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Driving Assistance Technology: Nearly 250,000 Deaths Could Be Prevented Over The Next 30 Years September 7, 2023 Share Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are the eyes and ears of your car. They use sensors and cameras to detect Potential Hazards, warn drivers, and can take corrective action automatically. These Safety Systems are common on new vehicles, and have the potential to save lives by preventing crashes – but how many? New research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimates that available ADAS Technologies could prevent approximately 37 million crashes, 14 million injuries, and nearly 250,000 deaths over the next 30 years. This would represent 16% of crashes and injuries and 22% of deaths that would otherwise occur on U.S. roads without these technologies. Click to view the report summary. “The findings from this latest study on the AAA Foundation’s work in emerging technologies suggest that ADAS have the potential to transform Road Safety,” said Dr. David Yang, President and Executive Director of the AAA Foundation. “However, the full Safety Benefits of ADAS will not be realized unless they are fully understood by the consumer, used properly, and widely adopted.” The future Safety Benefits of ADAS could be larger or smaller, depending on many factors, including the rates of consumer uptake, use, and the future development of these Technologies, as well as many other factors. But Technology limitations still exist, and while ADAS may save 250,000 lives over the next 30 years, nearly 900,000 lives will be lost on our roads if current trends continue. So how do these systems work? Here are a few of the most common ADAS features: Forward Collision Warning: Detects a Potential Collision with a vehicle ahead and alerts the driver. Some systems also provide alerts for pedestrians or other objects. Adaptive Cruise Control: Cruise Control that also assists with acceleration and braking to maintain a driver-selected gap to the vehicle in front. Some systems can come to a stop and continue, while others cannot. Automatic Emergency Braking: Detects Potential Collisions with a vehicle ahead, provides forward Collision warning, and automatically brakes to avoid a Collision or lessen the severity of impact. Some systems also detect pedestrians or other objects. Lane Departure Warning: Monitors vehicle’s position within the driving lane and alerts the driver as the vehicle approaches or crosses lane markers. Lane Keeping Assistance: Provides steering support to assist the driver in keeping the vehicle in the lane. The system reacts only when the vehicle approaches or crosses a lane line or road edge. Blind Spot Monitoring: Detects vehicles in the blind spot while driving and notifies the driver of their presence. Some systems provide an additional warning if the driver activates the turn signal. Unlike full automation, which is not yet commercially available, ADAS works to form a vehicle’s “safety net.” The study found that the Safety Benefits of ADAS will vary depending on the type of system and how it is used. Last year, AAA Engineers examined Automatic Emergency Braking Systems, which effectively prevent rear-end crashes but also when encountering bicyclists or vehicles crossing paths. “While these systems can be helpful for drivers, they are not perfect. So it’s important that drivers be aware of their vehicle’s limitations and remain fully engaged while behind the wheel,” said Mark Jenkins, Spokesman for AAA – The Auto Club Group. According to recent Foundation research featuring Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), drivers may initially lack the appropriate knowledge to use it properly. This can lead to misuse or mistrust, especially in situations beyond the system’s capability (i.e., edge cases). But with time and exposure to various edge-case events, drivers may better understand and use ACC more effectively. The Foundation’s research reinforces the importance of the Safe System Approach (SSA). It’s a strategic way of leveraging the engineering and behavioral countermeasures proven effective at preventing Traffic crashes and the injuries that can result from them. “The future for ADAS is bright, but it’s not a cure-all,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy. “While these Technologies offer substantial Safety Benefits, we cannot engineer our way out of traffic injuries and deaths on U.S. roads. Investments in a diversity of proven Traffic Safety measures, including but not limited to vehicle Technology, is in order.” AAA urges automakers to adopt a standard naming convention for vehicle Technology to ensure drivers understand the capabilities of catchy, marketing-driven branded names for popular systems. For more information, visit: www.AAA.com < Previous News Next News >

