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Alpha e-News Update
July 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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Final Rule Released on ACA Waiting and Orientation Period
On June 23, 2014 final regulations were released on ACA waiting and orientation periods. The ACA provides that group health insurance coverage may not apply any waiting period that exceeds 90 days. Read here for details on the waiting period limitation, orientation periods and one-month maximum time period. View Article
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Know Your Benefits
Benefits of Health Insurance
 You don't usually plan for medical care; if you or a family member gets sick or hurt, you likely didn't see it coming. Big expenses, such as treatment for a broken leg or a hospitalization for a serious illness, can use up your paychecks in a hurry. Financial Protection is just one reason to obtain health coverage. View Article
Download our KNOW YOUR BENEFITS handouts for employee distribution or include the link on your benefits webiste.
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DOL Proposes Rules to Expand FMLA Protections for Same-sex Spouses
Under the proposed rule, eligible employees in legal same-sex marriages would be able to take FMLA leave to care for their spouse or family member, regardless of where they live. View Article |
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 Summer Safety is as Important as Summer Fun
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but you want to make sure it is also as safe and healthy for you and your family as possible. Unfortunately, the sunny days of summer can be accompanied by serious dangers such as food poisoning, drowning, allergy attacks, heat-related illnesses, sunburns and the stress of traveling.
Summer safety is no laughing matter! 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:
- Planning a Road Trip
- Group B Strep Awareness
- Strength vs. Endurance Training
- Debt Management
- Waldorf Salad
Download Live Well, Work Well - July Issue
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Work Comp Insights
Is Paying Small Work Comp Claims Out of Pocket Ever a Good Idea?
The question at the heart of this debate is whether paying small medical-only claims out of pocket is ever a good idea. The short answer, in most scenarios, is no. Read here for other considerations. View Article
Sean Nehlsen of AlphaHR is always available to our clients for questions, clarification and general HR help.
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Small-Business Borrowing Update
Figures from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation show that the number and value of small-business loans declined by 27% between June 2008 and June 2013. Many small firms found it more difficult to borrow money in the wake of the financial crisis. And even though the credit market has loosened recently, it has yet to fully recover. View Article  |
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Garlicky Grilled Shrimp
Keep your grilled shrimp simple but super-tasty, marinating it quickly in a mix of garlic, onion, white wine and lime juice.
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup minced onion
8 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons dry white wine
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 pound extra-large shrimp, shelled and deveined, tails left on
Kosher salt
Pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
Steamed rice, for serving
Light a grill. In a bowl, mix the 1 tablespoon of oil with the onion, garlic, wine, lime juice and parsley. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and add to the bowl; rub with the marinade and let stand for 15 minutes.
Thread the shrimp onto 4 skewers and rub the butter all over the shrimp. Oil the grate. Grill the shrimp over moderate heat, basting with the marinade and turning, until just cooked through, 7 minutes. Serve with steamed rice.
Download Recipe
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Did You Know?
On May 13, 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) released FAQs addressing the dependent coverage requirement of the employer shared responsibility rules.
The IRS stated that an employer may be liable for an employer-shared responsibility penalty only if a full-time employee receives a premium tax credit for Exchange coverage. Whether or not a full-time employee's dependents receive a premium tax credit does not affect an employer's liability.
Transition relief may be available for the 2014 and 2015 plan years for employers that are taking steps to offer dependent coverage.
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 Large Employer Calculator
Brought to you by The Alpha Group
Our Large Employer Calculator is designed to help you determine if your organization is considered an Applicable Large Employer (ALE) for purposes of the employer shared responsibility penalties mandated by the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
This calculator is also designed to help you determine if you qualify for the one-year delay for ALEs that employed, on average, fewer than 100 full-time employees during 2014.
Contact your Alpha Broker for more information.
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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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