Consumer Driven Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts Essay

Consumer Driven Health Plans and Health Savings Accounts - Essay Example ible Spending Accounts such as tax benefits to employees and employers, a portable health program, an attractive incentive program and an affordable approach to health care. They are preferable to other options because they offer portability and are less limited or risk-laden than the HSA. However, they do require a high deductible health plan. In determining the best type of health plan to offer our employees, the option of Health Savings Accounts presented itself as being the best choice for our company situation as a small but growing firm. This paper describes what a Health Savings Account is, addresses the most unique advantages it has to offer with particular emphasis on the advantages offered to small companies and compares this type of program with other consumer driven health plans available. In addition, the disadvantages of Health Savings Accounts are discussed, common questions are posed with answers provided by the Department of Treasury and consumer feedback is offered. A Health Savings Account (HSA), an example of a consumer-driven health plan, offers a distinct alternative to the way in which we work with traditional health insurance programs such as Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPO). One of the greatest advantages of HSAs is that they offer tax breaks that continue to grow wealthier because consumers decide for themselves how to spend less. Patients pay for a greater share of their health care directly and are given more control over the money in their HSA than they would have in more traditional plans. These plans are contingent on the use of a high-deductible health insurance plan that meets specific criteria, which functions to lower costs for employers as well as premiums for employees. Decisions on what types of investments to make with the money are made by the individual consumers without relying on a third party employer relations expert or a health insurer. In addition, each person

Jim Morrison and Susan Sontag :: History

Jim Morrison and Susan Sontag Jim Morrison is the lead singer of the classic rock and roll band "The Doors". Jim Morrison not only was the lead vocalist in the famous sixties band, he was also the writer of most but not all of The Doors songs and the author of many poems. Susan Sontag is an accomplished author. Some of Susan Sontag's works include essays, reviews, editing, novels and short stories. Although at first Jim Morrison and Susan Sontag appear to have nothing or very little in common, both because of Jim Morrison's main influence coming from author Friedrich Nietzsche, who believed in existentialism (a body of ethical thought centering about the uniqueness and isolation of individual experiences in a universe indifferent or even hostile to man, regarding human existence as unexplainable, and emphasizing man's freedom of choice and responsibility for the consequences of his acts), and Susan Sontag's writings following a style of existentialism, both Jim Morrison and Susan Sontag's works focus constantly on relating the message of placing blame on oneself in order to obtain a more perfect soul. Born James Douglas Morrison on December 8 1843 in Melbourne Florida to parents Steve and Clara Morrison(Hopkins, Sugerman 5). A few months after the birth of Jim Morrison, Jim's father Steve and his mine layer were sent off to fight in World War Two. For the next three years Jim's mother Clara, was forced to raise Jim with only the help of sympathizing relatives who believed in ideas such as "Children should be seen and not heard ... Ignore something unpleasant and it will go away... "(Hopkins, Sugerman 5). This constant barrage of negativity may have been one of the first factors leading to Jim's beliefs in existentialism. The way in which the negativity lead to Jim's belief is that through the constant attack, Jim began to feel as if he were responsible for all of the mishaps occurring in the family. This feelings that Jim had, showed his first signs of becoming an existentialist, because feelings of responsibility are one of the common characteristics of many existentialist authors, musicians and artists. A second event in Jim Morrison's life, that may have been a reason for Jim becoming a existentialist occurred while Steve Morrison, Jim's father, was driving through New Mexico when "They [The Morrison Family] came upon an overturned truck, and saw injured and dying Pueblo Indians lying where they had been thrown on the asphalt" (Hopkins, Sugerman 6).

