Category Archives: african americans

Reflecting on 2011

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As we prepare to close the ‘book’ on 2011, I thought it would be a good time to reflect on some of the top news stories / events of the year.  Whether your year was fantastic or not so great, in a couple of days, 2011 will become a mere memory.  While memories are often great to have, we must keep in mind that there is nothing we can do to change them.  As a result, I urge you to ‘brush your shoulders off’ and look forward.

Although we should all make a conscious effort to live in the present, reflection is important and there are some valuable lessons that can be learned from past experiences.  Included below are some of the year’s top stories that not only affected Americans, but also had a huge impact from a global perspective.

Use of Social Media to Change the World – The first time we all had to take notice that social media was more than a mere way to connect family members and long lost friends was during the 2008 presidential campaign.  More recently, protesters in Egypt utilized Facebook and Twitter to spread the word about organized protests.  In an article published by fastcompany.com, the author communicated that social media played a role in three main dynamics:

  • Organizing protests and gathering supporters
  • Shaping the narrative and ensuring that the government could not shift the global dialogue
  • Putting pressure on Washington to take a stance.  Because of the amount of information that was being released through social media channels, Washington lost its ability to maintain its distance from the controversy

Because social media has become a major and acceptable method of communicating, we must all ensure that we’re aware of the ‘dos and don’ts’.  For more information on the effective use of social media, please review my post, Social Media:  The Rules of Engagement.

Death of Osama bin Laden – On a Sunday night in early May, President Obama announced to the American people, “Justice has been done.”  Almost ten years after the September 11 terrorist attacks, the mastermind behind them was killed by US Navy Seals and CIA paramilitary forces.  This was indeed a pivotal moment for our Country.  Although the death of bin Laden won’t bring back loved ones that lost their lives during the attacks, it does send a clear message that the American people won’t give up the fight for freedom and justice.  The war on terror reminds me of the story we all heard as children, The Tortoise and the Hare; slow and steady wins the race.  In our own lives, if we commit to a mission or goal and stay laser-focused, we will be victorious.

Death of Steve Jobs – In October, the world lost a brilliant mind.  For those that aren’t aware, Steve Jobs was Co-founder and CEO of Apple, Inc.  What I found most intriguing about his story was that he wasn’t born with a ‘silver spoon in his mouth,’ and he succeeded in spite of the odds.  In my post, Dream It, Achieve It, I highlight his commencement speech at Stanford University, and how we can apply some of his life’s lessons to our own lives.

Decrease in National Unemployment Rate – Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the jobless rate fell by .4% between October and November to 8.6%, which is down from 9.8% in November 2010.  While the shift in the economy is happening a lot slower than we’d like, I believe that we all experienced a brief sigh of relief when hearing this news.  Although things are slowly improving for our Country, African Americans are still unemployed at higher rates than any other ethnicity group.  Historically speaking, this is the norm, but given the state of the economy and the housing market, this is a major drain on wealth creation in our community.  If you or someone you know is struggling to find work, my Aim to Win in this Economy series has some useful tips that may help you ‘get back in the ring’ and ready to fight again.

Many of the events of 2011 will definitely be written in tomorrow’s history books.  As we prepare to shift into a new year, my question to you is how will you leverage the experiences of the past year to live your best life in 2012?

 

Medicare Open Enrollment

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Last week we talked about open enrollment in the workplace and key considerations in choosing a healthcare plan.  Today, I’d like to continue that discussion, but with a focus on open enrollment for Medicare benefits.  As I began my research for this blog post, I found myself “shaking my head” and wondering how elderly people that do not have the support of their children or other family members are supposed to figure out what changes, if any, they should make to their existing coverage.  To be quite frank, I became confused on the various options they have to choose from.  As a result, I firmly believe that there are likely a lot of elderly individuals making “default” choices because they don’t understand all of their options.

Now I know this will probably not be a popular post.  For many of us, we prefer to be entertained, and while I can appreciate a good laugh, at some point we have to decide it’s also important to be informed.  That being said, I ask that you bear with me.  Even if this posting does not apply to you, I am sure there is someone in your family, church, or community that could use your assistance in navigating through this open enrollment period.

