In December 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced new disability claims procedure regulations, effective April 1, 2018, for ERISA-covered plans. The new rules apply to all ERISA benefit plans that base any benefit decisions on the plan administrator’s determination of whether a person is “disabled.”
The rule applies to more than just disability plans
The new procedures also apply to retirement plans and non-qualified deferred compensation plans that provide disability benefits, but only if the plan’s definition of disability requires the plan administrator to make an independent determination that the participant is disabled. » Read More
As 2018 draws to a close, the trustees, directors, and senior management of tax-exempt organizations should review the compensation structure of some of its executives in light of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which was enacted earlier this year. » Read More
A legislative vehicle that has periodically enjoyed bipartisan support in the past was reintroduced to Congress in 2018 and may just see a resurgence early next year, albeit under a different moniker.
The Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act (“RESA”), a collection of proposed enhancements to voluntary retirement plans, was approved by the Senate Finance Committee in 2016, but saw no further legislative action. » Read More
A new rule issued by the Trump administration will allow short-term health insurance plans to cover individuals for longer periods of time without complying with the consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”). The rule aims to provide greater temporary gap coverage at a potentially lower cost to certain eligible individuals. » Read More
Small employers should have an easier time banding together to create less expensive retirement plans for their workers, with potentially simplified required notices and disclosures to plan participants under an Executive Order recently signed by President Trump that addresses certain issues relating to private-sector retirement plans. » Read More
Through periodic postings and commentary, our firm’s Executive Compensation and Employee Benefits practice group will provide its subscribers with informal guidance and discussion concerning timely employee benefits topics that impact today’s employers, executives and their professional advisors. From group health insurance plan issues to equity-based compensation topics, from retirement plan compliance items to income tax recognition matters, our attorneys will share their knowledge, insight, and years of experience in employee benefits and compensation matters through commentary and practical application of provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA and various federal and state guidance, notices and pronouncements. » Read More