It’s a Marvelous Memorable March: At the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center February 23, 2024 Share March comes in like a lion and stays that way as the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center presents a roaring month of great entertainment. Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida presents Program III, the highly anticipated production of Le Papillon (The Butterfly) on Saturday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m. This enchanting production guarantees to mesmerize both new and returning audiences with the combination of powerful performances by its professional corps, elaborate sets and costumes, and the visionary choreography of the troupe’s Artistic Director, Vladimir Issaev. A two-act fairy-themed ballet that originated from the esteemed Paris Opera Ballet, Le Papillon follows the kidnapped princess, Farfalla, the valiant prince, Djalma, and the mischievous fairy, Hamza. As the plot unfolds, Farfalla undergoes a magical transformation into a butterfly, leading to a series of enchanting and bewildering events. Le Papillon promises an extraordinary showcase of virtuosity by the company’s talented professional dancers. The City of Aventura presents the finale to the Aventura Broadway Concert Series with Broadway, TV and film star Melissa Errico on Sunday, March 10 at 7 p.m. As a musical theater actress, she as appeared on Broadway in: My Fair Lady, for which her performance as Eliza Doolittle was called “beguiling” by The New York Times; Anna Karenina; High Society as Tracy Lord; Amour, for which she received a Tony-nomination; Dracula; White Christmas in the Rosemary Clooney role of Betty; and Les Misérables as Cosette. Errico has maintained a constant TV presence throughout her career, starring in Darren Star’s Central Park West and, most recently, playing recurring roles on Showtime’s Billions and Cinemax’s The Knick. She appeared in featured films such as Frequency with Dennis Quaid, Life or Something Like It as Angelina Jolie’s best friend, and Loverboy directed by Kevin Bacon. Recognized as one of the most prolific Soul and R&B groups in musical history, The 5th Dimension comes to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Thursday, March 14 at 8 p.m. The iconic group has 22 Top 40 hits including "Up, Up and Away," "Wedding Bell Blues," "One Less Bell to Answer," "Last Night I Didn't Get to Sleep At All" and the iconic "Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In." The City of Aventura presents the group that has secured its position in the Grammy Hall of Fame and has six Grammy Awards as well as 14 gold records and six platinum releases. In addition to performances on the world's most famous stages, including Radio City Music Hall (alongside Frank Sinatra) and the Hollywood Bowl, The 5th Dimension delivered unforgettable television performances through the years. By popular demand, The City of Aventura brings back The Magic of Bill Blagg Live! on Saturday, March 16 at 2 and 7 p.m. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “absolutely incredible.” Blagg makes objects float in mid-air and vanish in the blink of an eye all with trademark off-the-cuff personality. With interactive magic and jaw-dropping illusions, Blagg will once again have audiences rubbing their eyes in disbelief. The City of Aventura presents The Doo Wop Project featuring the Broadway stars of Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical and other blockbusters on Thursday, March 21 at 8 p.m. Bringing unparalleled authenticity of sound and vocal excellence, the cast recreates — and in some cases entirely reimagines — the greatest music in American pop and rock history. The Doo Wop Project traces the evolution of Doo Wop from the classic sound of five guys singing harmonies on a street corner to the biggest hits on the radio today. The set list includes the foundational tunes from the Crests, Belmonts and Flamingos through the vocal artistry of Smokey Robinson, The Temptations and The Four Seasons all the way to “DooWopified” versions of modern hits from Michael Jackson, Jason Mraz, Maroon 5 and Sam Smith. Straight from Showtime and three blockbuster comedy specials, The City of Aventura presents Funny Women of a Certain Age in the Aventura Stand Up Comedy Series on Thursday, March 22 at 8 p.m. The hilarious line-up features Carole Montgomery, a stand-up comic described by The Last Vegas Sun as "one of Vegas’ premier comics.” She is joined by Vanessa Hollingshead, a comic and natural storyteller with a unique repertoire of heartfelt, funny characterizations of all the people that cross her path. Trish Keating completes the comedy trio with her comedy that is one-part social satire, two-parts personal pain, and most parts attitude. These women are all brilliant, funny, and vibrant – and it just so happens, of a certain age. This event may