Archive for February, 2009

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Monday, February 23rd, 2009

On Tuesday, February 17, 2009, President Barack Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 bill into law. The ARRA includes major health provisions, which are relevant to any COBRA eligible company that has had or may have employee layoffs.

Under the law, employees laid off between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, will be entitled to generous federal subsidies of their COBRA health insurance premiums.

What COBRA premium subsidy does the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 provide?

The federal government will subsidize 65 percent of the COBRA premium due for assistance-eligible individuals for up to nine months.

How is the COBRA subsidy provided under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

A group health plan can require an individual who is eligible for assistance to pay only 35 percent of the actual COBRA premium. The federal government will pay the remaining 65 percent of the premium by allowing the employer to take a credit against the employer’s liability to deposit payroll taxes and federal income taxes withheld from employees’ compensation.

What individuals are eligible for COBRA premium assistance under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

To qualify for the premium subsidy, an employee must be involuntarily terminated between Sept. 1, 2008, and Dec. 31, 2009, and the employee must elect COBRA coverage either during the original COBRA election period or during the special election period provided under the Act.

The subsidy does not apply to individuals who voluntarily resign or to employees who lose their health coverage due to a reduction in work hours.

Employees with adjusted gross incomes of more than $125,000 (or $250,000, if married and filing a joint return) are not eligible for the COBRA subsidy.

What is the COBRA subsidy period under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

The subsidy is available to each eligible individual for up to nine months beginning on the later of March 1, 2009, or the date that the eligible individual loses coverage under the plan.

So if an individual’s COBRA coverage began on Dec. 1, 2008, the subsidy would be available for nine months beginning March 1, 2009.

The subsidy ends when:

  • the assistance–eligible individual becomes eligible for health coverage under another group health care plan or Medicare (the assistance–eligible individual must notify the plan providing COBRA coverage in writing when this happens); or
  • nine months after the first day to which the subsidy applies; or
  • the end of the maximum COBRA coverage period required by law; or
  • for an eligible individual who elects COBRA during the special enrollment period, the end of the maximum COBRA coverage period that would have applied had COBRA coverage been elected when first entitled to do so.

An assistance–eligible individual who becomes eligible for other employer coverage, but who declines to enroll in that coverage, loses the COBRA subsidy, but not the right to maintain the COBRA coverage.

Does the subsidy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 apply to COBRA premiums for all types of group health plans?

No, the subsidy does not apply to COBRA premiums for health care flexible spending accounts.

Do any special COBRA enrollment rights exist under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

Qualified individuals who initially decline COBRA coverage prior to the enactment of ARRA would be given an additional 60 days after they receive notice of the special election period to elect to receive the subsidy. The election period begins on the date of the enactment of ARRA.

The special election opportunity is also available to a qualified beneficiary who elected COBRA coverage but who is no longer enrolled on the date of enactment, for example, because the beneficiary was unable to continue paying the premium.

Federal COBRA law provides that a group health plan must allow an eligible individual to choose to continue with the coverage in which the individual is enrolled as of the qualifying event. However, ARRA allows group health plans to provide a special enrollment right to allow eligible individuals to elect different coverage under the plan in electing COBRA continuation coverage. Further, even though the premium subsidy is only for nine months, the different coverage elected must generally be permitted to be continued for the applicable required period (generally 18 months or 36 months, absent a COBRA terminating event).

How is the subsidy under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 administered?

The subsidy is generally administered as a reimbursement. The entity to which premiums are payable will be reimbursed by the amount of the premium for COBRA coverage that is not paid by an eligible individual on account of their 65 percent premium reduction.

An entity is not eligible for subsidy reimbursement, however, until it has received the reduced premium payment from the eligible individual. The entity to whom the federal reimbursement is payable is either

  • the multiemployer group health plan,
  • the employer maintaining the group health plan subject to federal COBRA, or
  • the insurer providing coverage under an insured plan.

The entity that is eligible for reimbursement may elect to offset its payroll taxes for purposes of reimbursement. To the extent that such entity has liability for income tax withholding from wages or FICA taxes with respect to its employees, the entity is reimbursed by treating the amount that is reimbursable to the entity as a credit against its liability for these payroll taxes. That is, the credit for the reimbursement is treated as a payment of payroll taxes. Any reimbursement for an amount in excess of the payroll taxes owed is treated in the same manner as a tax refund.

Entities wishing to claim reimbursements will be required to file certain reports, including an attestation of the involuntary termination of employment of each covered employee for which reimbursement of premiums is claimed.

What is the effective date of the COBRA subsidy under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

These provisions are effective for periods of coverage beginning after the date of the enactment of the Act. For group health plans using calendar months as the period of coverage, the subsidy applies beginning March 1.

Additionally, eligible individuals who pay 100 percent of the premium required for COBRA for any month during ht first 60-day coverage period after enactment will be reimbursed.

