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Alpha e-News Update
January 2012 |
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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 Happy NewYear!
All of us here at The Alpha Group wish you and your employees a prosperous 2012. |
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States get say on essential health benefits
By Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar December 16, 2011
The Obama administration is rolling out a health benefits framework for millions of Americans who will get private insurance through the health care overhaul - and states get to decide the specifics.
It's tricky territory for the feds, who don't want to be labeled "Big Brother" on health care.
The framework proposed Friday allows states to pick from several federally approved options, ranging from packages offered to government employees to an HMO.
Keep reading |
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Ohio Minimum Wage on the Rise
The Federal minimum wage requirement remains steady for 2012 at $7.25 per hour. However, some employees in Ohio will be getting a big bump in pay thanks to a Constitutional Amendment passed in November 2006 that ties Ohio's minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). With the CPI at 4.3%, the minimum wage in Ohio goes up January 1, 2012 from $7.40 to $7.70.
There are some exceptions to the increase. Tipped employees are holding steady at $3.85 per hour plus tips. Tipped employees must receive at more than $30 a month in tips on a regular basis from patrons or others before an employer can apply this rate. Also, employees under the age of 16 or employees working for an employer who grosses less than $283,000 can be paid at a lower hourly rate as long as it is no less than the Federal Minimum Wage.
If you are an Ohio employer, you will need to post the new rate as required by law. Posters that meet both state and federal requirements for 2012 can be purchased on our website www.thealphaga.com at a significant discount, or by simply clicking the icon below.
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From the Alpha Wellness Team
Healthy Resolutions for the Whole Year!
As the first few months of the New Year slip away, do you find your resolutions slipping away as well? Resolutions should be reasonably attainable so that you are setting yourself up for success rather than disappointment. Try focusing on small intermediate goals that will ultimately lead you to your primary goal. Do not expect to be perfect. Aim for a healthy lifestyle that you feel comfortable sticking with.
Take Small Steps
To make that goal more attainable, come up with small goals you know you can meet each day to help keep yourself feeling positive. Small behavior-change plans are easier to stick to than vague resolutions like "I will exercise more," try " I will go for a walk at lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and workout in the gym Mondays and Fridays.
Continue reading..
Download Wellness Issue for employee handout |
States to weigh in on basic health coverage
By Lewis Krauskopf, EBN, December 19, 2011  U.S. health officials will allow states to select the basic set of medical benefits that must be offered by insurance plans participating in new exchanges mandated by the federal health care overhaul, the government said on Friday. The Department of Health and Human Services announcement relates to the so-called essential health benefits for millions of Americans expected to qualify for coverage sold through state-based insurance exchanges beginning in 2014. Keep reading... |
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Ham & Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs, 4 large egg whites
- 1 cup nonfat milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary
- 5 cups chopped spinach,
- 4 cups whole-grain bread, crusts removed if desired, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1/2 pound, 4-6 slices)
- 1 cup diced ham steak (5 ounces)
- 1/2 cup chopped jarred roasted red peppers
- 3/4 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Directions:
- Pre-heat oven to 375°
- Whisk eggs, egg whites, and milk in bowl. Add all remainder ingredients. Cover with foil.
- Transfer to baking dish. Bake until custard is set 40-45 mins. Uncover and sprinkle with cheese.
- Continue baking until puffed and golden on top, 15-20 more mins. Let cool before serving.
Download recipe |
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New Years Eve
Safe Driving Tips |
If you are hosting a New Year's Eve party, following a few simple rules could prevent a tragedy:
- Plan ahead by naming a "designated driver." Make this your responsibility as the host.
- Contact a local cab company to provide rides for your guests.
- Serve non-alcoholic beverages as an option to your guests.
- Stop serving alcohol to your guests several hours before the party ends.
- Provide your guests with a place to stay overnight in your home.
If you are attending New Year's Eve parties and celebrations:
keep reading
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Alpha Benefits, Inc. / Alpha Financial Services, Inc. / Alpha Property & Casualty, Inc. / AlphaHR, LLC.
Your partner for stability, security & growth. |
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