Healthy Colors

The 2011 National Nutrition Month® theme is “Eat Right with Color,” which means making sure your plate has a variety of color and nutrients at each meal. The American Dietetic Association offers a color guide:

Red fruits and vegetables are heart-healthy, help immunity and may reduce cancer risks. Try beets, cherries, cranberries, pomegranate, red grapefruit, red potatoes, red grapes, rhubarb, tomatoes and watermelon.

Orange and yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that contribute to vision, immunity and may reduce the risk of some cancers. Great choices include apricot, cantaloupe, carrots, grapefruit, mango, papaya, peach, pineapple, sweet potatoes, yellow corn and yellow peppers.

Green fruits and vegetables have a high antioxidant potential. Try artichoke, asparagus, avocado, apples, broccoli, grapes, green peppers, honeydew, kiwi, lime and spinach.

Blue and purple fruits and vegetables may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits. They may also help with memory, urinary tract health and reduce cancer risks. Great choices include blackberries, blueberries, eggplant, plums, purple cabbage and raisins.

White, brown and tan fruits and vegetables promote heart health and may reduce cancer risks. Try bananas, brown pears, cauliflower, dates, mushrooms, onions, parsnips, turnips, white potatoes, white corn and white peaches.

Choose a variety of colors when shopping for produce. And if you’re looking for fruits or vegetables that are out of season, opt for frozen or dried choices that are available throughout the year. Colorful meals are not only more flavorful, they contain a variety of nutrients that are essential to you and your family’s health.

For more information on National Nutrition Month, visit www.eatright.org.

Poison Prevention

National Poison Prevention Week is March 20-26 – are you informed on how to protect yourself and your family from hazardous substances?

According to the Poison Prevention Week Council, more than 2 million instances of poisoning are reported each year in the United States – and more than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home.

Prevent poisonings by following these tips:

Lock or secure all medications and chemicals. This is the easiest way to keep children away from hazardous substances in your home.

Never leave loose pills out. Even if you’re leaving the room for a few seconds, this can be enough time for children or pets to ingest the pills.

Be mindful when children or pets visit your home. You may not have children or pets of your own, but it’s important to put away any medications or chemicals when you have visitors.  

Never use cups or soft drink bottles for household chemicals or cleaners. Both children and adults could mistake these for actual drinks.

Never refer to medicine as “candy” when administering it to a child. The child may remember this and be tempted to take medicine on his or her own.

Pay attention to tamper-proof and child-resistant packaging. If a product looks like it’s been tampered with, do not risk using it.

Always read the labels and instructions of potentially hazardous products and medications. This is the best way to avoid adverse effects or recognize an adverse effect should the product or medication be ingested.

Never create your own cleaning solutions. A poison control center will not be able to give you proper instructions should anyone ingest the cleaning solution.

Keep children out of the way when using pesticides. Make sure toys are removed from the area before applying, and never leave pesticides unattended while in use.

If you think someone has been poisoned from ingesting medication or a household chemical, call 1-800-222-1222 to be connected to your local Poison Control Center any time, 365 days a year. Post this number by your home telephone or save it in your cell phone in case of an emergency. 

Watch for IRS Tax Return Scams

Protect yourself from online identity theft and other scams that increase during the tax filing season by taking the following precautions. Tax return scams have been known to impersonate the logo, names and design of the IRS or U.S. Department of Treasury to mislead taxpayers and lure them into providing personal and financial information.

Watch for e-mails that:

• Threaten to add additional taxes or withhold the tax refund should you not respond to the e-mail.
• Request personal or financial information. The IRS does not request such information through e-mail, nor do they send any communication requesting tax account information, PINs, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or financial accounts.

If you receive a suspicious IRS-related e-mail do not reply, do not open any attachments and do not click any links. Forward the e-mail to the IRS at phising@irs.gov. After forwarding the e-mail delete it from your inbox and outbox. 

Turkey Meatloaf

Looking for a low-fat, low-sodium twist to an old favorite?

Try this heart-healthy recipe for turkey meatloaf.