contain adult language or content. In a concert featuring all the songs from the Oscar-Winning movie Bohemian Rhapsody plus additional hits from the legendary rock group, South Florida Legends presents Absolute Queen on Saturday March 23 at 3 and 8 p.m. Projections of Queen, a lighting show with 20,000 lights and eight beam laser lights, and a band that has spent hours studying Queen's many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation, celebrate and recreate Queen’s dynamic stage performances. The Miami International Piano Festival presents Croatian Pianist Kemal Gekic on Sunday, March 24 at 5 p.m. One of today's most formidable pianists, Gekic will perform a program of Mozart (Sonata A-major), Beethoven (Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57), Chopin (Sonata No. 3 in B minor, Op. 58) and Prokofiev (Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-major, Op. 83). The piano virtuoso has been described as flamboyant, daring, provocative, exciting, seductive and sensitive. Gekic’s daring approach to tone and form has marked him as a maverick in the musical world, a distinction he welcomes: the very strength of his artistry challenges, provokes and intrigues. Not suggested for children under 12 years of age. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram @aventuracenter or #aventuracenter. < Previous News Next News >

Embrace The Spirit Of Community: Join Aventura’s Winter Adult Softball Season Thu Jan 11 2024 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

“Lost To The Future” - Global Search Narrows For Missing Gibson ES-345 Cherry Red Guitar Played By Michael J. Fox From The Original Film South Florida Sun Times Nov 12, 2025 In One Of The Most Iconic Scenes In Film History, A Gibson ES-345™ Cherry Red Guitar Took Center Stage In The Film Back To The Future—And Today, It’s Making History Again. To celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the beloved Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment film starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, and in honor of October 21 —officially recognized as Back to the Future Day—Gibson, the legendary global instrument brand, in partnership with Universal Products and Experiences proudly announces the Back to the Future Collection. Featuring limited-edition ES-345 models from Gibson Custom and Epiphone, as well as an exclusive apparel line, the Back to the Future Collection is designed to thrill both guitar enthusiasts and fans of the iconic film. Music and film fans can stop by the Gibson Garage Nashville and London locations to see the entire Back to the Future Collection in person, and worldwide via: www.Gibson.com . This summer, Gibson and Michael J. Fox launched a global “Lost to the Future” search for the original Gibson ES-345™ Cherry Red guitar played by Fox in Back to the Future during the unforgettable “Enchantment Under the Sea” dance scene—a moment that inspired generations of musicians after Marty McFly’s electrifying performance of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode.” Despite efforts to find the guitar during the filming of the sequel, the guitar’s whereabouts remained a mystery. Fans worldwide have been submitting tips at: www.LostToTheFuture.com, and after thousands of submissions, Gibson has narrowed the search and is actively pursuing a handful of promising leads to locate and authenticate what may be the most significant guitar in movie history. “Bringing this guitar to life has been a passion project for many years, and it’s incredibly exciting to finally see it become a reality,” says Mark Agnesi, Director of Brand Experience at Gibson. “We couldn’t be prouder of how these guitars turned out—they’re truly special. This is the guitar that inspired me, and countless others from my generation, to pick up playing in the first place.” The Back to the Future 1955 ES-345™ Collector’s Edition from Gibson Custom is limited to just 88 guitars worldwide, a nod to The Time Machine from the film, and features a stunning Cherry Red finish with exclusive design details. The Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345, limited to 1,985 guitars globally, celebrates the year the blockbuster film hit theaters and offers fans an accessible way to own a piece of cinematic and musical history. In addition to the guitars, there’s also an exclusive range of Back to the Future apparel and accessories, including tees, hats, collectible guitar pick tins, a guitar strap, and an AXE HEAVEN® mini guitar that will delight collectors and fans alike. Although the movie’s high school dance takes place in 1955, the guitar used was a Gibson ES-345™, a model originally introduced in 1959. Supplied by Norman Harris of Norman’s Rare Guitars, the Cherry Red ES-345™ visual appeal and sonic presence made it a perfect fit for the film’s “Enchantment Under the Sea” scene. The