R&R Insurance Blog

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month. This disorder, also known as S.A.D., is a type of depression that is linked to seasonal changes, particularly the reduction in daylight hours during the fall and winter. Most individuals with S.A.D. experience symptoms starting in the fall that persist into the winter months, causing them to feel more moody, lethargic, and generally less interested in activities they usually enjoy.

While there is no way to prevent S.A.D., you can take steps to manage the symptoms before they worsen. These steps include light therapy, which involves exposure to a lightbox that mimics natural sunlight, and spending more time outdoors during daylight hours. Regular physical exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and seeking professional counseling or therapy can also be beneficial. In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help alleviate the symptoms.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we discuss preventive measures that can be taken to make your winter a more pleasant experience.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

November is National American Diabetes Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over thirty-four million U.S. adults are affected by some form of Diabetes. Diabetes exists in two types: type one and type two.

Type one Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, leading to a lack of insulin.

Type two Diabetes, on the other hand, is more common and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough of it. With one in five adults unaware of their diabetes status, it's crucial to recognize the risk factors and symptoms. Risk factors include a family history of diabetes, being overweight, having high blood pressure, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Symptoms can range from increased thirst and frequent urination to extreme fatigue and blurred vision. Early detection and management are key to preventing serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we discuss preventive measures that can be taken such as healthy eating.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

Many organizations rely on seasonal workers to supplement their regular workforce during peak times. Your immediate thought upon reading this might be that this is about determining benefits eligibility under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Well, that’s only part of the challenge; there is so much more to consider! The ACA addresses implications related to group medical benefits. What about other benefits? What about worker classification? Wage and hour laws?

While similarities exist, there are important differences between seasonal and regular employment. Due to these differences, hiring and reliance on seasonal workers can present significant and unexpected challenges for employers. This HR Compliance Overview provides employers with a broad overview of seasonal employment and compliance strategies for employers.

If you want to know more about what you should be doing to be in compliance, contact one of our Knowledge Brokers – we know!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of maintaining good oral health and the impact it has on overall wellbeing. The mouth is often referred to as the gateway to the body because it serves as an entry point for your digestive and respiratory systems. This means that the health of your mouth can significantly influence the health of your entire body.

Typically, the body's natural defenses and proper oral health care, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, can help keep bacteria in check. However, neglecting oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of harmful bacteria, which can cause infections and diseases not only in the mouth but also in other parts of the body. For instance, poor oral health has been linked to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize dental hygiene to maintain both oral and overall health.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we discuss the four steps to proper oral brushing and maintaining good oral hygiene.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

Employers with insured group health plans may soon receive a medical loss ratio (MLR) rebate from their health insurance issuers. Issuers who did not meet the applicable MLR percentage for the last calendar year must provide rebates to plan sponsors by September 30th. These rebates may be in the form of a premium credit or a lump-sum payment.

Most group health plans sponsored by employers in the private sector are subject to ERISA. Employers with ERISA plans should not assume they can simply retain an MLR rebate. In general, unless an employer pays the entire cost of health coverage without any employee contribution, at least a portion of the rebate will be a plan asset under ERISA.

Any rebate amount that qualifies as a plan asset must be used for the exclusive benefit of the plan’s participants and beneficiaries. The question is: do you know how to determine that? Furthermore, once you have determined that, do you know how to distribute the assets appropriately?

R&R Insurance has assisted our benefits clients with this challenge every year, providing them with the proper guidance and proprietary tools to help them conduct the proper analysis.

If you’re feeling lost and don’t know what you should be doing to be in compliance with your ERISA Fiduciary requirements, contact one of our Knowledge Brokers – we know!

Footnote: The Affordable Care Act (ACA) includes a provision known as the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) which requires insurance companies to review their overall plan performance by market segments (small group and large group) to determine if they must return a portion of the premiums collected. For the small employer market segment, the insurance carriers must demonstrate that they spent $0.80 of every $1 collected in premium (80% medical loss ratio or greater) for all of their small group plans in a specific State directly on claims and health promotion for the covered members. For the large group market, the threshold is 85%. This review is conducted by calendar year and reported to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by the following August. If a carrier’s MLR is less than the applicable 80% or 85% level for the prior calendar year, they are then required to rebate a portion of the premium back to the policyholders.

By Tom Driscoll, Financial Advisor at R&R Wealth Management

You may have heard it said before, but it bears repeating: Life insurance isn’t for you, it’s for them—for the people who mean the most to you, for the loved ones who depend on your care, your income, and your protection.

