Avis Budget Group announces partnership with R U OK?

#ruok




Avis Budget Group, a leading global provider of mobility solutions, has today announced its new charity partner in Australia, with suicide prevention organisation R U OK?. Building on the company's ongoing commitment to raise awareness around mental health, Avis Budget Group will become R U OK?'s official Workplace Partner.

The three-year partnership will deliver a yearly contribution to the charity, generated partly through fundraising for its community charity initiatives. The partnership will focus on the development of resources to help build people's skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone they are worried about.

Tom Mooney, Managing Director – Pacific, Avis Budget Group, said: "We're very proud to be launching this partnership and championing the message of supporting one another in the workplace, ensuring nobody feels disconnected or alone."

"The simplicity of the R U OK? message shows us that having meaningful conversations is something we can all do. You don't need to be an expert, just a good listener and friend or colleague. Protecting the mental health of our staff is extremely important at Avis Budget Group and this partnership is one we believe will make a real difference in our organisation across Australia."

Now in its 10th year, R U OK? wants to reinforce that every day is R U OK? Day. Now one of Australia's most recognised health promotion campaigns, the national movement focuses on encouraging friends, families, loved ones and workmates to ask the question of anyone they are worried about, in a genuine and meaningful way.

Speaking about the impact of having Avis Budget Group on board as its new Workplace Partner, Kamal Sarma, Chair of the R U OK? conversation Think Tank said: "Avis Budget Group's ongoing contribution will make a huge impact in tackling the complex and sensitive challenge of suicide prevention and mental health in the workplace. Funds contributed will assist us in achieving our vision of a world where everyone feels connected. We are incredibly excited about what the partnership will bring."

Employees of Avis Budget Group will be encouraged to action the R U OK? four steps in the workplace. These steps are:

1. Ask "R U OK?",

2. Listening with an open mind,

3. Encouraging action, and

4. Checking in.

More information about the partnership between Avis Budget Group and R U OK?, can be accessed in this video: https://youtu.be/slL3UmR3qo8

About R U OK?

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation that aims to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life. R U OK? Day is a national day of action, held on the second Thursday of September each year. But every day is the day to start a conversation. Conversation tips and crisis numbers can be found at ruok.org.au

Health insurance tops household worries for first time

"Frankly dishonest" - CHOICE.com.au experts warn about the quality of health insurance advice with market changes ahead

A national survey from consumer advocate CHOICE shows that 82% of Australian households are concerned by health insurance costs. The community concern comes as CHOICE insurance experts warn most Australians should hold and wait for better advice after April 1.

This is the first time health insurance has topped the list of CHOICE's quarterly household survey since 2014, overtaking electricity (77%) as the main household cost concern.

The health insurance industry is set to undergo the biggest change it has seen in decades as a new Gold, Silver, Bronze system is introduced from April 1. CHOICE's insurance experts are warning Australians not to rush into policy changes after the consumer advocate received over 1700 health fund letters from concerned Australians.

"We asked our CHOICE community to pitch in and help us understand these changes. What we found was a health insurance system in a state of mess" says CHOICE.com.au spokesperson Jonathan Brown.

"It's frankly dishonest for anyone to say they can provide a true comparison of the health insurance market right now. New policies will be released over the coming weeks and months that will change in coverage and price. Until we have all the facts about the quality of cover in the market, no one can tell you what the best value for money policy will be for your needs" says Brown.

CHOICE.com.au experts warn that:

If you're expecting a particular health need (such as pregnancy or a hip replacement) check your policy before April 1. If you've lost cover under the new changes, you need to switch to higher cover before the changes hit - you could be stuck with a new waiting period.

If you are currently undergoing treatment, have surgery booked or are pregnant check with your fund if you are affected by the cover changes.

If you're not expecting a particular health need, the range of policy options will significantly change from April 1. What looks like a good deal now may be bad value after April 1.

The average premium increase is 3.25%, but CHOICE has seen a number of letters that show higher costs, with fewer benefits.

If you have the capacity to do so, pre-pay the best deal you can get now for the coming year. If a better policy comes after April 1, you can get a refund on your pre-paid premiums.

CHOICE.com.au's insurance experts are working their way through the changes with the help of CHOICE campaign supporters and their 1700 health fund letters. The consumer advocate also decided to pause its non-profit health insurance comparison tool as it cannot recommend products given the current state of the market.

"From the 1700 letters we received, we've found that the system that was meant to simplify health insurance is causing widespread confusion and stress. These changes are big, and no one really knows the true impact on the overall market until after April 1. That's why we're shocked to see commercial comparison sites still pushing their services." says Brown

"Watch out for the commercial comparison sites - they're pushing sales calls onto a stressed and confused community and right now they're providing recommendations about a market that's changing rapidly. What's a good deal today, may be a terrible deal in a few weeks as cover and costs change."

"With the help of CHOICE's supporters, our experts will be digging into the detail and sharing what we find. Our advice is that people in most circumstances should wait until after April 1st before making any big changes to their health insurance. Check our website for more information on what to look out for."

For Australians currently receiving letters from their health fund, CHOICE.com.au has published a guide for understanding your letter and will continue to offer free expert advice at https://www.choice.com.au/health