C.M. Smith Agency, Inc. Group Benefits

Our second-quarter compliance webinar is an excellent opportunity for employers to hear key updates on what's happening in the world of employee benefits.

Register here: https://aleragroup.com/events/q2-compliance-update?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=compliance&utm_content=webinar

[Webinar] Supporting Women’s Health Month: Trending Employee Benefits

Women’s Health Month is a time for women to make sure they’re taking steps to protect their physical and mental health—and for employers to show their support. During our May webinar, we'll talk about implementing benefits effectively and creating a workplace that makes women's health a priority.

Register to attend: https://aleragroup.com/events/supporting-womens-health-month-trending-employee-benefits?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=health&utm_content=webinar

[Webinar] Finding, Using and Transitioning Out of a Professional Employer Organization

Your company is small, and limited resources make it difficult to manage a robust benefits program. Time to explore outside support from a PEO. But where to begin? What should you look for in a good partner? And what do you need to consider as you grow and transition into traditional brokerage? Our experts will guide you through these questions ― and those you don’t yet know to ask.

Register here: https://aleragroup.com/events/finding-using-and-transitioning-out-peo?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=peo&utm_content=webinar

Voluntary benefits offer employees the ability to fill in the gaps in their core benefits and secure additional protections. Join our March webinar to learn more about how these benefits can meet the needs of both your business and employees, driving retention and saving money.

Register to join: https://aleragroup.com/events/how-voluntary-benefits-inspire-employee-loyalty?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=voluntarybenefits&utm_content=webinar

Our quarterly compliance webinars are an excellent opportunity to stay on top of key trends in employee benefits compliance impacting employers across the nation.

Join our Q1 update: https://ow.ly/3Bvv50QmBOQ

You may see the headlines about the rising cost of specialty drugs and the growing complexities of offering prescription benefits in an inflation-prone world. Our experts will cover these and other subjects, giving you tips for navigating them effectively.

Register here: https://aleragroup.com/events/weight-loss-drugs-pbm-alternatives-and-other-pharmacy-solutions?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=pharmacy&utm_content=webinar

Our offices are closed today in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Join us in honoring the life and legacy of this historic leader.

In response to our latest , VP of Employee Benefits Compliance, Danielle Capilla, shares, "Self-funded plan sponsors should take note of this decision and review their practices related to claims review are appropriate given this guidance."

Read the full alert: https://ow.ly/s3L150Qq8sr

According to recent research, top talent will seek organizations offering workplace flexibility. The question is, at what cost? Our Alera Group experts conducted a study to see what employees were willing to “trade off” in exchange for that flexibility and/or time away from work. Join our webinar conversation to discuss our findings.

Register here: https://aleragroup.com/events/value-flexible-work-alera-groups-tradeoff-study?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=absence&utm_content=webinar

Happy New Year! May 2024 bring you joy, health and prosperity.

2024 Property and Casualty Market Outlook

Organized by industry and line of business, the Property and Casualty Market Outlook is composed of insights and analysis from Alera Group experts around the nation and from our carrier partners.

Download your copy: https://cloud.aleragroup.com/2024-pc-market-outlook/?utm_source=&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=marketoutlook&utm_term=sl&utm_content=report

Wishing all who observe a wonderful season of reflection and celebration during Kwanzaa.

Wishing all who celebrate a wonderful Christmas season. May you enjoy the gift of wonder and delight.

Our 2024 Property and Casualty Market Outlook is a comprehensive yet user-friendly guide to insurance market conditions and the strategies and products best suited for protecting your business, your possessions and the people you care about — all with an eye on your bottom line.

Download your copy: https://ow.ly/FM3i50QjkrO

VP of Employee Benefits Compliance Danielle Capilla shares the following, "Employers sponsoring non-grandfathered plans to an employee population in which 10% or more of the population residing in an applicable county speaks the same non-English language should be aware of additional guidance on providing culturally and linguistically appropriate claims and appeals notices and services."

Read more: https://ow.ly/sIYE50QjLxB

As the Hanukkah festivities begin, we wish all who celebrate joy and light this season.