• 1 lb. lean ground turkey
• ½ cup regular dry oats
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup chopped sweet onion
• ¼ cup low-sodium ketchup

Combine all ingredients and mix well. Bake in a loaf pan at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Slice and serve with your favorite side of vegetables. Serves 5.

BenefitsBuzz

Benefitf and HR tips brought to you by the insurance professionals at Benefit Logic, Inc.

Did you Know?

Under health care reform, fully insured group health plans will be subject to federal nondiscrimination rules for the first time, representing a major change for those plans.

Due to ambiguity regarding this provision, the IRS has delayed the application of the new nondiscrimination rules until after regulations are issued. Those regulations will provide a new effective date.

IRS Guidance: Independent Contractors

Knowing the difference between an employee and an independent contractor is essential. The IRS provides seven things business owners should know:

1) The IRS uses three factors to determine the relationship between businesses and workers:

     – Behavioral control – Does business have right to direct how the work is done through training, instructions, etc.?

     – Financial control – Does the business have the right to control the financial and business aspects of the worker’s job?

     – Type of relationship – How do the workers and business owner perceive their relationship?

2) If you have the right to control not only what is to be done, but also how it is done, your workers are likely employees.

3) If you can direct only the result of the work done (not means of accomplishing the result), your workers are probably independent contractors.

4) Employers who misclassify workers as independent contractors can end up with substantial tax bills and face penalties.

5) Workers can avoid higher tax bills and lost benefits if they know their proper status.

6) Both employers and workers can ask the IRS to determine whether the individual is an employee or independent contractor, by filing a Form SS-8.

7) To learn more, visit the IRS website: www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99921,00.html.

Lower Payroll Tax Could Boost 401 (k) Savings

In December 2010, President Obama signed into law a tax bill that included a one-year reduction in workers’ Social Security taxes, from 6.2 percent in 2010 to 4.2 percent in 2011.

Essentially, this increases the take-home pay for American workers, creating an excellent opportunity to promote greater 401(k) or 403(b) savings.

Plan sponsors should consider encouraging employees to increase their plan contributions by the same amount of the tax savings, putting more money into their retirement fund without lowering their normal take-home pay.

Educate employees about this tax benefit and the advantages to contributing more to their retirement fund, even if just for one year. One year of increased saving can make a significant difference, especially for employees decades away from retirement.

Home Dental Care for Kids

Just because children’s primary teeth eventually fall out doesn’t mean that they can go without dental care. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should see a dentist when their first tooth appears and no later than their first birthday. Babies with dental issues due to trauma, disease or a developmental abnormality should see a dentist immediately. And home dental care is just as important.

1. Start building good habits at home as your child’s teeth start to grow in – between the ages of 6 months and 3 years old.
2. Start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they grow in, and for the first 3-4 years or until the child is able to brush alone.
3. Start flossing your child’s teeth as soon as there are two or more teeth touching each other. Assist your child until he or she can floss alone.
4. If your local water supply does not contain sufficient fluoride, your child may need fluoride supplements. Discuss this with your dentist.
5. Do not put a child to bed with a bottle of juice. The sugar and acids can cause tooth decay. Nursing an infant to sleep is fine.

Consult your dentist with any questions you have about your child’s dental care.

Is Your Heart at Risk?

In the United States, someone has a heart attack every 34 seconds according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What better time than February, American Heart Month, to take control of your heart health? Determine if you’re at risk for heart disease. Answer the following questions and tally your points in this heart disease risk quiz:

What is your blood pressure?

• Below 120/80 (+0)
• Between 120/80 and 140/90 (+1)
• Above 140/90 (+3)
• Don’t know (+1)

What is your cholesterol?

• HDL above 50, LDL below 130, triglycerides less than 150 (+0)
• Any of the following: HDL below 50, LDL above 130, triglycerides above 150 (+2)
• Don’t know (+1)

How often do you eat fried foods?

• Once a month (+1)
• Several times a month (+2)
• Never (+0)

Does anyone in your family have heart disease?

• Yes, my mother did before age 65 or my father before age 55 (+2)
• No (+0)
• Don’t know (+1)

On a typical weekend night, you:

• Have one glass of alcohol (+1)
• Have more than one glass of alcohol (+2)
• Don’t drink alcohol (+0)

How many cigarettes have you smoked this week?

