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Kings finally back home to face surging OilersThe TOI Entertainment Desk is a dynamic and dedicated team of journalists, working tirelessly to bring the pulse of the entertainment world straight to the readers of The Times of India. No red carpet goes unrolled, no stage goes dark - our team spans the globe, bringing you the latest scoops and insider insights from Bollywood to Hollywood, and every entertainment hotspot in between. We don't just report; we tell tales of stardom and stories untold. Whether it's the rise of a new sensation or the seasoned journey of an industry veteran, the TOI Entertainment Desk is your front-row seat to the fascinating narratives that shape the entertainment landscape. Beyond the breaking news, we present a celebration of culture. We explore the intersections of entertainment with society, politics, and everyday life. Read More Anju Kurian’s blissful pictures 10 times Shweta Tiwari beat daughter Palak Tiwari in saree draping Govt policies for senior citizens to get a makeover: Key points 8 Christmas plants that are poisonous to pet cats and dogs How to make South Indian Podi Idli at home 8 health benefits of having peanuts in winters Shine like Raveena Tandon this wedding season with her glamorous style 8 saag varieties from across India and their benefits 9 benefits of consuming Pomegranate peel regularly
Rudy Giuliani in a courtroom outburst accuses judge in assets case of being unfair, drawing a rebukeDisney Treasure Ultimate Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Disney's Newest Cruise ShipThe Sacramento Kings are making a coaching change. Shams Charania of ESPN reported that the Kings are "parting ways" with head coach Mike Brown following two and a half seasons with the franchise. Brown finishes his time in Sacramento with a 107-88 overall record. The Kings are currently 13-18 in 2024-25. This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis. For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app , homepage and social feeds—including Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and TikTok .
Heroism Is Hierarchical: Critical Drinker Leads the Charge Against Woke Translation of 'The Odyssey'UK raises concerns over sentencing of civilians by Pakistani military courts
DETROIT (AP) — Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman knew his team needed a change. So did his captain, Dylan Larkin. As a result, Yzerman and Larkin were each speaking to the media on Friday — the day after Yzerman fired head coach Derek Lalonde and replaced him with Todd McLellan. “Our team isn’t performing up to what my expectations are,” Yzerman said. “Whether anybody agrees or not, I have expectations for the team, and they aren’t meeting them because our players aren’t playing to each of their own individual expectations.” The Red Wings nearly ended their playoff drought this spring, missing out on a tiebreaker in the last minutes of the regular season, but they have taken a significant step back. At 13-17-4, they are seventh in the Atlantic Division and 28th in the league. “It’s been a frustrating start to the season — we’re missing something,” Larkin said. “This is something you never want to happen — I really like Derek as a guy — but something needed to happen.” The timing, though, couldn’t be worse for McLellan and his top assistant, Trent Yawney. Because of the NHL’s holiday break, they will be coaching the Red Wings against the Maple Leafs on Friday night without a single practice in charge. RELATED COVERAGE Avalanche reward newly acquired goalie Blackwood with 5-year, $26.25 million contract extension Minnesota Wild star Kirill Kaprizov will miss Friday night’s game at Dallas with lower body injury Alex Ovechkin is on track to break Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record “Trent Yawney and Todd McLellan aren’t coming in here and waving a wand to change the forecheck, the neutral zone system, the D-zone coverage and the power play,” McLellan said after Friday’s morning skate. “There just isn’t time. What we’ve asked the players is to play harder, play faster and play a little bit smarter.” McLellan does have ties to the Red Wings, having won a Stanley Cup with them as an assistant coach in 2007-08, but that was a different roster in a different building — Joe Louis Arena. Other than Cam Talbot, who he coached in Edmonton and Los Angeles, his only experience with one of his key players is having Larkin on his Team North America roster at the 2016 World Cup. “Cam sent me a text after the announcement saying, in a nice way, ‘Again?’” McLellan said. “Team North America was a great experience, coaching so many great talents at 20, 21 or 22 years old. Dylan was a very responsible part of that team.” McLellan does get one break with the schedule — he expects to have Detroit’s No. 2 and No. 3 defensemen, Simon Edvinsson and Ben Chiarot, available for the Maple Leafs. The Red Wings struggled badly before the break when upper-body injuries sidelined both. He’ll be using Lalonde’s line combinations and defense pairs against Toronto, but Yzerman made it clear Friday that one of McLellan’s jobs will be giving more playing time to his young forwards. “We had young guys like Michael Rasmussen and Joe Veleno who took on a bigger role last season, and for whatever reason, those roles were reduced a little bit in the first part of this season,” Yzerman said. “We need those players to play a bigger role again. Jonatan Berggren can play a bigger role.” At the