WELLNESS CORNER
Included Health: Get the Right Care, Right Away
Take advantage of the newest FREE health benefit available to employees, including any dependents covered on the corporate health plan, by AssuredPartners.
Included Health is here to make healthcare a whole lot easier with access to 24/7 support and a personal care team who can help you find top in-network doctors and specialists, book appointments, secure second opinions from world-leading experts, and answer medical, billing and insurance related questions.
With over 200 on-call clinicians, support spans all conditions and specialty areas, including: back and knee pain, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, behavioral health disorders, migraines, digestive system disorders, dermatology, pediatrics, ACL tears, and much more.
Connected Care Program:
If you or a covered dependent have a complex or chronic health condition that requires personalized care, such as diabetes, heart disease, or acute pain, you can enroll in the Connected Care Program through Included Health for access to a dedicated team of health professionals that work with you to design a care plan just for you.
Call 855-431-5547 and ask if you are eligible for the connected care program.
Accessing Included Health Care
To learn more about Included Health and activate your account, scan the QR Code or download the Included Health App on the:
Written by Cassie McLamb
Cassie McLamb is the Marketing Assistant for Pierce Group Benefits. She assists with a wide variety of Marketing tasks including website and asset management and enrollment request fulfillment. Cassie joined the team in August of 2022 after recently completing her degree in Marketing and Communication Studies.
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 2
Apple App Store Google Play Store
Study Reveals Americans’ Top Health Priorities
New survey research reveals that Americans believe the government’s top public health priority should be lowering costs for health care and prescription drugs.
The market firm Ipsos and news website Axios teamed up for the first quarterly Axios-Ipsos American Health Index, building on their work with the Axios-Ipsos Coronavirus Index during the COVID-19 pandemic. The surveys goal is to shed light on health-related behaviors.
Survey Responses
Half of Americans surveyed say the government’s number one public health priority should be lowering costs for health care and prescription drugs. For comparison, reducing gun deaths and researching cures for major diseases tied for the second-place priority, each with just 14% of respondents’ votes.
Survey respondents disagree that American businesses or the government prioritize consumers’ health and well-being. They further share that the biggest threats to public health are opioids and fentanyl (26%), obesity (21%) and access to guns or firearms (17%). Additionally, most Americans report good overall health, including emotional and financial health. However, there seems to be room for improvement as smaller percentages of people ranked the following as “very good:” diet (21%), physical health (27%) and personal finances (29%).
What Does This Mean?
Many Americans believe the government’s top public health priority should be lowering health care and prescription drug costs. Many people are making health-related decisions based on their wallets and are feeling strained.
Employers should continue to monitor health care trends, utilization and spending. Contact Pierce Group Benefits for more health care resources.
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 3
TRENDING NEWS
“These public health challenges are important, but for the typical American, it’s the bite out of their pocketbook that is even more important. Today in America, making ends meet is an increasing challenge, so the No. 1 health priority returns back to the overall priority for most Americans, being able to a ord the basic necessities of life.”
- Cli Young, president of Ipsos U.S.
Public A airs
spending on certain tasks by category, i.e., sorting through and responding to emails, categorized as Housekeeping.
2. Stick to a daily schedule
Create realistic timelines. We can easily overestimate our capacity to get things done. Add time buffers between tasks so that even if one goes over the time limit, your overall schedule and other tasks are not impacted.
3. Prioritize
To-do lists can be productivity lifesavers. But, if you’re not careful, they can get so big and overwhelming that you don’t know where to start. Consider breaking them down into four sections:
• Do immediately: Important tasks with defined deadlines, or ones you’ve put off for too long they’re overdue
• Schedule for later: Important tasks with no defined deadlines
• Delegate: Tasks that someone else can do
• Delete: Tasks you can eliminate because they’re not critical to your
4. Tackle the most di cult task first
goals or mission
The Eat That Frog productivity method, devised by leadership expert Brian Tracy, works well for people who tend to procrastinate or have trouble avoiding distractions. It recommends tackling the biggest, most difficult and most important task first—the one you’re likely to put off for later. Only move on to other things once you’ve “eaten that frog.”
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 4
5. Batch-process similar tasks
Batching, or batch processing, means grouping similar tasks so you can work on them together. Group them by objective or function. For example:
• Client meetings on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Respond or sort through emails from 10-11 am and 2-3 pm only
• Generate reports first thing in the morning, then distribute immediately
6. Set reasonable time limits
Parkinson’s law states that, “Work expands to fill the time allotted to complete it.” If you have a full day to complete two tasks that should take only three hours, you’ll probably still spend the whole day on those two tasks. If you give yourself a smaller window, chances are you’ll still meet the earlier deadline.
