920-805 health - Nortel Data Networking Technology Updated: 2023

Over the summer of 2023, Randles organized a series of workshops for Duke faculty working within the world of computational medicine, with attendees joining from Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, School of Nursing, and from the divisions of Surgery, Cardiology and Anesthesiology within the Duke University School of Medicine.

The researchers had three goals: Develop grants to support research in computational medicine, identify and address the needs of the community, and identify the most pressing challenges in the field that the Duke community could work together to target and—hopefully—solve.

“We learned a lot about the capabilities of the different labs and the types of problems they were interested in solving, especially on the technology side. There is a big focus on advancing virtual reality, wearable technology and real-time computing,” says Randles. “But we also learned about the barriers they were facing, whether it was a computational problem or the need for additional training.”

Beyond giving the faculty an opportunity to address these goals, the workshops enabled the researchers to learn about other computational work that was occurring at Duke.

“We realized there was so much great work that was already being done, but it wasn’t being shared broadly across the university,” says Randles.

This realization led to the creation of the Computational Medicine Seminar Series. Officially launched in September 2023, the seminar series will feature a mix of speakers from Duke, who can share their research with the wider Duke community and potentially recruit interested students, and external experts, who can discuss their work to help illustrate the full breadth of the field. Maria Gorlatova, the Nortel Networks Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering, served as the program’s inaugural speaker.

As the seminar series continues throughout the academic year, Randles and her collaborators will introduce additional community events, including coffee hours with faculty and students to discuss research, a research “speed dating” event to increase collaboration between Duke’s School of Medicine and Pratt School of Engineering, and skill-based training days focused on shared interest syllabus like wearable device development or using cloud computing.

All of these efforts will culminate in the launch of a new Duke research center dedicated to computational medicine.

“The depth of experience in computational medicine at Duke is incredibly impressive, and we want to make sure we’re doing everything to make sure our researchers are as successful as possible,” says Randles. “Our workshops and events so far have proven that there is a lot of enthusiasm and opportunity to make Duke a real leader in this area.”

The Building Wealth and Health Network (Network) is a trauma-informed, healing-centered financial empowerment program, that combines emotional and peer support to promote self-efficacy and resilience. 

The Network focuses on building families' intergenerational wealth and health by centering individual and collective healing, creating an environment of peer support, and providing financial empowerment education. By addressing the associations between trauma and financial health, the Network uniquely addresses the shortfall of public assistance programs through supporting the power of individuals and families to break the cycle of deep poverty. Its goal is to shift the discourse and policies surrounding public assistance programs so all people have the opportunity to flourish.

Human services, especially SNAP and TANF, have lost sight of human potential and instead put heavy emphasis on work participation rates and compliance. These services are often counterproductive because they spend extensive time making sure participants are compliant with forms and protocol instead of focusing their resources on directly addressing what participants need most: healing, support, solidarity, and financial empowerment. The Network brings the focus back to the power of individual and collective healing with its emphasis on peer support.

What is Financial Empowerment?

Financial empowerment is life-based financial coaching and education tailored to participants' lived experience and is the basis of the Building Wealth and Health Network. It is composed of three main elements:

1. Life-based - It is based on the belief that we cannot separate money from life. Financial decisions are made based on life experiences and those decisions impact many aspects of people's lives. Because of this, financial empowerment is more than just financial literacy. It incorporates what is going on in the world - the ever changing social and political environments that frame participants' lives. Education uses real life experiences and examples to ensure information presented is relevant and relatable.
2. Multigenerational - While people-centered, financial empowerment is not just focused on the individual but the multigenerational impact of financial decisions and wealth building. It centers the strategies that will impact families and communities.
3. Action-oriented - Financial empowerment is about more than just passively presenting information on financial topics. It is about taking action. Financial empowerment encourages participants to dream and set goals then supports them in developing the skills and strategies necessary to make those dreams a reality in their lives.

What We Do

Learn More About the Network

Dr. Salvatore Falletta joined Drexel in 2009 and serves as a Clinical Professor of Human Resource Development, Educational Leadership and Management, and Quantitative Methods. Dr. Falletta is currently Program Director for Human Resource Development (HRD) and was the former Director for the HRD program from 2009 to 2014.

Dr. Falletta has over 20 years’ experience in human resources, learning and development, and organization development. Prior to Drexel, he was a Vice President and Chief HR Officer for a Fortune 1000 firm based in the Silicon Valley and has held management positions in human resources at several best-in-class companies, including Nortel Networks, Alltel, Intel Corporation, SAP AG, and Sun Microsystems respectively. While at Intel, Dr. Falletta led the global employee survey program, performed leadership development assessments and organizational behavior research studies, and participated in corporate HR strategy efforts. He also led the learning measurement and evaluation function at Nortel Network's Technical Education Centers. Prior to his corporate career, Dr. Falletta was an administrator at Indiana State University and served over 10 years in the U.S. Air Force (USAF).