end of the day, McLellan’s task is simple, but that doesn’t make it easy. “It’s a very obvious answer,” Yzerman said. “We need to score more and we need to be better defensively. We need to keep the puck out of our net, whether that’s through better defending or better goaltending. “We just need to get better.” ___ AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhlBy SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press Approximately 1 million taxpayers will automatically receive special payments of up to $1,400 from the IRS in the coming weeks. The money will be directly deposited into eligible people’s bank accounts or sent in the mail by a paper check. The IRS said it’s distributing about $2.4 billion to taxpayers who failed to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns. People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. But the IRS on Friday said it discovered many eligible taxpayers hadn’t done so. “Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a statement. Here’s more about the unexpected cash this group of taxpayers will soon receive: Sorry, it’s probably pretty low. The IRS said most taxpayers eligible for the federal stimulus payments, formally known as Economic Impact Payments, have already received them. The special payments announced by the IRS are being sent to those taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return but left the data field for the Recovery Rebate Credit blank or they filled it out as $0 when they were actually eligible for the credit. Eligible taxpayers don’t have to take any action. The payments will go out automatically this month and should arrive by direct deposit or check by late January 2025. They’ll be sent to the bank account listed on the taxpayer’s 2023 return or to the address IRS has on file. Payments will vary but the maximum amount will be $1,400 per individual. The IRS has posted information online about eligibility and how the payment was calculated. IRS plans to send separate letters to eligible taxpayers notifying them of the special payment. You still might be able to receive the money. However, taxpayers need to file a tax return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by the April 15, 2025 deadline, even if any income from a job, business or other source was minimal or nonexistent, according to IRS. There were three rounds of payments to households impacted by the pandemic, totaling $814 billion. IRS based the amounts that taxpayers received on their income, tax filing status and number of children or qualifying dependents. In March 2020, eligible individuals received up to $1,200 per income tax filer and $500 per child under the CARES Act. In December 2020, eligible individuals received up to $600 per income tax filer and $600 per child under the Consolidated Appropriations Act. In March 2021, eligible individuals received up to $1,400 per income tax filer and $1,400 per child under the American Rescue Plan Act.Boston, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consumer365, a trusted authority on technology and business insights, has recognized Upwork as the top job posting site for employers in 2025. This distinction underscores Upwork's role as a vital resource for businesses adapting to the growing demand for remote work and freelance talent in a changing employment landscape. Top Job Posting Site Upwork - a leading job posting site that connects businesses with top talents worldwide and offers flexible workforce solutions across 125+ skill categories. The continued shift toward project-based work and hybrid models has cemented platforms like Upwork as essential for modern businesses. Consumer365's review highlights Upwork's comprehensive features, making it not only a job posting site but also a dynamic job search site designed to simplify hiring and enhance collaboration for employers across industries. Upwork: A Platform Designed for Employers Upwork has earned the trust of over 850,000 clients and organizations, including small businesses, startups, and Fortune 500 companies. Offering access to talent from 180 countries, the platform enables employers to tap into a global workforce, providing flexibility and expertise at every level. With support for 125+ categories of work, Upwork caters to a variety of business needs, from emerging fields like Generative AI to established sectors such as Design & Creative and Web, Mobile, and Software Development. Employers can post job opportunities tailored to their specific requirements and receive proposals from skilled freelancers eager to collaborate. The job search site offers advanced search filters and sophisticated matching algorithms to help businesses quickly identify candidates with the right skills and experience. Employers can also review detailed freelancer profiles, including verified work histories, client ratings, and portfolios, to make informed hiring decisions. In addition to its talent-matching capabilities, Upwork provides employers with robust tools for communication and project management. Built-in features such as chat, file sharing, and video conferencing ensure seamless collaboration, while advanced reporting and invoicing options allow businesses to track project progress and manage costs with ease. Consumer365's review emphasized Upwork's focus on addressing the needs of today's businesses. "For employers navigating an increasingly global and remote workforce, Upwork delivers the tools and talent necessary to succeed," the review stated. Flexible Pricing and High Ratings