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Alpha e-News Update
July 2015
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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U.S. Supreme Court Legalizes Same Sex Marriage Nationwide
On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its much-anticipated decision on same-sex marriage. In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry in the United States, regardless of which state they live in. This Compliance Bulletin summarizes the Supreme Court's decision and also addresses its potential impact on employers. View Article
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Final Rule Updates the SBC Requirement 
The ACA requires group health plans and health insurance issuers to provide a summary of benefits and coverage (SBC) to applicants and enrollees at certain times. On June 16, 2015, final regulations were published on the SBC requirement that amend and update previous final regulations. This Compliance Bulletin provides an overview of the final regulations. View Article
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Health Savings Account (HSA) Contribution Rules
Many employers offer high deductible health plans (HDHPs) to control premium costs and pair this coverage with health savings accounts (HSAs) to help employees with their health care expenses. Due to an HSA's potential tax savings, federal tax law includes strict rules for HSA contributions. This Legislative Brief provides an overview of the contribution rules for HSAs. View Article
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Know Your Benefits
Health Savings Accounts: "What if" Scenarios
This Know Your Benefits article explains health savings accounts (HSAs) and what happens in various scenarios. View ArticleDownload 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 issue includes the effects of E-cigarettes, the benefits of buying food locally, outdoor summer exercises, produce pesticide awareness and a ratatouille recipe.
Download Live Well, Work Well - July Issue |
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Standing and Treadmill Desks
This Live Well, Work Well flyer examines the advantages and disadvantages of standing and treadmill desks. View Article
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HR Brief: Human Resources Tips
This month's HR Brief gives an overview of the U.S. Supreme Court's religious discrimination ruling, the expiration dates for the FMLA certification forms and the DOL's proposed FLSA regulations. View Article.
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FMLA Administration Outsourcing
This article provides an overview of FMLA Administration Outsourcing: What it is, how it works and when to consider it. View Article
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Investing Basics: Embark on Your Wealth-Building Journey
Our magazine-style flipbooks provide helpful information on a variety of financial topics and illustrate key financial concepts. Click the image below to view the flipbook.
For other flipbooks, and financial resources, visit our Financial Learning Center on our website. |
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The ACA's excise tax on high-cost employer health plans (or the "Cadillac tax") is set to take effect in 2018. Under this provision, employer coverage that exceeds certain dollar limits will be subject to a 40-percent excise tax.
Bipartisan support is currently growing for a repeal of the Cadillac tax. Those who are advocating for repeal assert that the tax is no longer needed to help keep health care costs in check. They also argue that it will lead to reduced or eliminated benefits and higher costs for employees.
With repeal far from certain, employers are already planning ahead for 2018 and making adjustments to benefits offerings to avoid the tax penalty.
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This classic dish incorporates seasonal summer vegetables like eggplant and red bell peppers.
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium eggplant, peeled and diced
2 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. dried oregano
3½ cups tomatoes, diced
1 lemon, quartered
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Put a large pot on the stove over medium-low heat, and when it is hot, add the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until golden, about 10 minutes.
Add the eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, basil and oregano and cook covered until the eggplant is very soft-about 40 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and cook uncovered for 20 minutes. Serve right away, garnished with lemon quarters and basil, or cover and refrigerate up to three days.
Yield: 8 servings. Each serving provides 77 calories, 2 g of fat, 0 g of saturated fat, 18 mg of sodium, 3 g of protein and 5 g of fiber.
Download Recipe
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ERISA - A Timeline for Compliance
This educational article gives an overview of the documents that need to be provided for ERISA compliance. View Article
Be prepared! Be Compliant! Alpha can provide guidance in the world of ERISA Compliance Contact Sean Nehlsen to schedule an appointment.
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 Interview Toolkit
Interviewing and hiring a new employee can be a daunting process. As the interviewer or hiring manager, you are responsible for finding and hiring an individual who will be a productive member of the team.
In addition to the responsibility of choosing the right candidate, many hiring managers are stressed by the actual process of chatting with strangers to evaluate their skills and abilities. If you're new to the interviewer's side of the table or have had prior bad experiences, the interview process may seem like a complicated and difficult maze to navigate. This toolkit is designed to guide you step by step through the interview process and help you find the right people for your organization. Download Toolkit
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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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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
Here are the articles from Alpha P&Cs June issue:
Are red cars costlier to insure? Whose responsible if a friend crashes my car? Find out the truth about these insurance myths. >>Click here In the summer months, you may face a blackout from heavy winds, thunderstorms or power system overload. Follow these 18 tips to keep you and your family safe. >>Click here
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Special Enrollment Guidelines for Qualifying Events
After the 2015 Exchange open enrollment period ended on Feb. 15, 2015, CMS provided a number of special enrollment periods (SEPs) for certain individuals. This Health Care Reform Bulletin provides an overview of these new SEPs. View Article
More Information: Please contact The Alpha Group for more information on Exchange enrollment periods and the individual mandate penalty.
Alpha can provide you with a quote, review plan options, calculate subsidy dollars and assist with the enrollment process.
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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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