• None (+0)
• A few (+3)
• Half a pack or more a day (+8)

How many colors were in your last meal?

• 1 – ex: chicken and rice (+2)
• 2-4 – ex: some vegetables (+1)
• 4 or more – ex: salad and assorted vegetables (+0)

How do you feel after climbing three flights of stairs?

• Fine or even energized (+0)
• Winded (+1)
• I hardly ever climb stairs (+2)

What is your body mass index (BMI)?

• 18.5 – 24.9 (+0)
• 25 – 29.9 (+1)
• 30 ore above (+2)

Results

0-2: You are on the right track to preventing heart disease. Exercise, eating right and not smoking can prevent about 80 percent of heart disease.

3-7: Even a few harmful habits can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Simply knowing your risk factors is important, especially if you need to reduce your cholesterol or blood pressure.

8 or higher: Get to the doctor. Make the commitment to one healthy behavior change, such as quitting smoking or exercising.

Snack Attack

It’s mid-morning at work and you’re already hungry for lunch. There are leftover doughnuts in the conference room and those potato chips in the vending machine are looking more appetizing by the minute. What can you do when you have a snack attack at work? Try to plan ahead. Pack several snacks to take with you to work each day, either in the morning or the night before. But make sure that the snacks aren’t filled with empty calories. Look for healthy snacks that will satisfy your hunger but are low in fat, sugar and salt. Good choices include:

1. An apple with a tablespoon of peanut butter for dipping
2. Trail mix with unsalted nuts
3. Low-fat yogurt with a spoonful of granola or raisins
4. Unsalted popcorn
5. Whole grain crackers and low-fat cheese slices
6. Rice cakes
7. Any vegetable or fruit slices

Not only is packing one of these snacks at home a healthier option than most vending machine choices, it will save you money as well.  

Prescription Savings

It is a common misconception that generic versions of brand-name prescription drugs are inferior. In fact, the FDA requires that generic drugs meet the same standards as their brand-name counterparts. The difference involves the research, development and marketing investment that went into producing the original brand-name drug.

When generic equivalents become available, they have the same active ingredients and chemical purity as the brand-name drugs they imitate. Other ingredients including tablet fillers, coatings, flavors or colors may differ. And because their development costs are significantly less, generic drugs are often much cheaper.

Next time you receive a prescription from your doctor, ask if there is a generic version of the drug available. Many health plans charge a lower copay for generic drugs.

BakedSweet Potato Fires

• 4 large sweet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 teaspoons black pepper

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Scrub potatoes and cut into 1/2-inch strips. Brush potatoes with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over potato slices. Place potatoes on a cookie sheet, cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil, stir potatoes and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15 minutes or until golden brown.

For a flavor twist, try seasoning with garlic salt, cinnamon, or parmesan cheese instead of sea salt and black pepper.

Cervical Cancer Prevention

Cervical cancer is almost 100 percent preventable according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And it’s curable if detected early; in fact, the death rate from cervical cancer has declined significantly over the past few decades with help from preventive screenings.

One of the most important things women can do to reduce the risk of cervical cancer is to receive a regular screening with a Pap test.

When to Get Screened

Women should start having regular Pap tests at age 21, or within three years of first having sex – whichever is first.

In addition to the Pap test, the main test for cervical cancer, an HPV test may be used to screen women who have unclear Pap test results or are 30 years old or older.

It is important to continue to have regular Pap tests even of you are too old to have a child or are no longer sexually active. Discuss your screening schedule with your doctor.

Healthy Lunches, Healthy Kids

Your New Year’s resolution might be to eat healthier at work, but don’t forget about what your child eats for lunch as well. Prepackaged meals and snacks are convenient, but are you paying attention to their nutritional content? Send your child to school with a healthy lunch, or check the school lunch menu to see if a healthy choice is being offered that day.

Sack Lunches

Looking for more variety in what to put in your child’s lunch? Try the following options:

-  Mini boxes of raisins

-  Baby carrots

-  Cheese cubes or sticks

-  Leftovers from dinner

-  Yogurt

-  Celery and peanut butter

-  Pita bread instead of regular sliced bread for a sandwich

-  Hard-boiled eggs

-  Cherry tomatoes

-  Apple slices and peanut butter

-  Bagels (look for whole grain or whole wheat)

- Granola bars (make sure to check the sugar content)

No time to prepare lunches in the morning? Pack them the night before.

