Alpha e-News Update

January 2014

   

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

Mental Health Parity and Addition Equity Act Final Regulations

   

Read here to make sure you're up to date on the Mental Health Parity and Addition Equity Act Final Regulations, who it affects, and when changes are applicable. View Article
Employee Benefits

Know Your Benefits
Dental Insurance: What You Need to Know

Vision Insurance: What You Need to Know   

   

Download the attached KNOW YOUR BENEFITS guides for your employees.  These handouts can provide some helpful education on Dental and Vision Insurance.

 

Dental Insurance: What You Need to Know

Vision Insurance: What You Need to Know

 

DOL Audit Guide: Employee Benefit Plans 

   

The Department of Labor (DOL) has broad authority to investigate or audit an employee benefit plan's compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). Audits are performed by the DOL's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). To perform these audits, EBSA employs over 400 investigators working out of field offices, many of whom are lawyers or CPAs or have advanced degrees in business and finance.

Wellness Trends

2013 Wellness Benefits Survey Results   

   

The results of this year's Wellness Benefits Survey will help you get a feel for how employers across the country are using wellness programs, and what they are experiencing as a result. View Article

 

How to Maximize Participation in Your Company's Wellness Program
 

 

Wellness programs can be a boon for companies that want to provide extra benefits for their employees while potentially lowering health care costs. How can a company maximize participation to get the most out of their program? Read here for tips. 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:

  • Winterize Your Skin
  • Get Screened for Cervical Cancer
  • Health Benefits of Yoga
  • Groceries on a Budget
  • Savory Squash Soup

Download Live Well, Work Well - January Issue

HR Best Practices
5 Problems with Open-Concept Offices

 

In an open office, a layout that has become increasingly common around the world, employee workspaces are laid out in large rooms where people can see and hear their colleagues. Read here for five problems that this layout could cause. View Article                                             
Financial

What Can We Expect in 2014? 

      

While economic forecasts for 2014 are encouraging, there are factors to watch in the months ahead. View Article

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Express Shrimp & Sausage Jambalaya

 

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon canola oil

 

8 ounces andouille sausage, (see Ingredient note) or low-fat kielbasa, cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices

 

1 16-ounce bag frozen bell pepper and onion mix

 

1 14-ounce can reduced-sodium chicken broth

   

2 cups instant brown rice

 

8 ounces raw shrimp, (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined

Preparation:

Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sausage and pepper-onion mix; cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Add broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Add rice, stir once, cover and cook for 5 minutes. Add shrimp and stir to incorporate. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through, 5 to 6 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

 

Download Recipe

 

 

Did You Know?

THE PROS AND CONS OF CUTTING EMPLOYED SPOUSES FROM YOUR COMPANY'S HEALTH CARE PLAN

If you're considering cutting employee spouses from your organization's health care plan, you're not alone. Before acting, read here for a list of pros and cons.
  

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