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Emerging strategies for determining pension plan member life expectancies may promise a more precise assessment of pension liabilities than traditional mortality tables. Multifactor modeling, which incorporates multiple variables that influence mortality, is one such approach.

In its eighteenth year, the 2024 Aegis Risk Medical Stop-Loss Premium Survey measures the ongoing expense and coverage of medical stop-loss amongst employer-sponsored, self-funded health plans.

New governing council offices and members announced!

Nashville, known for its eclectic and colorful atmosphere, hosted two and a half days of valuable education sessions and networking opportunities with professionals from across North America.

High inflation may increase costs for defined benefit (DB) pension plans and potentially affect their funding status. The authors review how inflation impacts multiemployer and public DB plans and offer strategies for mitigating inflation risks.

Ensuring that claims procedures fulfill statutory requirements is an important part of minimizing legal challenges for employee benefit plans. In the second of two articles, the author describes the appeals process following an adverse benefit determination. The first article discussed the legal framework for claims procedures as well as timing and other requirements for benefit claim determinations.

Arbitrating employee benefit plan disputes can be a cheaper and more efficient alternative to litigating them in the courts, but arbitration provisions may not be a fit for every plan. Recent court decisions are among the factors to consider when evaluating whether to adopt, maintain, amend or remove an arbitration provision.

Recent legislation has relaxed the requirements for taking hardship distributions from defined contribution (DC) retirement plans, but some plan sponsors are hesitant to follow suit. Adopting a substantiation policy for these distributions can help minimize risks to the plan.

New guidance from the IRS provides some definition on the SECURE 2.0 provision that allows matching contributions on qualified student loan payments, expanding the potential tools employers have to help employees address their student debt burdens.

Employers face talent acquisition and retention challenges, highlighting the need for benefit packages that meet diverse employee needs. The author explores the ongoing process organizations must navigate to adapt their plans, focusing on inclusivity and equity.

Cancer survivors often face more significant employment challenges than those with other chronic illnesses as they transition back to work. The authors emphasize the need for targeted and sustained efforts to support cancer survivors’ reintegration into the workforce and maintain their quality of life.

Given increasingly volatile financial markets, it is more crucial than ever for investors to understand how to navigate complex waters. Within the context of investment portfolios, the author sheds light on various features of fixed income and its pivotal role, including offsetting risk alongside other asset classes.

Multiemployer pension plans receiving Special Financial Assistance (SFA) must comply with the program’s administrative requirements, which cover withdrawal liability assessments, investments, contributions and more.

Ensuring that claims procedures fulfill statutory requirements is an important part of minimizing legal challenges for employee benefit plans. In the first article of two parts, the author describes the legal framework for claims procedures as well as timing and other requirements for claim determinations. A second article in the November/December issue will discuss the appeals process.

Health care expenses for dependents make up a sizable portion of multiemployer heath plan costs. Which dependents are plans required to cover, and what are the best methods for monitoring dependent eligibility?

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers the potential for benefit fund offices to increase efficiency and enhance services but can also pose significant challenges and risks. What should your fund office be doing now to prepare?

A surge in class action excessive fee lawsuits against health plan fiduciaries may be one unintended consequence of improved health care price transparency. The authors review the details of the first of such lawsuits and suggest considerations for fiduciaries to prepare for potential litigation.

As the aging population continues to grow, this demographic shift will greatly impact organizations and the overall economy, necessitating proactive support for employed caregivers. Employers that provide benefits to address caregiving-related health and wellness issues can minimize costs while fostering a supportive workplace culture.

Proxy discrimination can influence access to and pricing of employee benefit plans, hindering employers’ efforts to provide comprehensive benefits in more diverse workplaces. The authors examine how proxy discrimination may be adversely affecting minority groups in their interaction with the insurance industry.

Using these five strategic levers may help group benefits provide plan members with access to medications that improve their health while ensuring the sustainability of their prescription drug plans.