And these guidelines do not apply to just your child’s lunch. Use these same principles when making your own lunch for work.

School Lunches

School cafeterias are getting progressively healthier with help from the recently passed Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. According to the School Nutrition Association, the legislation will allow school meal programs nationwide to offer more fresh produce, whole grains and low-fat dairy products in school cafeterias.

Many schools offer their lunch menus ahead of time in school newsletters or online. Before you send your child to school with lunch money in hand, check out the menu for the day to ensure it is a healthy choice.

Commit to Your Resolution

Here are some tips to help you create realistic New Year’s resolutions and make them stick throughout the year.

• Create a resolution for the right reasons. To do so, think about what you really want to accomplish, and what benefits you will achieve from the resolution. 
• Determine how difficult you want your resolution to be. You will be most successful if your resolution challenges you, but is not so far out of reach that you feel discouraged to even try and achieve it.
• Be specific in what you want to achieve.  This will help you quantify when and how your resolution has been accomplished. Instead of vowing to “lose weight this year,” set a more specific goal such as to “lose 10 pounds by the time school’s out.”
• Create a strategy for how you will achieve your resolution with a step-by-step plan and due dates for each step. Identify and address any obstacles you may run into along the way.
• Seek out assistance to help you stay on track. Depending on your resolution, this could be a personal trainer or simply a motivating friend.
• Stick with it! It’s a new year and a fresh start – what better time to make a commitment to a positive change in your life.

Tortill Chicken Soup

This delicious recipe packs a powerful punch of cold-fighting ingredients like garlic, onion and chili. At around 200 calories with only 130 mg of sodium per serving, this soup is a great dish for a heart-healthy meal.

1. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into ½ inch strips
2. 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. 4 cups carrots, diced
4. 1 green pepper, chopped
5. 1 red pepper, chopped
6. 1 cup onion, chopped
7. 4 cloves garlic, minced
8. 1 can pinto beans, rinsed
9. 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and sliced (optional)
10. 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
11. ½ cup corn kernels
12. ½ teaspoon ground cumin
13. 2 teaspoons mild chili powder
14. 8 cups fat-free, low-sodium chicken broth
15. 1 large tomato, chopped
16. 5 tablespoons lime juice
17. 2 corn tortillas, cut into ¼ inch strips
18. 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium to low heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir about 3 minutes
2. Add chili powder, ground cumin and oregano; cook 1 minute
3. Add chicken, tomato, red and green peppers, jalapeno pepper, carrots and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender (approximately 30 minutes), stirring and turning chicken occasionally
4. Stir in corn, pinto beans and lime juice
5. Garnish with tortilla strips and cilantro before serving

BenefitsBuzz

Did You Know?

On December 12, 2010, a federal judge in Virginia ruled that part of the health care reform law is unconstitutional – the individual mandate to obtain health insurance, which is set to go into effect on January 1, 2014.

The Justice Department is expected to appeal the ruling, and it is likely that this case will eventually be heard by the Supreme Court.

HCR: 2010 – 2011 Compliance

Several provisions of the health care reform law affect employer-sponsored health plans in 2010 and 2011. The following items are effective for plan years, starting on or after September 23, 2010:

• Extension of dependent coverage for adult children up to age 26
• Elimination of lifetime and annual limits
• Elimination of pre-existing condition exclusions for enrollees under age 19
• Limits on rescissions of coverage (except in the case of fraud or intentional misrepresentation)
• Coverage of preventive health services (except for grandfathered health plans)
• Several patient protections go into effect for non-grandfathered health plans
• Nondiscrimination rules for non-grandfathered, fully-insured plans
• Required new appeals process implemented for non-grandfathered plans

Other provisions that affect businesses in 2010 or 2011 include:

• Qualified small employers can receive a credit for purchasing employee health insurance starting with the 2010 tax year.
• Employers that provide coverage to early retirees from 2010 to January 1, 2014 may be eligible for some reimbursement.
• Eligible small employers can adopt a Simple Cafeteria Plan starting in 2011.
• Beginning in 2011, over-the-counter drugs may not be reimbursed through an FSA, HRA or HSA without a prescription.
• The penalty tax on non-medical HSA withdrawals increases from 10 to 20 percent in 2011.
• New W-2 reporting requirements are effective, but optional for the 2011 tax year (mandatory for 2012 tax year).

