#Health Plans

[great-and-small]

When I was in vet school I went to this one lecture that I will never forget. Various clubs would have different guest lecturers come in to talk about relevant topics and since I was in the Wildlife Disease Association club I naturally attended all the wildlife and conservation discussions. Well on this particular occasion, the speakers started off telling us they had been working on a project involving the conservation of lemurs in Madagascar. Lemurs exist only in Madagascar, and they are in real trouble; they’re considered the most endangered group of mammals on Earth. This team of veterinarians was initially assembled to address threats to lemur health and work on conservation solutions to try and save as many lemur species from extinction as possible. As they explored the most present dangers to lemurs they found that although habitat loss was the primary problem for these vulnerable animals, predation by humans was a significant cause of losses as well. The vets realized it was crucial for the hunting of lemurs by native people to stop, but of course this is not so simple a problem.

The local Malagasy people are dealing with extreme poverty and food insecurity, with nearly half of children under five years old suffering from chronic malnutrition. The local people have always subsisted on hunting wildlife for food, and as Madagascar’s wildlife population declines, the people who rely on so-called bushmeat to survive are struggling more and more. People are literally starving.

Our conservation team thought about this a lot. They had initially intended to focus efforts on education but came to understand that this is not an issue arising from a lack of knowledge. For these people it is a question of survival. It doesn’t matter how many times a foreigner tells you not to eat an animal you’ve hunted your entire life, if your child is starving you are going to do everything in your power to keep your family alive.

So the vets changed course. Rather than focus efforts on simply teaching people about lemurs, they decided to try and use veterinary medicine to reduce the underlying issue of food insecurity. They supposed that if a reliable protein source could be introduced for the people who needed it, the dependence on meat from wildlife would greatly decrease. So they got to work establishing new flocks of chickens in the most at-risk communities, and also initiated an aggressive vaccination program for Newcastle disease (an infectious illness of poultry that is of particular concern in this area). They worked with over 600 households to ensure appropriate husbandry and vaccination for every flock, and soon found these communities were being transformed by the introduction of a steady protein source. Families with a healthy flock of chickens were far less likely to hunt wild animals like lemurs, and fewer kids went hungry. Thats what we call a win-win situation.

This chicken vaccine program became just one small part of an amazing conservation outreach initiative in Madagascar that puts local people at the center of everything they do. Helping these vulnerable communities of people helps similarly vulnerable wildlife, always. If we go into a country guns-blazing with that fire for conservation in our hearts and a plan to save native animals, we simply cannot ignore the humans who live around them. Doing so is counterintuitive to creating an effective plan because whether we recognize it or not, humans and animals are inextricably linked in many ways. A true conservation success story is one that doesn’t leave needy humans in its wake, and that is why I think this particular story has stuck with me for so long.

(Source 1)

(Source 2- cool video exploring this initiative from some folks involved)

(Source 3)

[episource]

Blueprint for Success: How Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans Can Improve Health Outcomes for Members Through Accurate Coding and Data-Driven Insights

In today’s complex healthcare landscape, health plans actively strive to deliver the best outcomes for their members. “Blueprint for Success: Accurate Coding for Better Health Outcomes and Data-Driven Insights” explains effective strategies to enhance member care. This white paper highlights how Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans use accurate coding and advanced analytics to understand population health. By taking this approach, they enable proactive interventions and better allocate resources.

[ahixmarketplace]

Compare Health Insurance Plans

[nationallawreview]

2025 Inflation-Adjusted Plan Limits

On Nov. 1, 2024, the IRS published its annual cost of living adjustments for various retirement plan limits. These increases are more modest than recent years, a reflection that inflation is slowing. The updated key retirement plan limits include the following items: 2025 Limit 2024 Limit Annual Compensation Limit $350,000 $345,000 Elective Deferral Limit $23,500 $23,000 Standard Age 50…

[nancykhemchandani]

Choose the Perfect Health Plan | HMOs, PPOs, HDHPs

Understand health plans easily - HMOs save, PPOs give choices, HDHPs cost less. Find your fit. Your health, your plan. Ask us anything!

[facts1590]

Choose the Perfect Health Plan | HMOs, PPOs, HDHPs

Understand health plans easily - HMOs save, PPOs give choices, HDHPs cost less. Find your fit. Your health, your plan. Ask us anything!

[mbacaminsurancebenefits]

Navigating the maze of health insurance options can be daunting, but selecting the right plan is crucial for your health and finances. Whether you’re exploring health insurance in Maryland or weighing medicare options, understanding your needs and the available plans is key.

[hislop3]

Unveiling the Allegations: Lawsuit Claims Advocate Aurora Health's Monopoly on Health System is Hiking Prices in Wisconsin

Late last week, I ran across a number of news posts regarding a proposed class action lawsuit against the hospital/health system giant Advocate Aurora, alleging that the organization used its market mass to limit competition and in return, impose excessively high prices on commercial health plans and their insureds. The suit was filed in Wisconsin (where the allegations center), the U.S. District…

[naukrisambad]

Types of Health Insurance Plans In 2024

Health insurance is a crucial aspect of financial planning and healthcare management, offering individuals and families protection against high medical costs. Understanding the different types of health insurance plans available is essential for selecting coverage that aligns with your healthcare needs and budget. In this guide, we’ll explore the various types of health insurance plans,…

[hiramekiicotl]

Today i offer you a low quality cotl drawing on a cat meme once again ‼️‼️🗣️

tomorrow? Who knows

Original,

[bl0w-m3]

[stil-lindigo]

reverb in an empty hall.

prints (all proceeds go towards aid for Gaza)

[johnny-depp-is-loved]

Abortion pills by mail in every state.

please share this even if you don’t need them, because it could find its way to people who do!

I’d also like to say that what abortion is, is health care and basic human rights for those who want it for reasons that aren’t nobody’s business but their own

what abortion isn’t, is a man’s business. so you may keep your opinions away from my body. thank you

[ahixmarketplace]

Compare Health Insurance Plans In Just 2 Minute!

[ae-cha08]

We can trust in God, knowing He will align our heart’s desire with His and ultimately give us His very best blessings – all in His perfect timing. 💙

[wazzappp]

Khaji Da does NOT like how vulnerable Jaime is when he’s sleeping. So they resolve that, once Jaime is asleep, they will position themselves into the optimal sleeping situation. Back to the wall (Khaji protected), attached to the corner ceiling (where they can see everything and have a height advantage), and keeping Jaime as close to his usual sleeping position as possible (stomach sleeper).

You may be wondering ‘how is it this gets found out if Khaji makes sure they do it while Jaime is asleep?’ Welllll….