Nina Simone

Nina Simone was one of the most powerful singers of not only her time, but of all time. Her music made people think, change and copy. In her music, she made contributions to the civil rights movement. She used and touched so many genres of music from Jazz all the way to modern day rap She had influenced countless artists and passed without any acknowledgment or fanfare deserving of such an amazing arust. Eunice Kathleen waymon was born February 21, 1933, In Tyron North Carolina.She was an especially brilliant and talented child. Eunice picked up music very easily and even as a small child after hearing a hymn only once could sing it perfectly. She was able to play plano by ear at age two and a half. she was the regular planlst every Sunday at church by age five. at this age she was compared to Mozart. After seeing the talent in such a young child an older German lady, Muriel Massinovitch offered to teach young Eunice. Mrs. Masslnovltch, fearrd her pupil would soon surpass her as by a ge eight she could decipher musical scores, read and write music.Eunice awoke even more with the classical composer, such as Bach,† Bach made me dedicate my ite to music†. Eunice had her first brush with segregation at an early age ot twelve. Mrs Massinovitch was so proud of her talents she organized a recital to show of Eunice talents. Her parents very proudly sat in the first row; however, before the recital started a white couple approached them for their seats. As was the law back then the Waymon's got up to move, at that point Eunice stated in front of everyone she would not play If they were made to move.The white couple sat elsewhere and her parents visibly embarrassed took their seats and watched Eunice play.. After this Eunice would say later looking back, â€Å"All of the sudden it seemed a dfferent world graduating In 1950 at the top of her class applied to the Curtis Institute. She received a letter in 1954 stating that they had rejected her. There is specul ation that it was because she was a women and because she was a black woman. whatever the reason an all white male jury had rejected Eunice this plagued her through her life.. Eunice changed her name to Nina Simone after playing a club in Philadelphia in1954. he got the Job to play plano her true love and was told by the manager she would ing or be out of a job thus her stage persona was borm She took the name Nina meaning â€Å"little one† she said was nickname from a former lover and Simone for Simone Slgnoret In casque d'Or. Nina married her manager Andy Stroud In 1901 and gave birth to daughter Lisa in 1962 She worked hard to support her family and endured abuse from her husband. Stroud controlled every aspect of Nina's life and career. She was hospitalized several times tor exhaustion.Andy told her that too many people relied on her so she couldn't take a break and wouldnt even allow her to breast feed their daughter. It Is suspected that Nina had begun to have a mental Imoalance or a m Olsoraer around IYO/ out tnls was not connrmea. Nlna's songs were classified as Jazz, blues, gospel and even later r&b. All she has ever wanted to do was play classical piano and consider any other music as inferior. Nina got involved in the civil rights movement and her songs became anthems for not only the civil right movement but for the emerging feminist movement.Her song â€Å"Mississippi Goddam† was written after she heard about four black girls that were killed going to church by a bomb in Alabama. The songs lyrics are â€Å"Alabama's got me so upset. Tennessee made me lose my rest. / But everybody knows about Mississippi Goddam/ Hound dogs on my trail/ schoolchildren sitting in Jail/ Black cat across my path/ I think every day ‘s going to be my last. † The last lines are mfou don't have to live next to me/Just give me my equality. † Most radio stations refuse to play the song.The song sold well except in the south where it was boyco tted and censored. Some retailers return the record to the distributors after breaking each record in two. Although most of Nina's music chronicles the fight for equal rights and racial njustice her song â€Å"Four Women†, not only spoke to the civil right movement but to feminist groups fighting for equal right for women. The song talks about one daughter being born out of a rape of a slave and many black stations banned the song. They considered the song,† an insult to black women. Nina made sure to continue to fight for both causes not only in her music but she also cancelled tour dates to participate in protest concerts with many others most notably Langston Hughes who became one of Nina's best friends. Nina's music draws from spirituals, blues, folk, classical and even some traditional music. Many of her songs have been redone and made popular by other artist for example â€Å"House of the Rising Sun† this bothered her as she felt people didn't know where th e songs came from. Although Nin's instrument was a piano she felt that her voice was the only â€Å"pure instrument†.Many of her songs may have appeared to be filled with anger but many of her songs just have soul and no anger for example â€Å"l Hold No Grudge† The words are, â€Å"l hold no grudge/ There is no resentment und'neath/l'll extend the laurel wreath and we'll be friends. † Brooks also calls Simone â€Å"the cultural arm of the civil rights† Nina Simone assed away April 21, 2003 in a small village in the south of France. â€Å"Her death didn't cause much stir in the media European or American. It was said merely that a bad tempered but successful diva from the world of Jazz had passed away.That was about it† â€Å"On May 18th 2003 the Curtis Institute of music posthumously awarded Nina an honorary diploma for her contribution to the art of music. † Nina was aware of the schools plan before her death but her family accepted the ho nor for her. It almost seems like at long last Simone achieved her ultimate goal. To see what kind of mpact Nina Simone had on the world you need only look at todays popular artist from Norah Jones, Missy Elliott, Lauryn Hill and even Marilyn Manson, â€Å"claim her as an influence. Her songs have been rerecorded over and over many people are fans and don't even know they are listening toa Nina Simone song. To have such a huge impact on such wide variety of artists is outstanding and hard pressed to match. I have long been a fan of Nina Simone. I myself used to be one of those saying,†Oh this is a song of Nina Simone. † upon hearing the song in a movie of a soundtrack. I began istening to her music and realized how unbelieving moving it is. Her songs and make you angry and then relax you in the next verse.