DOL Announces New Regulatory Agenda

The Department of Labor has published a new regulatory agenda called “Plan/Prevent/Protect.” The objective is a shift in thinking for companies regarding DOL compliance, with employers understanding that the burden is on them to obey the law, not on the DOL to catch violations.

The DOL wants employers to develop a “culture of compliance” in order to effectively protect workers’ rights and safety. Employers will be expected to develop compliance programs to this end; further regulations will be forthcoming.

Though specifics will vary by law, industry and individual company, this new agenda will require regulated entities to take these three steps to ensure compliance:

1. Create a plan to find and remedy violations of the law and other risks to workers.
2. Implement the plan in a manner that prevents violations of the law.
3. Ensure that the plan protects workers.

Get a Head Start on Your new Year’s Resolution

Yes, it’s only December, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get an early start on your New Year’s resolution. If you start implementing some good habits now, it will be much easier for you to maintain them when January rolls around. Here are some good starting points for resolutions:

1. Remove one bad item from your diet entirely. For example, if you drink a lot of soda, try to give it up for one month. Eliminating two, 12-ounce cans of soda per day from your diet cuts about 300 calories from your diet each day.
2. Get more active. Start by trying to exercise for 30 minutes, at least three times a week. Crunched for time? Even walking or cleaning your house for 30 minutes can have a positive impact on your health.
3. Get more sleep. Most people do not get the recommended amount of sleep. Shoot for at least seven, preferably nine, hours of sleep a night.

Is Your Car Winter-Ready?

With the increased risk of the flu and seasonal colds, the winter months can be hard on you and your family. But this time of year is also hard on your vehicle. Winterize your car with help from the following tips:

Place snow tires on your vehicle – Braking, accelerating and handling are tough with worn or high-performance tires on slippery roads. Snow tires will increase traction and reduce your chances of slipping on slick roads.

Check your tire pressure – Properly inflated tires ensure the best possible connection between your vehicle and the road.

Check your four-wheel drive system – Make sure that your system engages and disengages properly, and does not make any unusual noises. Check the gear oil levels and transmission before temperatures get too cold.

Inspect your wipers and refill wiper fluid – Make sure your wipers are in good, working condition. Consider carrying extra wiper blades and wiper fluid in your trunk when taking longer trips.

Change the oil in your engine and check the viscosity grade – The viscosity of oil (how thick it is) will change depending, in part, on its temperature. The colder the oil is, the thicker it will become. Thick oil does not circulate through an engine as easily as thinner oil when you start your vehicle. To reduce the risk of problems with your engine oil, place thinner oil in your engine before the cold weather season.

Have belts and hoses inspected – Check for leaks or rips before the weather turns too cold.

Check your car battery – Extreme temperatures can cause your vehicle’s battery to operate at less than 50 percent. If your battery is over three years old, have it tested.

Check the antifreeze mixture – The ideal mixture of antifreeze and water in your radiator is 50:50. If this ratio is off, your vehicle will not perform as well.

Put an emergency supply kit in your car – Be prepared if your car breaks down or you get stuck in the snow.

Stress-Free Holiday Budgeting

With proper budgeting and a few smart shopping ideas, it is possible to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and stay within your budget. These tips will help you stick to your spending plan and minimize your holiday financial stress:

1. Make a list and check it twice: Does everyone on your list need to be there this year? A simple phone call, holiday card or homemade treat can feel just as special as a store-bought gift.

2.  Set limits: Write down a maximum dollar amount for each person on your list and stick to this limit.

3.  Be creative: Do you enjoy baking or crafts? Giving homemade gifts can add a personal touch and creating them can be a fun holiday activity for the whole family.

