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Alpha e-News Update
October 2015
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The Alpha Group Agency
4200 Rockside Road, Suite 300
Independence, Ohio 44131
216-520-3300 |
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Final IRS Forms and Instructions Issued for 2015 Section 6055 and 6056 Reporting
On Sept. 17, 2015, the IRS released final 2015 versions of Forms 1094-B, 1095-B, 1094-C and 1095-C, along with related instructions, that employers will use to report under Sections 6055 and 6056. The final instructions include extensions of time to file and a process to obtain an electronic reporting waiver, as well as important clarifications on reporting of HRA coverage. This Health Care Reform Bulletin provides an overview of key clarifications in the final forms and instructions. View Article See SOLUTIONS section below for  information on Alpha's Value-Added DIY1095 Form Generator! DIY1095 Flyer |
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Reinsurance Fees - Examples of Counting Methods
On Aug. 18, 2015, CMS published a bulletin that provides operational guidance and examples for contributing entities on how to calculate their annual enrollment counts for purposes of the reinsurance fees. For the 2015 benefit year, contributing entities are required to submit their annual enrollment count no later than Nov. 16, 2015. This Legislative Brief contains CMS' guidance. View Article |
Benefits Buzz 
This month's Benefits Buzz covers the finalized guidelines for electronic reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 and 6056, student loan repayment assistance benefits and separate Section 6055 reporting requirements for HRAs. View Article
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COBRA Qualifying Events
An employer must offer COBRA coverage when group health plan coverage ends (or would end) due to a qualifying event. COBRA includes a specific list of seven events that can be considered qualifying events if they result in a loss of group health plan coverage. Not all losses of health plan coverage are caused by qualifying events. This Legislative Brief provides an overview of qualifying events under COBRA. View Article
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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 information on wearable fitness trackers, tips for better sleep, the benefits of oatmeal and a healthy oatmeal muffin recipe.
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Workplace Wellness: Designing the Healthy Vending Machine
Learn how to steer employees toward healthier choices when it comes to vending machine snacks. View Article |
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HR Brief: Human Resources Tips
This month's HR Brief gives an overview of how employers can accommodate transgender workers, highlights the importance of proper worker classification and discusses the popularity of telecommuting among workers. View HR Brief
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Do You Need Disability Insurance?
In 2013, 59% of new disability claims were for people 50 and older and it often take more time for them to recover. View Article
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The Alpha Group is a sponsor at the 2015 COSE Small Business Convention - stop by and see us at Booth #34!
Watch video:
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| | 2015 Small Business Convention Video |
Register now!
The 2015 COSE Small Business Convention runs October 21-22, sponsored by The Alpha Group Agency
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As recent college graduates continue to enter the workforce with student loan debt, some employers are beginning to consider providing student loan repayment assistance as an employee benefit to help attract and retain these employees. Employers may choose to add student loan management services, such as matching a portion of employees' student loan payments, to employee benefits packages.
According to a recent survey conducted by lontuition, 49 percent of respondents indicated that they would prefer employer student loan repayment assistance over more traditional employee benefits, such as a 401(k) plan.
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Oatmeal Muffins
These healthy muffins are rich in fiber and make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for fall.
Ingredients:
1 cup low-fat bakery mix
½ cup crushed oat cereal
1½ cups oats
½ cup sugar
2 tsp. cinnamon
1 egg
2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 Tbsp. applesauce
½ cup fat-free milk
Preheat oven to 375 F.
In a large bowl, combine the bakery mix, cereal, oats, sugar and cinnamon.
Stir in the egg, oil, applesauce and milk (batter will be lumpy).
Spoon batter into muffin cups.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the muffins are browned.
Yield: 12 servings. Each serving provides 140 calories, 4 g of fat, 0.5 g of saturated fat, 150 mg of sodium, 3 g of protein and 2 g of fiber.
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The Individual Mandate Employee Video
This Individual Mandate video highlights key information regarding the individual shared responsibility provision and how it affects employees. Individual Open Enrollment starts
November 1, 2015 through January 31, 2016
Individuals can shop the market directly from Alpha's website. We'll show you all the available plans and rates plus link you to provider directories, plan details and calculate potential subsidy. When you decide on your plan, simply click to apply.
Alpha's Individual Account Managers can assist with questions and help you apply. Visit www.thealphaga.com and click INDIVIDUAL EXCHANGE on the bottom center of the page.
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Employee Navigator
Manage and automate HR and benefits enrollment
Automate your HR and benefits enrollment with Employee Navigator.
Employee Navigator is your online solution for employee onboarding, eligibility tracking and enrollment. For Human Resources:  - Improves Communications
- Eligibility tracking for hourly employees
- Streamline benefits shopping experience
- Modernize employee management
For Employees: - Easy access to HR information
- Intuitive benefit enrollment
- on-the-go mobile access
- Paperless on-boarding
- Employee self-service
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Do-It-Yourself 1095 Form Generator
How will you produce the required Forms 1094-C and 1095-C this January? 
Alpha has a solution.
Alpha can provide you access to DIY1095, a web-based, user-friendly tool that helps you manage the forms-generation process. An automated template for HR/Benefits professionals to generate compliant, accurate Forms 1094-C and 1095-C (or 1094-B and 1095-B for small employers).
A value-added benefit free of charge for all Alpha clients.
Reduce errors and use your time to focus on other things. Sign up is easy, just complete and submit this Employer Access Request Form. A Welcome email will tell you what's next! Need to know more?
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Summary Plan Description
Including 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.
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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 September issue:
How does hitting a deer impact your insurance? >>Click here
Animal House: 4 Insurance isses that arise when kids go to college >>Click here
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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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