Back to the Future 1955 ES-345™ Collector’s Edition—a masterfully crafted homage to the guitar that bridged generations. Built with a thinline, three-ply ES™ body of maple-poplar-maple and a solid maple centerblock for enhanced sustain and reduced feedback, this instrument is as sonically rich as it is visually striking. The mahogany neck, joined with hide glue and featuring a long tenon, sports a 1961 Authentic Thin D-Shape profile and a bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. True to the original guitar’s rare design, it includes a single parallelogram inlay at the 12th fret—a detail unique to the original guitar that was used in the Back to the Future film. Equipped with a pair of unpotted Gibson Custombucker pickups featuring alnico 3 magnets, the guitar offers a wide tonal palette. Each pickup is hand-wired to individual volume and tone controls using CTS® potentiometers and paper-in-oil capacitors. A mono Varitone switch adds further tonal flexibility, while aged gold hardware and a Bigsby® B7 vibrato tailpiece complete the upscale ES-345™ aesthetic. The Murphy Lab’s expert aging process gives the guitar a beautifully worn-in look, honoring both the legacy of Gibson’s craftsmanship and the cinematic moment that made this model iconic. Limited to only 88 pieces—a nod to the film’s time-traveling speed—the Collector’s Edition is handcrafted by the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee. Every detail, from the reverse-engineered 1950s specs to the and-stained Cherry Red finish, has been meticulously recreated. Each guitar comes housed in a Lifton hardshell case adorned with Marvin Berry and The Starlighters graphics, along with a curated selection of case candy, making this a truly timeless collector’s piece. The new Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345™ is a replica of the legendary Gibson ES-345™ based on the model that Michael J. Fox aka Marty McFly plays in the film Back to the Future. A loving tribute to this cultural icon, the Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345™ features a five-ply layered maple semi-hollowbody with a solid maple centerblock for enhanced sustain and improved feedback resistance. The top has four-ply binding with single-ply binding on the back. The mahogany neck has a comfortable rounded C profile and is topped with a single-ply bound rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets and is adorned with pearloid split parallelogram inlays that are a hallmark of the ES-345™. The 60s Kalamazoo headstock is equipped with a Graph Tech® nut and Epiphone Deluxe tuning machines with cream Keystone buttons. The Epiphone logo and Gibson Crown are inlaid in mother of pearl. On the back of the headstock, in a nod to the 1985 film, you’ll find a Hill Valley Music store decal. The Back to the Future ES-345™ has gold hardware, including an Epiphone LockTone™ Tune-O-Matic™ bridge and a Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece, and just like the guitar in the movie, the original Stop Bar studs are left in place. The Back to the Future ES-345™ is powered by two of Epiphone’s acclaimed Alnico Classic PRO™ pickups, each with individual volume and tone controls. A mono Varitone provides even more tonal versatility. It even comes packed in a vintage-style hardshell case with Marvin Berry and the Starlighters graphics. The Epiphone Back to the Future ES-345™ is limited to only 1985 units worldwide, and they’re sure to go fast, so unless you have a flux capacitor-equipped Time Machine so that you can go back in time to get one later, you’d better grab yours now while you still can. Back to the Future Apparel Collection Launching alongside the Epiphone and Custom Shop ES-345™ guitars, Gibson’s apparel division will release a collection of exclusive, film-inspired merchandise. Ranging from AXE Heaven mini ES-345™ Cherry Red guitars to guitar pick tins, straps, T-shirts, and hats inspired by the film, the Back to the Future collection promises to be an exciting addition to any fans collection. About Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Back to the Future: Released 40 years ago on July 3, 1985, Back to the Future introduced audiences to Marty McFly (Emmy and Golden Globe winner Michael J. Fox), a small-town California teenager who is accidentally transported back to 1955 in a plutonium-powered DeLorean invented by his eccentric friend, Doc Brown (Emmy winner Christopher Lloyd). Stranded in the past, Marty must ensure his teenage parents (Lea Thompson and Crispin Glover) fall in love or risk erasing his own existence. With time running out, he teams up with a younger Doc in a last-ditch effort to harness a bolt of lightning and return to 1985. The film became the highest-grossing domestic release of 1985 and one of the most enduring movies of the decade, earning more than $385 million worldwide. It