Employers can access the platform for free and only pay a service fee when making payments to freelancers. Upwork offers three pricing plans to suit various business needs: Marketplace Plan : Includes access to the global freelance marketplace, collaboration tools, and AI-powered features with a 5% service fee. Business Plus Plan : Offers additional benefits, including access to pre-screened top talent and premium customer support, with a 10% service fee. Enterprise Plan : Tailored for large-scale hiring, with dedicated account management and custom integrations. Pricing for this plan is available upon request. Upwork consistently earns high ratings from users, with an average freelancer rating of 4.9/5 stars across more than 2 million reviews. These ratings reflect the platform's ability to connect employers with skilled professionals who deliver results. "Upwork continues to set the benchmark for job search sites by combining advanced technology with a deep understanding of employer needs," said a spokesperson for Consumer365. "Its ability to provide flexible workforce solutions while maintaining quality and transparency is unmatched." As remote work continues to reshape the global employment landscape, job posting sites like Upwork have become indispensable for organizations seeking agility and access to top talent. The demand for skilled freelancers has surged as businesses recognize the value of flexible workforce solutions, enabling them to scale operations, meet project demands, and adapt to evolving market trends. Upwork's job search site connects employers with top-tier professionals across a diverse range of industries. This positions it as an essential tool in this new era of work, bridging the gap between businesses and highly skilled freelancers. The full review is available at Consumer365's website . About Consumer365: Consumer365 provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Consumer365 may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided. Contact: Drew Thomas ( press@consumer365.org ) © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.Two senior members of the federal cabinet were in Florida Friday pushing Canada’s new border plan with Donald Trump’s transition team, a day after Trudeau himself appeared to finally push back at the president-elect over his social media posts about turning Canada into the 51st state. Both Trudeau and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who Trudeau has been courting to become Canada’s next finance minister, shared posts on X Thursday, a day after Trump’s latest jab at Canada in his Christmas Day message. It isn’t clear if Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who has repeatedly insisted Trump’s 51st state references are a joke, will raise the issue with Trump’s team when he and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly meet with them in Palm Beach. The two are there to discuss Canada’s new $1.3 billion border plan with just under four weeks left before Trump is sworn in again as president. He has threatened to impose a new 25 per cent import tariff on Canada and Mexico the same day over concerns about a trade imbalance, as well as illegal drugs and migration issues at the borders. The broad strokes of Canada’s plan were made public Dec. 17, including a new aerial intelligence task force to provide round-the-clock surveillance of the border, and improved efforts using technology and canine teams to seek out drugs in shipments leaving Canada LeBlanc’s spokesman, Jean-Sébastien Comeau, said the ministers will also emphasize the negative impacts of Trump’s threatened tariffs on both Canada and the U.S. Comeau said the ministers will build on the discussions that took place last month when Trudeau and LeBlanc met Trump at Mar-a-Lago just days after Trump first made his tariff threat. It was at that dinner on Nov. 29 when Trump first raised the notion of Canada becoming the 51st state, a comment LeBlanc has repeatedly since insisted was just a joke. But Trump has continued the quip repeatedly in various social media posts, including in his Christmas Day message when he said Canadians would pay lower taxes and have better military protection if they became Americans. He has taken to calling Trudeau “governor” instead of prime minister. Trudeau had not directly responded to any of the jabs, but on Thursday posted a link to a six-minute long video on YouTube from 2010 in which American journalist Tom Brokaw “explains Canada to Americans.” The video, which originally aired during the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, explains similarities between the two countries, including their founding based on immigration, their trading relationship and the actions of the Canadian Army in World War 2 and other modern conflicts. “In the long history of sovereign neighbours there has never been a relationship as close, productive and peaceful as the U.S. and Canada,” Brokaw says in the video. Trudeau did not expand about why he posted a link to the video, posting it only with the words “some information about Canada for Americans.” Carney, who is at the centre of some of Trudeau’s recent domestic political troubles, also called out Trump’s antics on X Thursday, calling it “casual disrespect” and “carrying the ‘joke’ too far.” “Time to call it out, stand up for Canada, and build a true North American partnership,” said Carney, who Trudeau was courting to join his cabinet before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister last week. Freeland’s sudden departure, three days after Trudeau informed her he would be firing her as finance minister in favour of Carney, left Trudeau’s leadership even more bruised than it already was. Despite the expectation Carney would assume the role, he did not and has not made any statements about it. LeBlanc was sworn in as finance minister instead the same day Freeland quit. More than two dozen Liberal MPs have publicly called on Trudeau to resign as leader, and Trudeau is said to be taking the holidays to think about his next steps. He is currently vacationing in British Columbia.