Alpha e-News Update

December 2013

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

HHS Delays Online Enrollment for FF-SHOP Exchanges

   

On Nov. 27, 2013, HHS announced that online enrollment in the FF-SHOP Exchanges would not be available until November 2014. Employers that wish to enroll their employees in SHOP coverage for 2014 will do so through "direct enrollment" with an agent, broker or insurer offering a certified SHOP plan. View Article

The Affordable Care Act

Addressing the unique health needs of women   

 

The health care law makes it easier for women to access and pay for health care, helping them and their families stay healthy. Read more

IRS Clarifies Transition Relief for  Cafeteria Plan Elections

 

Relief is available to employers with a cafeteria plan that have a non-calendar plan year beginning in 2013, regardless of the size of the employer. View Health Care Reform Bulletin

 

Wellness Trends

Five Things You Think are Healthy -That AREN'T   

   

The new year is just around the corner and people are starting to set healthy resolutions. Before you set yours, read here to make sure you're on the right track. 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:

  • De-stress Your Holiday Shopping
  • This Year, Resolve to Follow Through
  • Are You Ready for Jack Frost?
  • Winter Workouts: Skip the Gym But Not the Sweat
  • Pork Stew with Brown Rice

Download Live Well, Work Well - December Issue

HR Best Practices
Large Organizations are Committed to Subsidized Health Coverage   

 

The enactment of the Affordable Care Act has raised questions about how companies are planning to move forward with their subsidized health coverage for their employees. Read here for insight. View Article
Home & Auto

When Your College Student Might Need Renters Insurance 

       

College is expensive From increasing tuition and book fees, to dorm or off-campus rent (not to mention a food and entertainment stipend), sending a College student to college is one of the largest investments a family will make. Not sure if your student needs renters insurance? This should help. View Article
Financial

What to Expect from the New Health Insurance Marketplace

      

According to a recent Wall Street Journal poll, 76% of uninsured Americans don't understand the Affordable Care Act or how it will affect them. View Article

Quick Links 

 
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Financial Learning Center

  

 
Oatmeal Sugar Scrub

 

Here is a recipe your whole body can enjoy! Don't eat this one...

 

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup oats

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 tsp. vitamin E oil

 

Mix all ingredients together well. Spoon into a water tight container and use on face, feet or hands daily if desired. This is excellent for all skin types and is very moisturizing for your winter dry skin.

 

CARRIER NEWS
 carrier partners    
 
MEDICAL MUTUAL - Medical Mutual Unable to Keep Individual Non-Grandfathered, Non-ACA Plans for Another Year; Early Renewal Deadline Extended
 
EXPRESS SCRIPTS -  
Did You Know?

On Oct. 28, HHS released an FAQ about providing relief from individual mandate penalties for individuals who enroll in Exchange coverage at any time during the initial open enrollment period, which ends on March 31.

According to the FAQ, an individual who enrolls in an Exchange plan during the initial open enrollment period will not be subject to a penalty for the months before the coverage takes effect.

This exemption covers individuals who do not qualify for the short gap in coverage exemption based on their enrollment date. Additional detail will be provided in 2014 on how to claim this exemption.
Don't Forget...

Total Compensation Statements 

 

This is the perfect time of year to get total compensation statements ready for your employees in January! Do your employees know the TRUE VALUE of their employement? Show them! This is another advantage of being an Alpha client - these are provided at NO COST TO YOU! Email Steve and he can email you the excel template to get started.compackage

 

Check out all of Alpha's SOLUTIONS, including Employee Communication websites and ERISA Compliance.

 

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