NEWSLETTER DECEMBER 2022
HUMAN RESOURCES
Bridge Over Water Kathy Hemsworth
AskHR!
Have a question, but don’t know whom to ask? The Human Resources staff is listening! You can always send an email to Ask HR if you have questions or concerns. Emails will be kept confidential and, if we print your question in the APG newsletter, we will not use your name. Questions may be emailed to AskHR@adamspg.com or sent interoffice to your regional HR representative.
SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO & WIN! SUBMIT TO SUBMITNEWS.ADAMSPG.COM.
DON’T KNOW WHOM TO CALL? CONTACT HUMAN RESOURCES. KATHARINE GLASS
APG Vice President of HR kglass@adamspg.com 865.981.1101
DEB BROOKS
HR Manager - APG West dbrooks@skagitpublishing.com 360.416.2187
GWEN DAVIS
HR Manager - East gdavis@apgenc.com 252.366.8139
HEATHER MCCALMONT
HR Manager - Southern Wisconsin hmccalmont@adamspg.com 608.755.9442
MICHELE WATERS
HR Director - APG Chesapeake/ Ohio/Michigan mwaters@adamspg.com 410.770.4159
THÉRÉSE ZADNIK-KLECKER
HR Manager - APG Central therese.zadnik-klecker@adamspg.com 763.712.3559
Submit a photo to be featured in the monthly newsletter. Each month, the person whose photo is selected for the front cover will win a $25 gift card!
Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER
Human Resources & Safety
Flexible Spending Account Balances REMINDER
OF UPCOMING COMPANY HOLIDAYS CHRISTMAS (observed) Monday, December 26, 2022 NEW YEAR’S DAY (observed) Monday, January 2, 2023
MEMORIAL DAY
Monday, May 29, 2023
INDEPENDENCE DAY Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Be sure to use your remaining Flexible Spending Account (FSA) balance by the end of the year to avoid losing money. As you get toward the end of your plan year, it’s important to think about what to do with any remaining funds in your flexible spending account (FSA). Most of the funds you set aside in your FSA may need to be spent before the end of the plan year because you may lose what you don’t spend. Unfortunately, unlike a health savings account (HSA), you don’t get to keep your FSA money as long as you want. Below are some helpful tips to ensure you’re spending your FSA wisely:
What can you spend your FSA dollars on?
Use your FSA to pay for tax qualified out-of-pocket expenses that your health plan doesn’t cover. Your FSA can pay for medical, vision or dental expenses such as: • Flu shots • Prescription sunglasses • Acupuncture • Sunscreen (30 SPF or higher)
• Dental care • And much more! Visit the Eligible Expenses page for a searchable list of IRS-approved expenses that are covered by your FSA.
An FSA is unique, as you can use FSA funds on personal medical expenses and any medical dependent’s expenses. For example, if your 23-year-old daughter is home from college, you could buy her flu shot with your FSA funds. Remember, a dependent does not need to be covered by your health plan. Need a refresher on what is an FSA and how it works? Visit the Learning Center’s Introduction to FSAs. The information features details on using your account and managing your account.
Know your FSA balance
You can check your current balance by signing into www.hellofurther.com, logging into the Further mobile app, or by calling customer service at 1-800-859-2144. Understanding exactly how much you have in your FSA will help you avoid any surprises when paying for health care related expenses.
CONGRATS TO OUR NOVEMBER WINNER TOM KELLING,
AD DIRECTOR SOUTHERN MN The Question Was: Who is the single season NFL rushing yard record holder? The Answer Was: Eric Dickerson
2
Adams Publishing Group Executive Development Class Americas Newspapers held a yearlong Executive Development Program for future industry leaders. APG sent 5 participants. From Left to Right, Nick Monico, COO APG, Nathan Kohan, ENC Regional Audience Development Director, Omar Zucco, Florida Regional Advertising Director, Amanda Montgomery, Senior GM/Ohio, Brett
Holum, N. Minnesota GM, Jeremy Bradfield, Senior GM/ ECM and Mark Adams, President/ CEO Adams Publishing Group. During the program process, Amanda Montgomery and Jeremy Bradfield were promoted to Senior General Managers.
Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER
Human Resources & Safety
Getting Started with SmartConnectTM About SmartConnect
Who can use SmartConnect?
Free Medicare education and enrollment resource for employees, retirees and their friends and families Medicare Supplement | Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans | Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans | Ancillary Coverage
What is SmartConnect?
The SmartConnect team helps employees, retirees and their family members compare their current health insurance to Medicare with the goal of identifying the most cost-effective option, whether that’s Medicare or their current coverage. We also provide enrollment assistance and continuous support for those employees who elect to go onto Medicare.
Anyone who is Medicare-eligible including employees, retirees, spouses, children, parents, neighbors, and friends.
How much does it cost?