The Medicare Open Enrollment window is earlier this year – October 15 through December 7.  If you have elderly parents or grandparents, you have likely heard of Medicare Part A, B, C, and D, but do you know what they mean?  Here’s what I learned:

Part A is for inpatient care in hospitals, nursing facilities, hospice and home healthcare.  If you have Medicare insurance you are probably not paying a premium for Part A if you paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B covers preventive services, doctor’s visits, outpatient care, home health, and other medical services.  If you are unsure of whether or not your loved one has Part B, look at their Medicare card.  There is a premium associated with Part B.  I won’t get into what the premium is because there are too many factors to consider.  If you or your loved one qualifies for Part B coverage, it is important that you understand how the related premium is calculated.  In this instance, the only dumb question is the one that’s not asked.

Part C refers to a Medicare Advantage Plan like an HMO or PPO.  In addition to being called “Part C”, they may also be referred to as “MA Plans.”  Based on my research, Part C closely resembles the health care options you may have with an employer.  Please note there are different MA Plans, and the options and additional fees vary based on the plan you select.  One thing to note is that Advantage Plans are not considered supplemental insurance; they are required to cover all of the services that original Medicare covers with the exception of hospice care.  However, even if you’re in a MA Plan, original Medicare will cover hospice care for you.  So why join an MA Plan?  Ultimately, you’re able to obtain additional coverage such as hearing, vision, dental, and other services.  Most MA Plans also include prescription drug coverage, Part D.

Part D is prescription drug coverage.  There are two ways to obtain Medicare prescription drug coverage – Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans (discussed above.)  During the open enrollment period, you can join, switch, or drop your existing plan.  Please note that if you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan but choose to select another prescription drug plan, you will automatically be dis-enrolled for your Medicare Advantage Plan and returned to original Medicare.

I’m sure many of you have heard the commercial on the radio featuring Shirley Caesar.  During the commercial, she is advertising Medicare’s Open Enrollment period and she discusses new benefits for individuals that find themselves in the “doughnut hole.”  The “doughnut hole” refers to the gap between what your Medicare Part D pays (including your copay and deductibles) for prescription drugs and your total drug costs for the year.  This gap has to be covered by the individual.  This is bad news for people who are on a fixed income (i.e., social security) because prescription drugs can be very expensive.  In 2011, once your total drug costs exceeded $2,840, you are considered in the gap.  That may seem like a lot of money, but if you have a couple of maintenance drugs (e.g., blood pressure, diabetes, etc.) you can easily spend your coverage in no time.  This is simply scratching the surface.  If your doctor prescribes a drug that does not have a generic alternative, the costs to the individual are even higher. 

As a result of the Health Care Reform Law, there is some relief for individuals that find themselves in the gap.  In 2011, instead of paying the entire amount of the drug costs that exceed your benefit, you are now only required to pay 50% of the cost of brand-name drugs and 93% of the cost for generic drugs.  According to AARP, the companies that manufacture the brand-name drugs will pick up the remaining 50% of the cost, and the federal government will pay the outstanding 7% associated with generic brands.  This will provide some much needed relief, but the following are a few steps that can keep your prescription drug costs low:

  1. Always ask for the generic option for a prescription drug, and challenge your doctor if he/she prescribes a brand-name drug.  Your health is important, but you don’t want to have to choose whether or not you eat or purchase your medicine.  The cost of the prescribed medication may not be at the “top of mind” for your doctor; advocate for yourself and your loved ones.  In most instances, there are alternatives.
  2. Seek discount drug plans for your generic prescriptions.  For example, Walmart has a significant number of generic brands that are $4 for a 30 day supply and $10 for a 90 day supply.  A link to the applicable brands is included here:  Walmart Prescription Drug Plan. 
  3. Consider using mail order drug plans.  The benefits of mail order drug plans include convenience and affordability.  Mail order drug plans are typically cheaper than using a regular pharmacist, and your prescriptions are delivered right to your door.  Additionally, most mail order prescriptions are set for a 90 day supply.  One key benefit of mail order plans is that participants are usually more consistent in taking their medications because they don’t have to remember to make a trip to the pharmacy.

As you can see from the information above, the open enrollment process for Medicare is not “black and white.”  In the “circle of life” there are times when children have to step up and help their parents.  If you have elderly parents, assisting them with the open enrollment process may be one of those times.  At a minimum, inquire with them to see how the process is going.  I hope this post has been informative.  Most of us will be spending time with our loved ones over the Thanksgiving holiday, which may be the perfect time to offer your assistance.  For more information on Medicare, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Parenting: Life’s Toughest Job

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Parenting has to be one of life’s toughest jobs.  Although there are plenty of books on the subject, there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution because every child is different.  Today, there are many African-American children growing up in single parent homes.  In 2009, Kids Count, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, reported that 69% of Black children grow up in single parent homes.  Ideally, the best scenario is for children to grow up in a healthy two parent home.  However, whether you’re a single parent or you’re sharing parenting responsibilities, there are things that you can do to ensure that your children grow up to be productive and successful human beings.

Recently, Black Enterprise interviewed Michelle Obama on parenting values.  Most parents want to provide the best that they can for their children, but how do you define your best?  Sometimes we relate our best to material possessions.  This is often the case for parents that grew up without a lot of their needs and wants being met.  No matter how you define your best, I think there are a few key parenting tips that we can learn from the First Family.  The following are a few practices that we can all implement to help improve the chances of success for our children:

Limit TV Time – The Obamas do not allow their daughters to watch television during the week.  My husband and I implemented this rule at the beginning of the school year for our son.  In the beginning, it was a hard transition for him, but now he spends time reading and working in enrichment workbooks.  As a parent that works outside of the home, I’ll readily admit that I am guilty of allowing the television to ‘babysit’ my child.  Limiting television time often requires more engagement on your part; you have to plan additional activities for your children.  However, given the statistics on the Achievement Gap for African American students, the only way that we can begin to eliminate it is to establish some boundaries with the television and video games.  This is simply a good parenting move that we should all be willing to do.  Most of us have to work to provide for our families, but we must never forget the lasting impact of our role as a parent.

Teach the Value of Money – Oftentimes, parents don’t discuss money with their children, or they buy expensive gadgets and their kids have no idea of the sacrifices that were made to purchase them.  In our communities we have parents that will forego paying a bill to purchase the wants of their children.  Now let’s have a heart to heart – what are we really teaching our children when we do this?  Children should understand that their wants cost money.  We may not want to admit it, but many of the habits that our children develop when it comes to money, we are responsible for creating.  Children are taught to be appreciative; if you feel that your children show tendencies of being ungrateful, it’s time to look in the mirror.  Above all, instead of buying extravagant gadgets and clothing for your children, give them experiences (i.e., participation in sports, music lessons, etc.)  These opportunities will enrich their lives and create life-long memories.

Model Responsible Behavior – As parents, we will often take the stance ‘do as I say, not as I do.’  News flash – children model what they see, not what we say.  That being said, if you want your children to be responsible, you must display responsible behaviors and require the same from them.  Children are perceptive and they are always observing their parents.  I am often amazed when I hear parents talk about their children being lazy.  In reading the interview with Michelle Obama, I noted that even though the White House has a full staff, the President and First Lady have assigned chores to their daughters.  The biblical verse, 2nd Thessalonians 3:10 states that a man that doesn’t work won’t eat.  This is a principle that should be taught early.  The assignment of chores assists in teaching responsibility.  If you’ve heard yourself say that your child is lazy, it’s time to adjust your parenting approach.

Parenting is hard work.  There are a lot of sacrifices that must be made on a daily basis but it’s worth it.  As parents, we will make mistakes along the way.  However, with prayer and active engagement in the lives of our children, we can set them on the path to success.  The Bible states that children are a gift from God.  It is our job to love them unconditionally, and teach them how to be productive citizens of the world.

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