4.  Be realistic: A good rule of thumb is to leave your credit cards at home. If you don’t have the cash for the gift, don’t buy it.

5. Shop online: With high gas prices and many stores offering online-specific sales, shopping online can be a very cost-effective option. Find sites that offer free shipping.

6.  Consider a holiday job: Many places look for part-time, seasonal help during the holidays and can help you pick up a little extra cash.

 

SAD Season?

StressSeasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a recurring depression that affects individuals during the colder winter months and then recedes during spring and summer.

Symptoms include difficulty concentrating, low energy and fatigue, a decreased interest in daily activities, moodiness, irritability and need for increased sleep. The exact cause of SAD is unknown, but it’s suspected that an increased level of melatonin in the blood could be a factor. Melatonin enhances the need and desire for sleep, and because SAD affects people during the colder, darker months, the body produces more of it.

To combat SAD:

·         Increase the amount of light in your home by keeping blinds or drapes open.

·         Get outside. Walk outdoors on sunny days even during winter months.

·         Exercise regularly to help relieve stress and anxiety.

·         If possible, take a winter vacation.

Guilt-Free Eggnog

Do you love eggnog, but not the added calories? This recipe offers a low-fat alternative to this holiday favorite.

6 cups skim milk

1 cup egg substitute

1 tablespoon sugar substitute

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons rum extract

2 pinches of ground nutmeg

2 pinches of ground cinnamon

In a medium sauce pan, heat milk, egg substitute and sugar substitute. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens slightly and reaches 160 degrees. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and rum extract, and one pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg. Cover and refrigerate until cooled. When serving, garnish with remaining pinch of nutmeg and cinnamon. Serves 6.

BenefitsBuzz

Did You Know?

The U.S. Department of Labor recently released a new online toolkit to guide employers through the process of hiring veterans.

This free toolkit includes a six-step process to help businesses design a veteran hiring initiative, including recruiting tips, creating a welcoming and accommodating work environment, additional resources and more. Access the toolkit at: www.americasheroesatwork.gov/forEmployers/HiringToolkit.

HSAs Expected to Gain Popularity in 2011

Despite changes to health savings accounts (HSAs) precipitated by health care reform, enrollment in high-deductible health plans (HDHPs) paired with HSAs is expected to increase during this enrollment season.

Under new health care reform provisions, employees can no longer use their HSA dollars for over-the-counter drugs, unless they have a prescription, and the penalty for nonmedical withdrawals increases from 10 to 20 percent. These changes are effective Jan. 1, 2011.

However, HSAs are still growing in popularity.

• Employers are facing increasing health care costs and looking to pass costs to employees.

• Employees are looking for ways to save money on their health care and are realizing the potential cost savings of these plans.

Despite their popularity spike, there are still hurdles for employers regarding HSA plans. It takes time for employees who are used to traditional copays to feel comfortable with the higher out-of-pocket costs and the different experience associated with an HDHP/HSA.

Employers implementing an HSA plan need to educate employees about the change and promote health care consumerism to help employees make the most of their HSA. If effectively implemented, an HDHP/HSA plan can help employers and employees alike save money on health care.

Grandfathered Plans Can Change Insurance Carriers

The health care reform legislation grants certain plans grandfathered status, making them exempt from certain new provisions. Regulations were released in June detailing specific changes that would cause a plan to lose grandfathered status.

The Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services have now amended those regulations to permit insured group health plans to change insurance policies or carriers, without automatically losing their grandfathered status.

This amendment applies only to changes to group health insurance that are effective on or after Nov. 15, 2010. It does not apply retroactively to changes that were effective before that date.

It is important to note that making any other prohibited change will still cause a loss of grandfathered status.

BenefitsBuzz

Did You Know?

Now is the time to prepare your business and employees for the flu season:

- Update or create a pandemic flu plan and communicate the plan to employees.

- Educate employees about flu prevention and to stay home when they are ill.

- Develop flexible leave and/or telecommuting options for employees to stay home when ill or to care for sick family members.

- Publish flu information on your company website for employees to access.

- Institute contingent plans for critical business functions in the event of sick employees or other business interruption.

