See the attached 2012 Health Observances Calendar for significant health related events throughout the year.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) requires employers to report the aggregate cost of employersponsored group health plan coverage on their employees’ Forms W-2. The purpose of the reporting requirement is to provide information to employees regarding how much their health coverage costs.

See the attached document for a table of IRS indexed figures for 2012 in comparison to 2011 figures.

The District is offering and early retirement incentive for current, active and eligible employees. Read the newsletter for details.

Take our employee/retiree activity survey – how do you want to have fun with the Peralta Community? Interested in a group cruise? Do you want to help plan the District-wide picnic for peralta employees, retirees at Marine World/Six Flags in Vallejo? Answer a few questions, give us your feedback?

Take the Survey Here

President Obama has signed H.R. 2 which is the Children’s Health Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2009.  It is the purpose of this Act to provide dependable and stable funding for children’s health insurance under titles XXI and XIX of the Social Security Act in order to enroll all six million uninsured children who are eligible, but not enrolled, for coverage today through such titles.
 
If you would like to know additional information about H.R. 2, please click: 
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-2&tab=summary  or HR2 (PDF) 

As a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, there are increased limits on the Pre-tax commuting/parking benefit.  Eligible employees can recognize pre-tax benefits from public transportation expenses. For more background, enrollment forms and the Summary Plan Description:

• download your personal copy of the March 9, 2009 - Benefits Spotlight: Pre-Tax Commuting/Parking Benefit;
• come to the District on March 25, 2009 during Staff and Retiree Appreciation day to ask questions about this benefit.

Did you know that you may be eligible to recieve a reimbursement of your Medicare Premiums? The Distirict reimburses premiums paid by the retiress and spouse or domestic partner. All you have to do is provide verification of the amount paid. If you are on the Districts Kaiser plan, make sure that you are enrolled in the Kaiser Senior Advantage Plan. 

• Fill prescriptions at thousands of participating pharmacies across the country
• Enjoy the ease of home prescription delivery from the mail service pharmacy
• Look up your prescription history and benefit information on the Internet

Though the common cold and seasonal influenza share several symptoms, there are points of differentiation that will help you identify which you may have and seek proper treatment. It is important to tell the difference, as the flu can result in more serious health complications, while the cold likely will not.

Maintaining good posture is a simple yet effective way to keep the structures in the back and spine in good working order. In fact, good posture and back support are essential in reducing back and neck pain. Even sitting at a desk all day can wreak havoc on the back and neck, and result in painful strains.

Vision problems affect one in 20 preschoolers and one in four school-aged children. Vision problems can begin at an early age; therefore it is important that children receive proper eye care. Untreated problems can worsen and lead to permanent vision loss and delayed development. Because it is possible for your child to have a serious vision problem without being aware of it, infants should be screened for common eye problems during their regular pediatric appointments.

H1N1 flu is an infection caused by the influenza A virus. It is a respiratory disease of pigs; however, human cases of H1N1 have been identified in the U.S. as well as internationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that H1N1 is contagious and is spreading from human to human.

Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips on how to safely enjoy your time in the sun.

Congress has not acted to extend the monthly allowable transit benefit that was increased as a part of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Transit Benefit extension was not included in the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011, which extended the payroll tax cut for 2 months and was signed into law by the President. As a result, effective January 1, 2012, the monthly limits are as follows:

Transit: $125   -   Parking: $240

The Internal Revenue Service today announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of 2011. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business and other purposes.

Effective immediately, employers are required to provide a reasonable space and time for nursing mothers for one year after their child’s birth. This space must be an enclosed location, other than a restroom, and protected from intrusion of the public and coworkers.

Great News!! Today, the IRS released Notice 2008-104, which delays the need for all pharmacies and drug stores to implement an Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS) or certify that 90% of their gross receipts were derived from the purchase of eligible medical expenses in order for payment cards to be used at their locations.