 Catch the Renewal Wave 2009
How To Make The Most Of Your Open Enrollment
We know that the renewal season can be a stressful time of year. We also know how important it is to properly communicate to your employees about the advantages of their benefits. Here are some tips to help boost enrollment and make this year’s renewal go smoothly so you can ride the wave into the new year:
Benefit Fairs: Fairs are a great way to promote enrollment. Crosby receives many requests to participate in benefit fairs, so please understand that scheduling is done on a "first-come-first-serve" basis. We encourage you to let us know as soon as possible and we will try to fulfill your request. To request Crosby's participation, please provide the following information: Crosby will attend one benefit fair for each client (one representative can attend for up to 8 consecutive hours; per availability) free of charge. Please note: starting in the Fall of 2008, Crosby will pass on the round trip mileage expense of $0.58/mile to clients.
Customized Communications: We can include customized communication pieces in the enrollment packets sent to your employees.
Promotional Materials: For those clients offering Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Crosby offers marketing posters, an electronic FSA presentation and other valuable communications that will help boost employee participation.
Flex Debit Card: Increase the value of your participants' FSAs by adding the Flex Debit Card. It adds convenience by allowing participants direct access to their Medical FSA without having to pay out-of-pocket. Plus, as of January 1, 2009, most large pharmacies will have electronic approval systems.
If you would like to schedule a fair, please email Tina Crosby or call 800-462-2235 x132. Otherwise, you may contact your Crosby consultant to learn more about preparing for your renewal season and ways to help increase FSA participation. |
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 News Flash!
HEART Act Now Official and Mileage Rate Changes
HEART Act of 2008 Signed into Law
President Bush signed the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act of 2008 into law on June 17th. In addition to many other tax relief benefits for those serving in the military, this Act provides protection from the Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) "use it or lose it" rule.
When a Military Reservist is called to active duty for at least 180 days, the "use it or lose it" rule will not apply to their accounts as distributions may be taken from their unused employer-provided health FSA at the end of a calendar year without penalty.
IRS Announces New Mileage Rates
Due to the recent increases in the cost of fuel, the IRS has announced (Announcement 2008-63) that they are changing the FSA mileage reimbursement rate to $0.27 per mile (the old rate was $0.20). This change was effective for travel on or after July 1, 2008. |
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ECFC Conference, August 13-15, 2008, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT
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... Transit ridership is up nationwide? We offer a streamlined, easy-to-use web-based platform for the ordering and management of transit and parking orders. Serving all major metropolitan areas, this cost-effective benefit is designed to help employers run their commuter programs efficiently.
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... Many companies struggle to meet COBRA deadlines? Managing COBRA is tough, especially when it comes to tracking and meeting COBRA time frames. The DOL has specific notification deadlines and missing them may threaten your bottom line. Our streamlined processes will help keep you in compliance with your notifications and all other COBRA requirements.
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... We can manage your HIRD Form process? Our process is designed to distribute, track and store Employee HIRD Forms so that you don't have to.
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... Our Debit Card Average Auto-Approval Rate is 80%? (client rates range from 50% to 92%)
Are you maximizing your auto-approval rate? The Flex Debit Card offers high auto-approval rates that translate into reduced paperwork and increased convenience and satisfaction for your card holders.
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For more information about any of our services, please contact Darla Rosenfeld at 800-462-2235 x168.
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Looking for a Team Roster?
Our organizational design utilizes a client-centered team approach to best meet your needs. If you're interested in receiving a team roster, please email us here to request a complete roster with contact information.
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