As a Financial Advisor, I often encounter people who delay purchasing life insurance. Whether it’s due to misconceptions about the cost or the thought that “it won’t happen to me,” the reality is that life is unpredictable. The time to secure life insurance is when you’re in good health, and the sooner you act, the more affordable it can be.

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month

Life Insurance Awareness Month is an opportunity to reflect on your current situation and ask yourself: Have I taken the necessary steps to protect my family’s future? The statistics are eye-opening—too many families are one unexpected tragedy away from financial devastation. In fact, a significant portion of Americans are either underinsured or have no life insurance at all.

Throughout September, we encourage you to take a moment to review your life insurance needs. Have you recently had a major life change, like the birth of a child, a new home, or a change in income? These are all pivotal moments when your life insurance coverage should be evaluated and updated.

What Life Insurance Does for Your Loved Ones

Think about it: Life insurance ensures that your loved ones won’t face financial burdens should something happen to you. It helps pay off mortgages, cover educational expenses, and even replace lost income. While you won’t directly benefit from the policy, your family will have the financial stability to move forward. It’s not for you, it’s for them.

Take Action Today

As you look forward to the rest of September, take a proactive step toward securing your family’s future. Contact me today, and we can talk about how easy and beneficial life insurance can be. It doesn’t have to be a complex decision, but it does need to be made with care and understanding. Life insurance is one of the best ways to ensure that the people who depend on you will continue to thrive, no matter what life throws their way.

Let’s have a conversation. See how affordable it can be to protect your most important assets—your loved ones. After all, life insurance isn’t for you, it’s for them.

Tom Driscoll
Financial Advisor at R&R Insurance
📧 tom@rrwma.com | 📞 (262) 953-7246

September is National Yoga Awareness Month. Starting yoga can feel intimidating, but remember it's a journey, not a destination. Find a comfortable space at home or a welcoming local studio to practice regularly. Many online resources and beginner classes can guide you through the basics.

Yoga offers numerous benefits for overall wellbeing. Physically, it improves strength, balance, and flexibility, eases joint pain, and increases mobility. Mentally, yoga calms the mind, reduces stress, and enhances mood and energy through mindful breathing and meditation. It also fosters emotional resilience and mental clarity. By integrating yoga into your routine, you can achieve inner peace and balance in all aspects of life.

Whether you're seeking physical benefits, mental clarity, or both, yoga provides a holistic approach to health and wellness that fits any lifestyle.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we discuss the many benefits of yoga and how to get started. 

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

As we celebrate National Immunization Awareness Month in August, it is crucial to recognize the significant impact of vaccines in preventing diseases among adults aged fifty and older. The Adult Vaccine Access Coalition reveals that the United States allocates a staggering twenty-six and a half billion dollars annually towards combating four vaccine-preventable illnesses: Influenza (flu), Pneumococcal disease, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), and Shingles. These vaccines play a vital role in saving numerous lives each year, underscoring the importance of staying informed and ensuring that you are up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations.

By taking proactive measures to safeguard your health and wellbeing, you contribute to a healthier and more resilient community. Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about the positive impact of vaccines and the role they play in protecting you and your loved ones. It's never too late to prioritize your health and stay informed about the power of vaccinations.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we explore the importance of UV safety and how to protect you and your family.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. As we bask in the warmth of the summer sun, it's crucial to remember the potential dangers that come with excessive exposure to UV rays. While the sunshine brings us joy and vitamin D, it's essential to protect our skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Premature aging and skin cancer are serious health concerns that can arise from prolonged sun exposure. 

So, while you enjoy the great outdoors this summer, remember to prioritize UV safety and take the necessary precautions to safeguard your skin and overall health. 

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we explore the importance of UV safety and how to protect you and your family.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.

June is Men's Health Month, a time to focus on the well-being of men and promote healthy habits. It's concerning that inactive men are sixty percent more likely to suffer from depression than those who exercise regularly. Men have a tendency to avoid visiting the doctor for preventive care or addressing health issues, leading to over half of men ages eighteen and older already having hypertension or high blood pressure.

The main objective of this month is to increase awareness and inspire men to make healthier choices. One crucial step towards better health is understanding and monitoring your numbers regularly. By taking charge of your health, you can significantly improve your overall wellbeing.

To delve deeper into this topic, watch this month's Taylor Talks video, where we explore the importance of men's health and strategies for promoting overall wellbeing.

Watch this month's video here.

Reach out to our experienced Strategic Wellbeing Consultant, Taylor Hahn, to discuss the next steps. Many of our other employer groups have found this approach to be incredibly successful.