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Alpha e-News Update
August 2012 |
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Additional Medicare Wage Withholding Required in 2013
New Medicare taxes on high earners, imposed under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), mean big changes in wage withholding, executive compensation and personal financial planning for employees with an income over $200,000.
 For taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2012, employers will be required to withhold additional amounts from the wages of high-earning employees. The Medicare tax rate will increase by .9 percent (from 1.45 percent to 2.35 percent) on wages over $200,000 for single filers, wages over $250,000 for joint filers, and wages over $125,000 for persons who are married but filing separately.
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| Health Reform Regulations |
How Employers Should Handle MLR Rebates
As August 1st approaches, employers that sponsor an insured group health plan may be receiving a Medical Loss Ratio ("MLR") rebate from their insurers. Self-funded medical benefit plans are not subject to these requirements. The rebates raise several fundamental questions for employers including: - How much (if any) of the rebate must be distributed to plan participants
- How quickly must I distribute the participant's share?
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FSA Limits under PPACA
 The healthcare reform law requires that health Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSA's) that are part of a cafeteria plan limit employees' salary reduction contributions. Read here to learn how much they can contribute and who is exempt.
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Wellness is a Strategy Above the Law
There may be changes to healthcare reform, but regardless of what the law says, one thing should remain the same: Your focus on wellness. Read here for communication tips that won't change, even if the law does.
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Trends on Paid Time Off for Special Circumstances
 About quarter of surveyed companies have programs in place to assist employees who have exhausted their vacation time, but need additional paid time off due to personal circumstances. Read here for more on this trend and what the future could hold.
View Article |
Ten Fast Stress-Busters
Chronic stress can cause several physical reactions including lack of sleep and headaches. So what can you do to help rid yourself of stress? Read here for ten stress-buster tips.
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Are Your Employees Ready for Retirement?
 Statistics show that many employees young and old are not saving for retirement. Find out what you can do to help your employees increase their financial literacy and take advantage of your programs.
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Cucumber Yogurt Dip |  |
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Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
2 large cucumbers
2 cups plain yogurt, low-fat ½ cup sour cream, non-fat 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon fresh dill 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 cup cherry tomatoes 1 cup broccoli florets 1 cup baby carrots
Preparation:
1. Peel, seed, and grate one cucumber. Slice other cucumber and set aside.
2. Mix grated cucumber, yogurt, sour cream, lemon juice, dill, and garlic in a serving bowl. Chill for 1 hour.
3. Arrange tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, and carrots on a colorful platter.
4. Serve with dip.
Nutrient Totals
Per Serving:
Calories 100
Total Fat 1.5 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Sodium 120 mg
Protein 6 g
Download Recipe
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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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