Benefits in Brief: Recent Episodes
PWA Insurance-Alera Group
Join Alera Group and industry experts as they discuss healthcare trends, local business news, and more. In 30-minutes, you’ll get to meet and hear from our benefits experts who will shed light on common issues and trends in the healthcare and business industry.
Visit https://pwadmin.aleragroup.com/benefits-in-brief/to view the LIVE recording of this podcast, and subscribe to our YouTube channel
In this episode of Benefits in Brief, we continue our deep dive into Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) with Part 2: Seeing the Whole Spectrum
Our guest Patrick Hughes, Senior Consultant at PEO Spectrum, joins us to explore how employers can evaluate the full range of PEO options, understand the differences in service models, and determine the best fit for their organization's needs.
Download our PEO and Small Business Guide "Real Life Solutions for HR and Employee Benefit Challenges" below for more information.
In this special episode, we sit down with members of the Sacramento Executives Network Group—Scott Leslie, Dave Spencer, Eric Graves, and Andrew Tagg—for a candid and inspiring conversation. Each guest shares a glimpse into their professional world, personal journeys, and the causes close to their hearts. From business insights to community advocacy, this episode shines a light on the power of connection, collaboration, and leadership in Sacramento.
Visit www.sacexec.net to learn more about the group and it's members.
In this episode, we'll delve into the intersection of innovative healthcare models wit a special focus on Level Funding Health Plans and Direct Primary Care (DPC) with Dr. Justin Altschuler.
Learn all about the benefits of Level Funding Health plans compared to traditional health insurance, highlighting cost control and flexibly in structure. Hear firsthand accounts of employee experiences, including increased access to care, satisfaction with services, as well as gain insights into future trends, market growth, and potential challenges as these healthcare models become more prevalent and more.
In this episode of Benefits in Brief, Jeff Turner sits down with Brandon Walcott, an esteemed expert in IT and Owner of Techtrix, a leader in safeguarding Cyber Security attacks and IT Services, to delve into the crucial realm of cybersecurity and IT protection.
Brandon brings a wealth of experience and insider knowledge to the table as he shares invaluable tips, tricks, and strategies for safeguarding your online assets in an increasingly digital world.
You can find out more about Brandon and his services at www.gotechtrix.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
Visit aleragroup.com to find your local office and more resources on protecting your assets and insurance needs.
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Are you a business owner who is looking for ways to streamline your human resources functions? Have you heard of professional employer organizations (PEOs), but aren’t quite sure what they are or if they’re right for your company?During this event, you will have the opportunity to learn from Rodney Bolton, CEO of HR Bizz, in the field of PEOs and human resources, who will provide an overview of: * Services PEOs offer * Discover PEOs advantages and disadvantages * Define the different types of PEOs and non-PEO options * Discuss the factors you should consider if choosing a PEO or leaving a PEO
Whether you’re a small business owner or the head of a larger organization, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn more about PEOs and how they can help your business thrive. Join us for an engaging and informative discussion on this important topic.
How do you plan for the unexpected?Schools are back in session, restrictions are in place, and job security is low, and parents are running out of options to keep their kids educated and stay productive at work. Employers of all sizes are struggling with how they can be flexible in providing and planning for those who are facing some of these difficulties.Key Takeaways:* How parents can prepare for school/work scheduling demands * What are the Employers’ obligations and what can they offer * Changes to benefit plans mid-year that parents can make without qualifying life events
Student loan repayment assistance is a benefit in high demand. About 45 million employees have student loan debts and collectively they owe more than $1.64 trillion. The burden of these debts causes many workers to look for employers who will help them pay off their loans. Many employers that are interested in helping employees with student loans have hesitated, mainly because of tax liabilities. However, due to the CARES Act and the 2021 stimulus package, employers can make up to $5,250 in tax-free payments to each employee with student loans. Employees greatly appreciate their employers’ loan payment assistance. Even a small donation can help them pay off their loan sooner.
The need for Mental Health services are on the rise after two years of COVID regulations, mandates, and isolation.As more employees are leaving their jobs in search of better opportunities, employers need to do all that they can to retain and attract new talent.On this month’s Benefits in Brief podcast, we have John Troutman from Mazzitti & Sullivan EAP (mseap) discussing with us why proving Mental Health services or Employee Assistance Programs is important, affordable, and essential to employee engagement and loyalty.
In this podcast episode, we explore the importance of cultivating a healthy workplace culture for employees and businesses alike. The episode begins by defining what a healthy culture is, and why it matters. We delve into the benefits of fostering a positive work environment, including increased employee engagement, productivity, and retention rates.
Our guest expert, Erin Shelby, PHR of Shelby HR Solutions, shares her insights on creating and maintaining a healthy workplace culture, including tips on effective communication, conflict resolution, and employee recognition. She will also discuss the role of leadership in shaping culture and the importance of modeling the desired behaviors.
The episode concludes by addressing the common challenges in creating a healthy workplace culture, such as resistance to change and cultural differences, and offers practical solutions for overcoming them. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable tips for businesses and leaders looking to create a positive and healthy workplace culture that benefits everyone involved.