Is the COBRA subsidy under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 retroactive?

Although the subsidy is available to employees who were terminated starting Sept. 1, 2008, the subsidy itself is not retroactive. It will apply only to periods of coverage beginning on or after March 1.

Does the COBRA subsidy under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 still apply in cases where the group health plan charges the eligible individual less that the maximum permissible COBRA premium?

The Act requires that the individual eligible for the COBRA subsidy (or someone other than the employer on the eligible individual’s behalf) must pay 35 percent of the premium and that the employer cannot claim a subsidy credit until the group health plan has actually received the 35 percent of the COBRA premium as required by the Act. Therefore, an employer may only claim a subsidy of 65 percent of what the total premium would be if the amount paid by the eligible individual was 35 percent of the total COBRA premium.

What are the notice requirements under The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?

COBRA notices must include information on the availability of the premium assistance and must be provided to all individuals who terminated employment during the applicable time period, not just to individuals who were involuntarily terminated.

The Department of Labor has 30 days after the enactment of ARRA to issue model notices. Within 60 days after the enactment of the ARRA, group health plan administers must provide notices to all assistance eligible individuals who currently have COBRA continuation coverage to advise them of both the availability of the subsidy and what the requirements are to qualify for the subsidy, and they must also provide notices to individuals who are entitled to the special enrollment period.

Employers will face significant communication and administrative challenges to comply with the COBRA provisions, which go into effect March 1.

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Fancy Food Benefits – Superfruits!

Saturday, February 21st, 2009

Fancy Food Benefits for Less

I wasn’t sure whether to be happy or annoyed at a recent report I read that identified a new trend in food marketing — color is being used as a “powerful marketing tool” for healthy foods like “superfruits” and expensive juices. At the Healthy Foods European Summit in London, it was noted by market research company Euromonitor International that there is great opportunity in the increased consumer awareness of the link between color-giving components of foods and their health benefits. But, while some of these products may indeed be healthful, their benefits don’t necessarily justify their premium price. Good, old-fashioned fruits and vegetables provide plenty of nutrients when included as a significant part of your everyday diet. It’s all about the color.

A Rainbow of Nutrients

Nutritionist Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN, author of the New York Times bestseller Joy’s LIFE Diet and the nutrition and health expert for Today, affirms that yes, food manufacturers are increasingly using color to sell pricey fruit juices and other so-called superfoods. But it’s just not necessary. Bauer advises eating five to nine servings (a total of 2½ to 4½ cups) of fresh produce daily, and aiming for three different colors each day. This will give you plenty of super-antioxidant benefit.

Among the bounty of benefits offered by the edible rainbow of fruits and vegetables are the following…

Red

Beets, cherries, cranberries, cranberry juice, pomegranates, red radishes, raspberries, red apples, red cabbage, red grapes, red onions, red potatoes, rhubarb, strawberries, tomatoes, tomato juice, watermelon, etc.

Why eat them: Red produce contains powerful antioxidants such as anthocyanidins and lycopene that help fight heart disease, cancer and aging.

A look at the science: Research at Tufts University asserts that diets containing produce with “high ORAC values” may protect against age-related memory loss. ORAC, or oxygen radical absorbance capacity, measures the antioxidant levels of foods. (For more on ORAC values of foods, see Daily Health News, August 23, 2007.)

Your move: Consume plenty of high-ORAC fruits such as cranberries, strawberries and raspberries. Check out this recipe for cranberry relish at www.epicurious.com.

Orange/Yellow

Apricots, cantaloupe, carrots, clementines, corn, citrus juices, grapefruit, lemons, mangos, orange and yellow peppers, oranges, papayas, peaches, pears, pineapple, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, tangerines, yams, etc.

Why eat them: Citrus fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, and orange and yellow produce is particularly rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is a must for healthy eyes and skin.

A look at the science: Research shows that beta-carotene in foods such as carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and yellow winter squash offers protection against cancer and cataracts. But be careful about supplements: In high doses these may raise cancer risk in smokers.

Your move: Fill your dinner plate with delectable orange and yellow produce such as baked sweet potatoes and squash, and snack on baby carrots or cantaloupe. Try this recipe for gingered carrot soup at www.molliekatzen.com.

Green

Artichokes, arugula, asparagus, avocados, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, celery, collard greens, green beans, green grapes, green peppers, honeydew melon, kale, kiwis, lettuce, limes, okra, peas, snow peas, spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, zucchini, etc.

Why eat them: Greens are packed with healthful phytochemicals and nutrients such as indoles, lutein and folate.

A look at the science: A deficiency of folate, the B vitamin known as folic acid, has been linked with a higher rate of colon cancer, possibly by increasing the risk of DNA damage in colon cells. Indoles help lower estrogen levels, which can reduce the risk of estrogen-related breast cancer, while lutein protects eyesight.

