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Alpha e-News Update
October 2014
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Know Your Benefits
Updating Your Beneficiary Designations
This Know Your Benefits article outlines the importance of updating your beneficiaries and points out when you should review your beneficiary designations. View Article
Download our KNOW YOUR BENEFITS handouts for employee distribution or include the link on your benefits webiste.
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Qualifying Event Checklist
 This form allows employees to easily show eligibility for health plan changes outside of the standard open enrollment period by identifying the specific qualifying event necessary to trigger a special enrollment period. It should be customized to fit your plan offerings prior to use. Qualifying Event Checklist
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 Allergies: Seasonal Relief
This wellness flyer provides quick tips for avoiding allergy flare-ups during the winter, spring, summer and fall. Distribute to your employees, or post in common areas. Also, print or hang these Autumn Seasonal Allergy payroll stuffers.
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:
- Dental Health for Children
- Halloween Safety
- Back to School Backpacks 101
- Family Fun for Fall
- Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins
Download Live Well, Work Well - October Issue
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HR Brief: Human Resources Tips
This month's HR Brief gives an overview of several HR topics, including tips for improving performance reviews, protecting your organization on social media and a new court ruling affecting how employees are compensated for work-related calls on their personal cellphones. View HR Brief
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Reminder - 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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Why Retirement Plan Fiduciaries Need to be More Engaged
Courtesy of Employee Benefit News
With more confusion swirling in the employer 401(k) market - not to mention an American workforce with staggeringly low retirement confidence - advisers and consultants recommend employers play a bigger role as a fiduciary when considering administration fees and investment education. View Article
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Tax Season Never Ends for the Self-Employed
April 15 is the income tax filing deadline for U.S. taxpayers, but it's not the only date that matters to business owners. Estimated tax payments for a given tax year are typically due in four equal installments: April 15, June 15, and September 15 of the current year, and January 15 of the following year. View Article
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Black Bean Soup
This is a zippy Southwestern-flavored black bean soup. Made with canned beans so it comes together in minutes. If you have leftovers, pack them up in individual serving containers for lunch the next day.
1 T canola oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 T chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
2 15oz cans black beans, rinsed
3 cups water
1/2 cup prepared salsa
1/4 tsp salt
1 T lime juice
4 T reduced-fat sour cream, (optional)
2 T chopped fresh cilanro, (optional)
For the complete recipe, Download here
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Did You Know?
On Aug. 12, California's 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled that companies with employees in California must reimburse those employees for work-related voice calls on their personal cellphones.
The ruling complicates the growing bring your own device (BYOD) movement, which encourages employees to use their own electronic devices to access company resources.
While the affected region is currently limited, employers across the country should monitor any further developments, and may wish to review their cellphone policies in light of the decision.
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Employer Health Benefits 2014 Annual Survey
The annual survey of employer-sponsored health benefits from Kaiser Family Foundation and Health Research & Educational Trust (Kaiser/HRET).
View Survey
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 Save the Date! November Seminar
The ACA Balancing Act: Walking the Tight Rope of Health Care Reform Compliance
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
8:30am - 10:30am
Crown Plaza Hotel, Cleveland South
5300 Rockside Road, Independence, OH
Watch your mail and email for an invitation to our upcoming seminar.
SAVE THE DATE POSTCARD
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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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