A consortium of Minnesota organizations recently launched a website designed to help users determine how the federal health care law affects them. The site, myhealthcarefuture.org, takes users through a series of questions in an effort to better educate Minnesotans about the Affordable Care Act. The tool also links to resources and provides information specific [...]
March 28, 2013
Ready, set, GO!… Health insurance exchange, here we come!
Minnesotans prepare for MNsure, a new online marketplace for health care coverage As you may know, earlier this month both the Minnesota House and Senate approved legislation to introduce a health insurance exchange to our state. Governor Mark Dayton signed the measure — now dubbed MNsure — into law March 20. This new marketplace [...]
March 21, 2013
Minnesota Vikings punter Chris Kluwe, spinal cord injury research, and my lunch box
On Jan. 24, just like most days, I woke up early and someone helped me get into my power wheelchair. It takes me a lot longer to get ready in the morning ever since Aug. 3 of 2000, when a spinal cord injury (SCI) rendered me a C5-6 quadriplegic. After I was in my chair [...]
February 20, 2013
Hard choices: How culture clash affected me during the birth of my son
I am an immigrant Hmong-American woman who is independent and educated. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 2, I experienced culture clash growing up in western culture. More often than not, I continue to be challenged with the “I” vs. “we,” or the more inclusive Hmong culture vs. the more individualistic [...]
January 29, 2013
Daring greatly: Inspiration for the new year
I was fortunate to hear Dr. Brené Brown speak last fall on “How Empathy, Shame, and Vulnerability Influence Health and Well-being.” UCare co-sponsored the session with the University of Minnesota’s Center for Spirituality and Healing. Her presentation was vivid, and it stayed with me. Dr. Brown is a researcher on the topics of vulnerability [...]
January 10, 2013
Q & A with the CEO: ‘How I stay fit and healthy in the Midwestern winter’
Note: UCare CEO Nancy Feldman discusses her strategy for maintaining an active lifestyle in the face of frigid temperatures and snowy landscapes. Health Smarts: Midwestern winters can be long and bitterly cold, and for some they can leave little room for outdoor activities. How do you stay fit and healthy in wintertime? Nancy: Every morning before I [...]
December 28, 2012
Let’s talk about cancer
It’s important to discuss your questions, concerns, or feelings about cancer with family, friends, and your entire health care team. Yes really, let’s talk about cancer, because not talking about it does not make it go away. At one point or another, we are all touched by cancer … either through a personal experience or [...]
December 28, 2012
Industry blog features UCare tips on improving access for diverse communities
A UCare employee and her daughter share a moment together. In this Dec. 13, 2012 blog for the Alliance of Community Health Plans (ACHP), UCare President and CEO Nancy Feldman discusses how UCare works to improve access to health care for diverse communities. “You may know that Minnesotans have long been among the healthiest [...]
December 6, 2012
Q & A with the CEO: Gaining the Competitive Edge through Tobacco Cessation
Note: UCare CEO Nancy Feldman discusses the circumstances that drove her to quit a 20-year smoking habit. Nancy also provides practical tips to help others become smoke-free. Health Smarts: When did you quit smoking? Nancy: On a day I remember every year: November 1, 1985. I intentionally selected this date as a way of holding [...]
November 9, 2012
Q & A with the CEO: ‘Community service starts with me’
Health Smarts: You’re a busy CEO of a large, nonprofit health plan who also makes time to serve seven nonprofit organizations through board membership or other roles. Why is involvement in your community and industry important to you? Nancy: I think it’s very important for leaders to give back to their community and even more [...]
Health Smarts
Health Smarts is produced by UCare and covers current topics and events involving health care.
April 29, 2013
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