Nothing! SmartConnect is a NO COST service for everyone. The only cost a beneficiary will incur is for a monthly premium (if there is one) that goes to the insurance provider they choose. There are no hidden fees or extra costs associated with our services.
When should an employee call SmartConnect to speak with a licensed agent?
Right now! We can help people eligible for Medicare for the first time understand their options, help current Medicare beneficiaries compare their existing coverage, and assist retirees who want to transition onto Medicare.
Did you know? SmartConnect agents offer unbiased advice and are not incentivized to favor any plan over another. Our licensed agents will help each person understand their options and which plan types may work best for them based on their unique circumstances.
In which states are your agents licensed?
SmartConnect agents are licensed and appointed in all 50 states.
Safety Tips: Portable Heaters Safety should always be a top consideration when using space heaters. Here are some tips for keeping your home safe and warm when it’s cold outside:
Portable heaters are the second leading cause of home fires in the United States. More than 65,000 home fires are attributed to heating equipment each year. These fires result in hundreds of deaths, thousands of injuries and millions of dollars in property damage. Portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat for your home in cold weather. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. Fire and electrical hazards can be caused by space heaters without adequate safety features, space heaters placed near combustibles, or space heaters that are improperly plugged in.
• Make sure your space heater has the label showing that it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory. • Before using any space heater, read the manufacturer’s instructions and warning labels carefully. • Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. • Never leave a space heater unattended. Turn it off when you’re leaving a room or going to sleep, and don’t let pets or children play too close to a space heater. • Space heaters are only meant to provide supplemental heat and should never be used to warm bedding, cook food, dry clothing or thaw pipes. • Proper placement of space heaters is critical. Heaters must be kept at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including papers, clothing and rugs. • Locate space heaters out of high traffic areas and
doorways where they may pose a tripping hazard. • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater. • Place space heaters on level, flat surfaces. Never place heaters on cabinets, tables, furniture, or padded carpet, which can overheat and start a fire. • Always unplug and safely store the heater when it is not in use.
When using portable heaters in APG facilities (where permitted) we kindly request that in addition to the above guidance that you observe these additional safety requirements: • Check with your supervisor prior to use of portable heating devices. • Only electric heaters are permitted. • Heaters must be equipped with a tip over cut off device.
What country are poinsettias native to? SEND IN YOUR ANSWER FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN
Submit your answer to AskHR@adamspg.com. The winner will be drawn on Thursday, December 15, 2022.
3
Adams Publishing Group NEWSLETTER
Flu Vaccine: Get the Facts Your Best Protection Against Flu
Millions of people get flu every year, hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized and thousands or tens of thousands of people die. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), public health professionals, and our practice recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every year. Flu vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors’ visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent serious flu complications that can result in hospitalization and even death.1,2 A flu vaccine is the best way to help prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Remember that flu vaccine not only protects you, but it also can help protect those around you.
Flu Vaccine Reduces Your Risk of Flu
CDC estimates that flu has resulted in 9 million – 41 million illnesses, 140,000 – 710,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 – 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020.3
Recent studies show that flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu illness by between 40% and 60% among the overall population during seasons when most circulating flu viruses are well-matched to the flu vaccine.
Since 2004, when pediatric flu deaths became nationally notifiable, the number of pediatric flu deaths reported to CDC each year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic ranged from 37 (2011-2012 season) to 199 deaths (2019-2020 season.)
While some people who get a flu vaccine still get sick, vaccination can make their illness less severe. Two recent studies among hospitalized flu patients showed that flu vaccination reduced intensive care unit admissions and duration of hospitalization.6 Remember that a flu vaccine not only protects you, but it also can help protect those around you, including people who are at higher risk for serious flu illness, like babies, young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic health conditions.
Flu Vaccination Especially Important For Some
Flu vaccination is especially important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious complications from flu, including children younger than 5, pregnant people, adults 65 and older, and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma.
Proven Safety Record
For more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of Americans have safely received seasonal flu vaccines and there has been extensive research supporting its safety.7 Side effects from flu vaccination are generally mild, especially when compared to symptoms of flu.7
Visit WWW.CDC.GOV/FLU for more information. 1. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/spotlights/vaccine-reduces-severe-outcomes.htm 2. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2017/p0403-flu-vaccine.html 3. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/burden-averted/2018-2019.htm 4. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/effectiveness-studies.htm
5. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm 6. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/vaccine-benefits.htm 7. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/general.htm
DO YOU HAVE A BRIGHT IDEA FOR OUR COMPANY NEWSLETTER?
WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Submissions are due on the 10TH OF EACH MONTH at submitnews.adamspg.com. Submission guidelines: provide photo and story, include photo credit and names of people in the photos, original content only (no copyrighted material).
*Please note, there is limited space in the newsletter and not everything will be printed.
4