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Alpha e-News Update
September 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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Draft Instructions for Employer Reporting of Health Coverage Released
On Aug. 28, 2014, the IRS released draft instructions for forms (Forms 6055 & 6056) that employers will use to report information about the health plan coverage they offer (or do not offer) to employees. View Article
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 Know Your Benefits
Wise Use of Medications
Whether or not to take a medication is a health decision in which you need to take part. Approach your decision to take a medicine as you would any other health care decision - with good questions, thought and consideration.View Article
Download our KNOW YOUR BENEFITS handouts for employee distribution or include the link on your benefits webiste.
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The Flu: Facts and Posters for Your Employees
Though influenza can appear at any time, the typical flu season in the United States is during winter, with peak flu activity between November and March. Every year, anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. Around 200,000 people are hospitalized due to its complications, and another 36,000 die from it. Yet some myths still remain about its origination and transmission. It  is important to be correctly informed about the disease in order to remain healthy during the flu season.
Below are two flu posters and also a Prevention Newsletter which gives facts about the flu that you can print and hang or distribute to your employees.
Carla Ivka, Alpha's Wellness Coordinator, is here to assist you every step of the way with your company's Wellness Program. From finding the right match, and meeting with & motivating your employees to results tracking & rewards, Carla offers the support you need to be successful. Contact Carla today to get started.
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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:
- Camping Fun and Safety
- Healthy Aging Month
- Low-impact Exercise
- Traditional vs. Roth Retirment Plans
- Arroz con Pollo (Rice With Chicken)
Download Live Well, Work Well - September Issue
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Medicare Part D: Creditable Coverage Disclosure Notices Due by October 14
The Disclosure to CMS Form must be submitted to CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services) both on an annual basis, or when any change affects the credibility status of your drug coverage.
You must complete the Disclosure to CMS Form within 60 days after the beginning date of the plan year. If the credibility status of your drug plan changes or prescription drug coverage is terminated, then you must complete the Dislcosure to CMS Form within 30 days after that event.
The completion of the Disclosure Notice has to be done online at the CMS Creditable Coverage web page.
Click here to read Alpha's Legislative Brief for more details, and download model notices.
If you would like assistance with this, or have any questions, please contact Sean Nehlsen, our HR Department Manager at 216-520-1300 x 171 or SNehlsen@thealphaga.com.
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Do You Still Need Life Insurance?
Older people generally have a better understanding of life insurance than younger people. But even if you fully understand the costs and potential benefits of life insurance, you may wonder whether you still need it as you age and your children become self-supporting. Here are some ideas to consider. View Article
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Cranberry-Pumpkin Seed Energy Bars
These honey-flavored cereal bars with puffed rice and toasted oats make a great substitute for store-bought energy bars. They can be made with almost any mix of nuts and dried fruit.
1 cup pecans, crushed
1 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup flaxseeds
2/3 cup muscovado or dark brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups puffed rice cereal
1/2 cup dried cranberries
For the complete recipe, Download here.
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Did You Know?
On July 22, 2014, two federal courts issued conflicting rulings regarding Exchange subsidies: the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the availability of health insurance subsidies in states with federal Exchanges, while the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld their availability in all states, including those with federal Exchanges.
For now, subsidies will continue to remain available on all Exchanges for eligible individuals.
The Obama administration is seeking further review, and the entire 11-person D.C. Circuit will likely review whether subsidies can be offered in states with federal Exchanges.
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2015 Compliance Checklist
This Legislative Brief provides a health care reform compliance checklist for 2015. Please contact The Alpha Group for assistance or if you have questions about changes that were required in previous years.
2015 Compliance Checklist
2014 Compliance Checklist
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 Summary Plan Description Requirements
AlphaHR has invested in the software and personnel to now provide SPD service to our clients at a significantly reduced rate.
Last year when the full impact of the Summary Plan Description (SPD) requirements came to light due the federal ACA requirements, you wisely chose to have an SPD prepared and distributed to your employees. At that time, there were few options available in the marketplace. TASC's ERISA edge product was well done and was a good choice for our clients.
AlphaHR has invested in the software and personnel to now provide this service to our clients at a significantly reduced rate. TASC has done a nice job in preparing and updating documents for our clients, there are however, more cost effective alternatives to the TASC offering.
We have also simplified the process for our clients; the annual fee is all inclusive. AlphaHR's annual fee includes the SPD document itself, plus all required health care reform notices, SMM's and updated SPD's when required. Of course, our SPD package will come with the same agency high level of service and support that you have become accustomed to.
We have attached a flyer for your review and consideration, and also a helpful DOL Audit Guide that has all the information you need to determine whether you are in compliance and how to make any necessary fixes. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.
Sean Nehlsen of AlphaHR and his team are available to help with the creation of SPD's and total ERISA Compliance. AlphaHR is also available to our clients for questions, clarification and general HR help.
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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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