Health, Insurance, Liability, Retirement and Other Personal Issues
True or False

1.




1. Many health care services in which social workers are involved are paid for by "third party" payments such as insurance companies, Medicaid, and Medicare.



TRUE


Most health care in the United States is paid for by third parties such as insurance companies or government funding agencies.




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2




2. Medicaid and Medicare are different names for the same program.



FALSE


Medicaid is a program for low income people. It is fully funded by tax revenues and appropriations by the federal and state governments. Medicare is an insurance program paid for as part of Social Security. It covers older adults and people with disabilities who receive Social Security.




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3.




3. Medical spending accounts can actually help an employee meet the costs of personal health care and also reduce their taxes.



TRUE


Medical spending accounts are a way of paying for some of one's health care costs with pre-tax money.




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4.




4. Social workers under age 30 need not be concerned with retirement plans from their employer.



FALSE


Retirement plans are a benefit that can help employees of any age by helping them build some savings which they may be able to cash in well before retirement. They can also help pay an employee's expenses if he or she becomes disabled.




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5.




5. Even when one behaves correctly and professionally, it is still possible to face a malpractice lawsuit from a client.



TRUE


Anyone can file suit, even when the charges are unjustified and their case is ultimately lost. In the meanwhile, workers need legal defense, which is why malpractice insurance or something comparable is important.




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5.




6. "Burnout" is a common problem that social workers face on the job.



TRUE


Burnout is a hazard of all professional work. There are ways to prevent it or deal with it when it begins, however. .




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7.




7. It is smart to borrow money because some interest is tax deductible.



FALSE


Much better to avoid paying interest, at all. When possible, pay cash or arrange for no-interest credit. Large portions of one's income can become tied up in paying loan interest.




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8.




8. One of the realities of most kinds of work is some disillusionment, including negative reactions to one's boss.



TRUE


Negative feelings about the boss are not unusual. The answer is to learn to cope with one's conflicts in the most positive ways possible.




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9.




9. Writing clearly is an important skill for social workers.



TRUE


Clear communication is a prerequesite for effective social work practice. Letters to collaborating agencies, client records, and treatment plans, have to be clearly and effectively written so that writing skills are critical for effective social work.




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10.




10. Personal health for social workers is a matter of luck, regular medical check-ups, and having sound health insurance.



FALSE


Personal health, which is critical for an effective professional career, is partly a result of luck and good health care. But more important are sound eating habits, avoiding cigarettes and excessive alcohol, and exercising regularly. Much of what happens to one's health can be determined by one's onw behavioral choices.




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