About half of the U.S. population has health insurance coverage as an employment benefit, with premiums partially covered by the employer. 1 The employer cost is tax-deductible to the payer, and the benefits to the employee are tax-free (with certain exceptions for S corporation employees). 2 3 Self-employed people (including freelancers and gig workers) can buy insurance directly from insurers on their own. The Affordable Care Act of 2010, commonly called Obamacare or ACA, mandated the creation of the ACA Healthcare Insurance Marketplace, which

Have you ever felt like you're alone in crowded room, with no one to turn to for support? My mom knew that feeling all too well. And it took a humiliating experience with sanitation officials to make me realize that empathy is the bridge that connects us all. Recently, my mom had a distressing encounter with sanitation officials, resulting in a fine and hurtful words that affected her mental health. What broke my heart was that no one at home took the time to ask how she was doing or offer support. When she called me, I immediately sensed something was wrong. Her voice was trembling, and she was crying. I listened attentively, offered words of comfort, and cracked jokes to lift her spirits. I made it a point to call her daily, showing her that someone cared. Thanks to our conversations, her spirits lifted, and she's now doing well. This experience reminded me that empathy and problem-solving skills are crucial in both personal and professional settings. If we can't show compassion to our loved ones in need, how can we genuinely support customers in our professional lives? As a freelancer, I strive to bring these qualities to my work, ensuring that clients receive compassionate and effective support. Let's prioritize empathy and kindness in our interactions, both online and offline. Remember, empathy is a muscle that must be exercised in all aspects of life to truly make a positive impact in customer service. #EmpathyMatters #ProblemSolving #VirtualAssistant #CustomerCare #Freelancer #MentalHealthAwareness #CustomerService