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has backed winger Gabriel Martinelli to shine in the absence of star teammate Bukayo Saka , who was ruled out for "many weeks" with a hamstring injury on Monday. Saka has contributed nine goals and 13 assists in 24 games so far this season and Arteta said on Thursday he is confident that Brazil international Martinelli can help replace that output, having shifted to the right flank after Saka went off in the 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. Editor's Picks Jorginho on Arsenal atmosphere: Can't be unhappy 13h ESPN Arsenal's Saka out for 'many weeks' with injury 4d James Olley January transfers for all 20 Premier League teams that actually make sense 12h Ryan O'Hanlon "He [Martinelli] had a big impact in the game [against Palace] and like other players, everyone is going to have to add something else because Bukayo, who we rely a lot on, is not going to be with us," Arteta said. "Gabi loves it. Gabi, you put him a challenge and he wants to do it today if he can. So, I think he's a player that likes responsibility, that likes a bigger role. So, again, it's for all of them up front to take responsibility now." Saka's hamstring blow was the third he has faced this season, and Arteta was asked if his use of the player contributed to the latest setback. "I think there will be a lot of factors that are contributing to an injury like this. We are looking at it and trying to [find out if we could] do it better but nobody knows," the Spanish coach said. "Maybe you think you're doing everything perfect and perfect is not what that muscle needs, it needs something else that we cannot control. "At the moment, we're just worrying about resolving the first one and go day-by-day. Obviously when you look at his history over six years, it's incredible. It is very difficult to find a more robust player in this league, especially at his age when the load goes like a spike, national team, club, everything. It is an injury, we have to go over it and he will be fine." Arteta added that he is not ruling out making deals in January but is concentrating on getting the most out of the existing squad. "My focus now, honestly, is just about with the squad that we have to be as competitive as we possibly can and we have many, many options to do that, and if something unbelievable is available and the club is willing to do it, we'll have to consider it," he said. Arsenal host Ipswich Town on Friday hoping to close the gap on league leaders Liverpool , who beat Leicester City 3-1 on Boxing Day to extend their lead atop the Premier League to seven points with a game in hand. Should Arsenal win, they will leap past Chelsea and Nottingham Forest to be six points behind Arne Slot's team in second place.
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The rise and fall of strongmen, and justice for a woman unbowedThe Hawks are expected to be active at this year’s NBA trade deadline, whether it’s buying or selling, and there’s no shortage of rumors, the latest surrounding Bogdan Bogdanovic and the Nuggets, per Evan Sidery. “The Nuggets have recently checked in with the Hawks on Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic, Nikola Jokic’s Olympics teammate, is under contract through 2026-27. Denver continues to be an active team in the marketplace, which includes Michael Porter Jr. as a potential trade chip.” Jokic and Bogi were teammates on Serbia during the Paris Olympics in 2024, winning the bronze medal. Bogdanovic averaged 18.3 points while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from 3-point range, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game during the Olympic Games. The veteran has been limited to 14 games this season and is only averaging 11.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists per contest while shooting 40.6% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. His efficiencies are down, but Bogi is one of the more reliable sharpshooters in the Association. Any contending club should be interested in adding a controllable asset like Bogdanovic, but I’m not quite sure the Hawks should be interested in moving him. Atlanta is at an interesting point. On the one hand, they’re a game under .500 and are clearly tied to the timeline of the younger core — Trae Young, Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, Zaccharie Risacher, and De’Andre Hunter. Meanwhile, Bogi is on the wrong side of 30 and would present an opportunity to gather more assets to build around the young core. On the other hand, the Hawks are building a culture. Even if they aren’t a true threat to compete for a title, it might be important to keep the veterans to continue to build the foundation, which features intangible attributes as much as physical ones. Either way, the Hawks have a lot of worthwhile assets ahead of the trade deadline that teams will be calling about. — This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.
