Let’s face it. We don’t know everything. I don’t know everything. I learn something new every day. If this is the case, then why is it so difficult for us to take the time to learn, understand, and seek out information about things that matter—things like health care?

If we were informed, would we continue to enroll in medical plans we don’t truly understand? Would we put off important health screenings and continue to visit exorbitantly priced emergency rooms for common illnesses?

I know what you’re thinking. Even armed with information, some of us may still make poor decisions. But I am a firm believer that knowing is half the battle.

At the University of Miami, we are committed to helping you stay informed, and we are dedicated to providing you with resources that can help maximize the value of your health plan.

We built free in-network preventive care services (screenings, annual physicals, immunizations, etc.) into all UM medical plans.

We provide employees with access to walk-in medical care at $10 per visit for common illnesses at the Healthy ’Canes Employee Clinics. The Miller School of Medicine clinic sees on average 100 employees per month. The Coral Gables campus clinic will open this February, and I invite you to attend the grand opening on February 27 at 11 a.m. The clinic will be located at the McKnight Building across the street from Alex Rodriguez Park at Mark Light Field.

We offer convenient webinars to help you understand how to use your health plan. You can view the schedule of webinars here.

We keep you informed about the impact of health care reform. The health care reform law is complex, leaving many of us confused about how the law will impact our lives in the short and long term. Many of you still have questions—I certainly do. Let’s continue to learn together.

There are bi-partisan resources available to us that cut through the clutter. The Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonprofit, private operating foundation focusing on the major health care issues facing the United States, offers a short, animated movie on its website—featuring the “YouToons”—that explains the current health care system, the changes that are happening now, and the big changes coming later. Click here to view Health Reform Hits Main Street.

As president of the University of Miami and a dedicated employee, I am focused on providing the best access to care and keeping you informed.

As we move forward, it is my hope that you will join me in taking proactive steps to help minimize ever-increasing health care costs by taking advantage of the University’s health care plans and participating in health-related programs and services offered by the University. I encourage you all to be educated health care consumers. Know your options, ask questions of your doctors, and learn how you can cut costs for yourself and ultimately the University, as this will help prevent increases in insurance premiums down the line.

You can visit the Benefits website for periodic updates when additional information becomes available, as well as links to additional online resources.

Remember, you can always ask questions! Just email our benefits representatives any time at www.miami.edu/benefits/ask. We will help you get the answers you need for a healthier you.