Tag: Affordable

Posted on

UnitedHealth Group investing $100 million in affordable housing initiatives

UnitedHealth Group investing 0 million in affordable housing initiatives

Image courtesy of UnitedHealth Team

UnitedHealth Group is investing an further $100 million towards inexpensive housing initiatives with a concentrate on the Well being and Housing Fund, a partnership with Stewards of Cost-effective Housing for the Foreseeable future and Nationwide Cost-effective Housing Have confidence in.

Economical housing has been an ongoing investment decision precedence for UHG, which owns the nation’s biggest insurance company, UnitedHealthcare. To date, the firm’s investments overall approximately $800 million, and according to a assertion, this has resulted in the creation of just about 19,000 houses for individuals struggling with housing insecurity.

The new expenditure will include about 1,000 houses to that complete, stated UHG.

Design is presently underway – in East Place, Georgia, Monroe, North Carolina and Beaverton, Oregon – for 3 cost-effective housing communities that will provide about 250 households for older grown ups and family members. Additional economical housing places will be announced in the coming months as development proposals are finalized.

A $1 million expense will assistance on-website well being-connected solutions for residents in individuals communities, which will be employed by the Stewards of Cost-effective Housing to measure and report on property residents’ wellbeing outcomes.

What is actually THE Influence

Together with things this kind of as transportation entry, substance abuse and behavioral well being concerns, small cash flow is a social determinant of wellness that can suppress the skill of present day drugs to strengthen life, according to a 2019 PricewaterhouseCoopers report. 

By investing previously in social determinants strategies that help persons with housing, work out, psychological health and fitness support and the means to find the money for drugs, governments and health and fitness devices stand to conserve income in the long term and improve health results.

PwC’s success advise that action on the SDoH front isn’t optional health care leaders who never act on social determinants will possible expend much more and more cash on even worse and even worse health and fitness outcomes.

A 2017 National Academy of Medication report observed that 80{1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a} of an individual’s overall health is established by what happens outdoors of a doctor’s office environment. And according to the National Low Profits Housing Coalition, COVID-19, coupled with financial situations, has brought hurt to tens of millions of families, with 70{1b90e59fe8a6c14b55fbbae1d9373c165823754d058ebf80beecafc6dee5063a} of the nation’s 10.8 million incredibly low-profits renter households getting seriously burdened by housing prices – shelling out extra than fifty percent of their incomes on lease and utilities.

THE Larger sized Pattern

Due to the fact 2011, by its UnitedHealthcare and Optum organizations, UHG has helped establish new inexpensive housing developments in 26 states and Washington D.C. for people today in want of inexpensive housing supportive companies. The investments are made by means of the use of Minimal-Money Housing Investment decision Tax Credits, Community Reinvestment Act financial loans and immediate investments.

Accordion to UHG, it really is also investing in courses and partnerships concentrated on food, wellbeing literacy, behavioral health and social isolation, such as $100 million to struggle the COVID-19 pandemic and aid people most straight impacted by the public overall health crisis, these kinds of as health care personnel, challenging-strike communities and older grownups.

“The need to have for inexpensive housing and the link concerning housing and overall health continues to be best of brain all over the communities we provide,” explained Tim Spilker, chief executive officer, UnitedHealthcare Neighborhood & Point out, a UnitedHealth Group company. “Our do the job to tackle social determinants and assist to create new very affordable housing options that incorporate aid expert services is driving much better health results for some of the nation’s most underserved populations.”
 

Twitter: @JELagasse
Email the writer: jeff.lagasse@himssmedia.com

Posted on

8 Ways to Make Your Holiday Meal More Affordable

8 Ways to Make Your Holiday Meal More Affordable

Many families and friends get together to celebrate, spend time together, and share a meal during the holiday season. However, due to inflation, food is more expensive this year. If you’re worried about the financial aspect of putting together a nice holiday meal, we have some ideas that may help you save money. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays special, and by making a few changes, you can pay less and still have a delicious meal. Here are eight ways to make your holiday meal more affordable.

1. Shop with a list

When you don’t have a list, it can be easy to buy more than you need and forget essential ingredients. Before you head to the store to get your holiday meal ingredients, make a shopping list. That way, you’ll have a plan, which can help you spend less and make your shopping experience a lot easier.

2. Compare prices between stores

Before you head out to shop, it’s a good idea to look at sales flyers for stores in your area and compare prices on the items you need to buy. Most stores put popular holiday meal items on sale leading up to the holiday. If you have several stores near your home, you can compare prices and buy the cheapest items at each store. Just be sure to consider the cost of gas and the distance between stores before driving all over town.

3. Don’t ignore generic brands

While shopping, take a look at the cost of generic brand items and compare them to the cost of name-brand items. In many cases, store-brand products are a lot cheaper than name-brand products. Purchasing generic ingredients can offer significant savings, and no one will know the difference.

4. Use cash back apps

Cash back apps offer an easy way to earn cash back on your purchases. These mobile apps are simple to use, and they offer cash back at many popular grocery stores and other stores. The more you use these apps, the faster your earnings will add up. Once you meet the minimum cash-out amount, you can withdraw the funds you’ve earned. You can then use these funds for a future shopping trip.

5. Host a potluck dinner

If you’re hosting this year, consider suggesting a potluck dinner where everyone brings one dish. A potluck dinner makes for a fun experience because everyone gets to contribute, and it also lessens the financial burden for everyone. If you want to keep things organized, start a group chat and have everyone communicate ahead of time about what dish they plan to bring.

6. Buy some dishes premade

It may be cheaper to buy some prepared dishes. For example, desserts may cost less at your local grocery store. If you don’t bake often, it can be costly to stock up on all the baking ingredients that you need. Many grocery stores sell inexpensive premade dessert items. You can save money and spend less time preparing your meal.

7. Create new traditions

You may think a holiday meal has to include certain dishes, but that’s not the case. You have the freedom to be creative as you plan your next meal. There are no rules that say you need to eat turkey or ham. Why not start a new tradition this year? You can get your family involved to make the planning process more fun, and it may save you some money, too.

8. Don’t be afraid to accept help

Community resources can be helpful, especially during the holiday season. Check your local community groups to see what they’re doing to help families prepare for the holidays. Some organizations will give out ingredients, full meals, or gift cards to help you buy what you need. Don’t feel embarrassed to take advantage of these resources. They exist for a reason and they can make the busy holiday season less stressful.

Your holiday meal doesn’t have to be fancy, traditional, or expensive. By getting creative and changing your shopping habits, you can make your next holiday meal more affordable. We have more personal finance resources to help you make more informed financial choices.