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Alpha e-News Update
February 2014
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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| Health Reform Regulations |
Proposed Expansion of "Excepted Benefits"
On Dec. 20, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury (the Departments) issued proposed regulations that would expand the definition of excepted benefits. Excepted benefits are health benefits that are exempt from many health care reform requirements and other federal laws. Read Alpha's Legislative Brief The Departments invite comments on these proposed regulations. Comments are due on or before Feb. 22, 2014. |
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Know Your Benefits
Voluntary Benefits: Employee Discount Programs 
Download the below KNOW YOUR BENEFITS guide which will provide some helpful education on Employee Discount Programs. Could your employees benefit from this?
Voluntary Benefits: Employee Discount Programs
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Why Workplace Wellness?
Healthier employees are more productive.
Research shows that workplaces with wellness programs have employees who are more productive at work.
For more reasons, click here to view article, or contact Alpha's Wellness Coordinator, Carla who can discuss your company's individual Workplace Wellness needs.
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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:
- Keep Your Heart Healthy
- Danger: Cellphones Ahead
- One Step at a Time
- Protect Your Health
- Lemon Chicken
Download Live Well, Work Well - February Issue
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AlphaHR
Provides a partnership to support, compliment and supplement your current human resources services
We are committed to helping our clients reduce costs while increasing regulatory compliance. We offer a variety of administration, support and consulting services for every human resource need.
Contact Sean Nehlsen to see how AlphaHR can assimilate with your existing HR department.
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 2013 Paid Time Off Survey Results
Although employers are not legally obligated to provide paid vacation, it has become common business practice to do so. To remain competitive, most employers continue to offer and be createve with one of the most valued and expensive benefits for their employees.
This survey inquired about paid vacation time, sick time, personal days and paid time off. A total of 2,833 respondents completed this survey. View Survey Results
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Should You Wait to Claim Social Security?
Many people file for Social Security as soon as they stop working and/or become eligible for benefits. Full retirement age is 66 for most baby boomers and 67 for those born in 1960 or later, but Americans can claim early worker benefits starting at age 62.
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Peppered Herb-Yogurt Dressing
Ingredients:
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon plain whole-milk yogurt
1 teaspoon coarsely cracked black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon very finely chopped garlic
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup chopped mixed herbs, such as chives, dill and tarragon
Kosher salt
In a bowl, whisk together the yogurt, black peppercorns, garlic and 2 tablespoons of water. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until emulsified. Stir in the herbs and season with salt.
Download Recipe
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Did You Know?
On Dec. 16, the Internal Revenue Service released Notice 2014-1 to provide guidance on employee benefit plan elections for same-sex spouses. The ruling addresses cafeteria plans, FSAs and HSAs.
An employee's same-sex spouse may now receive benefits through a cafeteria plan. Employees may also make mid-year changes to their cafeteria plan elections, based on the new rights under the tax code.
An FSA may reimburse the covered expenses of a same-sex spouse. Same-sex spouses are also subject to limits applicable to married couples under HSAs and dependent care FSAs.
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Alpha is now on FACEBOOK!
LIKE and SHARE Alpha's NEW Facebook page!
Click here or the icon above to LIKE our page and begin receiving our posts today! SHARE with friends to help us grow our audience.
THANK YOU!
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Alpha Benefits, Inc. / Alpha Financial Services, Inc. / Alpha Property & Casualty, Inc. / AlphaHR, LLC.
Stability in an ever-changing environment.
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