Dr. Falletta frequently presents at conferences and has authored or co-authored several books, book chapters, and articles. His research interests include the ethical and privacy issues associated with HR, people, talent, workforce, and learning analytics, evidence-based management and practice, HRD measurement and evaluation models, workforce development, organizational diagnostic models, employee engagement, leader engagement and disengagement, and workforce surveys.

Dr. Falletta is an active member the Academy of Human Resource Development, American Educational Research Association, American Evaluation Association, Association for Talent Development, HR People and Strategy, Society for Human Resource Management, and the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

On a personal note, Dr. Falletta was a nationally ranked track runner (1500 and 5000 meters) at the NCAA Division I level during 1980s. He resides in Northern California with his wife (Wendy) and daughter (Sabrina).

1. Premiums

2. Co-pay

3. Co-insurance

4. Deductible

5. Out-of-pocket maximum

6. Network

Health insurers treat services and costs differently based on their network.

"In network" refers to doctors and other health providers who are part of an insurer's preferred network. Insurers sign contracts and negotiate prices with these in-network providers. This isn't the case for "out-of-network" providers.

Here's why that matters: Deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums are much higher when consumers seek care outside their insurer's network — generally about double the in-network amount, McClanahan said.

Further, there's sometimes no cap at all on annual costs for out-of-network care.

"Health insurance really is all about the network," Pollitz said.

"Your financial liability for going out of network can be really quite dramatic," she added. "It can expose you to some serious medical bills."

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How to bundle it all together

Best affordable health insurance companies of 2023

Compare the best cheap health insurance companies

How to get affordable health insurance

The best way to get the cheapest health insurance is through your workplace. Many employers offer group health insurance to their employees and families. Group health insurance is cheaper than getting individual health insurance, and most employers pay a portion of the health insurance premium, making your cost more affordable.

If you can’t get coverage through your workplace, the Health Insurance Marketplace may offer low-cost health insurance. There are usually several Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant health plans in your area, and the website can help you choose one.

You might be eligible for even cheaper health insurance through Marketplace subsidies if your household income is at or lower than 400% of the federal poverty level for your household size.

Medicaid may be another option if you have a low income. This health insurance program can offer you comprehensive health insurance coverage at little or no cost.

Another option is going directly to a health insurance company. Plans may not be ACA-compliant, however. It’s worth reviewing and comparing the summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) for each plan to determine which will best fit your needs.

How much does health insurance cost?

Health insurance costs an average of $974 a month for a Bronze plan (the lowest level plan) on the ACA Health Insurance Marketplace, which is where you can buy a health insurance plan via Healthcare.gov. The monthly average cost increases to $1,269 for a Silver plan, $1,383 for a Gold plan and $1,724 for a Platinum plan.

There are several factors that affect how much you’ll pay for health insurance, including:

• Your age and the ages of your dependents.
• The health insurance plan copays, deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums.
• The health insurance coverage and metal tier you choose.
• The health insurance company and plan you choose.
• The type of health insurance policy (EPO, HMO, PPO, etc.) you buy.

The more the health insurance company covers, the more you’ll pay in health insurance premiums. If you choose a higher health insurance deductible and out-of-pocket maximum, you could save on your premium. Just be prepared to pay more out of pocket for your health care in exchange for that lower premium.

Average cost of health insurance by age 

_{Average monthly cost based on unsubsidized ACA plans. Source: Healthcare.gov.}

If you’re shopping for cheap health insurance, there are multiple things to consider, including the plan type, tax credits and coverage choices. We break down the most important factors to consider when comparing quotes to find cheap medical insurance.

Bronze Plans 

Of all the metal tiers, Bronze plans have the lowest premiums, though you’ll pay the most for your health care costs. With a typical Bronze plan, the insurance company pays 60% of covered expenses, while you pay 40%. Expect deductibles for Bronze plans to be thousands of dollars per year. 

This plan is best for someone who wants health insurance coverage for severe injuries or illnesses but can afford to pay for preventive and routine care out of pocket.

Silver Plans

Health insurance companies usually pay around 70% of health care costs on a Silver plan, while you pay 30%. This metal plan offers lower deductibles than Bronze plans but has a higher monthly premium costs. Still, Silver plan deductibles can still be in the thousands. 

“If you qualify for a subsidy and reduced cost-sharing, Silver plans may be the most affordable option for you,” said Evan Tunis, president of Florida Healthcare Insurance. 

