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Issue No. 97
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September 29, 2015
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As September, National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, draws to a close, TACT continues to stress that personal health begins with you.
Take steps to reduce your risk of disease and talk to your health care professional about your health concerns. Be an informed consumer, know your medical history, maintain a healthy lifestyle, schedule regular check ups and always ask for a full explanation when seeking medical assistance.
TACT encourages members to schedule annual screenings in order to monitor current health and identify potential problems early.
You are a partner in health care decision making and you are partnered with a coverage provider that is thriving amidst change. For information on coverage or wellness screenings, feel free to contact us.
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Secretary Burwell Previews Third Open Enrollment
New analysis shows 17.6 million have gained coverage as Affordable Care Act provisions have taken effect; about 10.5 million uninsured individuals are eligible for Marketplace coverage
In a speech at the Howard University College of Medicine, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia M. Burwell reflected on the progress of the first five years of the Affordable Care Act and provided a look at the upcoming Open Enrollment period. In her speech, the Secretary described how the law is working to deliver access, affordability, and quality coverage and outlined how the Department of Health and Human Services will meet the challenges of the upcoming Open Enrollment for the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Citing a new ASPE Data Point released by HHS, Secretary Burwell noted that about 17.6 million uninsured people have gained health coverage as the law's coverage provisions have taken effect. [1] The number of uninsured people has decreased for three chief reasons: allowing young people up to age 26 to stay on their parents' plans, the Medicaid expansion in 29 states plus DC, and the availability of affordable insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplaces. Secretary Burwell also noted that the uninsured rate declined among African Americans. Between October 2013 and September 12, 2015: - 4.0 million Latino adults gained coverage (an 11.5 percent drop)
- 2.6 million African American adults gained coverage (a 10.3 percent drop)
- 7.4 million White adults gained coverage (a 6 percent drop)
"Five years in, millions of people have new coverage and the percentage of the uninsured has been reduced to the lowest level on record," said Secretary Burwell. "We now have a new opportunity before us to build on this progress. We know current Marketplace customers are satisfied with their coverage, and we expect most to continue with it. We also believe we can continue to connect people with the coverage they need and further decrease the number of Americans without health insurance." With Open Enrollment in the Health Insurance Marketplace beginning its third year on November 1, she acknowledged that "overall, this Open Enrollment is going to be tougher than last year. But while those remaining uninsured may be harder to reach, we're working smarter to reach them. We know Americans are depending on us, and we're doing everything we can to help them find the coverage they need." Secretary Burwell outlined the following key facts about Marketplace eligible uninsured: - About 10.5 million uninsured Americans are eligible for Marketplace coverage in the upcoming open enrollment.
- While HHS will work to bolster enrollment across the nation, the Department's top five target areas for outreach are Dallas, Houston, northern New Jersey, Chicago, and Miami - which are home to the highest numbers of uninsured who are eligible for Marketplace coverage.
- Almost half of the uninsured individuals who are likely eligible for Marketplace plans are between the ages of 18 and 34.
- Almost 40 percent of the uninsured who qualify for Marketplace plans are living between 139 and 250 percent of the federal poverty level (about $34,000 to $61,000 for a family of four).
- Approximately one-third of the uninsured who qualify for Marketplace plans are people of color: approximately 19 percent are Hispanic, 14 percent are African American, and 2 percent are Asian American.
Secretary Burwell also described additional takeaways about the uninsured: - About half of the uninsured have less than $100 in savings.
- Nearly three in five of the uninsured are either confused about how the tax credits work or don't know that they are available.
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National Farm Safety and Health Week Recognized
Safety first.
It's a must in farm country. Huge machines and moving parts can be a recipe for disaster. If you're not careful.
That's why we observe Farm Safety Week (September 20-26, 2015). It's a reminder that things can go south on the farm. In a hurry.
It's also a reminder for all of us. Even those who never set foot on a farm. Farmers drive big equipment. It's wide and slow. Public roads are the only way to move it.
Farmers are cautious and respect your need to travel. And they pray you are concerned about them. Accidents involving cars and farm equipment occur every year. Lives are lost. People maimed. Families changed forever.