HCR Reporting Requirement Delayed

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requires employers to report the aggregate cost of employer-sponsored group health coverage on each employee’s Form W-2. The IRS recently announced that it will delay the compliance date for this requirement.

Previously, employers would have had to comply with this reporting requirement for the 2011 Form W-2s (which are issued in 2012). Now, the effective date has been delayed one year, so that employers need to include this information for the first time on the 2012 W-2s (which are issued in 2013).

The IRS and Treasury Department also announced that they are anticipating issuing additional guidance about this requirement before the end of 2010.

Employers should use this additional time to ensure that they (or their payroll provider) are prepared to gather the necessary information in advance of having to comply with this requirement. They must be able to identify the applicable employer-sponsored coverage that was provided to each employee, and calculate the aggregate cost of that coverage.

Employees may have questions about this new reporting procedure, regarding whether their health benefits are now taxable. You can assure your employees that this rule applies to reporting only, and does not mean they will incur any additional tax obligations.

Maintaining Grandfathered Status

Guidance has been released regarding health plan grandfathered status. A plan will lose grandfathered status if (and only if) it undergoes one of the following changes after March 23, 2010:

1. Elimination of all or substantially all benefits to diagnose or treat a particular condition.
2. Increase in a percentage cost-sharing requirement (such as raising a coinsurance amount).
3. Increase in a deductible or out-of-pocket maximum that exceeds medical inflation plus 15 percentage points.
4. Increase in a copayment amount that exceeds medical inflation plus 15 percentage points (or, if greater, $5 plus medical inflation).
5. Decrease in an employer’s contribution rate towards the cost of coverage by more than 5 percentage points.
6. Imposition of annual limits on the dollar value of all benefits below specified amounts.

Also note that this grandfather analysis applies separately to each benefit package within a company. Thus, if one of your plans loses grandfathered status, it will not affect the statuses of your other plans.

BenefitsBuzz

2011 Health Plan Costs Projected to Rise

A recent survey by the National Business Group on Health reveals that large U.S. employers predict their health care benefits costs will rise an average of 8.9 percent in 2011 (up from 7 percent in 2010).

 Top strategies employers plan to use to control costs include:

- Raising employee contributions (63 percent)

- Raising out-of-pocket maximums (46 percent)

- Raising in-network deductibles (44 percent)

- Raising out-of-network deductibles (40 percent)

- Raising copay/coinsurance for specialist care (21 percent)

- Raising copay/coinsurance for primary care (6 percent)

One of the most common cost-controlling tactics cited by employers was offering a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP). In 2011, 61 percent of employers plan to offer a CDHP, while 20 percent will offer it as their only plan option (up from 10 percent in 2010).

- In 2011, 5 percent of employers will drop retiree health benefits, while 60 percent are considering doing so.

- Many employers will offer premium discounts for completing health risk assessments (41 percent) or participating in tobacco cessation programs (22 percent).

- A quarter of respondents will raise their copay/coinsurance for retail pharmacy prescription drugs, and 21 percent will do the same for mail order pharmacy benefits.

Further Guidance: HCR and OTC Drugs

The Affordable Care Act includes a provision regarding over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and FSAs, HRAs, HSAs and Archer MSAs. The IRS recently released additional guidance for this new standard.

Effective January 1, 2011, OTC drugs can no longer be reimbursed from any of the above medical accounts, unless a prescription is obtained for the drug. This does not apply to insulin, which will continue to be an eligible medical expense, even if purchased without a prescription.

This rule applies only to purchases made on or after January 1, 2011. Any OTC purchases made without a prescription in 2010 can still be reimbursed in 2011 (if allowed by your plan).

It is important to clearly communicate these changes to your employees, so that they can plan their health care and drug spending appropriately. 

Mammograms Save Lives

Mammograms can often detect breast cancer years before a woman can find a lump herself – and when breast cancer is caught at an early, localized stage, the five-year survival rate is 97 percent according to the American Cancer Society.

When should you start getting mammograms? In 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force began recommending that most women should not receive mammograms before age 50 – instead of 40, and that it’s better for the tests to come every two years instead of annually. The risk of breast cancer does increase with age, so women age 50 and over are advised to get these routine mammograms to help detect breast cancer as early as possible. Young women at high risk for breast cancer should discuss with a physician if earlier screenings are necessary.

