Alpha e-News Update

September 2012

    

The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300

It's Time for

Medicare Part D Notifications

 

The Medicare Part D enrollment period begins October 15th.  Employers need to provide the required Creditable Coverage forms by October 15th  to individuals, employees and/or dependents on their health insurance plan, who are eligible for Medicare coverage.  Model notices are available at www.cms.gov

A fact sheet is attached for your convenience, or contact AlphaHR for more information.

Continue to Use Form I-9

 

The current Form I-9 has an expiration date of 8/31/12 printed on the form.  The IRS has sent out an advisory that until further notice, I-9 employers should continue using the Form I-9 currently   available on the forms section of http://www.uscis.gov. This form should continue to be used even after the OMB control number expiration date of August 31, 2012 has passed. USCIS will provide updated information about the new version of the Form I-9 as it becomes available.

 

Employers must complete Form I-9 for all newly-hired employees to verify their identity and authorization to work in the United States.

Health Reform Regulations

2012 PPACA W-2 Reporting Requirements 

 

If you are an employer who provides "applicable employer-sponsored coverage" under a group health plan, you may be subject to new reporting requirements after 2012. Read more for details.

View Article

Protecting the Privacy of Your Employees

 

confidential file As your wellness and healthcare plans become more aggressive and ask more of your employees, your employees will become more alert about who has their health information. Give them peace of mind by letting them know about the laws that protect them. 

View Article

Wellness Trends

The Health Benefits of Owning a Pet

 

dog with familyResearchers have found surprising ways pets can help promote physical and mental health, from lowering blood pressure to increasing exercise. Learn the latest on how companion animals can help their humans -- and even sometimes save their lives. 

View Article

Wellness Program Trend: Brain Training

Wellness programs today aren't limited to encouraging exercise and healthy eating. Brain training can help employees become more engaged and increase productivity. Read how it works here.
Common Exercise Misconceptions

exerciseAs we age, we have to change the way we work out. Here are some common exercise misconceptions to pay special attention to.
HR Best Practices
Using Technology for Successful Mentor Matches 

 

The process of mentoring has been around for centuries, but advances in technology have made the process easier than ever for HR professionals. Read here for details.
View Article
Social Media Gives Wellness Programs That Extra Lift 
 
social mediaWellness programs are increasingly relying on Facebook-like social networks to get their employees active. What are these networks and how do they work?
View Article
Financial
Understanding Your Social Security Options 

 medicare

About half of all retirees file for Social Security benefits when they  first become eligible at age 62, but those who do may be missing out on the potential for higher benefits. This article presents strategies for increasing monthly and lifetime Social Security benefits based on various situations.
View Article

Quick Links 

  


 

Zesty Tomato Soup 

 
tomato soup
  
 

Serving Size: 1 cup 

Yield: 4 servings 

 

Ingredients:  

1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt added diced tomatoes

1 cup roasted red peppers, drained

1 cup evaporated milk, fat-free

1 teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

2 tablespoons fresh basil, rinsed and chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried)

 

 

Preparation: 

1. Combine tomatoes and red peppers in a blender or food processor.

Puree until smooth.

2. Put tomato mixture in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat.

3. Add evaporated milk, garlic powder, and pepper. Return to a boil, reduce heat to low, and gently simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Add basil and serve.

 

Nutrient Totals

Per Serving:

Calories 94

Total Fat 0 g

Saturated Fat 0 g

Sodium 231 mg

Protein 5 g

 

Download Recipe

We want your
 feedback
feedback

Did you try last month's recipe?

Do you have a quick, healthy recipe you'd like to share?

We'd love to hear from you!
 
AUGUST Survey Results: 
online survey 
How do you communicate benefits to potential new hires?
 
Email:  60%
Online Portal:  Less than 1%
Mail: 20%
All or none of the above: 20%
 
Survey

Please take a moment to answer our ONE QUESTION Survey!

 

Are you prepared to meet the PPACA requirements for the Summary of Benefits and Coverage on 9/23/12? 

 
Take our survey II     

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