Rule of St. Benedict - 1160 Words

Monasticism or monarchism is literally the act of dwelling alone. The Rule of St Benedict played an important role in Europe during the middle ages, monks were able to preserve many classical works from both the Romans and the Greeks while acting as copiers that produced books, they were the most pious of the church and acted as a model for the average person to strive for. It dignified manual labor, the rule acted as a written constitution and rule of law for most monasteries, policies could be seen as harsh by some but the overall message is built around a positive spirit of reconciliation. The Rule of St. Benedict most significant role for the development of European civilization was education. The beginning of Christian monasticism can be divided into two main types, the eremitical or solitary and the coenobitical or family type. St. Anthony may be called the founder of the purely eremitical system or hermit life style living out in the desert, while St. Pachomius was the founder of the second less solitary and more community based way of life. The rule of St. Anthony or the Antonian system left the monks way of life up to his own discretion. This contrasted the Rule of St. Pachomius who were almost all living as a community yet without the stability brought by the rule of St. Benedict. The two rules would rival each other in Egypt but wouldn’t become a model outside of Egypt. Then in the 4th century St. Basil changed and reordered Greek monasticism. He rejected theShow MoreRelatedThe Rule Of St. Benedict1566 Words   |  7 Pagesas important characteristics for a perfect society to function. In The Rule of St. Benedict, Benedict clearly writes out the routines that the monks living in a monastery should participate in. He dictates what the monks should say and read at certain times of the day. He even goes as far as dictating diets, clothing, and chores. There is a clear order of authority and steps of discipline for those who make a mistake. Benedict places an Abbot at the head of every monastery. The Abbot serves as a fatherRead MoreThe Role Of Monastic And The Problem Of Christian Conversions For Pagan Societies1286 Words   |  6 Pagesprimary writings of St. Benedict define the purpose of the monastery to spread Christianity as a source of religious power throughout Europe. More so, the role of monastic culture in Europe society defines the preservation of roman administration and culture throughout areas considered to be â€Å"barbaric†, such as the German tribal kingdom along the Rhine that St. Columban describes in the Boat Song. In addition to preserving Christian society in the Roman Catholic model, the writings of St. Columba defineRead MoreThe Purpose and Practice of Monastic Vocation Essay667 Words   |  3 PagesBenedictines Benedictines - The Benedictines are the oldest monastic order in the West, founded by St. Benedict of Nursia (c.480-543) in the 6th century. Benedict founded several monasteries, but he spent his last years at the monastery at Monte Cassino. St. Benedict creates a strict set of rules which all of the members of the order were supposed to follow. These are the rules:  · Once you have entered a monastery you must stay there until you die.  · All monks mustRead MoreEssay about The Emergence of Europe1417 Words   |  6 Pagesreceive baptism, along with his army, in fear of defeat by the opposing German armies. Grasping on to this new Christian faith, Clovis conquered several of his enemies including the Visigoths and the Alemanni resulting in the expansion of his Frankish rule from eastern Germany to the Pyrenees.12 By the end of his reign, Clovis was able to unify the Frankish tribes under one kingdom and develop a strong alliance with the Christian church. The leadership that was so badly needed in western Europe couldRead MoreEssay on The Road of Joseph Ratzinger t Pope Ementus Benedict1269 Words   |  6 Pagesof the Catholic Church. This is something that started right after the death of Jesus. When Jesus resurrected, he said to St. Peter, â€Å"Feed my lambs.... Tend my sheep.... Feed my sheep.† This command given to Peter made him the head of the apostles, henceforth, making him the first Pope. Peter would rule for approximately 34 years, and when he died he was succeeded by St. Linus. The tradition of serving as Pope until death was started by Peter and has been carried on for centuries. Since PeterRead MoreThe Christian Influence on The Middle Ages Essay1262 Words   |  6 Pagescenobitic, rules began surfacing that taught the monks how to live within their monasteries. One of the most important contributors of this time was Saint Benedict of Nursia. To guide Christians pursuing such a life, St. Benedict wrote Regu la Benedicti, The Rule of Saint Benedict. This book was composed of precepts for monks to follow as they lived in communal monasteries under an abbot. Ideally, poverty, chastity, and obedience were the most sought after traits that one should follow. Saint Benedict instructedRead MoreDesert Fathers, Early Monasticism Essay931 Words   |  4 PagesWestern monasticism began to grow through the example of Benedict of Nursia. Perhaps the best known Western monk, he segregated himself from society in about 500 A.D., and then founded his first of twelve monasteries in 529 A.D. near Rome , some of these twelve including some of the first schools for children . Benedict and Benedictine practice shaped and formed the rules, practices and codes of monastic life, known as the Rule of St. Benedict, which are still in active practice today in the BenedictineRead MoreThe English Church Exposed in Canterbury Tales Essay1113 Words   |  5 Pagestraditional Christian rules behind and do things that are clearly forbidden in either Bible or in St. Benedict. The monk, as an example, thinks hunting and eating are the biggest fun in life. Hunters are considered unholy men because of they take killing as entrainment and pleasure. But the monk ignores that rule and even wants to convince other people to think that hunting is a holy thing. His lavish life is nowhere near the abstemious life style that is required in St. Benedict. Unfortunaly the monkRead MoreThe Role and Significance of the Monastic Life in Medieval Christianity1654 Words   |  7 Pagesword monaches which means solitary and hermit from heremites a desert dweller. The early monks and nuns were just that: men and women who fled the worldliness of urban life and the ethos of a church that was at the time of Anthony and St. Paul and established institution of the Roman Empire. They fled to the desert to repent and seek God by prayer, fasting and hard manual labour. In the desert they practiced an aesthetical lifestyle of great poverty and extreme simplicityRead MoreThe Theory X And Theory Y985 Words   |  4 PagesObedience mean more than the words come off. Obedience doesn’t just mean â€Å"do what you’re told† it goes more deeply to describe what you have agreed to do. When clear rules and clear expectations are set, you should abide by and follow them. At work, I have agreed to take on the role of a medical assistant. This means there are certain rules and guidelines equipped to do the job. As an employee of the organization, I am agreeing to be obedient and get the job done. The Hallmark of Discipline is meant