Women in their 20s and 30s should have a clinical breast examination as a part of a periodic health exam by a medical professional every three years. After age 40, women should have a breast exam every year.

Halloween Hazards

The activities associated with Halloween can be fun for the whole family, but require specific safety precautions. Consider these safety tips for costumes and trick-or-treating to ensure a safe and fun Halloween for you and your children.

Costumes

1. When selecting costumes, avoid long, baggy or loose-fitting costumes and shoes that may be difficult or dangerous to walk in for your child.
2. Choose costumes, wigs and accessories made from fire-retardant fabrics and materials.
3. Make sure costume accessories such as swords or wands are made of flexible materials.
4. Opt for non-toxic, FDA-approved facial makeup instead of a mask that may limit your child’s visibility or breathing. Always keep facial makeup away from the eyes and mouth, and remove it promptly after trick-or-treating.
5. Add strips of reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags to make children more visible to motorists.

Trick-or-Treating

1. Never allow children under the age of 12 to trick or treat alone. Older children should plan their route ahead of time so parents know where they are and always trick-or-treat in a group.
2. Always trick or treat in familiar neighborhoods. If your neighborhood allows trick-or-treating after dark, carry a flashlight; send one along with older children.
3. Remind children to walk only on sidewalks, and to look both ways before crossing at corners or crosswalks.
4. Instruct children to only visit well-lit houses, and never enter a home to receive candy or a treat.
5. Remind children to never approach a car, or accept treats from a person in a car.
6. Inspect your children’s candy before they eat it. Wrapped and sealed treats are the safest. Discard unwrapped or homemade treats, fresh fruit or anything that looks remotely suspicious.
7. Check for choking hazards, such as hard candy, gum, peanuts or small toys if you have young children.

Do You Know Your Numbers?

You can better meet your goals for cardiovascular health and weight loss if you know your numbers. This means keeping tabs on your blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol and glucose levels. This will help you to aim for specific numbers instead of the general goal to get healthy.

Blood Pressure

Normal blood pressure is below 120/80

Body Mass Index (BMI)

Underweight: Less than 18.5

Normal Weight: 18.5-24.9

Overweight: 25-29.9

Obese: 30 or higher

To find your BMI, visit www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi.

Cholesterol Levels

Triglyceride level categories are:

Normal: less than 150 mg/dL

Borderline-high:150-199 mg/dL

High: 200-499 mg/dL

Very high: 500 mg/dL or higher

Glucose Levels: Hemoglobin A1c

7 percent is the upper limit of normal

Action should be taken if HbA1c is over 8 percent

These are general guidelines. Since individual needs vary, bring these figures with you to your doctor and discuss what specific goals to set for yourself.

Curb the Urge

Quitting smoking is not easy, but the urge to smoke typically only lasts three to five minutes. So when you’re really craving a cigarette, try and wait it out. You can redirect your attention to something different and interesting in many ways to help you curb the urge to smoke. These tips will help:

1. Keep other items on-hand to keep you busy instead of cigarettes: try sunflower seeds, raisins, carrots, apple slices or sugar-free gum.
2. Do the dishes or take a shower when you’re really craving a cigarette. When you’re not at home, wash your hands or drink a glass of water.
3. Where you are and what you’re doing can make you crave a cigarette. Try a change of scenery – go for a walk outside or take a few trips up and down the stairs at your home or office.
4. Never have “just one.” Satisfying your craving with a cigarette will only undo your progress toward quitting thus far.
5. Remember why you’re quitting in the first place. Thinking about why it’s important to you to quit smoking will help when a craving hits.

Golden Apple Oatmeal

Take advantage of apple picking season by experimenting with different varieties of apples in this quick and easy, healthy breakfast recipe.

1. 1 golden delicious apple, diced
2. 1/3 cup 100 percent apple juice
3. 1/3 cup water
4. Dash of cinnamon
5. Dash of nutmeg
6. 1/3 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

Combine apples, juice, water and seasonings; bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked rolled oats; cook 1 minute. Cover and let stand several minutes before serving.