7. Learn when to say no
We have only so much energy in a day, and it wanes with the hours. To avoid half-baked work, know your limits and be willing to say no. Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Focus on what you’re good at and, if possible, delegate what can be done better and faster by other co-workers or team members.
8. Avoid multitasking
The science is clear on multitasking: It cuts efficiency and can even be dangerous. According to the American Psychological Association, mental juggling involves “switching costs” that slash productivity. Although task switching might cost only a few seconds per switch, it adds up if you multitask frequently. Your risk for error also soars.
9. Keep things organized
• Maintain a clean work desk. For better decision-making, toss any papers that can be shredded or recycled. Clear out nonessentials and put daily tools within easy reach.
• Coordinate your computer files and shared drives. File naming is key to organizing digital files. Create a system that allows you and your colleagues to locate items quickly and easily.
• Use a calendar. Organize your calendar by life buckets, such as “personal,” “professional” and “commitment.” Try color-coding to quickly differentiate categories or by urgent versus non-urgent.
10. Use time management tools
Leverage productivity and automation tools designed to boost productivity:
• Teams for keeping team communications in one central space organized by channel. No more slogging through endless email threads for project details.
• OneNote for storing, sharing and backing up files.
• Outlook Calendar for staying on top of daily, weekly and monthly schedules.
Written by Mary Helen Fennell-Morgan Mary Helen Fennell-Morgan is the Marketing Production Lead for Pierce Group Benefits. She assists in leading the Marketing Team in addition to working hands-on with a variety of projects, tasks, and enrollment request fulfillment. Mary Helen brings a range of experience from both the education and non-profit industries to PGB.
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 5
Four Fresh Spring Recipes to Welcome the New Season
Try out these colorful spring dinner ideas for a welcome change to those heavy dinners of the past season and have you feeling refreshed and ready for warmer weather in no time.
Honey-Soy-Glazed Salmon with Veggies and Oranges
Prep/Total Time: 25 Minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
• 1 pound fresh medium asparagus
• 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
Directions:
• 1 small orange, cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch slices
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 (5- to 6-oz.) fresh salmon fillets
• Optional Garnish: toasted sesame seeds
1. Preheat broiler with oven rack 6 inches from heat. Whisk together honey and next 4 ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Snap off and discard tough ends of asparagus. Place asparagus, green beans, and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl, and toss to coat.
3. Place salmon in center of a heavy-duty aluminum foil-lined sheet pan. Brush salmon with about 2 Tbsp. honey mixture. Spread asparagus mixture around salmon.
4. Broil 4 minutes; remove from oven, and brush salmon with about 2 Tbsp. honey mixture. Return to oven, and broil 4 minutes more. Remove from oven, and brush salmon with remaining honey mixture. Return to oven, and broil 2 minutes more. Serve immediately.
Blood Orange and Banana Smoothie
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 16 ounces fresh blood orange juice
• 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup ice
• 1-2 Tablespoons honey, to taste
Directions:
1. Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour into four glasses, and drink immediately.
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 6
HEALTHY YOU
Directions:
Cherry Tomato Pasta with Avocado
Prep/Total Time: 30 Minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
• 1 package rotini pasta
• 2 medium ripe avocados
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup basil leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• Optional: Shredded Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese and grated lime zest
1. Cook rotini according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, place avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, lime juice, salt and pepper in a food processor; pulse until chopped. Continue processing while gradually adding oil in a steady stream.
2. Drain rotini, transfer to a large bowl. Add avocado mixture and tomatoes; toss to coat. Sprinkle with pine nuts and add toppings as desired.
Lemon Meringue Mu ns
Prep/Bake Time: 50 Minutes
Makes: 1 Dozen
Ingredients:
• 6 tablespoons butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 2 large eggs, room temp.
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
• 1-1/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 large egg whites
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, cream butter and 2/3 cup sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in yogurt, lemon juice, zest and extract.
2. In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder and baking soda. Add to creamed mixture; stir just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full. Bake 17-19 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from the oven. Increase oven setting to 400°.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until stiff glossy peaks form.
4. Spread or pipe meringue onto muffins. Bake 6-8 minutes longer or until meringue is golden brown.
5. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack. Serve warm.
Written by Maddie Fansler
Maddie Fansler is the Print Production Assistant for Pierce Group Benefits. She assists with an array of Marketing tasks and requests, in addition to fielding print-related inquiries and orders. Maddie joined the team in March of 2022, bringing both in-field experience and a degree in Graphic Arts & Imaging Technology.
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 7
KNOW YOUR BENEFITS
Commuter Benefits o ered by Assured Partners
Introducing commuter benefits, perks designed to help take the hassle out of commuting.
