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Alpha e-News Update
September 2013
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Another ERISA Compliance Seminar Planned - September 11th
In an effort to ensure every client has an opportunity to attend our ERISA Compliance Seminar, we have scheduled another session! If you were shut out due to space, or missed one of our first 3 sessions, please SAVE THE DATE - September 11th - for our next session. REGISTER NOW - seating is limited.
You can't afford to miss this event!
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| Health Reform Regulations |
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Limits on Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Full Compliance Delayed for Some Health Plans
The ACA's limitation on a plan's out-of-pocket maximum is set to take effect with the 2014 plan year. However, special transition relief has been provided for plans that use more than one service provider to administer benefits.
View Article |
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DOL Issues Model Exchange Notice and Sets Compliance Deadline
As we previously communicated on August 20th, the Department of Labor (DOL) released temporary guidance on the requirement to provide employees with a notice about the Exchanges and the availability of Model Notices to Employees of Coverage Options for employers to use to satisfy ACA's Exchange notice requirement. View Article *Please note that the model notice is telling employees to request of copy of their Summary Plan Document (SPD) from their employer - Are you prepared to distribute the SPD? If not, you are at risk of penalties. Register for our ERISA seminar on September 11th to see if you are at risk.
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Understanding Changes to FSAs
Open enrollment for state-run health-care exchanges as mandated under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is approaching rapidly. Read here for an update on changes to FSAs.
View Article
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The Surprising Truth about Soft Drinks 
It's no surprise that soft drinks aren't good for you, but did you know that even diet colas can have negative effects? Read here for an explanation. View Article |
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LIVE WELL, WORK WELL
Please download and print or email this month's LIVE WELL, WORK WELL Newsletter for your employees! This month's topics include:
- Is a Flu Shot Right For You?
- Do You Know Your Cholesterol Level?
- Fall Fitness
- Back-to-School Savings
- Fall Vegetable Casserole
Download Live Well, Work Well - September Issue |
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5 Steps for Seamless Succession Planning
Succession planning has negative connotations with employees, but it doesn't have to be so hard. Here are some steps to consider.
View Article
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New Research: Employers Changing Benefits Offered
The 2013 Employee Benefits Research Report was recently release. Read here for an overview of the results and how internal and external issues have affected benefits programs within organizations. View Article
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Orchestrating an Exit
Devising a written business succession plan could ultimately benefit the owner, the owner's family, and possibly the employees. View Article
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Barbecue-Stuffed Potatoes
Ingredients
4 (6-ounce) baking potatoes
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 green onions, finely chopped and divided Click to see savings
1 1/3 cups shredded barbecue chicken (such as Lloyd's)
1/2 cup (2 ounces) reduced-fat shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Preparation:
Pierce potatoes with a fork; arrange in a circle on paper towels in microwave oven. Microwave at HIGH 10 minutes or until done, rearranging potatoes after 5 minutes.
While potatoes cook, combine sour cream and 2 tablespoons onions; set aside.
Place chicken in a microwave-safe bowl; cover with plastic wrap (do not allow plastic wrap to touch food). Remove potatoes from microwave; place chicken in microwave. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Slice potatoes lengthwise, cutting to, but not through, other side; fluff with fork. Top each potato evenly with chicken, sour cream mixture, cheese, and remaining onions.
Download recipe
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CARRIER NEWS
ANTHEM - Update: Agreement Reached on Two New Provider Contracts
Agreement reached with Harrison Lake Emergency Physicians and Tree Grove Emergency Physicians.
MEDICAL MUTUAL -
LABOR DAY WEEKEND...
Customer Service, website and other applications will be down. Over the holiday weeekend, MMO will be working on it's database. During this time the customer care center and several websites and applications will not be available.
Rockside Road Surgery Center Goes Non-Contracting
Effective September 3, 2013, Medical Mutual will no longer be contracted with Rockside Road Surgery Center, a surgical provider in Independence, Ohio.
Any services received from this provider on or after September 3, 2013, will be considered out-of-network for our members and may result in higher out-of-pocket costs.
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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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