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Alpha e-News Update
March 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 |
Final Regulations Released on the 90-day Waiting Period Limit 
On February 20, 2014 the Department of Labor issued two rules on the 90-day waiting period limit. These regulations generally finalize provisions in proposed regulations issued in March 2013, with minimal changes. Read Health Care Reform Bulletin |
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Know Your Benefits
Sharing Health Information With Family Members and Friends
This KNOW YOUR BENEFITS article explains how HIPAA protects your health information and what can be shared with family and friends. View Article
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Still Smoking? Get the Facts, Get Help and Kick Cigarettes
 With 42 million American adults who smoke, the act remains the single largest cause of preventable disease and death in the U.S. Read here for an updated overview of risks and how to kick the habit. View Article
Alpha's Wellness Coordinator, Carla is available to help customize a Smoking Cessation program that's right for your company. Contact her today!
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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:
- Stay Safe During Spring Weather Hazards
- Combating Allergy Season
- Reboot Your Workout
- Spring Clean Your Finances
- Slow Cooker Beef Stew
Download Live Well, Work Well - March Issue
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How to Boost Employees' Resilience 
Resilient employees work harder during tough times - when they're most needed. Read here for an overview of how to boost employee resilience and how it can benefit your organization. View Article
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Landmark Decision on DOMA: Employers React, Need Clarification
Two-thirds of organizations stated they needed further clarification and guidance on the recent DOMA ruling before they make changes to their employee benefits. Here is an overview of the decision and how it can affect employee benefits. View Article
Sean Nehlsen of AlphaHR is always available to our clients for questions, clarification and general HR help.
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Overcoming Retirement Challenges
The future is always uncertain, and as the saying goes, "Life happens." It would be wise to prepare for the unexpected and react logically rather than emotionally when faced with retirement challenges. Here are some obstacles you might need to overcome. View Article |
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Avocado-Hummus Dip
Ingredients:
2 medium Hass avocados, peeled and chopped
One 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste)
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Assorted crudités, bread and tortilla chips, for serving
In a food processor, puree the avocados with the chickpeas, lemon juice and tahini. Add the 1/2 cup of oil and puree until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the dip to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil and serve with crudités, bread and chips.
Download Recipe
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Did You Know?
On Jan. 15, 2014, a federal district court rejected a challenge to Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies in the case Halbig v. Sebelius. The lawsuit challenged the ability of the federal government to provide tax credits under the ACA to individuals in states that did not establish their own Exchanges (that is, in states with federally facilitated Exchanges, or FFEs).
The court ruled that the subsidies can be provided to individuals in states with FFEs. Therefore, federal subsidies are still available to eligible individuals in all states, although other lawsuits are still pending regarding this issue.
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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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In the office...
Best wishes to BRUCE ROBERTS on his retirement! Bruce has been in the insurance industry since 1972 and a broker with Alpha since 1999. He will be transitioning into retirement this month. We will miss Bruce around the office, and hope that he enjoys his free time with his family.
Welcome to KIM WHITIS, our new Large Group Account Manager. Kim comes to us with many years of experience in the employee benefits industry. She'll be a great addition to our Large Group team.
PAT PLATTEN has been working as a Benefits Advisor/Broker with The Alpha Group for several months now, but has recently moved in and is working closely with the rest of our team and clients. Welcome aboard Pat!
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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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