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Alpha e-News Update
April 2015
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Identifying Full-Time Employees: The Monthly Measurement Method 
On Feb. 12, 2014, the IRS published final regulations on the ACA's employer shared responsibility rules, which include measurement methods for employers to use to identify full-time employees. Under the ACA, applicable large employers may be subject to a penalty if they do not offer health coverage to their full-time employees. This Legislative Brief provides an overview of the monthly measurement method for identifying full-time employees.
View Article
Here is a publication issued by the IRS on March 10, 2015 to help employers determine whether they are considered applicable large employer under the ACA's employer shared responsibility provision. Affordable Care Act - Are You an Applicable Large Employer?
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ERISA Compliance FAQs: Fiduciary Responsibilities
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for employee benefit plans maintained by private-sector employers. ERISA includes standards of conduct for those who manage an employee benefit plan and its assets, who are called "fiduciaries." This Legislative Brief includes a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help employers understand the basic fiduciary responsibilities applicable to group health plans under ERISA. View Article
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Know Your Benefits
Why Your Eligibility for Employer Health Coverage Can Change
This Know Your Benefits article explains how full-time employment status for health insurance eligibility is determined under the Affordable Care Act for variable-hour employees. View Article
Download our KNOW YOUR BENEFITS handouts for employee distribution or include the link on your benefits website
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Live Well, Work Well
Please download & print or email this month's LIVE WELL, WORK WELL Newsletter for your employees! This month's Live Well, Work Well newsletter covers new cholesterol guidelines, training tips for a 5K, Google's new medical information, identity theft prevention and a recipe for baked cabbage.
Download Live Well, Work Well - April Issue
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HR Brief: Human Resources Tips
This month's HR Brief highlights employee handbook reviews, benefits surveys, and a DOL ruling on same-sex marriage and the FMLA. View Article
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Bringing Up Baby
Watch the below video which gives an idea of the cost to raise a child from cradle to college. 
To learn more about saving for college or other financial planning, Geoff Novack can offer suggestions and answer your questions.
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Beginning in 2018, the ACA Cadillac tax will place a 40-percent excise tax on high-cost group health coverage. On Feb 23, 2015, the IRS released Notice 2015-16 to describe potential approaches for various elements of the tax rules. These approaches may be incorporated into regulations but are subject to change. The IRS invites public comments on the potential approaches for the Cadillac tax. Comments should be submitted by May 15, 2015, and should reference Notice 2015-16. You can email your comments to Notice.comments@irscousel.treas.gov
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Apple Crumb Coffee Cakes
courtesy of foodandwine.com
Here is a yummy recipe you can make and take to your next meeting! Put your own spin on it and add anything from blueberries to chocolate chips.
STREUSEL
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
CRUMB CAKES
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon salt1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda1/2 teaspoon cinnamon1 stick cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces3/4 cup sour cream1 large egg, beaten1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and finely diced
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Summary Plan Description
Now includes Premium Conversion Plan 
AlphaHR can help you stay in compliance with the required plan documentation for your benefit plans. Alpha clients are eligible for a discounted annual rate and the set-up fee is waived. Annual rate includes:
- Separate Plan Document and Summary Plan Description (wrap document)
- ERISA and Affordable Care Act Notices at no extra charge
- Summary of Material Modification
- Instructions on how to distribute information to employees
- Email alerts regarding changes to ERISA or IRS requirements that could impact Wrap SPD and Plan Document compliance
- Premium Conversion Plan <NEW!
- Learn more
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 help.
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2015 Labor Law Posters Now Available
AlphaHR in conjunction with The OSHA Compliance Store offers Alpha customers the opportunity to get compliant for less. The OSHA Compliance Store specializes in providing industry specific compliance products to businesses. Click here or icon below to shop.
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HHS Issues Final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2016
On Feb. 27, 2015, HHS published its final Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters for 2016. Among other topics, this final rule addresses the ACA's reinsurance program, the Exchange's open enrollment period for 2016 and beyond, and the annual limit on cost-sharing. This Health Care Reform Compliance Bulletin provides an overview of the final rule. View Article
Alpha can provide you with a quote, review plan options, calculate subsidy dollars and assist with the enrollment process.
Request a Quote
Shop for Rates/Plans on my own
More information on Individual Insurance
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Alpha Property & Casualty
Alpha Property & Casualty's main office is located in Westlake Ohio, with agents available at both the Westlake and Independence locations. Alpha P&C offers solutions for Business Insurance as well as personal lines. Get a quote
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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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