FF-SHOP Online Enrollment Delayed

On Nov. 27, 2013, HHS delayed online enrollment for federally facilitated Small Business Health Options Programs (FF-SHOPs) until November 2014. Although online enrollment in the FF-SHOPs will not be available until then, small employers can still access an overview of available plans and premiums at healthcare.gov.

In states with FF-SHOPs, employers who want to enroll for 2014 can do so with a paper application through an agent, broker or insurer offering a certified SHOP plan. States that operate their own SHOP Exchanges are permitted to offer online enrollment for 2014.

HHS has also announced an extension of the enrollment deadline for FF-SHOPs from the original Dec. 15, 2013, to Dec. 23, 2013, for coverage beginning on Jan. 1, 2014. Read More

During my dieting years I accumulated lots of knowledge on the “best” way to approach the holidays without packing on the pounds. Whether I was sitting in a Weight Watchers meeting or reading one of my countless diet books and magazines I often found the same advice:▪

• Never go to a party too hungry
• Drink more water
• Add veggies to your plate
• Only take a couple of bites of dessert
•  Focus on the people not the food
• Exercise

 While these are all valuable points, my ability to follow through always failed.

What was the problem? I assumed these plans didn’t work for me because “weak” and “out of control”. They didn’t take into account the fact that I was “crazy”. I didn’t just eat because I was hungry or the food tasted good. I ate and ate because there was something wrong with me.

How could I possibly stop at a couple of bites of dessert? I was too busy trying to figure out what I would eat next. Would it be another brownie or perhaps I should try the cake. In the end I would have both and much, much more. Food was my escape from the stress. It was my feel good drug. The problem was I wasn’t feeling good.

So what can you do when the typical advice to “drink more water, workout and don’t go to a party hungry” leaves you feeling lost?

TRY THIS:

Take time out to “Mother yourself”. Think about how you would talk to a child. Would you yell at her for being out of control with food? Would you tell her how fat she is going to get if she doesn’t stop eating so much? Would you make her get on the treadmill for an extra hour to “burn those calories”? Of course not. You would speak to her in a gentle, caring way. You would make sure she is getting enough rest, play, healthy foods and fun.

Make time for YOU. This goes along with mothering yourself. With all the busyness of the holiday season we often neglect ourselves. Lack of self care is one of the biggest reasons we seek comfort from the cookie jar.

Slow down and savor the food on your plate. Take time to really enjoy your holiday favorites.

Practice Self-Compassion rather than self punishment. This is a tough one. I am always working on improving in this area.

Know that you are NOT crazy, you are human.

Wishing you a fabulous holiday season filled with joy and laughter.

Love- Michelle

A big change to the rules governing health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) was recently announced by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

On Oct. 31, the IRS released Notice 2013-71, which relaxes the “use-or-lose” rule for health FSAs. Previously, any money put into a health FSA could not be carried over into the next year, although reimbursements were allowed to be paid for qualified expenses incurred in a “grace period” of up to two and a half months after the end of the plan year.

Under the relaxed rule, employers will now be able to allow participants to carry over up to $500 in unused funds into the next year. Any unused FSA amount above $500 will be forfeited. This modification applies only if the plan does not also incorporate the grace period rule. Read full story pdf

Many times, holiday shopping turns what should be a happy, family-centered time into stress overload and debt. You have to shop for gifts, food, decorations and even a new outfit for the holiday party. Planning ahead, not taking the process too seriously and enjoying the little moments are a good start to changing the stress back into fun. Below are a few common stressors and ways to avoid them as the holiday shopping season begins in earnest.

Big crowds. Perhaps you have convinced yourself that spending your holiday weekends at the mall is actually fun, but most people would rather not be caught in the chaos for too long. To avoid the massive holiday crowds, try shopping online for at least some of your purchases. Not only can you avoid the crowds, but most online stores allow you to ship right to your intended recipient, saving you the hassle of standing in long lines at the post office to mail gifts for out-of-town family and friends. Read Full Story pdf