Two quick pointers on the ADA's interactive process. 

First, it's not a one-time event.  Employers should continue the process as often as an employee's situation changes, especially where a change may lead to discharge.

Second, document every step of the process as it occurs.  Real-time documents are powerful eveidence that the company did the right thing under the ADA.

September 18, 2014 

   

Indiana Wesleyan University

The Marathon is Over!

by Bruce Daeger

After months of books and tests and books and tests you took the exam.  There is nothing like the feeling you have when you read the word "Pass" on the screen. 

It's an exhausting process - but all in all you know it was worthwhile.  You've learned so much and learning is never wasted.  Be proud and join other colleagues who also successfully completed their exam.  You'll make your profession stronger as we take our certification requirements seriously. 

Newly Certified Members

*  Angela Stajkowski, SPHR

*  Kevin J. Kennelly, SPHR

*  Linda Gerber, SPHR

New SHRM certification updates will be presented at the July and September meeting.

Story by Amanda Conte 

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has awarded a Superior Merit Award designation to the Indiana University South Bend (IUSB) SHRM student chapter for providing exceptional growth and development opportunities to its student chapter members.

 

The SHRM student chapter merit award program exists to encourage development of more effective student chapters and to promote outstanding activities and projects by student chapters.

The IUSB Society for Human Resource Management student chapter is quickly becoming a visible, active student organization. They hold meetings twice a month where they conduct career management activities, host guest speakers, raise funds, and provide knowledge-sharing opportunities, which compliment what their student members are learning in the classroom.

This past Spring semester, they hosted Meagan Thornburg (IUSB Career Services), Tom Searcy (Through Eagles Eyes, Inc.), Steve Eller (Beacon Health System), and Lisa Kindred (Indiana Tech).

A number of club members also had the great pleasure of attending the 2014 Regional SHRM Conference due to very successful fundraising in the Fall semester. Furthermore, with these funds, the IUSB Society for Human Resource Management was able to donate a portion of their profits to the local Michiana SHRM and contribute to the national SHRM Foundation.
 

For more information and to RSVP for our upcoming events, visit us on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/iusb.shrm/

or visit www.iusbshrm.com.

http://goo.gl/ItWSOM 

Executive Leadership Forum

Sponsored by Faegre Bakers & Daniels

 

October 16, 2014

http://goo.gl/OOKmJN  

Annual Michiana SHRM Conference

Unleash your HR Superhero

 

Keynote Speaker:

 
Andy Masters

 International Speaker and award winning author of Things LEADERS Say

 

Sponsored by Gibson Insurance

and Specialized Staffing Solutions.

 

Door Prizes including Grand Prize:

Silver Hawks Game Package:

40-Seat Suite & All You Can Eat  

  

By David Seymour

Social Security Public Affairs Specialist

 

It's a common term, but do you know all the different parts? As HR professionals, you may be asked by your employees. Giving them proper information can save them time and money!  Here are some of the basics:

 

Medicare is health insurance for people receiving Social Security who are age 65 or older or those who have received Social Security disability benefits for more than two years. Some people are covered only by one of the four parts of Medicare; others opt to pay extra for more coverage. 

The four parts of Medicare are parts A, B, C, and D.

Part A (Hospital Insurance) helps cover inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing care, hospice care, and home health care. Most people get Medicare Part A premium-free since it was earned by working and paying Social Security taxes.

Part B (Medical Insurance) helps cover services from doctors and other outpatient health care providers, outpatient care, home health care, durable medical equipment, and some preventive services. Most people pay a premium for Part B.

Part C (Medicare Advantage) allows you to choose to receive all of your health care services through a provider organization. These plans include all benefits and services covered under Part A and Part B, usually includes Medicare prescription drug coverage as part of the plan, and may include extra benefits and services for an extra cost. You must have Part A and Part B to enroll in Part C. Monthly premiums vary depending on your state, private insurer, and whether you select a health maintenance organization or a preferred provider organization. 

Part D (Medicare prescription drug coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Many people pay a premium for Part D. However, people with low income and resources may qualify for extra help from Social Security to pay the premium and deductible. To see the qualifications, visit www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp. 

Premiums

As stated earlier, most people won't pay a premium for Part A.  For Part B, most people will pay a monthly premium of $104.90, the same as it was in 2013.  Some high-income individuals; however, will pay more than the standard premium. Your Medicare Part B premium also can be higher if you do not enroll when you are first eligible, also known as your initial enrollment period. There is also a $147 deductible for Medicare Part B coverage. Premiums for Part C and D vary.

Delaying Part B

You can delay enrollment and sign up for Medicare Part B at a later time without paying higher premiums under the following conditions:

• In any month you are covered under a group health plan based on your own current employment or the current employment of any family member; or
• Within eight months after your employment or group health plan coverage ends, whichever comes first.
• If you are disabled and working (or you have coverage from a working family member), the same rules apply. 

Medicare & Affordable Care Act

It's important to note that people who have Medicare coverage are not affected by the Affordable Care Act. Medicare is not a part of the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, your Medicare benefits are not changing. You do not need to replace your Medicare coverage with Marketplace coverage. For more information about the Marketplace, visit www.healthcare.gov .