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Issue No. 101
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November 24, 2015
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As Thanksgiving nears, we want to express our appreciation to our TACT family. We are extremely thankful to all of our wonderful customers for choosing TACT for your insurance needs. Because of you, we are consistent with low rates for coverage that is personal and insures an underserved industry. We truly consider you our family. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful start to the Christmas Season!
Now serving ALL of Texas Agriculture -
Contact us for more information
TACT - Dedicated Insurance Professionals
you know and trust...like Family.
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improved quality - increased provider accessibility - continued low costs
EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 1
With TACT You Get More!
We have heard you and know that you want better provider coverage, more access to your doctors and facilities.
We have worked very hard to find YOUR solution! We are excited to announce our new partnership with CIGNA!! Effective December 1, you will have access to all the providers and facilities CIGNA has to offer! This will be a long term relationship, providing the solution to make sure our members receive the best care available! Watch for more information and updated ID cards soon!
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HHS to procure two inhalational anthrax treatments
for national supply
Agreements improve nation's preparedness for anthrax incidents
To better protect public health in an anthrax attack, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response ( ASPR) will add two types of anthrax antitoxin drugs for the Strategic National Stockpile ( SNS) as options to treat inhalational anthrax. ASPR's Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority ( BARDA) will fund these purchases under Project BioShield, the chief mechanism through which the U.S. government supports the advanced development and procurement of new medical countermeasures - drugs, vaccines, diagnostics, and medical supplies - to protect the American public against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. "Anthrax remains a bioterrorist threat, and the actions we are taking today will help protect our nation against that threat," said Robin Robinson, Ph.D., Director of BARDA. "By expanding the treatment options available within the SNS, we can help meet the diverse needs of the American people in an anthrax-related emergency." Through the five-year, $44.9 million agreement with Elusys Therapeutics of Pine Brook, New Jersey, BARDA will support production and future delivery of Elusys' anthrax antitoxin drug Anthim to the SNS. Anthim is a monoclonal antibody that binds to a key bacterial protein and reduces anthrax's toxic effects. The antitoxin becomes the fourteenth product to be added to the SNS under Project BioShield since 2004. Support for development of Anthim transitioned from early development with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ( NIAID) to advanced development with BARDA in 2009. NIAID, BARDA and other federal partners plan out such transitions to ensure new medical products critical to our national security are made available as quickly and cost-efficiently as possible. These agencies coordinate and prioritize federal medical countermeasure efforts through the Public Health Emergency Medical Countermeasures Enterprise ( PHEMCE). Elusys submitted a Biologics License Application for Anthim to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) in March 2015, and BARDA continues to support the drug's development under a separate research and development contract. Prior to licensure, large-scale use of Anthim after an anthrax attack would require Emergency Use Authorization from FDA. In addition, through a continuing agreement with GlaxoSmithKline BARDA will fund the production and delivery of the anthrax antitoxin drug Raxibacumab to replace expiring doses in the SNS. Raxibacumab is also a monoclonal antibody therapeutic to treat illness caused by anthrax. BARDA has funded advanced development and procurement of the drug under Project Bioshield since 2009 and in 2012 Raxibacumab became the first anthrax antitoxin to be approved by the FDA. Now, BARDA will provide $9.7 million to ensure a continued supply of Raxibacumab to the SNS through 2019. The Secretary of Homeland Security determined anthrax to be a material threat to nation security in 2004. To prepare for these chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats, BARDA and other federal agencies collaborate and prioritize through the Public Health Medical Countermeasure Enterprise to develop drugs, vaccines, diagnostics and devices, and BARDA purchases the products for the SNS. In addition to augmenting the current anthrax medical countermeasure holdings in the SNS, BARDA takes a comprehensive and integrated portfolio approach to the advanced research and development, innovation, acquisition, and manufacturing infrastructure for vaccines, drugs, therapeutics, diagnostic tools, and non-pharmaceutical products for public health emergencies caused by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, pandemic influenza and emerging infectious diseases. ASPR leads HHS in preparing the nation to respond to and recover from adverse health effects of emergencies, supporting communities' ability to withstand adversity, strengthening health and response systems, and enhancing national health security. HHS is the principal federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves.
