Warmest Holiday Wishes from the TACT Staff and Board!
Issue No. 103

December 22, 2015

 


 
2015 has been a year in which millions of uninsured were ushered into the realm of healthcare coverage through the opportunity afforded them by the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare. However, as a private entity, TACT yields even greater options to an industry that is often underserved.
 
TACT is in a unique position of being able to offer the highest quality of insurance and service at the same great rates to which you are already accustomed. We know that you have options, but we encourage you to allow us to help you understand them. Remember, with TACT, YOU are our business.
 
This year is coming to a close and with hopes and promises that the New Year is sure to bring, we are thankful that it also brings more opportunities to work together. We wish you happy, healthy and successful holidays! Seasons Greetings!!   


  
 
  
 
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Healthcare in the News

   
 HHS collaborating with national grocery and retail stores to promote 
Open Enrollment 

Courtesy - HHS.gov
With coverage beginning January 1, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced a collaboration with national grocery and retail stores, connecting millions of consumers to affordable health coverage. H-E-B, Kroger, Meijer, Southeastern Grocers and Walmart played an important role in helping individuals across the country find a health insurance plan to meet their health care and budget needs. 

"We (have been) working with grocery and retail stores across the country to reach millions of consumers where they shop the most," Burwell said. "This support for enrollment efforts nationwide is further indication that businesses are investing in Open Enrollment because they believe it is good for their business and for their customers."

Nearly 3,000 retail store locations nationwide supported efforts to connect consumers with the information and resources they need to enroll in quality, affordable health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Financial assistance is available for eligible consumers and more than 7 in 10 returning Marketplace customers will be able to buy a plan for $75 or less a month in premiums after tax credits.





 
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Agriculture News

   
 USDA Considers Christmas Tree Promotion Program

Courtesy - Texas Farm Bureau
The Agriculture Department is considering a proposed Christmas tree promotion program that would raise $2 million a year for a nationwide advertising campaign to combat the increasingly competitive artificial Christmas tree industry. Growers and importers would fund the new check-off program.

Oconto, Wis., Christmas tree farmer Vander Velden supports the program as a way for growers to pool their advertising dollars for the benefit of the entire industry.
Artificial tree sales nearly doubled to 17.4 million from 2003 to 2007, according to the USDA, while fresh-tree sales have declined overall from 37 million in 1991 to 31 million in 2007.

The ad campaign would be similar to the 18 promotion orders already overseen by USDA and funded by industry assessments.

The program would charge producers and importers 15 cents for every fresh-cut tree.

A Christmas Tree Promotion Board, appointed by the secretary of agriculture, would administer the program.

What do you think? 
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 Healthful Hint
  
 Timeless Holiday Health 
and Safety Tips
 
  
The holidays offer a perfect opportunity for enjoying loved ones, celebrating life, being grateful, and reflecting on what's important. They are also a time to appreciate the gift of health. Support health and safety for yourself and others by following these timeless holiday tips.
  
Wash Your Hands: Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps you can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Wash your hands with soap and clean running water, rubbing them for at least 20 seconds. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don't have tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
  
Stay Warm: Cold temperatures can cause serious health problems, especially in infants and older adults. Stay dry, and dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing.
  
Manage Stress: The holidays don't need to take a toll on your health and pocketbook. Keep your commitments and spending in check. Balance work, home, and play. Get support from family and friends. Keep a relaxed and positive outlook. Make sure to get proper sleep.
  
Travel Safely: Whether you're traveling across town or around the world, help ensure your trip is safe. Don't drink and drive, and don't let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt appropriate for his/her height, weight, and age.
  
Get Checkups: Exams and screenings can help find potential problems early, when the chances for treatment and cure are often better. Vaccinations help prevent diseases and save lives. Schedule a visit with your health care provider for a yearly exam. Ask what vaccinations and tests you should get based on your age, lifestyle, travel plans, medical history, and family health history.
  
Watch the Kids: Children are at high risk for injuries. Keep a watchful eye on your kids when they're eating and playing. Keep potentially dangerous toys, food, drinks, household items, choking hazards (like coins and hard candy), and other objects out of kids' reach. Learn how to provide early treatment for children who are choking. Make sure toys are used properly. Develop rules about acceptable and safe behaviors, including using electronic media.
  
Prevent Injuries: Injuries can happen anywhere, and some often occur around the holidays. Use step stools instead of climbing on furniture when hanging decorations. Leave the fireworks to the professionals. Wear a helmet when riding a bicycle or skateboarding to help prevent head injuries. Keep vaccinations up to date.
  
Prepare Food Safely: As you prepare holiday meals, keep yourself and your family safe from food-related illness. Wash hands and surfaces often. Avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs (including their juices) away from ready-to-eat foods and eating surfaces. Cook foods to the proper temperature. Refrigerate promptly. Do not leave perishable foods out for more than two hours.

Eat Healthy, Be Happy: With balance and moderation, you can enjoy the holidays the healthy way. Choose fresh fruit as a festive and sweet substitute for candy. Limit fats, salt, and sugary foods. Find fun ways to stay active, such as dancing to your favorite holiday music. Be active for at least 2½ hours a week. Help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

 
Courtesy, Center for Disease 
Control and Prevention




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 Health News 

Affecting You

 

  
NOW EFFECTIVE!

improved quality - increased provider accessibility - continued low costs

You Spoke! We Listened!

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 NOW 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!

Information and updated ID cards 
should be in your mailbox!

 

REFER US!

Click above to learn more or

 to contact the TACT office.

 

TACT Holiday Hours
The TACT office will observe the following for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.

CHRISTMAS 
Wednesday, December 23rd - Closing at noon
Thursday, December 24th - Closed
Friday, December 25th - Closed
We will reopen Monday, December 28th

NEW YEAR 
Wednesday, December 30th- Closing at noon
Thursday, December 31st- Closed
Friday, January 1st - Closed
We will reopen Monday, January  4th
In This Issue
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Contact Us
Texas Ag Coop Trust
915 Austin Street
Levelland, TX 79336
806-747-7894

  

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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 Association
 
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Dental Open Enrollment
As Part of our Health Plan, YOU are Eligible!

  • December is open enrollment for TACT Direct Pay Dental.
    • run on a calendar year, all groups to renew on January 1
  • Exceptional Dental Coverage
  • Favorable claims experience and growth

Mark your calendars!
Call TACT Today!
806-747-7894


 
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:  January 5, 2016 
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