received four Academy Award® nominations, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing and Best Original Song for Huey Lewis and the News’ “The Power of Love.” The film won Best Sound Effects Editing. Back to the Future was Directed by Robert Zemeckis and Written by Zemeckis and Oscar® Nominee Bob Gale. The film was Produced by Gale and BAFTA Nominee Neil Canton and Executive Produced by three-time Academy Award® Winner Steven Spielberg. It features Cinematography by Oscar® Nominee Dean Cundey, editing by Oscar® Winner Arthur Schmidt and BAFTA Nominee Harry Keramidas, Production Design by Oscar® Nominee Lawrence G. Paull, and an original score by Academy Award® Nominee Alan Silvestri. About Universal Products & Experiences: Universal Products & Experiences (UP & E) globally drives the expansion and elevation of NBCUniversal’s iconic collection of brands, intellectual properties, characters, and stories based on the company’s extensive portfolio of properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. The division executes this through innovative physical and digital products, as well as engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and third-party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s lines of business include Consumer Products and Games, along with Theme Parks Products & Retail. UP & E is a division of Universal Destinations & Experiences, part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. More information is available at: www.universalproductsexperiences.com . About Universal Pictures: Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios ( www.universalstudios.com ). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. About Gibson: Gibson, the leading iconic guitar brand, has shaped the sounds of generations of musicians and music lovers across genres for 130 years. Founded in 1894 and headquartered in Nashville, Gibson has a legacy of world-class craftsmanship, legendary music partnerships, and progressive product evolution that is unrivaled among musical instrument companies. The Gibson portfolio includes Gibson, the leading guitar brand, as well as many of the most beloved and recognizable music brands, including Epiphone, which has been on every stage since 1873, Kramer, the original MADE TO ROCK HARD guitar brand, MESA/Boogie, the home of tone, KRK, behind great music for over 30 years, and Maestro, the founder of effect pedals. Gibson is dedicated to quality, innovation, and sound excellence so that music lovers for generations to come will continue to experience music shaped by all Gibson brands. Explore more at Gibson.com, Gibson App, and on Gibson TV, follow us on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, and visit us at the Gibson Garage Nashville and the Gibson Garage London. Previous Next

Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Theft Thu Sep 19 2024 16:18:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet: Secure Receptacle At Government Center Provides Safe Disposal Of Expired Medications May 16, 2023 Share National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day is an Annual Event that takes place on the third Friday of April. It is an important day that encourages people to clean out their medicine cabinets and properly dispose of any expired or unwanted medications. This day is significant because it helps to prevent accidental overdoses, medication misuse, and abuse. Missed the day? Don’t worry! The City will keep this important program going and has the City providing a secured medication disposal system located at the Government Center. This easy to operate system accepts unwanted or expired prescribed and over-the-counter medicines. The City’s receptacle is located in the main lobby of the Aventura Government Center 19200 West Country Club Drive, Aventura, Florida 33180 and is available for use during the Lobby’s regular hours of operation Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Medications can expire, become ineffective, or even dangerous over time. Many people also accumulate medications that are no longer needed or prescribed to them. These unused and expired medications can pose a risk to both people and the environment if not disposed of properly. They can be accidentally ingested by children or pets, or even intentionally abused by someone looking to get high. Fortunately, the Aventura Government Center’s Lobby provides a receptacle where people can safely dispose of their unwanted or expired medications. Proper disposal of medications is crucial, as flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can harm the environment and contaminate water sources. When disposing of medications, it is important to follow certain guidelines. First, remove any personal information from the medication packaging to protect your privacy. Next, check the label for any specific disposal