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The Real Cost of Thanksgiving
Astonishingly, despite the worst avian flu to hit poultry producers in decades and heavy rains that washed out Illinois' pumpkin crops, we won't be seeing shortages of our Thanksgiving staples.
But that doesn't mean costs for the feast are going down. Compared to 2014, holiday hosts will have to shell out a bit more dough to get their favorites to the table. When it comes to fresh turkey, you're going to pay about 15 percent more or $1.60 per pound compared to $1.36 per pound last November. Most birds that will be sold fresh were hatched after the avian flu outbreak passed, and wholesale prices have been rising. So while not scarce, fresh turkeys will be harder to come by the closer you get to Turkey Day (experts like farmer Forrest Pritchard from Smith Meadows Farm in Virginia recommend ordering ahead for a primo heritage bird). If you're looking for a frozen whole turkey, which make up as much as three-quarters of the Thanksgiving market, you may actually be paying less, despite the avian flu wiping out 8 million turkeys. That's because those turkeys were already born, slaughtered and frozen before the outbreak, says Thomas Elam, president of FarmEcon LLC, a consultant to the poultry industry. It also helps that retailers had plenty of time to compensate. Wal-Mart expects to have more frozen turkeys than in previous years, and prices actually will be lower than last year, says spokesman John Forrest Ales. For example, a 16-pound premium frozen Butterball will cost about 64 cents per pound less than last Thanksgiving. Things didn't look so good earlier this year when it came to eggs, an essential ingredient to many sides and desserts. The avian flu wiped out a record number of egg-laying hens causing shortages and prices to skyrocket over the summer. In late August, the average price for a dozen large eggs climbed to $2.94, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. But the USDA reports that the price of eggs has started to level out --although they'll still be pricier than 2014 figures-averaging $2.96 for a dozen of Grade A large eggs. And what about those pumpkins? Record rains early in the growing season did slash pie-pumpkin yields by about 50 percent in Illinois, by far the country's top producer. But market leader Libby's still expects canned pumpkin supplies to last through Thanksgiving and the shortage probably won't be felt until after the holiday baking season, says company spokeswoman Roz O'Hearn. A 29-ounce can of Libby's retails for about $3 but pumpkin pie enthusiasts who aren't willing to take any chances may end up spending much more. You won't need to get whipped up about dairy this year. Butter for all those mashed potatoes and pie crusts has dropped to around $3.08 a pound compared with $3.82 a year ago. Milk is down to $2.22 a gallon compared with $3.78 last year. The rest of the meal mostly comes down to produce, usually the least expensive component. While the California drought has pushed vegetable and fruit prices higher, the picture at the supermarket is mixed. Retail prices are up for russet potatoes (24 percent); spaghetti, acorn and butternut squashes (about 17 percent); and sweet potatoes (10 percent); but cranberry prices are down (14 percent), according to the USDA. And some retailers still are able to find and pass along savings. Wal-Mart is selling asparagus for about 9 percent less than last year and 3-pound bags of sweet potatoes are going for 85 cents less. So how much is Thanksgiving really going to cost you this year? The average cost of a Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people has hovered around $49 per person since 2011, and it tends to track closely with the consumer price index for food eaten at home, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. The CPI for supermarket food as of September was just 0.8 percent higher than a year earlier so you could expect to pay over $52 per person in 2015. But there's good news for holiday travelers this year. Drivers likely will pay the cheapest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008. The national average price of gasoline was $2.21 per gallon on Nov. 11, which is about 72 cents per gallon less than a year ago, according to AAA. The average price of gas in every state is below $3 per gallon, and about one in four U.S. gas stations is offering gas for less than $2 per gallon. Air ticket sales experienced a slight year-over-year increase compared to 2014. According to Airlines Reporting Corp., which processes ticket transactions for airlines and travel agencies, prices are up 0.3 percent-or a 69 cent average increase. So getting to the feast will cost you less! Happy Holidays!
