"What are the unique challenges and rewards of writing about your family history? I've recently finished a project that traces the lives of several generations in my family, spanning from old-world origins to modern-day America. It was a deeply personal and therapeutic journey to document these stories. I'm curious to hear others' experiences or tips on preserving family legacies. Have you undertaken such a project?"

One back-to-school reminder: school vaccine requirements can vary by state and local jurisdiction—there isn’t one national standard for every school.

Families in Oregon and Washington should verify current requirements directly with their school and state health agency. These rules are separate from employer health-plan coverage.

What questions, surprises, or challenges have you encountered while navigating school requirements?

Oregon’s health coverage landscape is changing for 2027.

• PacificSource: Leaving Oregon’s individual/ACA market but continuing employer group coverage.

• Providence: Individual/family and small-group plans end December 31, 2026. No new commercial plans will be offered in 2027, although some existing large-group and association plans may continue temporarily.

• Moda: Small-group ACA medical plans end February 28, 2027. Individual plans will remain available in some counties, and a level-funded small-group option is planned for later in 2027.

If you’re changing coverage, what questions do you have about timing, networks, costs, or communicating with employees?