News Channel 9, WMUR featured Ross Gibson from The Richards Group regarding Workplace Mental Health and its emerging importance in the workplace. The full video can be found below, with Ross beginning at minute mark 3:25.
The entire publication can be found here.
Innovative Medicare Enrollment Resource Helps Seniors Navigate Complexities of Medicare
The Richards Group is pleased to announce a partnership with SmartConnect, an innovative Medicare guidance, and enrollment resource. The service is now available for Medicare eligible adults throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.
SmartConnect is an exclusive program designed for Medicare eligible adults and their family members who may be working or retiring and may not have explored the benefits of Medicare coverage in its entirety. SmartConnect will provide The Richards Group’s clients with individual consultations to help them better understand what the world of Medicare has to offer, including Parts A, B, and Prescription Drug Plans, as well as Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.
“What appealed to me most about SmartConnect was the ease of their process,” said Tom Scull, a Partner of The Richards Group. “Their Medicare guidance and comparison shopping is free and done on a one-on-one basis. That level of personalization and care made the decision to partner an easy one.”
After scheduling a phone appointment, a licensed SmartConnect agent will work with clients of The Richards Group to find potential savings and benefits that meet their needs. This new offering is available now and can be accessed by calling (833) 502-2747 TTY:711, Mon-Fri, 7:30 am-5:00 pm CT. Learn more online by visiting therichardsgrp.com/medicare.
“Medicare can seem confusing, especially for people who are used to employer coverage,” says Vanessa Henry, VP of SmartConnect. “The good news is that we make understanding Medicare easy, and help people uncover potential savings and additional benefits, all at no cost to the business or individual.”
About the Richards Group
The Richards Group has provided Insurance, Employee Benefits, and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout New Hampshire and Vermont since 1867. The firm has over 150 employees in 12 locations and has earned recognition both for contributions to our local communities and as one of the best places to work in the region. The Richards Group is committed to helping employers with workplace safety, employee retention, and wellness. We recognize that while we help employers manage the cost and complexity of their insurance and employee benefits, we use our expertise, technology, and resources for the betterment of their workforce. For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com/medicare.
About SmartConnect
SmartConnect is an exclusive program created specifically for Medicare eligible, working or retiring adults and their family members. HR professionals can refer employees to SmartConnect and rely on this program for clear, accurate information about Medicare options and benefits. SmartConnect’s team of licensed agents focus on the needs of employees by comparing their employer coverage to a variety of Medicare options to unlock potential benefits and savings, all as an extension of a company’s benefits offerings. Learn more about SmartConnect: www.startsmartconnect.com
On Friday, the Supreme Court rendered a decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade and eliminating constitutional protection for abortion. In the wake of this ruling, 26 states are expected to ban all or nearly all abortions.
The Richards Group recognizes you may want to consider travel benefit options to help support your employees in obtaining care where access is limited regionally.
Please see the following links to obtain resources for your staff.
Cigna HealthCare- Travel Offering
To access a replay of Cigna’s Travel Offering Audio Conference dial into on of the below numbers:
Vermont Blue Cross (COMING SOON)
Anthem Blue Cross (COMING SOON)
We are so proud of the many TRG clients who received 2022 Vermont Worksite Wellness Awards. These organizations have demonstrated the commitment and creativity needed to support the health and wellbeing of their employees.
Thank you to the Vermont Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and the Vermont Department of Health for hosting this recognition program.
Chroma Technology
Community Care Network
Franklin County Home Health Agency
Grace Cottage Hospital
King Arthur Baking
Lamoille County Mental Health Services
Mascoma Bank
Mt. Ascutney Hospital
New Chapter
Northwestern Counseling & Support Services
Springfield Hospital
The Richards Group
Town of Brattleboro
United Counseling Service
Vermont Precision Tools
Washington County Mental Health Services
Gifford Health Care
IVEK Corporation
Vermont Packinghouse
VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region
Aspire Living & Learning
The Richards Group was recently named one of the 2022 Best Places to Work in Vermont, an award created by Vermont Business Magazine, the Vermont Chamber of Commerce, the Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Department of Labor, and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) – Vermont State Council and Best Companies Group.
This statewide survey and awards program is designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Vermont, benefiting the state's economy, workforce, and businesses.
“As the pandemic continues to reshape our lives, prioritizing the health and well-being of our employees continues to be at the forefront of our success” commented Antonia Crawford, Human Resources Manager at The Richards Group. “Many of our employees have embraced the flexibility that comes with a remote and virtual workspace. As a result, we are nurturing a culture of appreciation that ensures each member of our staff feels valued and connected as part of a virtual community. There is a great comfort in knowing that our capability to offer a flexible work environment has eased the strain on staff and allowed them to thrive professionally and personally. It is truly our role as a Best Places to Work employer to support our staff and give them the space to do and be their best. Their hard work, passion and commitment to our customers has been unwavering. It is an honor to receive and share this recognition with the exceptional employees at TRG.”
The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Employee Benefits, Wealth Management and Retirement Plan solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 1867. The firm currently has 150 employees and 13 locations in Vermont and New Hampshire and has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness and Human Resources consulting. TRG Investment Advisors, LLC dba TRG Retirement Plan Consultants is a Registered Investment Adviser. For more information about the firm and its capabilities, please visit www.therichardsgrp.com.
The Richards Group is pleased to announce that it has acquired Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance of Springfield, VT. The partnership with The Richards Group will benefit clients by ensuring that decisions and service remain local for years to come, while expanding client services and resources. Lawrence and Wheeler's staff will remain at their current office located at 46 Main Street in Springfield, Vermont.
“It means a lot to us that Paul and Bob Kendall felt The Richards Group was the best fit to continue the excellent work that Lawrence and Wheeler has done over many decades,” said Drew Richards, Vice President of The Richards Group. “Their roots run deep in Vermont with a strong family history, just like ours. We’re excited to make this investment in the greater Springfield area and to continue to serve this community.”
“We’ve collaborated with The Richards Group for years now, so when we considered what firm was best for our clients, employees and the community, we knew they were the right fit. The Richards Group is Vermont based and locally owned, and we have similar priorities and values,” commented Paul Kendall, President of Lawrence and Wheeler Insurance. “Our clients will benefit from the new insurance markets and technologies that The Richards Group will make available, along with their employee benefit and retirement plan consulting expertise.”
The Richards Group, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, has provided local Insurance, Retirement Plan and Employee Benefits solutions to clients throughout Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts since 1867. The firm has over 150 employees in 13 locations and has been named one of the “Best Places to Work in Vermont” in each of the past 6 years by Vermont Business Magazine and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce. The Richards Group has expanded services to include Safety, Wellness and Human Resources consulting.