instructions. However, the best option is to take them to a medication disposal site like the one at the Aventura Government Center’s Lobby. By safely disposing of expired or unwanted medications, you can help to prevent accidental overdoses and medication misuse. You can also do your part to protect the environment and keep medications out of the wrong hands. It is important to be proactive in cleaning out your medicine cabinet, and to dispose of any unused or expired medications properly. In addition to cleaning out your medicine cabinet, there are other steps you can take to ensure safe medication use. These include keeping medications out of reach of children and pets, following the prescribed dosage and schedule, and never sharing medications with others. If you have any questions or concerns about your medications, be sure to speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. National Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet Day is an important reminder to take stock of your medications and dispose of any that are expired or no longer needed. The receptacle located at the Aventura Government Center’s Lobby provides a safe and convenient option for medication disposal, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. By properly disposing of medications, you can help to prevent accidental overdoses, medication misuse, and environmental harm. So take the time to clean out your medicine cabinet and make a positive impact on your health and the world around you. For more information, contact the Office of the City Manager at: (305) 466-8910. < Previous News Next News >

Empowering Seniors For Safer Online Experiences: 6 Practical Safety Tips For Caregivers And Families By Family Features Mar 26, 2026 Today's Seniors Aren't Shying Away From A World That Has Become Increasingly Reliant On Technology. Quite The Opposite, In Fact, As Recent Survey Findings Suggest Adults Ages 65 And Older Are More Digitally Active And Self-Assured Than Ever Before. Nearly all seniors surveyed as part of the "Connecting the Digital Dots: Online Habits and Safety Concerns Across Three Generations" survey from Cox Mobile consider themselves digitally literate, using devices for shopping, banking, Social Media and entertainment. With older adults spending a significant amount of time connected to the digital world - 41% of those surveyed reported spending five or more hours online daily - they're also more at-risk for scams, viruses like malware and data breaches. Even though 61% of seniors who encountered digital threats were able to mitigate the issues themselves, showing their growing digital capability, increased online engagement brings new challenges and responsibilities for caregivers, who often play a crucial role in supporting seniors' digital journeys. To help support older loved ones' safety and confidence as they navigate an evolving digital landscape, Cox Mobile, in partnership with Common Sense Media, offers educational materials on digital safety, smart device use and media literacy for all ages. In addition, these practical safety strategies can help empower seniors to make informed, safe choices online. Encourage Strong Passwords: Simple passwords, like number sequences, keyboard patterns or personal information - such as variations of your name, birthdate, address or names of pets or loved ones - are easily guessable and may lead to issues. While the survey found 70% of seniors already create strong, unique passwords, encouraging them to avoid reusing passwords across sites. Recommend a password manager app to safely store passwords and eliminate the need to write them all down, which could lead to a breach if not stored properly. Promote Security Software: If devices aren't protected, even the most careful users are susceptible to viruses. Though 63% of those surveyed have security software installed, it's important to regularly make sure it's up to date (or that automatic updates are enabled) and covers all devices, including laptops, tablets and smartphones. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: A simple and effective way to stop most attempts at unauthorized account access, 60% of seniors are already using multi-factor authentication as an extra layer of protection. Some seniors, however, may need assistance setting up the safeguard, which typically sends a code to a phone number or email address as part of the login process, for online banking, email or Social Media accounts. Review Apps and Channels: Over time, it can be easy to accumulate apps on smartphones and tablets. While 51% of surveyed seniors remove unsafe apps, make it a habit to regularly check loved ones' devices for unfamiliar or suspicious applications and delete them. Also keep an eye out for unauthorized charges, data sharing or browser extensions. Utilize Built-In Safety Features: Explore privacy controls