Your move: To promote colon health, eat folate-rich foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage), dark green leafy vegetables, beans and peas. Even if you’re not normally a fan, you may be converted by these baby Brussels sprouts with buttered pecans from Gourmet magazine: www.gourmet.com.

Blue/Purple

Blueberries, blackberries, eggplant, grapes, plums, prunes, raisins, etc.

Why eat them: Anthocyanidins found in blue- and purple-hued produce function as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant influences and can enhance memory, decrease cancer risk and help control blood pressure.

A look at the science: In trial results published in the Journal of Gerontology, scientists reported that a grape-enriched diet resulted in lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation and better heart function (at least in rats).

Your move: Promote heart health by adding flavonoid-rich fruits and vegetables such as grapes, blueberries and blackberries to your daily diet. Mix up this blueberry smoothie from www.blueberry-recipe.com .

And Even White

Bananas, cauliflower, garlic, ginger, jicama, leeks, mushrooms, parsnips, pears, potatoes, turnips, etc.

Why eat them: White fruits and vegetables are abundant in flavonoids. Garlic contains organosulfur compounds such as allicin, while bananas and potatoes are rich in potassium.

A look at the science: Over 25 studies note that a diet high in potassium helps lower blood pressure, according to the American Dietetic Association, yet most Americans fail to take in sufficient amounts of this vital mineral.

Your move: To lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of stroke, eat potassium-packed foods such as bananas and baked potatoes with their skins. Potatoes are a good source of many nutrients (vitamin C, B6, potassium and more) and the skins are a good source of dietary fiber. Learn how to make an energy-packed banana fruit salad at www.energyfanatics.com.

PAINT YOUR PLATE WITH A COLORFUL PALETTE

  • Minimize starch, moderate animal protein, and pile on colorful veggies. That means instead of placing a hunk of meat in the center of your plate and adding pasta and rice on the side, fill half your plate with colorful vegetables — making them the center attraction.
  • Go local. Local produce in season is generally the freshest, most nutritious and least expensive alternative. And especially in these lean economic times, Bauer notes that a humble apple is just as healthy a choice as a more exotic and costly imported pomegranate or bottle of acai juice.
  • Don’t avoid frozen fruits and vegetables. Frozen fruits and vegetables are generally picked at the peak of ripeness, which also correlates with nutritional value. While they often don’t maintain the crispy texture of their fresh counterparts, frozen produce is a healthful and often economical option during off-season months.

Source(s):

Joy Bauer, MS, RD, CDN, nutritionist and bestselling author of Joy’s LIFE Diet: Four Steps to Thin Forever (Collins Living) and Joy Bauer’s Food Cures (Rodale). Bauer has built one of the largest nutrition centers in the country in New York City (http://www.joybauer.com/) and is the nutrition and health expert for the Today show. She is a contributing editor to Self magazine and Parade.

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Ever want to know what Reike is all about?

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Reiki (pronounced ray-kee) is a system of natural healing that can be used for stress reduction and relaxation. It’s an old laying-on of hands technique that claims to use life force energy to heal and balance the body’s subtle energies that affect each of us physically, mentally and spiritually. Receiving Reiki can be a richly relaxing and balancing experience — but not everyone has time or money to get the treatments regularly. In a recent conversation, Reiki practitioner Phylameana Iila Désy, author of The Everything Reiki Book, told me about exercises she has adapted for people to do themselves that may help them experience some of the calming, centering benefits of Reiki. This is unlikely to deliver the same level of energetic balance a trained Reiki master can, but doing this self-treatment ritual regularly may help you maintain equanimity on a day-to-day basis. Désy describes it as a way of loving yourself each day.

REIKI BASICS

There are 12 basic Reiki hand placements, but Désy says it is fine to use your hands in whatever placements you find most relaxing and comfortable. It’s recommended that each hand placement be held for five minutes, especially in the beginning — Désy recommends one-hour daily sessions for 30 consecutive days in order to get your energy flowing, after which you may find that once or twice weekly is enough. However, if you don’t have an entire hour, remember that some time is better than none. You can also use one or two particular positions if you feel tension in one part of your body. “There’s no right or wrong way to invite Reiki energies into your life,” says Désy. “Just do it.”

Sit comfortably. You may place your hands directly on your body or an inch or two above — it’s a matter of individual preference. You may or may not feel a tingling or heat sensation in your hands as you go through the Reiki-derived hand positions — if you do, then this is an indication of the Reiki energy flow. Some people are more sensitive to energy than others — not everyone feels the sensation but everyone should feel some degree of relaxation, stress reduction and greater mental clarity.

First Position: Hands over Eyes

This position is good for reducing stress and for increasing clarity of thought and concentration. Hold arms parallel to the floor, bending your elbows so that your palms go toward your face, covering your eyes. Direct the energy toward your eyes. This position assists in activating the “third eye,” which can help you to see the divine within everything.

