage buyers to ask around and interview more than one agent. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your potential agent to ensure they are right for you.”

If you’re thinking about making a move, connect with a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agent today. Visit https://www.bhgre.com/find-agents.

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A Hematologist’s Passion for Helping People with Aggressive Lymphoma

2023-12-21T14:37:00

(BPT) – For hematologist-oncologist Dr. Amitkumar Mehta, his passion is to help develop approaches to treat lymphoma, including immunotherapies and targeted therapies that are effective and tolerable. As a clinical trial investigator and director of the Lymphoma and Immune Effector Cell Therapy Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the state, Dr. Mehta has been treating people with lymphoma for more than a decade.

He decided to pursue a career in medicine because it represents a combination of science, compassion, service and human connection. He was attracted to hematology/oncology in particular because of the expanding understanding of cancer biology and immunotherapy and targeted treatment approaches.

“In hematology/oncology, we have seen impressive advances with the development of treatments, including antibody-drug conjugates, immunotherapies, bispecific antibodies and cell therapies,” said Dr. Mehta. “The treatment of lymphoma has seen a paradigm shift, which has benefited patients with this type of blood cancer.”

Among Dr. Mehta’s patients with lymphoma are those with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), an aggressive, or fast-growing, blood cancer.

Typically, the therapy for people with DLBCL who have not previously been treated has involved a regimen that combines traditional chemotherapy with immunotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy). Although this standard treatment is effective for many people with DLBCL, about four in 10 will see their cancer either relapse (return after treatment), usually within two years, or not respond to treatment at all.1,2 At that point, people with DLBCL may require subsequent treatments, which exposes them to additional side effects.

That is why Dr. Mehta was excited when, in April 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk DLBCL, not otherwise specified or high-grade B-cell lymphoma.

“Receiving a diagnosis of DLBCL is devastating news for my patients who often feel hopeless. Being able to offer them another treatment option is important to me and encouraging for them to hear,” said Dr. Mehta.

DLBCL Quick Facts

  • About 32,000 people in the U.S. are expected to be diagnosed with DLBCL in 20253 – just under the capacity of Fenway Park in Boston.
  • DLBCL can affect people of any age but is most frequently diagnosed in those age 65 and older.4
  • DLBCL is slightly more common in men than women.4
  • This type of cancer is more likely to affect people of Hispanic ethnicity than white, Black, American Indian/Native Alaskan or Asian/Pacific Islander people.4
  • Symptoms range from swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin to coughing, difficulty breathing, soaking night sweats, persistent weakness and tiredness, unexplained weight loss and fever.5

A Major Step Forward in Treating Patients

Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq; learn more about approved use and safety information) in combination with four other medicines called R-CHP for short – a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone – is the first FDA-approved treatment since 2006 to delay the worsening or return of cancer in adults with certain types of newly diagnosed DLBCL.6

Polivy is what is known as an antibody-drug conjugate – it is made up of a monoclonal antibody linked to a chemotherapy. When Polivy is administered to patients, the monoclonal antibody attaches to a specific protein on dividing B cells, including those that are cancerous in DLBCL, and delivers the chemotherapy into the B cells to kill them. It also can affect some healthy cells.

“I am encouraged to be able to offer my patients newly diagnosed with this fast-growing and difficult-to-treat lymphoma a treatment option that may result in a positive outcome and that represents an important milestone in the DLBCL treatment landscape,” added Dr. Mehta.

The FDA approval of Polivy plus R-CHP was based on findings from an international late-stage trial in 879 patients with DLBCL who were randomly assigned to Polivy plus R-CHP or traditional chemoimmunotherapy. Neither the study participants or the study investigators knew who was receiving which treatment regimen (double-blind). Study results showed that Polivy plus R-CHP reduced patients’ risk of dying or their cancer progressing or relapsing by 27% compared with the traditional chemoimmunotherapy in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population, which includes all patients who were randomized in the trial.7 The most common side effects among patients treated with Polivy were nerve problems in arms and legs, nausea, tiredness or lack of energy, diarrhea, constipation, hair loss and redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat and digestive tract.6 Please see below for additional safety information.

Patients and Loved Ones Should Talk to Their Doctor

If you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with DLBCL, talk to your doctor about available treatment options. For more information about Polivy plus R-CHP for the initial treatment of certain types of DLBCL, visit http://www.Polivy.com.

This sponsored article is presented by Genentech.

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Polivy U.S. Indication

Polivy is a prescription medicine used with other medicines (a rituximab product, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone) as a first treatment for adults who have moderate to high risk diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) or high-grade B-cell lymphoma (HGBL).

Important Safety Information

Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to POLIVY therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with POLIVY have experienced serious to fatal side effects. Your doctor may stop or adjust your treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.

  • Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as changes in your sense of touch, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nerve pain, burning sensation, any muscle weakness, or changes to your walking pattern
  • Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or hives within 24 hours of your infusion
  • Low Blood Cell Counts: Treatment with POLIVY can cause severe low blood cell counts. Your doctor will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with POLIVY
  • Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Your doctor may also give you medication before giving you POLIVY, which may prevent some infections
  • Rare and serious brain infections: Your doctor will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
  • Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
  • Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes. You may be at higher risk if you already had liver problems or you are taking other medication

Side effects seen most often

The most common side effects during treatment were

  • Nerve problems in arms and legs
  • Nausea
  • Tiredness or lack of energy
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Hair loss
  • Redness and sores of the lining of the mouth, lips, throat, and digestive tract

POLIVY may lower your red or white blood cell counts and increase uric acid levels.

POLIVY may not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you are

  • Pregnant or think you are pregnant: Data have shown that POLIVY may harm your unborn baby
  • Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking POLIVY. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after their last POLIVY treatment. Men taking POLIVY should use effective contraception during treatment and for 5 months after their last POLIVY treatment
  • Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking POLIVY and for 2 months after the last dose

These may not be all the side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of POLIVY treatment.

You may report side effects to the FDA at (800) FDA-1088 or http://www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at (888) 835-2555.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.

References

1. Sawalha Y. Relapsed/refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a look at the approved and emerging therapies. J Pers Med. 2021;11(12):1345. https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11121345. Accessed June 21, 2023.

2. Wang Y, Farooq U, Link BK, et al. Late relapses in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with immunochemotherapy. J Clin Oncol. 2019;37(21):1819-1827. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.19.00014. Accessed June 21, 2023.

3. Kanas G, Ge W, Quek RGW, Keeven K, Nersesyan K, Arnason JE. Epidemiology of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL) in the United States and Western Europe: population-level projections for 2020-2025. Leuk Lymphoma. 2022;63(1):54-63. https://doi.org/10.1080/10428194.2021.1975188. Epub 2021 Sep 11. PMID: 34510995. Accessed June 21, 2023.

4. National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER). Cancer Stat Facts – NHL. Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/dlbcl.html. Accessed June 21, 2023.

5. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Cancer.Net. Lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin: Symptoms and Signs. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/lymphoma-non-hodgkin/symptoms-and-signs. Accessed July 28, 2023.

6. Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) Prescribing Information. Genentech, Inc. 2023.

7. Tilly H, Morschhauser F, Sehn L, et al. Polatuzumab vedotin in previously untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. N Engl J Med. 2022;386:351-363. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2115304. Accessed July 12, 2023.