on individual devices (and apps) and check with your loved ones' internet service provider to ensure security features are being utilized like the 43% of those surveyed who are already taking advantage of their devices' safety settings. Included privacy protections may include limiting data sharing, disabling location tracking, blocking pop-ups and restricting other unwanted communication. Discuss Online Safety Regularly: Because technology is ever-changing, it's important for caregivers to talk with senior loved ones about online safety. Open, ongoing conversations, like those one-third of seniors are already having several times a week or even daily, can help build trust and awareness of current scams, suspicious texts or emails, commonly used apps and more. By fostering open dialogue, sharing practical safety strategies and leveraging trusted resources, caregivers can help their loved ones thrive and stay safe. Visit your local Cox Mobile store or go to: https://CoxMobileSafety.com to find more tips, guides and full survey results. Source: Cox Communications Previous Next

Medicaid Enrollment Is Set To Plummet: Here's What Beneficiaries Need To Know By Janet Trautwein June 15, 2023 Share Millions of Americans will soon lose Medicaid Coverage, as some Pandemic-Era Provisions that kept people continuously enrolled in the program expire. But those who find themselves newly ineligible for Medicaid have plenty of other options for Affordable Coverage. Licensed, Professional Agents and Brokers can ensure they secure Health Plans that meet their needs and budget. The looming exodus from Medicaid is a product of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which Congress passed in March 2020. It offered additional Federal Funding for Medicaid as long as states did not disenroll anyone from the program for the duration of the Public health emergency. This continuous Coverage Provisions, and the enhanced Federal Funding, swelled Medicaid's arolls. Total enrollment in December 2022 was 85 million -- up from approximately 64 million in February 2020. This past December, Congress gave states the green light to review the Eligibility Status of people enrolled in their Medicaid Programs beginning in April. States have 12 months to return to "normal," Pre-Pandemic Eligibility and enrollment rules. The Federal Government will gradually scale back the extra Medicaid Dollars it has been sending to the states -- until that enhanced match disappears entirely at the end of this year. As a result, millions of people may have to find new health plans. The Department of Health and Human Services estimates that up to 15 million people may lose Medicaid and CHIP Coverage. About 45% of this group -- 6.8 million people -- will likely remain eligible for Medicaid. They'll just need to reconfirm their eligibility for the program with their state Medicaid Agency. Many beneficiaries are unaware of this requirement. They may ignore phone calls or letters from the state seeking to verify their eligibility. Or they may have moved and neglected to update their address with the state. In the end, they can be purged from Medicaid without knowing. About 8.2 million Medicaid enrollees will need to find Replacement Coverage. Many will be able to do so through work. HHS Projects that about 5 million will migrate from Medicaid to Employer-Sponsored Insurance. Another 2.7 million will likely be able to get Subsidized Coverage through the Affordable Care Act's Exchanges. More than 60% of that group, HHS estimates, could qualify for Zero-Premium Plans. Of course, it can be difficult to wade through all the Insurance options on the exchanges -- or to figure out how to Confirm Eligibility for Medicaid. Licensed, Professional Agents and Brokers can help these millions of folks weigh their Health Insurance options. They have the knowledge and expertise to assist people with Re-Enrolling in Medicaid, if eligible -- or to claim all the subsidies to which they may be entitled through the exchanges. Better yet, their services are generally free for consumers. According to the most recent data from the Centers For Medicare And Medicaid Services, Agents and Brokers account for 71% of Exchange Enrollees. Consumers find their advice extremely valuable. A study from the Urban Institute found that 80% of adults who received external information about the exchanges said Insurance Agents and Brokers were more helpful than other resources. As states begin to cull their Medicaid Rolls, it's critical that those who have relied on the program over the last few years understand all the Affordable Health Insurance options that remain available to them. Agents and Brokers can ensure that they do. Janet Trautwein is CEO of The National Association Of Benefits And Insurance Professionals and for more information, please visit: www.nabip.org < Previous News Next News >