Accessing Long-Term Care is changing in California!Soon the State will require employers to provide Long-Term Care coverage either through their providers or the State. We will be joined by Bob Bentley and Blake Tippett, Alera Group’s experts in Wealth Management and Compliance, who will dive deeper into Long-Term Care and what employers can do to stay in compliance with the state and save their bottom line.
Learn more about what states are doing to help consumers access Long-Term Care
This month we are joined with another local Alera Group agency leader- Dave Fear Sr., partner and consultant in the firm of Shepler & Fear, a division of Dickerson Insurance Services in Roseville, CA! If you missed our Self-Funding Panel at our Benefits Conference in May- you don’t want to miss this episode.Dave is the ultimate expert on self-funding programs- he’ll share with us:
* The misconceptions of a self-funding program
* Smaller premiums is not the ONLY benefit
* How self-funding can help your long-term strategies and overall success
The price of gas is not the only one on the raise lately! The cost of specialty drugs have reached an all time high- but now is your chance to fight back with the help of PBM.Close the gap between employers and pharmacies by changing the cycle. Gain trust and feel empowered to question your doctor by verifying cost and look for alternatives.We are joined by Chasity Matthews of Truescripts this month discussing the pros and cons of specialty costs and what to look for when searching for a Pharmacy Benefit Management (PBM) provider. In 45 minutes, attendees will leave with more information on:
* The Transparency Rule and why it benefits you
* Available Rebates + Clawbacks
* Advice for those who are looking for a PBM or manages pharmacy benefits
* Why TrueScripts is different from other PBMs
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a new pay transparency act that will require significant changes in how employers draft job postings and how they report pay data to the state. Given the scope of the changes, many employers should begin preparing now.
These are a few of the most significant provisions of the law, which could become a model for other states seeking to enhance pay transparency.
We are pleased to be joined again this month with Larry Kazanjian, Partner of Palmer Kazanjian Wohl Hodson, LLP who will dive deeper into the requirements and limitations of the enhanced Transparency Rule of the California Law.
Why this law was amended? and who is it for?
What are the Reporting requirements and cost for employers?
Job posting requirements and limitations
This month, Preet Kuar, CEO of Pacific Staffing and ExecSearch will join Jeff and Michael for an update. Preet will discuss new challenges HR professionals are currently facing in the office and in the search for new talent. We’ll talk strategy on hiring new employees and what employers can do to make themselves more attractive in the search for perfect talent.
Today’s workforce has changed enormously over the past few years with new generations joining the team, as well as new technology flooding our screens. How will these changes affect your business? We are joined this month with Preet Kuar, CEO of Pacific Staffing and ExecSearch located in Sacramento, CA who will share with us her take on the multi-generational workforce, changing HR roles, COVID job market aftermath, and the impact of employees’ leaving California.
Go over to our Youtube channel at www.youtube.com/channel/UCVpoEipVovUvHPIlBbSVotQ to watch the interview
The United States Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) enables qualified beneficiaries who lose health benefits due to a qualifying event to continue group health benefits. While some group health plans may provide COBRA continuation coverage at a reduced rate or at no cost, most qualified beneficiaries pay the full COBRA premium. The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provides for a 100% COBRA premium subsidy for individuals who were involuntarily terminated or whose hours were reduced and who enroll in COBRA coverage from April 1, 2021 to September 30th of 2021.
In local news, on March 19, 2021, the Governor of California signed SB 95, bringing back the state’s COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave. Covered employees in the public or private sectors who work for employers with more than 25 employees are entitled to up to 80 hours of COVID-19 related sick leave, retroactively from January 1, 2021 to September 30, 2021.
While these new regulations may be confusing, we’re here with Treaver Hodson and Bob Bentley to help explain these changes and what they mean for you.
Join us and Bob Bentley to discuss how employers should prepare for the mass distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine.
If you missed our Webinar on the 25th, or want to dive deeper, register for our first Benefits in Brief Session of 2021. With the challenging upcoming months, employers are asking what they could do to keep their workplace safe after returning to work. Will employers required their staff to get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Tune in to learn more!
In this session, Rachel Druckenmiller, Founder of UNMUTED, will share tools and resources to help employees deal with stress.
Dealing with the pandemic, the fight for social justice, and the upcoming election– stress is at the all-time high. Businesses, employees, seniors, and children all had to adjust to stress and challenges forced upon them. Rachel will be speaking on these adjustments and provide the tools and resources to bring positivity to stress and mental wellbeing during this time.
On April 28, 2020, the Department of Labor (DOL), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued much-needed guidance and relief. Notably, the guidance requires employers and plans to suspend the deadline for qualified beneficiaries to elect COBRA or pay COBRA premiums from March 1, 2020, until 60 days after the National Emergency ends (or such other date as specified by the Agencies). Join us for a Q & A with Bob Bentley, Compliance Consultant. We will explore issues employers may face, what extension to elect to avoid tricky premiums, and impose additional compliance and financial risks to employers.