Alpha e-News Update

October 2013

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

ERISA Compliance - Be Prepared for an Audit 

seminar 7-2013

ERISA Compliance is not going away! More companies are being audited & penalized everyday.  We don't want this to happen to any of our clients.  Alpha has partnered with TASC ERISAedge to ensure your compliance.  We have offered several seminars and also a webinar to see the presentation.  If you have not attended a seminar or webinar, please review the information provided below.  
 

ERISA Webinar Schedule - Click here to register for an upcoming ERISA webinar.
 

ERISA PowerPoint Presentation

 

How to complete the application - please read this prior to completing the application.

 

Application - to complete and return to Alpha.

 

Pricing information - Alpha will pay for the one time set-up fee for Alpha clients and if you return the application to Alpha.  Applications returned directly to TASC will be responsible for paying the one time set-up fee.

  

Contact Linda Vinyard with questions.  

Health Reform Regulations

Essential Health Benefits That Must Be Covered in 2014

      

Provisions under PPACA mandate that nongrandfatherd health insurance and Medicaid state plans must offer at least 10 categories of care. Read here for an overview.  View Article
  

The Affordable Care Act:

A 7 Minute Video Overview

 The YouToons Get Ready for Obamacare

Here is a video from Kaiser Family Foundation that sums up the ACA in an easy to understand video.
Watch now

New Guidelines for Employer Exchange Tax Credit

   

Small businesses with fewer than 25 employees should stay informed on employer potential tax credits that will be available starting in 2014. Read here for an outline. View Article
Wellness Trends

No More Excuses for Skipping the Dentist!   

   

Regular dental visits do more than prevent cavities. Did you know that they can also help detect osteoporosis and diabetes?

View Article

LIVE WELL, WORK WELL 

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:

  • The Perfect Lunch for You and Your Kids
  • Breast Cancer Prevention
  • How to Find Your Perfect Gym
  • Halloween Savings
  • Chicken Vegetable Soup with Kale

Download Live Well, Work Well - October Issue

Employee Benefits

IRS Procedures to Correct Overpayments on Taxes for Same-sex Spouse Benefits

 

On Sept. 23, 2013, the IRS issued Notice 2013-61 to describe special procedures that employers may use to correct overpayments of employment taxes on same-sex spouse benefits for 2013 and prior years. This Compliance Bulletin provides an overview of the IRS's special procedures.  View Compliance Bulletin

HR Best Practices

Meet Sean Nehlsen, AlphaHR

    

Please help us welcome Sean Nehlsen to our HR department!  Sean is responsible for providing HR support and consultant services to our clients.  Sean comes with much experience in the Human Resouces field.  Feel free to contact Sean with any HR question or concern, or to find out more about how Sean can help support your team.  Read Sean's Biography 

disability insurance What Workers Need to Know About Disability Insurance   

 

Many employees are confused about disability insurance. Click here to read a quick guide on the different types of coverage and which variables to consider when choosing one.  View Article
Majority of Employers Proactively Prepare for Affordable Care Act   

 

Whether companies are prepared or not, implementation of the Affordable Care Act is rapidly approaching. Read here for an overview of how companies are preparing. View Article

 

Financial

retirement How a Pension Could Affect Social Security Benefits

       

The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset could reduce Social Security spousal or survivor benefits in certain situations. View Article 

 

Quick Links 

 
e-News Update Archives

Alpha News Page

 

Compliance Solutions

 

Financial Learning Center

  

Spiced Chicken with Couscous Salad
 

Ingredients

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

 

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)

 

1 teaspoon paprika

 

2 teaspoons ground cumin

 

kosher salt and black pepper

 

3/4 cup couscous

 

 3/4 pound cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered

 

1/4 pound snap peas, thinly sliced crosswise (about 1 cup)

 

1/2 cup torn fresh basil

 

1/2 teaspoon grated lemon zest plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice  

 

Preparation:

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with the paprika, cumin, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

 

Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board.

 

Meanwhile, place the couscous in a large bowl. Add 1 cup hot tap water, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

 

Add the tomatoes, snap peas, basil, lemon zest and juice, remaining oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to couscous. Toss to combine.

 

Slice the chicken and serve with the couscous.

 

Download recipe

CARRIER NEWS
 carrier partners    
 
MEDICAL MUTUAL -
2013 Women's Health and Cancer Rights Mailing to Group Officials Read More 
 
Prilosec OTC Now Offered at Discount Drug Mart  Read more
 
UNITED HEALTHCAREOct. 1 Deadline Reminder:  Employers who are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act are required to provide a coverage options notice to employees by Oct. 1
Read more

 

Did You Know? 
 

 KNOW YOUR BENEFITS

 

Health Insurance Marketplaces:

 

Health Insurance Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges) are new organizations that will be set up to create alternative markets for buying health insurance.

 

They will offer a choice of different health plans, certify plans that participate and provide information to help consumers understand their coverage options.

 

Click here for an overview presentation on Insurance Marketplaces 

 

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