( MENAFN - IANS) Washington, Dec 28 (IANS) US President-elect Donald trump has urged the Supreme Court to delay the TikTok ban in order to allow time for a negotiated solution, according to a legal document. The document was filed on Friday by John Sauer, whom Trump nominated to serve as Solicitor General, a position typically responsible for representing the US government in appellate courts such as the Supreme Court. The document states that Trump opposes the immediate ban of TikTok in the United States and hopes to resolve the issue through Political means after taking office. Trump is skilled in negotiation and has the political will to reach a solution through talks, one that would address the government's national security concerns while saving the platform. Trump has recently suggested that he may allow TikTok to continue operations in the United States, Xinhua news agency reported. At an event hosted by the conservative organisation Turning Point USA in Phoenix, Arizona, on Sunday, Trump said that the popular video-sharing app may have helped reach some key voters in the presidential election and expressed the possibility of keeping TikTok around "for a little while." In April, US President Joe Biden enacted the law that gives ByteDance only 270 days to sell TikTok, citing unfounded national security concerns. If the company fails to comply, the law will require app store operators such as Apple and Google to remove TikTok from their platforms. In May, TikTok sued the US government to block the potential ban, which has drawn widespread criticism. In early December, the US Court of Appeals in Washington dismissed TikTok's claim that the ban was unconstitutional. On December 16, TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, asked the Supreme Court to pause the law temporarily. TikTok argued that the potential ban would shutter one of America's most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration and "silence the speech of Applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern." On December 18, the Supreme Court agreed to review a request from TikTok and ByteDance to block the law. MENAFN27122024000231011071ID1109036180 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Chris Cenac Jr., the top center in the Class of 2025 according to the ESPN100, has committed to play for the Houston Cougars. The five-star recruit announced his decision Tuesday via the Bleacher Report's B/R App. Cenac previously said he wouldn't make his decision until the spring, but his stock soared over the summer after his impressive play on the Puma Pro 16 circuit with Dallas-based YGC, vaulting him into the national top-10 rankings. The 6-foot-10 New Orleans native was reportedly choosing between LSU, Auburn, Arkansas, Baylor, Kentucky, Tennessee and others before making the decision to join Cougars coach Kelvin Sampson's team. "I just like the coaching staff a lot, I like their plan to develop me and I like coming into a winning program," Cenac told 247Sports. "I'm looking forward to producing and just helping them win more. But the main thing was development and them being able to get me better so I can be ready for that next level." Cenac's rating of .9978 by 247Sports Composite makes him the Cougars' highest-rated commit in the modern era, according to multiple outlets. "They see me as a four who can kind of play all over the court and do everything," Cenac told 247Sports. "I can get rebounds, push the ball, shoot and play all over the floor." With Cenac joining other Houston commits like five-star shooting guard Isaiah Harwell, four-star point guard Kingston Flemings and three-star wing Bryce Jackson, Houston's Class of 2025 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by 247Sports and ESPN. --Field Level Media( ) is the as it finds key technical support amid the bull run for stocks. On Monday, Interactive Brokers stock offered an early entry. The bull market for stocks and cryptocurrencies remains intact, but has faced recent volatility. As a result, Interactive Brokers offers the potential for further earnings growth on higher trading activity and margin lending. DARTs, or daily average revenue trades — a key metric — continued to grow in October and November after surging 42% in the third quarter, the company said. Many of Interactive's customers are sophisticated investors and professional traders. The company touts lowers margin rates than ( ), Fidelity, E-Trade and Vanguard. Upstart rival ( ) is on the . Recent volatility has shifted the . That means investors should be careful about new purchases in the current market. Interactive Brokers Stock Shares of the brokerage firm rose almost 1% on the . Interactive Brokers stock bounced further above support at the 50-day moving average, offering an early entry around 172.50. The financial stock scored two successful breakouts this year. It has almost doubled from an 89.72 cleared in January, according to . The for IBKR stock has also pulled back a bit. The RS line rallied to record highs in November. A rising RS line means that a stock is outperforming the S&P 500 index. It is the blue line in the chart provided. Interactive Brokers Earnings The tool shows that Interactive Brokers stock earns a near-perfect of 98 out of 99. The rating rolls various fundamental and technical metrics into one easy-to-use score. Additionally, Interactive shares hold an RS Rating of 95 and EPS Rating of 66, out of a best-possible 99. In the third quarter, as sales rose 19%. The brokerage firm slightly missed earnings estimates amid higher costs and a one-time charge. However, revenue from commissions