What Are Commuter Benefits?
Sometimes called “transportation benefits,” commuter benefits help cover costs associated with traveling to and from work. These benefits are often provided tax-free, meaning the cost or reimbursement for the benefits are not included in your taxable income.
Commuter Benefits Examples
Commuter benefits can pay expenses related to qualified parking, transit passes and rides in commuter highway vehicles. The benefits—along with the costs associated—will vary based on the workplace, but here are some common examples:
Qualified parking is parking provided at or near your workplace. It also includes parking at or near the location from which you commute to work.
Transit passes include any passes, tokens, fare cards, or vouchers that allow you to ride free/reduced rate on mass transit or in a carpool vehicle.
Van-pooling is transportation between your residence and place of employment in a commuter highway vehicle that seats at least seven adults.
How to Use Commuter Benefits
Typically, you would enroll in commuter benefits just like your other benefits, like health or dental insurance. There may be several options to choose from, so be sure to review your options carefully. Commuter benefit programs were established by and are regulated under Section 132(f) of the IRS Tax Code. Federal law allows employees to deduct up to $280 per month in pre-tax income to use for transit and commuter costs.
Since the Commuter and Transit account is a month-to-month benefit you may opt-out of the program or change your election amount at any point during the plan year. Review your Benefits Guide or visit the Commuter and Transit AP Ben Portal to learn all about your commuter benefits options and how to enroll.
t BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 8
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations and THANK YOU for your commitment, determination, and contributions. Get to know this PGB All-Star below!
As a valued member of the PGB team, Cathy works as a Senior Account Executive for the Client Services team. Providing her expertise for our Virginia and North Carolina clients for over nine years. She began her career in working in payroll and benefits, before transferring to the agent side in November 2014 with Pierce Group. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Administration Degree and an Associate Degree in Computer Science. When asked about her favorite parts of the job, Cathy stated she enjoys helping people and building with relationships with both clients and co-workers. Outside of work hours, you can find Cathy spending time outdoors, hanging with her dogs, or going to see Hurricanes games.
CATHY MAXFIELD SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
NEW EMPLOYEE WELCOME
Cathy goes above and beyond to ensure our clients are taken care of. She is a great asset to the Client Services Department and to Pierce Group Benefits!
- Nicki Smith, Regional Client Services Manager
Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to our newest team members — congratulations and welcome, we look forward to working with and getting to know you all!
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 9
Monserat Hernandez Benefit Analyst
Donna St. Claire Benefits Counselor
Anna Mosback Account Exec. Assistant
BIRTHDAYS
Whether we’re celebrating early, late, or right on time, Happy Birthday - we hope that this next year is even better than the last!
April
Birthdays!
Donna St. Claire - April 3rd
Cassie McLamb - April 4th
Arthur Meredith - April 7th
Cindy Blackley - April 11th
Gray Spivey - April 14th
Michelle Chayka - April 19th
June Birthdays!
Morgan Ledford - May 2nd
Shanisse Spencer - May 8th
May Birthdays!
Brittany Turner - June 8th
Laura Shelton - June 14th
Chris Pierce - June 20th
Monica Nixon - June 21st
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 10
WORKAVERSARIES
Be it your first year or your twenty-fifth year, THANK YOU for the work you do for Pierce Group Benefits and our clients, and their employees and families!
CELEBRATING 1 YEARS!
Dave Welker II, Chief Financial Officer - Congratulations on 1 year!
CELEBRATING 2 YEARS!
Nichole Cayia, Human Resources Manager - Congratulations on 2 years!
Kerri Gilliam, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!
Artina McKnight-Coard, Account Executive - Congratulations on 2 years!
Wyndham Murray, Client Relations Specialist - Congratulations on 2 years!
CELEBRATING 3-10 YEARS!
Morgan Ledford, Enrollment Technician - Congratulations on 3 years!
Carla Carr, Service Specialist - Congratulations on 5 years!
Emily Kesead, Enrollment Manager - Congratulations on 6 years!
Jolene Clayton, Finance Manager - Congratulations on 7 years!
Laura Shelton, Executive Assistant - Congratulations on 9 years!
Cori Rozentals, Integrations Manager - Congratulations on 10 years!
CELEBRATING 20+ YEARS!
Robin Craver, Senior Service Specialist - Congratulations on 24 years!
Janean Kilgore, Service Center Assistant - Congratulations on 25 years!
BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 11
CONTACT DIRECTORY
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BENEFITS PIERCE GROUP QUARTER TWO NEWSLETTER 12
“THE GREAT THING IN THIS WORLD IS NOT SO MUCH WHERE YOU STAND, AS IN WHAT DIRECTION YOU ARE MOVING.”
- OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES
