Mastering Personal Health Care Literacy and Outcomes

The source discusses the crucial concept of personal health care literacy, defining it as the ability to find, comprehend, and utilize health information to make sound decisions. It highlights that low health literacy is common in the United States, with a substantial majority of Americans lacking proficient skills, and categorizes individuals into four distinct literacy levels ranging from Proficient to Below basic. The text outlines various health care literacy challenges, such as numeracy struggles, reading difficulties, embarrassment, and complicated medical jargon, which prevent effective understanding. Furthermore, the document explains why health literacy matters, linking low proficiency to negative health outcomes and poor decision-making. Finally, the source provides a list of actionable tips for improving health care literacy, including preparing for appointments, asking questions, and responsibly utilizing technology and community resources.

Employee Benefit Compliance: 2025 Closeout and 2026 Setup

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The source provides employers with a comprehensive year-end compliance checklist for managing employee benefit plans, separating tasks into mandatory requirements for the close of 2025 and necessary preparations for 2026. Immediate obligations include ensuring the submission of the gag clause attestation, conducting required nondiscrimination testing, and reminding employees about the rules governing unused flexible spending account (FSA) balances. To prepare for the new year, employers are instructed to update employee communications and address ACA affordability standards for Applicable Large Employers (ALEs). A significant component involves adjusting internal systems to reflect updated employee benefit plan limits for 2026, which detail changes to contributions for retirement plans, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and qualified transportation benefits. Finally, the checklist outlines the necessity of preparing for ACA reporting regarding 2025 coverage, with required forms due to the IRS in early 2026