If you don’t qualify for a subsidy but are willing to pay a slightly higher premium to cover more routine care, consider a Silver plan.

Gold Plans

A Gold plan might be worth the cost if you go to the doctor regularly or have high health care costs. Although it has higher premiums than Bronze and Silver plans, your deductible is lower and the insurance company pays about 80% of your cost of care.

Platinum Plans 

The metal tier plan with the highest cost is the Platinum plan, but it comes with the lowest deductible. Nearly all your health care costs will be covered, as the health insurance company generally pays around 90% of your covered expenses. 

Tax credits for affordable health insurance 

Some people qualify for a premium tax credit, which can unlock cheap medical insurance. When you apply for health insurance on the health exchange, you’ll enter your estimated income on the application. You could receive a tax credit depending on your income and household size. You can find out if your estimated income qualifies for a subsidy on the Marketplace website.

“If your income or household makeup changes during the year, you’ll want to update your application to see if it affects your credit,” said Tunis. 

Gaining a household member or losing an income could increase your credit. Losing a household member or increasing your income could lower it. Taking more of a tax credit than you’re eligible for could mean you have to pay some of it back when filing your federal tax return.

HSA vs. FSA 

HSAs and FSAs are two tax-advantaged savings vehicles you can use to pay for health care expenses. 

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is available if you buy a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a minimum deductible of $1,500 for an individual or $3,000 for a family plan.

If you’re considering an HSA, check to see if the Marketplace plan has an “HSA eligible” label.

You can make pre-tax contributions and use the funds to pay for qualified medical expenses and costs to meet your deductible. 

The HSA will also accrue interest, and the balance rolls over yearly. You can keep the HSA no matter your employment status and it acts like a retirement account once you turn 65. If you withdraw funds before 65 for non-medical purposes, they will be taxable.

A Flexible Savings Account (FSA) is an employee benefit some employers offer on employer-sponsored group health insurance plans. A predetermined amount of money is set aside pre-tax, which can be used for health care expenses and eligible dependent care.

Out-of-network coverage 

Going “out of network” means seeing a health provider not contracted with your health insurance company or plan. If you go out of network to see a doctor, you’ll usually pay a higher coinsurance amount — the percentage you pay for covered services after you’ve met your deductible — than you would to see an in-network doctor. 

“Knowing your out-of-network coverage can help you save money in the long run, especially for those who travel frequently or live near a state border,” said Tunis. 

Out-of-network coverage can vary depending on the type of health insurance plan you buy. For example, if you have a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan, your insurance might not cover out-of-network care unless it’s an emergency. 

If you like your doctor or specialist and want to keep going to them, make sure they’re in network for the health insurance plan you’re considering. 

Out-of-pocket maximum 

Your out-of-pocket maximum is the most you’ll pay toward covered health care for your plan year. Once you’ve paid your deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and have met your annual out-of-pocket limit, your plan will pay 100% for covered expenses.

The following expenses do not go towards your out-of-pocket maximum:

• Health insurance premiums.
• Out-of-network expenses.
• Costs your provider charges above the allowed amount.
• Cost of services not covered. 

The 2023 out-of-pocket limit varies for Marketplace plans but cannot exceed $9,100 for individuals and $18,200 for family coverage.

How to find the best affordable health insurance for your needs

Comparing health insurance quotes can be overwhelming, but these tips can help you find the best cheap health insurance plan for you.

• Consider your health care needs. If you don’t anticipate going to the doctor much, you could save by choosing an HDHP. But a Gold or Platinum plan may be worth it if you have chronic health conditions or expect to see the doctor regularly.
• Which plan type is best? An exclusive provider organization (EPO) plan only covers in-network care. A health management organization (HMO) plan will cover out-of-network care, but only for urgent or emergency care. A preferred provider organization (PPO) plan will cover out-of-network care without a referral for an additional cost.
• Check for pharmacy benefits. A formulary, or drug list, is a list of prescription drugs your insurance will cover and what category and cost a particular drug falls under. Todd Ackerman, president of World Insurance Associates, advises considering, “With prescription drug costs rising like they are, what are your prescription costs, and where do your prescriptions fall in the formulary on the plan you’re moving to?” 
• Ask your healthcare providers what insurance plans they accept. Before you buy a health plan, call your doctor to make sure they take the specific plan. The health insurance company’s online directory could be out-of-date or not accurate.
• Verify the health plan cost. The cost isn’t just the premium. You should also consider the coinsurance, copay, deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.
• Are there other options? You might be able to get health insurance through your employer or get added to your spouse’s or parent’s plan. These options may be cheaper than getting an individual health insurance plan.