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The annual Great American Smokeout takes place on the third Thursday of November, encouraging individuals to quit smoking or make a plan to quit. If you're working to become tobacco-free, consider joining this year's initiative on Nov. 19!
This is also a great time to complete your Strive for Wellness® incentives through the Missouri Consolidated Health Care Plan (MCHCP), which are due by Nov. 30, 2026, and take effect Jan. 1, 2027. One required component is the Tobacco‑Free Incentive. If you use tobacco, quitting not only benefits your health but also helps you meet this incentive requirement. For team members who are already tobacco‑free, this is a great reminder to complete your incentives if you haven't already.
MCHCP also offers helpful resources for quitting tobacco, including 100% coverage for preferred quit tobacco medications and over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy with a prescription when filled at a network pharmacy. To learn more about these resources, see the flyer below.
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Select the image above to learn more and register for the November Lunch & Learn! |
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With holiday meals approaching, try adopting a simple plate‑balancing habit now: fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, a quarter with lean protein, and a quarter with whole grains or other fiber-rich carbohydrates. This flexible guide helps steady your energy, prevent overeating, and keep you feeling your best during the busy season. Small adjustments now can make shared meals with large groups of friends and family easier and more enjoyable. |
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Master Your Holiday Budget Like a Pro |
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The holiday season is one of the most joyful times of the year, but also one of the most expensive. Between gifts, gatherings, travel, and festive extras, it’s easy for your spending to add up quickly. However, a little preparation can go a long way! Below are a few practical ways that you can stay structured with your spending: |
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Set a Spending Limit
Set a realistic budget for the holidays. From $200 to $1,000, just make sure it's an amount that fits comfortably within your financial plan. Break that number into categories such as gifts, meals, charitable giving, or events. Having clear boundaries helps you stay focused and prevents overspending.
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Shop with Intention
Holiday deals can be tempting, especially around Black Friday, so go in with a plan. Make a list of the specific gifts or items you need and set a spending limit for each. Shopping with a purpose helps you avoid impulse buys and getting swept up in the excitement of sales, plus it's easier to recognize worthwhile discounts.
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Consider Gifting Experiences
Meaningful experiences often leave a deeper impact than physical items. Think about experiences you can share, such as a cooking workshop, visiting a local attraction, going to the movies, or partaking in a special outing. Check out the Discount Hub to help you discover thoughtful, budget‑friendly gifts.
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