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Alpha e-News Update
November 2013
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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 Changes to FSA 'Use-or-Lose' Rule
On October 31, 2013, the IRS released Notice 2013-71, relaxing the use-or-lose rule for health FSAs. The relaxed rule allows participants to carry over up to $500 in unused funds into the next year. Please read Alpha's Compliance Bulletin for all the details of this change. View Article
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Individual Exchange
The Alpha Group Health Exchange/Marketplace Enrollment Center can help you "navigate" the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Exchange/Marketplace. Individuals who do not have employer-sponsored healthcare or who have lower incomes may be eligible for coverage and or subsidies through the Federally-Facilitated or State-Partnership Marketplace.
Our certified staff members can assist in reviewing plan designs and rates from several companies, provide information on subsidies and tax credits, and help enroll.
Please click here to get started or contact our enrollment call center at 216-642-3833 or e-mail marketplaceinfo@thealphaga.com and one of our Certified Representatives will contact you to see how they can assist.
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| Health Reform Regulations |
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What You Need to Know About ACA Taxes
It is important for companies and HR professionals to fully understand the tax implications of their healthcare offerings. Read here for an overview for both small and large businesses.
View Article
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 New Guidelines for Individual Mandate
Under the Affordable Care Act all taxpayers and their dependents are required to purchase health insurance. Read here for new guidelines that could affect you. View Article |
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How You Stand and Sit Can Impact Your Success
Your posture could well have a bigger impact on body and mind than previously thought. Read here for details. 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:
- Food Safety Tips for Turkey Time
- Lung Cancer Risk Awareness
- A Good Night's Sleep
- Giving Thanks for Savings
- Cranberry Stuffing
Download Live Well, Work Well - November Issue
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Four Topics Your Employee Handbook Should Cover - But May Not 
Read here for four important topics that might be missing from your employee handbook. View Article
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How to Onboard New Employees So They Will Stay
Successfully onboarding new employees is vital to the continuity and success of a business, and high employee turnover is costly. Read here for tips on how to keep your new hires on track for long-term success. Download White Paper |
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 Unforgettable Birthdays
Beginning at age 59, there are several key birthdays that can affect your tax situation, health-care eligibility, and retirement benefits. View Article
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Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
1 tablespoon canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 15-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
3 cups water
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon lime juice
4 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream, (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, (optional)
Preparation:
Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring, until beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring, 1 minute more. Add beans, water, salsa and salt. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in lime juice.
Transfer half the soup to a blender and puree (use caution when pureeing hot liquids). Stir the puree back into the saucepan. Serve garnished with sour cream and cilantro, if desired.
Download recipe
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CARRIER NEWS
KAISER PERMANENTE IS NOW HEALTHSPAN -
Effective October 1, 2013, Kaiser Permanente Ohio members have been aquired by HealthSpan Partners Read More
ASSURANT- Health Care Reform - What are all thse fees?
A Q&A from Assurant explains some of the fees imposed on employer groups from the ACA.Read more
METLIFE - Useful resources - employee education tools, enrollment Read More
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ERISA Compliance - Be Prepared for an Audit
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.
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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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