jumped 31% as DARTs soared 42%. Customer accounts surged 28%. Net interest income grew 8%. Momentum continues in the fourth quarter. DARTs jumped 74% in November vs. a year ago and 17% vs. the prior month, the company said. In October, DARTs leaped 46% vs. a year ago and 7% vs. a month ago. In an Dec. 11 investor presentation, Interactive Brokers tied account growth to "increased interest in the financial markets and the growing interconnectedness of investors worldwide." Analysts expect Interactive Brokers to keep growing, albeit at a slower pace. They see Interactive Brokers earnings rising about 18% in 2024 and a 3% gain in 2025. Earnings boomed 42% in 2023. Sales are seen more than doubling in 2024 and falling 10% in 2025. Innovations Powering Growth Interactive Brokers says its focus on innovation continues to drive growth. Among new launches this quarter alone, the company announced an enhanced desktop trading platform with new tools such as options screeners. It also launched AI-powered news summaries and election forecast contracts ahead of the November U.S. election. According to TheFly.com, analysts at Barclays recently affirmed a constructive macroeconomic backdrop for stock brokers, asset managers and stock exchanges heading into 2025. The firm hiked its price target on IBKR stock to to $214 from $165 with an overweight rating on shares. Year to date, Interactive Brokers stock has more than doubled, soaring 113.5%. That includes a 27% leap this quarter amid earnings and elections. . Investors bet that incoming President Donald Trump's administration will loosen regulations, which should especially help this heavily regulated sector.
Share Tweet Share Share Email Managing medical expenses can be one of the most challenging aspects of navigating healthcare services. With rising costs, increasing complexity, and various payment methods available, individuals often find themselves overwhelmed by the burden of managing medical bills. However, simplifying payments for healthcare services is essential to ensure individuals can access care without the added stress of financial confusion . The Growing Complexity of Medical Payments Healthcare payments have evolved significantly over the years. Gone are the days when patients could simply pay a straightforward fee for a doctor’s visit. With the introduction of health insurance plans, deductibles, co-pays, out-of-pocket maximums, and various billing systems, managing medical payments has become far more complex. Today, patients often find themselves facing multiple bills from different providers, insurance companies, and medical facilities. These bills can come with varying terms, confusing codes, and unexpected charges. Patients are not only dealing with different billing systems but also with ever-increasing medical costs. A significant rise in healthcare expenses in the last few decades has made it even more difficult to afford care. Medical services that were once affordable are now out of reach for many, and navigating the payment systems has become a source of frustration. In light of these challenges, simplifying medical expense management is essential for improving patient experience and reducing financial stress. Why Medical Expense Management Matters Proper medical expense management has multiple benefits, both for patients and healthcare providers. First and foremost, it helps patients manage and organize their healthcare costs. With the proper tools and strategies, patients can track their medical bills, understand their insurance coverage , and make informed decisions about care options. For healthcare providers, efficient expense management translates to smoother operations. Clear billing practices reduce confusion and help improve payment collections. Simplifying payments also helps ensure that patients receive timely care without worrying about outstanding debts. In turn, this can improve patient satisfaction and foster better relationships between patients and healthcare providers. Moreover, effective management of medical expenses can lead to financial savings. By understanding insurance plans, comparing costs, and avoiding unnecessary procedures, patients can make more cost-effective healthcare decisions. Simplifying this process, however, requires a thorough understanding of various billing systems, which can be difficult for individuals to navigate without help. Strategies for Simplifying Medical Expense Management There are several ways to simplify the management of medical expenses, both from a personal and organizational standpoint. Let’s look at the most effective strategies for streamlining this often overwhelming process. Utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are powerful tools designed to help patients save money on healthcare costs. These accounts allow individuals to set aside pre-tax money to pay for eligible medical expenses. HSAs are particularly beneficial because the funds roll over from year to year, and the savings grow tax-free. By using HSAs and FSAs, individuals can reduce the impact of medical expenses on their budgets. They offer an organized way to save money for future medical needs while simplifying the payment process. Patients can use the funds directly for medical bills, making the overall process of paying for care less stressful. Leverage Technology for Payment Tracking With the proliferation of smartphone apps and online tools, managing medical expenses has never been easier. Various apps and websites now offer services for tracking medical bills, managing insurance claims, and organizing payment plans. Many of these platforms