These accidents can be prevented. Watch carefully when you drive in the country. Use common sense when you see a tractor or combine on the road. Farming is already one of the most hazardous occupations in America. Let's not add to their worries. Caution could save a farmer's life. And your own.
National Farm Safety & Health Week is an annual promotion of the National Safety Council commemorating the hard work, diligence, and sacrifices of our nation's farmers and ranchers. The September 2015 event marks the 72nd consecutive year of recognition.
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Tips for a Healthy Prostate
Courtesy - Men's Fitness Magazine and Healthline.com
Out of every 100 men over the age of 60, six will have prostate cancer before their 70th birthday, according to the CDC.
There's no absolute prostate cancer prevention, but evidence suggests diet plays a key role. Keep reading for diet tips and more information.
According to the American Cancer Society, more than 190,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to keep your prostate healthy as you age-and
stay ahead of the game.
Here's what Christopher Saigal, MD, an assistant professor of urology at UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center, says to do:
1. Keep a healthy weight and exercise regularly.
2. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, guava and papaya contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and kale also are good choices.
3. Let your doctor know if you have a family history of prostate cancer. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a man's risk of developing this disease.
4. Include more soy in your diet from sources such as tofu, soy nuts or soy flour or powders.
5. Don't smoke.
6. Eat more selenium-rich foods such as wheat germ, tuna, herring and other seafood and shellfish, beef liver, kidney, eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, mushrooms, garlic and onions. Selenium reduces risk of prostate cancer.
7. Get a PSA blood test and digital rectal exam annually, beginning at age 50. Men at high risk, such as African American men or men with a strong family history of prostate cancer should begin testing at age 45.
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915 Austin Street
Levelland, TX 79336
806-747-7894
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Texas Ag Coop Trust
Officers, Board of Trustees
Kimberly Tullo-Holcomb
TACT Executive Director
Lubbock, TX
Jim Turner, Chairman
Dalhart Consumers Fuel Association
Dalhart, TX
Bret Brown, Secretary/Treasurer
Ag Producers Co-op
Sunray, TX
Craig Rohrbach
Parmer County Cotton Growers
Farwell, TX
Dean Sasser
Farmers Coop Elevator
Levelland, TX
Tony Williams
Texas Cotton Ginners' Association
Austin, TX
Paul Wilson
United Cotton Growers
Levelland, TX
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Texas Ag Coop Trust
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Texas Grain & Feed
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September - National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
 There is no better time than September, during Prostate Ca ncer Awareness Month, for men to talk with their health care providers about this disease so that they can make informed decisions about maintaining their prostate health. Although prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, when detected early it also boasts some of the highest survival rates. This year approximately 217,730 men will learn they have prostate cancerand more than 32,050 men will die from the disease. African-American men are disproportionately affected by prostate cancer, having higher rates of prostate cancer diagnosis and death thn men of all other racial or ethnic groups in the United States. Almost one third of prostate cancer cases are found in men during their prime years at work. Today, 1 man in 6 will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 34 will die of this disease. More than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. When detected during these earliest stages the 5-year survival rate is close to 100%. The American Cancer Society recognizes September as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The key, according to the American Cancer Society, is getting men to know the facts on prostate cancer and to know what their real risks are. Learning about your personal prostate cancer risk helps you make informed decisions with your healthcare provider. The American Cancer Society recommends that men have the opportunity to make an informed decision with their health care provider about screening for prostate cancer after receiving information about the uncertainties, risks, and potential benefits associated with screening. Men at average risk should start talking to their doctors beginning at age 50. Men at higher risk, should talk to their doctor about prostate testing earlier, including African Americans, at age 45, and men who've had a first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, at age 40.
For both men at average risk and higher risk, information should be provided about what is known and what is uncertain about the benefits and limitations of early detection tests and treatments so they can make informed decisions about testing. TACTful Advice: TACT offers prostate screenings for members over age 50 during wellness screenings for participating groups. We remind you of the importance of prostate health and encourage annual screenings. For more information, visit our website or feel free to give us a call.
You are a partner in decision making and you are partnered with a thriving coverage provider.
Keeping YOU the priority. Keeping YOUR NEEDS in perspective.
TACT - Dedicated Insurance Professionals
you know and trust...like Family.
Next Issue: October 13, 2015
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