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Ten Tips to Healthy
Holiday Eating
With the holiday season upon us, it is a time of gathering with friends, colleagues and loved ones around holiday snacks and meals. To avoid the typical New Year Resolution of losing those holiday pounds, below are 10 healthy tips to holiday eating.
1. Be realistic. Don't try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight.
2. Plan time for exercise. Exercise helps relieve holiday stressand prevent weight gain. A moderate and daily increase in exercise can help partially offset increased holiday eating. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.
3. Don't skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.
4. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.
5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.
6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
7. If you overeat at one meal go light on the next. It takes 500 calories per day (or 3,500 calories per week) above your normal/maintenance consumption to gain one pound. It is impossible to gain weight from one piece of pie!
8. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren't all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.
9. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering.
10. Practice Healthy Holiday Cooking. Preparing favorite dishes lower in fat and calories will help promote healthy holiday eating. Incorporate some of these simple-cooking tips in traditional holiday recipes to make them healthier.
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- Gravy - Refrigerate the gravy to harden fat. Skim the fat off. This will save a whopping 56 gm of fat per cup.
- Dressing - Use a little less bread and add more onions, garlic, celery, and vegetables. Add fruits such as cranberries or apples. Moisten or flavor with low fat low sodium chicken or vegetable broth and applesauce.
- Turkey - Enjoy delicious, roasted turkey breast without the skin and save 11 grams of saturated fat per 3 oz serving.
- Green Bean Casserole - Cook fresh green beans with chucks of potatoes instead of cream soup. Top with almonds instead of fried onion rings.
- Mashed Potato - Use skim milk, chicken broth, garlic or garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese instead of whole milk and butter.
- Quick Holiday Nog - Four bananas, 1-1/2 cups skim milk or soymilk, 1-1/2 cups plain nonfat yogurt, 1/4 teaspoon rum extract, and ground nutmeg. Blend allingredients except nutmeg. Puree until smooth. Top with nutmeg.
- Desserts - Make a crustless pumpkin pie. Substitute two egg whites for each whole egg in baked recipes. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk in cheesecakes and cream pies. Top cakes with fresh fruit, fruit sauce, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar instead of fattening frosting.
Enjoy the holidays, plan a time for activity, incorporate healthy recipes into your holiday meals, and don't restrict yourself from enjoying your favorite holiday foods. In the long run, your mind and body will thank you.
To read featured health news
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REFER US!
Click above to learn more or
to contact the TACT office.
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Happy Thanksgiving!
Holiday Office Hours
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday,
the TACT office will be closing at noon,
Wednesday, November 25.
The office will reopen Monday, November 30.
Kimberly Holcomb (806-544-9592) and Cisti Pinkert (806-535-2464) will be available via cell phone should assistance be needed outside of these hours.
TACT wishes you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful
start to the Christmas Season!
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Facebook Feature
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access more detailed,
industry-related information.
Interact with us!
We're waiting to talk to you!
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Contact Us
Texas Ag Coop Trust
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
is endorsed by:
Texas Grain & Feed
Association
Texas Cotton Ginners Association
 Texas Coop Marketing Exchange
Texas Corn Producers
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National Diabetes Awareness Month -
Support from YOUR Prescription Benefits Manager
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According to the CDC, more than 29 million Americans have diabetes, and 9 out of 10 of those individuals have type 2 diabetes. An additional 86 million people in the U.S. have prediabetes and are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association tells us that the average medical costs for people with diabetes are 2.3 times higher than for those without.
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Medication adherence is essential in avoiding further health complications and expensive medical procedures. With so many people affected by this disease, it is as important as ever to have proven cost containment tools driven by a dedicated clinical team. By integrating Script Care's Diabetic Program into your pharmacy benefit plan, we help to control your costs while securing member access to the treatment and clinical support they need.
For information on Script Care's Diabetic Program, click here.
For more information about diabetes and American Diabetes Month, click here.
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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: December 7, 2015
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