New IRS form required for 2015 federal tax filing

On or before Jan. 31, 2016, employees covered under YNHHS medical plans during 2015 will receive a home mailing with new IRS Form 1095-C. Employees will use information from this form to complete their 2015 personal federal income tax return, although the form itself is not submitted and should be kept with employees' tax records. While the 2015 Form 1095-C will be mailed to each employee's home, in future years, employees may opt to receive it electronically. Form 1095-C attests to healthcare coverage employees and any eligible dependents received from YNHHS during 2015. This new form is in addition to the W-2 form employees will also receive in January. Form 1095-C is a product of the Affordable Care Act, often referred to as “Obamacare,” which requires that all individuals have health insurance or potentially pay a penalty. The legislation also requires large employers like YNHHS to provide covered employees and the IRS with information about that coverage. More information will be posted on the Employee Self Service dashboard, including a number to call with questions or for assistance once you receive your Form 1095-C.

Steps to a healthier you

YNHH's livingwellCARES stairWELLness committee is kicking off an initiative for the new year that encourages employees to skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever possible at work.

The stairwellness initiative aims to help employees realize the health benefits of using the stairs versus the elevator. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Get Healthy CT:

• Climbing stairs for two minutes a day can not only keep off the pesky two pounds many adults gain in a year, but lead to six pounds of weight-loss over one year.
• Climbing stairs can increase HDL or "good cholesterol" in the blood and help lower LDL, or "bad cholesterol."
• While climbing stairs, a person burns an average of 10 calories a minute — seven times more than standing in an elevator.
• Those who climb stairs daily have greater leg strength and aerobic capacity, allowing them to participate more fully in a wide range of daily activities. Join the livingwellCARES health coaches for stairwellness kickoff events, 7 - 9 am Wednesday, Jan.13, or 11 am - 1 pm Thursday, Jan. 14, York Street Campus East Pavilion or Saint Raphael Campus cafeterias.

Monthly Qigong classes begin Jan. 23

The Complementary Service Department at Smilow Cancer Hospital will host monthly Qigong classes starting Saturday, Jan. 23, 11 am - noon, Smilow Cancer Hospital room 4-101 A. Qigong is a gentle practice of coordinated breath, movement and visualization. Visit www.ynhh.org/events to register and check future dates, or call 888-700-6543.

Monthly labyrinth walks begin Jan. 25

The Complementary Service Department at Smilow Cancer Hospital will host monthly labyrinth walks, starting Monday, Jan. 25, 11 am - 1:30 pm, Seminar Room, 55 Park St. Registration is not required for each walk, a meditative exercise that takes about five to 10 minutes and allows for contemplation and reflection. The YNHH Auxiliary is co-sponsoring the walks. For more information call 203-200-6129. For future labyrinth walk dates, visit www.ynhh.org/events.

Weight-loss contest begins Feb. 1

The YNHH Nutrition Clinic's annual "Lose to Win" employee weight-loss contest starts the week of Feb. 1 and runs for five weeks. For a $10 entry fee, registered dietitians will monitor weights and provide weekly education resources on healthy eating and exercise strategies. A cash jackpot will be shared among the top 10 winners, calculated by the percentage of weight lost. Registration is required; sign up for the contest at one of two sessions: Saint Raphael Campus: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Thursday, Jan. 21, Main 334 A conference room; or York Street Campus: noon - 1:30 pm Tuesday, Jan. 19, or 11:30 am - 1:30 pm Monday, Jan. 25, East Pavilion basement, room 805. For a copy of the rules or more information, contact [email protected] or visit the employee intranet.

Breast imaging program enhanced

The Breast Imaging program will be enhanced to provide comprehensive breast imaging services at six outpatient locations, in New Haven, Hamden, Guilford and North Haven. Diagnostic Radiology has closed mammography services in three locations: the Saint Raphael Campus; 556 Main St., East Haven; and 500 Elm St., West Haven. At the comprehensive locations, same-day results will be provided by onsite dedicated breast radiologists in many cases, with additional mammography or ultrasound imaging performed as needed.

Transforming Healthcare Grand Rounds Jan. 12

Employees are invited to Transforming Healthcare Grand Rounds, 5 - 6:30 pm Tuesday, Jan. 12, Fitkin Auditorium. The speaker is Fiona Scott Morton, PhD, Theodore Nierenberg Professor of Economics, Yale School of Management. The talk is part of a series designed to help employees and physicians enhance their clinical leadership by learning from national and international experts on improvement science. Registration is not required. For information, contact Marcia Johnson, 203-688-8475, or [email protected].

New resource available for parents

Yale New Haven Health System employees who have children with developmental, emotional or learning challenges now have access to a valuable resource: the online Bright Horizons Special Needs program. Through an online portal, the program offers:

• Expert guidance on a child’s unique situation to help parents advocate for and support their child from birth through young adulthood.
• Online assistance to simplify education planning, such as guidance on action plans, facilitating school communications, troubleshooting issues, organizing materials and tracking progress.
• Live and archived webinars with top experts to help parents effectively guide their child’s education.
• Personalized help from experienced, compassionate advisors who can help parents address their child’s unique needs.

This free, confidential resource is available to all employees. To register and access the Bright Horizons portal, visit ynhhs-brighthorizons.myedgps.com and use the passcode: ynhhs. Employees with questions may send an email to [email protected] or call 1-844-myEdGPS (693-3477).

School of Nurse Anesthesia accredited

The Yale New Haven Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia has received accreditation from the Council on Accreditation for Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs. During a site visit by council representatives last April, the school was found to be in full compliance with all standards and received the maximum allowable 10-year accreditation.