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Alpha e-News Update
June 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 |
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Pay or Play - Penalties for Failing to Offer Dependent Coverage
 On May 13, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released FAQs addressing consequences under the employer shared responsibility rules for applicable large employers that offer health insurance coverage to all full-time employees, but do not offer dependent coverage. View Article
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Consequences of Reimbursing Individual Insurance Premiums for Employees
On May 13, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued FAQs addressing the consequences for employers that do not establish a health insurance plan for their employees, but instead reimburse employees for premiums they pay for individual health insurance (either inside or outside of an Exchange). These arrangements are known as employer payment plans. View Article
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 Know Your Benefits
Special Enrollment Periods for the Marketplace
If you don't have health coverage and you are outside the open enrollment period, you may be able to take advantage of a special enrollment period for qualified health plans on the Marketplace. Special enrollment periods are available only if you meet certain requirements. Read here for those requirements. View Article
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 HIPAA Security Risk Assessment Tool
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has developed an interactive Security Risk Assessment Tool (SRA Tool) to assist covered entities in performing and documenting Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) security risk assessments.
Although HHS designed the SRA Tool for health care providers in small- to medium-sized offices, it is a helpful resource for all covered entities and business associates to review their implementation of the HIPAA Security Rule. Read the below Legislative Brief for details.
Legislative Brief -HIPAA Security Risk Assessment Tool
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New COBRA and CHIPRA Model Notices
In May 2014, the Department of Labor (DOL) released new model notices to help employers comply with COBRA and the Children's Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009 (CHIPRA).
For COBRA, the DOL released updated versions of the model general notice and model election notice. The DOL also issued proposed regulations, which would update the existing COBRA notice rules, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to the proposed changes to the model notices.
These updates are intended to reflect that the Affordable Care Act's health insurance Exchanges, or Marketplaces, are now open.
The CHIPRA model notice was also updated to include information on the availability of the Exchanges.
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Workplace Wellness: Offering Healthy Eating Options to Employees
As an employer, you can help your employees make healthy meal and snack choices at the workplace. From healthy vending machine options to more nutritionally sound cafeteria meals, you can do your part to help promote a healthy workplace. 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:
- Simple Steps to Cyber Security
- Firework Safety Month
- Summertime Swimming
- Healthy Grilling
- Grilled Vegetables
Download Live Well, Work Well - June Issue
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Common and Costly Employee Benefits & HR Mistakes 
Mistakes in employee benefits and human resources can be quite costly to employers, in the form of extra benefits, complaints, lawsuits, government-assessed fines and penalties, and attorney fees, to name a few. Don't learn the hard way what these mistakes are. View Article
Sean Nehlsen of AlphaHR is always available to our clients for questions, clarification and general HR help.
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Women Lack Life Insurance
 Despite the growing importance of their financial contributions, women are less likely than men to have life insurance (see chart). And those who do have insurance often have lower coverage amounts - an average of $169,000 for married mothers versus $215,000 for married dads. Considering that life insurance should replace a worker's lost income for as many years as necessary for the family, these averages may be below what many men and women with children could require. View Article
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Grilled Vegetables
It's about that time of year when many people are thinking about firing up the grill. Here's a great grilled vegetable recipe to celebrate summer's approach.
2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch slices
3 corn cobs, cut into 2-inch sections
1 eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch slices
12 green onions, trimmed
Mix oil and garlic in a large bowl. Add vegetables and toss. Place vegetables on broiler pan or grill. Cook 10 minutes, turning twice until vegetables are tender. Place vegetables on platter and serve.
Download Recipe
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2014 ACA Survey Results
Four years after its passage, and months after several of its most significant components went into effect, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) has significantly affected survey respondents across the nation. While uncertainty about the long-term impact of the ACA remains, employers are starting to observe and measure the impact of the law in their workplaces.
Click here to download the survey
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5 Unique Way to Spend FSA Dollars
from EBN.com
With recent changes to the use-it-or-lose-it rule for flexible spending accounts - employers can now offer a carryover of up to $500 in funds or allow a two-and-a-half month grace period at the end of the year - FSAs may become a more appealing savings option for employees. Here's what you need to know about the new rules, along with five lesser-known ways employees can spend their FSA dollars.
View Article
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ERISA Compliance
Make sure your benefit plans pass the test with ERISAEdge
Many employers do not fully understand the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), how it impacts business and employees, and the possible risks it presents.
You may be at risk and not even know it! Failure to comply with ERISA's requirements can mean costly government penalties, even employee lawsuits. Let ERISAEdge take care of all the necessary documents, forms, and record keeping for you.
ERISAEdge Delivers Compliance
- Maintains all required records for the mandated amount of time
- Provides instruction regarding required on-site record keeping
- Provides access to experienced employee benefits professionals
- Completes any required Form 5500 returns accurately and on time
ERISA Checklist
Contact your Alpha Broker or Linda Vinyard with questions and to recieve an application.
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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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