health benefits

A Retirement Journey: Health Insurance Issues

July 30, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

Over the past two weeks, we’ve focused on the story of Bob, a recent retiree. We’ve gone over his pre-retirement experience and his journey through the processing of his retirement application. This week, we’ll look at his health insurance choices.

Bob has an ongoing dilemma when it comes to health insurance. He arguably doesn’t really need Federal Employees Health Benefits coverage or Medicare, because he is a veteran with a service-connected disability. That means all of his medical needs (service-connected and otherwise) are provided by the Veterans Health Administration, at no charge. VHA does bill private insurers (including those in FEHB) for the non-service connected care it provides.

Nevertheless, Bob enrolled in FEHB during his civilian service at the Federal Aviation Administration for a couple of reasons: in case he should need it for a future spouse, should he remarry, and in order to meet the requirement of

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N.J. public workers face big increase in health insurance rates in coming year

July 25, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

Hundreds of thousands of public workers, early retireesm and school employees in New Jersey are facing potential rate increases of as much as 24% for health benefits under proposals being considered by the State Health Benefits Commission.

Rate increases being considered include a 24% increase for medical and a 3.7% increase for pharmacy benefits for active public workers, as well as a 15.6% increase in medical and a 26.1% increase in pharmacy benefits for public workers who retired before the age of 65, according to an email sent to county administrators from New Jersey Association of Counties Executive Director John Donnadio.

Donnadio said in the email that the figures, which haven’t been made public, were shared by an insurance and benefits broker.

StateTreasury spokeswoman Jennifer Sciortino acknowledged rate increases were being considered and added that rates for active members and early retirees would likely increase between 12-20% across the various

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The pros and cons of being a ‘weekend workout warrior’

July 19, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

A you a weekend workout warrior? Or do you prefer to spread your sessions out across the week?

Well, according to a new study it could be the type and total amount of exercise that counts, rather than the actual number of sessions, which is good news for people who struggle to find the time to exercise.

The research, published in JAMA Internal Medicine journal, involved 350,000 participants and did not find any significant difference in mortality rates between weekend sweaters compared to regularly active participants.

So what does that mean for your workout schedule?

READ MORE: Woman responds to job rejection with meme and lands an interview

The study is good news for the people who struggle to find time to exercise throughout the week. (Supplied)

Results indicated that adults who perform the recommended amount of physical activity per week may experience similar health benefits whether the

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Group Health Plans and Abortion: Implications of Supreme Court Decision | Baker Donelson

July 7, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health, employers are questioning what impact, if any, this decision will have on their group health plans. In the Dobbs decision, the Supreme Court reversed 50 years of precedent by ruling that the Constitution does not provide for a right to abortion and therefore that states have the Constitutional right to legislate abortion. How, then, does this ruling impact employer-sponsored group health plans? In this alert we address four items of immediate concern and expect to supplement this analysis as this drastic change in the law develops.

1. Must a Group Health Plan Provide Coverage for Abortions?

There are no federal laws or regulations that require an employer-sponsored group health plan to provide coverage for elective abortions. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended (ACA), set forth standards that require coverage

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Nutritional Facts About Artichokes

July 6, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

Artichokes contain a lot of instant nutritional perks as well as potential long-term health benefits. They’re also extremely versatile when it comes to cooking options.

Plenty of folks have never thought to eat an artichoke, mostly because it has kind of a strange look and an even stranger name. Fair.

Well, to ensure you’re not missing out, we’re intro’ing this little green goodie with everything you need to know about its nutritional value and how it translates to health boosts for your body.

You might’ve seen artichokes referred to as globe artichokes, French artichokes, or green artichokes. You might’ve also seen them being called vegetables, but they’re actually a type of thistle, which has been around for thousands of years.

An artichoke is a bulb made up of its thorny outer leaves, feathery choke, and fleshy heart. The heart is at the base of the bulb and this

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Coconut milk: nutrition facts and health benefits

June 25, 2022 Billie S. Dickenson

Due to its distinctive flavor and creamy texture, coconut milk can add a nice twist to coffees, protein shakes and desserts. Although it’s nowhere near as popular as other plant-based milk alternatives in the US, it retains a loyal fan base.But how nutritious is this drink? And can it bring about any tangible health benefits? 

Coconuts are well-known for their high saturated fat content. For decades, this nutrient has been linked to the obesity epidemic and a host of chronic diseases. However, recent years have seen a steep increase in studies (opens in new tab) challenging these findings, and even contradicting them. 

If you feel confused, don’t worry. In this article, we’ll discuss the nutritional value and potential health benefits of coconut milk to help you decide whether it is the right plant-based alternative for you.

Coconut milk: nutritional information

Nutrient Amount per serving (1 cup) % Daily Value
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