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Alpha e-News Update
October 2011 |
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Express Scripts & Walgreens Pharmacy
Express Scripts is currently in contract negotiations with Walgreens as their current contract is scheduled to expire December 31, 2011. These negotiations have not gone smoothly and Walgreens has publicly expressed their intent to leave the Express Scripts network when their contract expires at the end of the year.
Anthem's contract with Walgreen's as a retail clinic provider (Walgreen's Take Care Clinic's) will not be impacted.
We will make sure to keep you updated as we receive further updates on these negotiations. |
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From the Desk of Renee Kral, Alpha Wellness Department
If you haven't heard, Renee is currently on maternity leave.
Congratulations to Renee on her new baby girl! As Renee is enjoying her new duties as mom, I will try to fill her shoes and give you an interesting Wellness article.
Hows this?
Top 10 reasons why your company needs an Employee Wellness Program
The success of any company depends very heavily on the productivity and work performance of its human resources. The ability to function and perform at a high level consistently is greatly aided by Employee Wellness Programs. The introduction of such programs has been successful in that the results are beneficial for both the employee and the company at large. Wellness Programs focus on the physical well being of employees, looking after medical requirements and ensuring personal health is a priority. Programs offer weight loss regimes, smoking cessation programs, stress management and exercise, diet and fitness advice.
Here are the top ten reasons why your company needs an Employee Wellness Program.
#1 Decreased Health Care Costs
Keep reading... |
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2012 Medicare Advantage Premiums Fall and Projected Enrollment Rises
Courtesy of HHS.gov
Open Enrollment is earlier this year - October 15 through December 7
 On average, Medicare Advantage premiums will be 4 percent lower in 2012 than in 2011, and plans project enrollment to increase by 10 percent, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today. Of people with Medicare, 99.7 percent continue to enjoy access to a Medicare Advantage plan, and benefits remain consistent with those offered in 2011. This follows an earlier announcement that average prescription drug plan premiums will remain virtually unchanged in 2012.
"Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare is stronger than ever," said Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. "On average, Medicare Advantage premiums will go down next year and more..
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Survey Shows Job Security, Benefits and Challenges Paramount
Courtesy of EBN
A recent survey shows that both employed and unemployed job seekers look beyond the money, to the benefits.
"What Matters Most: Attracting Talent in the Recovering Economy" was released mid-July by Unum, a company providing financial protection benefits, and conducted by Monster.com. While unemployment still stands at 9.2%, 82% of surveyed employed and unemployed workers felt that being offered financial protection benefits showed their employers cared about their well-being, which was rated over a high base salary or a results-based bonus program.
keep reading...
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Healthy Snacks: Quick tips for parents
Snacks give kids important nutrients and help control hunger between meals.
Healthy snack ideas
"Ants on a log" (celery with peanut butter and raisins)
Fresh or canned fruit (in 100% juice, not syrup) with fat-free or low-fat vanilla yogurt
Whole-grain crackers with fat-free or low-fat cheese
Frozen grapes (rinse and freeze grapes overnight)
Whole-wheat bread or apple slices with peanut butter
Quesadillas (fat-free or low-fat cheese on a whole-wheat tortilla)
Unsalted pretzels or air-popped popcorn
Baked tortilla chips and salsa
Whole-wheat pita bread with hummus
Fat-free or low-fat milk or water instead of sugary fruit drinks and soda
Put fresh fruit in a bowl at eye-level in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. It will be easier for kids to see and grab.
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Recent medical findings show that oral health is a key factor in maintaining overall health.
Watch our video Does Good Dental Hygiene Affect More Than Just Your Teeth? to learn how preventing gum disease can help prevent serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and pneumonia, and how routine dental checkup can identify symptoms of chronic illnesses, such as osteoporosis. |
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The Alpha Group Agency
Alpha Benefits, Inc. / Alpha Financial Services, Inc. / Alpha Property & Casualty, Inc. / AlphaHR, LLC.
Your partner for stability, security & growth. |
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