|
|
|
Alpha e-News Update
April 2012 |
|
|
|
The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
|
|
|
|
Essential Benefit Options
Who: Insured non-grandfathers individual and small group plans, plans offered through Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) Exchanges, and group plans (including self-insured plans) currently allowed to impose "restricted" annual dollar limits in essential health benefits.
When: Beginning January 1, 2014, health plans are required to include coverage for "essential health benefits." On December 16, 2011, the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) issued guidance on defining "essential health benefits."
What: HHS has outlined a flexible process (not the specifics) for states and exchanges to define essential benefits.
View Article
|
|
ADA Amendments Act of 2008 - Broadening the Definition of Disability
 Since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, commonly referred to as the ADAAA, (yes, the word Act is in it twice), it is much easier for an employee to claim and sue for discrimination based on a disability. According to the EEOC: "The ADAAA states that the definition of disability should be interpreted in favor of broad coverage of the individual." The effect of these changes is to make it easier for an individual seeking protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to establish that he or she has a disability within the meaning of the ADA." The amendments to the original ADA shifted the focus and perception from its original intent, to a much wider view. Employers need to understand that the ADA has been amended in a very broad way. Read Article
|
|
From the Alpha Wellness Team
Fit and Fun Health Tips for You and Your Children
Getting fit and staying fit can be a fun process. That's true for individuals, and it's especially true for families. Fitness is an important topic, especially when your daily routine involves a lot of sitting, whether at work, at school, or at home in front of a computer or TV screen. The habits that we learn as children are often the habits we carry into adulthood. As parents, we can help our children build healthy habits and find new, fun ways to motivate ourselves and our children to get active.
Below are some ideas for getting off the couch and having some fun while getting fit:
* Take an active vacation: It's tempting every day to think of your vacation as a time to sit and relax. But isn't that what your body does everyday? Instead, you can plan a trip that includes hiking, biking, skiing, and other activities that the whole family can do together. Keep reading
Download the April Wellness Issue for an employee handout
|
Amping Up Wellness Incentives
 Wellness programs aren't quite ubiquitous these days. However they are getting increasingly common and rigorous every year. Many employers are more interested in measurable markers of health than in participation. (Old world: subsidized Weight Watchers. New world: healthy Body Mass Index or BMI.) Many employers are finding success by offering financial incentives tied to health - in better employee health and lower costs. View Article
|
|
Visit our new site!
www.TheAlphaGA.com had a face lift!
 Please visit our newly redesigned website! We've been working hard to make our website informative and easy-to-use with a classy new look.
|
|
 |  | |
|
Disability Income Insurance for Business Owners
One of your greatest assets is the ability to earn an income. If you were to lose that ability due to a disabling accident or illness, how would you pay your bills, send your kids to college, and save for retirement?
A disability can create substantial economic hardship for individuals and their families. As a business owner, both your personal finances and your business could be at risk.
One way to help protect against the financial loss associated with a disability is to purchase disability income insurance. If you pay the premiums, an individual policy can provide you with a tax-free income stream while you are unable to work.
View Article
|
|
| |  |
|
Blissful Banana Mousse
Ingredients
- 2 T low-fat 1% milk
- 4 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 medium banana, cut in quarters
- 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 8 banana slices (1/4 inch)
Directions
- Place milk, sugar, vanilla and banana in blender.
- Blend for 15 seconds on high until smooth. Pour mixture into a small bowl. Fold in yogurt. Chill.
- Spoon into dessert dishes. Garnish each with 2 banana slices just before serving.
Yield: 4 1/2 cup servings
Nutrition Facts:
Calories: 94
Sat Fat: 1 g
Fat: 1 g
Cholesterol: 4 mg |
|
|
|
|
Alpha Benefits, Inc. / Alpha Financial Services, Inc. / Alpha Property & Casualty, Inc. / AlphaHR, LLC.
Your partner for stability, security & growth. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