Second Position: Temples

This position can be restorative to the brain and helpful for relieving worry and depression. It’s also good for headaches. Place your hands, palms facing inward, on the sides of your head (temples) and focus the energy in this same direction. This position is helpful in integrating the left (analytical) and right (creative) sides of the brain.

Third Position: Base of the Skull

This position enhances relaxation, calms thoughts and relieves pain. Slide or place your hands behind your head at the base of the skull, elbows out. The third finger of each hand may be slightly touching the other. You may feel heat in your hands in this position.

Fourth Position: Throat and Jaw

This position improves self-confidence and relieves anger and hostility. Slide (or place) your hands over the sides of your face, fingers pointing up, from about the ear down to the throat, covering the jaw as though you are supporting it. Practitioners believe we hold many intense emotions in the jaw, including anger and helplessness. As you focus your healing energy in this area, you may find it easier to “speak your truth,” saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

Fifth Position: The Heart

This position improves the capacity both to love and be loved. Slide (or place) hands over the chest, palms facing the body, third fingers touching, elbows relaxed. Focus the energy on your heart. Some people report a sensation that is like breaking down a protective wall, which can lead to an increased willingness to be vulnerable.

Sixth Position: Solar Plexus

This position helps to center yourself and also to release fears. Slide (or place) hands over the solar plexus, underneath the chest and on the rib cage. This is the power center of the body. Focus your energy there and you may experience a feeling of increased confidence, security and strength.

Seventh Position: Abdomen

This position helps you to release the past, including negative feelings of frustration and bitterness. Slide (or place) your hands at your waistline. The hands can point slightly downward. Bringing energy to this area can help release negative thoughts, since such feelings are so often “stuffed” down inside of us. This position is very calming and may also assist in digestion.

Eight Position: Pelvis

This position enhances feelings of well-being. Slide (or place) your hands over the pelvis and hip area, slightly angled down. The area is the center from which we express ecstasy and creativity… as well as resentments toward the opposite sex. Sending positive Reiki energy to this area may also sooth some digestive problems.

Ninth Position: Shoulder Blades

This position facilitates the release of burdens. Slide (or place) your hands on your shoulders, right hand to left shoulder and vice versa, as if you are patting yourself on the back, fingers aimed down. Most of us experience tension in this area — it’s the reason for the expression “carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders.” At stressful times, placing your hands in this position while you focus on sending energy to the area may help release the burdensome feeling and make it easier to relax.

It may be difficult to achieve the hand placements for the 10th, 11th and 12th positions due to the logistics of reaching the proper areas of your back, as they are typically done when receiving a Reiki session from a professional practitioner. However you can modify them by placing your hands along your sides, elbows out, then reaching behind your back in the following three positions at rib level, mid-back and lower back.Tenth Position: Upper Back

This position helps increase the capacity to give and receive love. Slide (or place) the right hand comfortably over the heart, fingers pointing slightly up, then place your left hand at your waist, on the right side, fingers pointing slightly down. After 2½ minutes, reverse positions so that the left hand moves up toward the heart area and the right hand goes to the left side of your waist. Since many of us feel tension in our backs, focusing the energy in this area helps bring a soothing sense of peace to the body.

Eleventh Position: Lower Back

This position helps to release self-criticism. Slide (or place) your hands in the small of your back. The palms can be facing either forward or backward, whichever is more comfortable for you. The lower back is another area where many people feel tension — focusing positive energy here helps to release negative feelings, particularly self-blame. You may feel lighter and clearer after doing this position.

Twelfth Position: Coccyx

The coccyx is the “seat of power” and the center of creativity. Slide (or place) your hands down to cover your tailbone. When focusing your energy here, envision all that you want to experience in your life and imagine reaching your full potential.

Reiki Resources

Though many advanced Reiki practitioners speak about how each position relates to specific organs and/or physical symptoms, the truth is that Reiki energy is systemic — positive energy flow throughout the body, no matter where the hands are placed. You can use any of these positions to focus positive energy that can help melt away the physical tensions and negative emotions you are holding throughout your body. It’s not magical or mysterious — these positions are merely tools to help in focusing energy to flow freely through every part of our bodies. Try it. There’s nothing to lose and a great deal to gain.

Those wishing to learn how to practice Reiki on others and on themselves should take a Level One training. You can find out more at The International Center for Reiki Training (www.reiki.org). If you wish to experience a Reiki session, you can locate a certified practitioner through the International Association of Reiki Professionals (www.iarp.org). There are some excellent short videos on YouTube showing exactly what a Reiki session looks like (put Reiki into the search engine at www.youtube.com). Désy’s book, The Everything Reiki Book, serves as a wonderful introduction as well.

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