VP of Employee Benefits Compliance, Danielle Capilla, advises the following, "Employers sponsoring group health plans should review the newest proposed rules relating to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (“MHPAEA”) to familiarize themselves with potential upcoming changes. This is also a good reminder to ensure that sponsors of self-funded plans have an action plan to complete their NQTL analysis."

Read the full alert: https://ow.ly/ecTu50Qf8tf

We wish everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. May your week be filled with gratitude and joy.

We hope you will join us in remembering and recognizing the immense sacrifices made by our veterans.

In light of the IRS's announcement of adjusted benefit limits for 2024, Danielle Capilla, VP of Employee Benefits Compliance, shares the following, "Employers will be relieved that the IRS has confirmed the 2024 FSA contribution limit at $3,200, in line with projected estimates."

Read the full here: https://aleragroup.com/news/legal-alert-irs-adjusts-health-flexible-spending-account-and-other-benefit-limits-for-2024-111023/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=hsa&utm_content=legalalert

Retention is top of mind for nearly every employer out there. We're here to guide organizational leads on how these three elements could improve employee engagement and satisfaction.

Join the conversation: https://aleragroup.com/event/culture-communications-and-technology-3-ways-to-tie-benefits-to-retention-12272022/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=retention&utm_content=webinar

"Savvy organizations recognize that an employee value proposition (EVP) isn’t just words on a page — it embodies what it’s like for employees to work for your company."

More from one of our experts: https://ow.ly/8jmx50Q3FAc

Facing tight budgets, staffing shortages and rising costs—public sector organizations are up against a challenging environment, making partnering with a risk management expert essential.

More from one of our experts: https://aleragroup.com/insights/public-sector-insurance-navigating-challenges-of-limited-resources-102523/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=pc&utm_term=publicsector&utm_content=blog

Public Sector Insurance: Navigating Challenges of Limited Resources Public sector organizations increasingly find themselves in an environment of shrinking budgets, staffing shortages, growing hostility and rising inflation. Educational institutions, law enforcement agencies and municipalities operate under a microscope … Continue reading "Public Sector Insurance:...

Research shows that benefits are a driving factor when it comes to employee satisfaction. During our November webinar, attendees will learn how to maximize benefits investment by focusing on critical areas that will impact workforce retention.

Register to join: https://aleragroup.com/event/culture-communications-and-technology-3-ways-to-tie-benefits-to-retention-12272022/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=retention&utm_content=webinar

[Webinar] The 3 E’s of Open Enrollment: Engage, Educate and Empower

It's not too late to join this afternoon's webinar. You’ll leave the session with a better understanding of how to:

-Enhance the enrollment process by having a plan for what comes next once it’s over;
-Use data to identify gaps in understanding and where ongoing education makes sense;
-Use tried-and-true techniques for keeping employees engaged in their benefits year-round.

Sign up here: https://ow.ly/pz7V50PXjR8

The IRS has released Notice 2023-70, which sets the applicable PCORI fee for plan years ending between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, at $3.22 per covered life.

VP of Employee Benefits Compliance, Danielle Capilla, shares the following insight, "Although we continue to wait for the 2024 FSA limits, the IRS has issued the next PCORI fee amount, due in July of 2024. Employers sponsoring self-funded plans should budget accordingly."

Read the full : https://aleragroup.com/news/irs-releases-pcori-fee-for-plan-years-ending-before-october-1-2024-101823/?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=aleraengage&utm_term=compliance&utm_content=legalalert

With many organizations in the throws of Open Enrollment, our next webinar panel will help employers engage, educate and empower employees through Open Enrollment and beyond.

Save the date: https://ow.ly/pvy550POrFI

Indigenous people and their vibrant cultural heritage should be celebrated every day. Join us today as we reflect and celebrate the contributions made by Native communities.

Every employer wants to educate, empower and engage employees during Open Enrollment and beyond. Join Alera Group for best-practice communication tips on how you can guide your employees to select the right benefits and discover the latest technology solutions that will engage your employees and simplify the enrollment process.

Save the date: https://ow.ly/kq2950PN1IE

With Open Enrollment in full swing, make sure you're up to date on the latest market trends, and ensure your employees are informed and prepared for the year ahead. Join part two of our Open Enrollment webinar series this Thursday.

Register today: https://ow.ly/L3n850PN1wS