Tennessee Farm Family Health & Wellness

Title: It’s Time to Talk About Health Care Costs 

Description: Over the past 10 years, out-of-pocket health care expenses have increased drastically in the U.S. More than 25 percent of Americans have trouble paying their medical bills. Increased out-of-pocket costs are associated with lower treatment adherence, delayed or forgone care, and higher mortality. Many patients are mainly concerned with the indirect costs of appointments – lost income, transportation, and child care. Research has shown that cost of care conversations are effective in helping patients use cost-reduction strategies suggested by their health care providers. Yet despite their proven value, these conversations rarely happen. Many patients feel uncomfortable discussing finances with their providers, unsure of how to bring up cost concerns or unaware that alternatives may be available to them. 

This lesson will introduce participants to the fundamentals of health care cost conversations including what they are, why they matter, and how to have them with confidence. Participants will explore the financial barriers that prevent individuals from seeking or completing care and learn practical strategies for initiating cost-related discussions with physicians, nurses, and care teams. Additionally, participants will develop the skills needed to serve as informed health care advocates for themselves and for others by learning how to ask the right questions, navigate insurance, and connect patients with resources that can reduce financial burden. By the end of this lesson, participants will be equipped to approach health care cost conversations not as an uncomfortable obligation, but as a powerful and necessary tool for improving health outcomes. 

Presenter:  Dr. Sneed began his career with The University of Tennessee serving as an Employment Career Specialist with the UT Network. In this capacity, he was responsible for working with clients as they transitioned from public assistance to full-time employment. Since 2004, Dr. Sneed has worked for UT Extension serving in various capacities including FCS Extension Agent, McMinn County (2004 to 2006); FCS Extension Agent, Blount County (2006 to 2015); Social Marketing Specialist for UT’s SNAP Education program (2015 to 2017); Acting Director for UT’s SNAP Education and EFNEP programs (2017 to 2019); and Assistant Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist (2019 to 2024). 

 As an Associate Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist, Dr. Sneed is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating research-based adult and youth Extension programs in Consumer Economics. Dr. Sneed’s specific focus areas include behavioral economics, workforce development for limited resource populations, programming for limited resource audiences, and programs in family resource management. Dr. Sneed’s extensive external funding and his scholarly works position him as a leader in the field of family resource management. 

Title: Your Health, Your Voice: Practical Tools for Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider 

Description: For many farm families, time, distance, and access to healthcare can make every medical visit important. Your Health, Your Voice: Practical Tools for Communicating with Your Healthcare Provider helps individuals build confidence as active partners in their healthcare. The session focuses on effective communication, building trust with healthcare professionals, and advocating for personal and family health. 

Participants will learn how to prepare for healthcare visits, clearly communicate their health history and concerns, ask clarifying questions, and make the most of the limited time with a provider. The session also highlights preventive healthcare, including recommended screenings and vaccines, and provides an opportunity to better understand why vaccines are recommended and how they work.  Participants will develop practical tools to stay engaged in their health before, during, and after healthcare visits. 

Presenter: Tesha Humphrey, BSSW, MS, brings 30 years of professional experience in social work, mental health, community outreach, education, and content development. For 15 years, she worked as a social worker in mental health and hospice settings, supporting individuals and families through illness, grief, stress, and major life transitions. For the past 15 years, she has served as a community educator and content specialist with University of Tennessee Extension, developing and delivering accessible, evidence-based education. Her combined experience has shaped her understanding of how access to resources, care, and reliable health information can strengthen individual and family stability and well-being. As a Family & Consumer Sciences Specialist with University of Tennessee Extension, Tesha focuses on community health education, including vaccine education, childhood lead poisoning prevention, and mental health. She is committed to making health information accessible and helping individuals, families, and communities build healthier, more resilient lives.