automatically update with new charges, ensuring that patients stay on top of their financial obligations. For instance, several apps allow users to input their insurance details and track their medical bills, making it easy to see what’s been paid and what’s still outstanding. Such digital tools are particularly valuable for patients who are dealing with multiple healthcare providers or complex billing systems . In addition to tracking bills, these platforms may also provide users with the ability to communicate directly with providers or insurers to resolve issues. Many people often miss deadlines or pay incorrect amounts due to confusion over billing, but these tools can make it easier to avoid such errors. Streamline Communication with Healthcare Providers One of the most significant pain points for patients is poor communication between them and their healthcare providers regarding billing. Often, patients do not receive timely or clear information about their charges, which leads to frustration and confusion. This problem is especially prevalent when dealing with different specialists, lab services, or pharmacies. To simplify this process, patients should request a clear breakdown of their bills and insurance coverage. Many healthcare providers now offer patient portals where individuals can view their statements, make payments, and even ask questions. For healthcare organizations, ensuring clear communication with patients is essential. By providing patients with easy-to-understand bills and offering assistance for payment plans, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the number of disputes and improve the payment experience. Take Advantage of Payment Plans While upfront medical costs can be daunting, many providers offer flexible payment plans to help patients manage their bills over time. Payment plans are often an excellent option for those who cannot afford to pay the full amount at once. Most providers will allow patients to set up monthly payments, which can be tailored to fit their budget. In some cases, providers may also offer discounts or reduced rates for those who need financial assistance. For example, if a patient is uninsured or has limited coverage, healthcare facilities may be willing to negotiate lower prices or payment terms. It’s important for patients to inquire about these options and make use of them to reduce financial strain. Understand Your Insurance Coverage Understanding your insurance plan is crucial for minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. Many people are unaware of the full extent of their coverage, including deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums. Without this knowledge, individuals may face unexpected costs or even avoid necessary care due to fear of high bills. Patients should carefully review their insurance policies to understand the benefits and limitations. It’s also wise to contact the insurance company directly to clarify any questions. Understanding how insurance applies to different services, such as prescriptions or specialist visits, can help patients plan better and avoid financial surprises. Use Consolidated Billing Systems Another strategy for simplifying medical expense management is consolidating bills. Some medical providers now offer consolidated billing services that combine multiple charges into one comprehensive statement. This system allows patients to receive a single bill that covers charges from different doctors, lab tests, and services received within a healthcare facility. Consolidated billing simplifies the payment process by reducing the number of bills a patient must keep track of. Instead of managing multiple payments, patients can pay one bill, reducing the risk of missed payments or misunderstandings. The Future of Medical Expense Management As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, so too will the ways in which medical expenses are managed. The rise of telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology may revolutionize the billing process. For example, AI could help predict medical costs, automate insurance claims, and even provide personalized advice for reducing medical expenses. Moreover, healthcare systems are increasingly integrating digital tools that allow patients to better manage their financial responsibilities. From personalized payment plans to AI-driven billing systems, the future looks promising for those who seek simpler, more transparent ways to manage medical expenses. Conclusion Managing medical expenses doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. By leveraging technology, understanding insurance, and using tools like HSAs and FSAs, patients can take control of their healthcare costs. Healthcare providers can also play a key role by offering clear communication, payment plans, and consolidated billing systems. As the healthcare landscape continues to change, simplifying medical expense management will be crucial for ensuring that patients can access the care they need without financial burden. With the right strategies and tools, individuals can navigate medical payments more effectively, ensuring better health outcomes and reduced stress. Related Items: Healthcare Services , Medical Expense Management Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you 5G Technology Explained: What It Means for Consumers and Businesses Navigating the Complexities of Life Care Planning in San Diego How does the health ATM make healthcare services more accessible? Comments
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Trump threat to immigrant health care tempered by economic hopes