Healthcare

The Department of Labor issued an interpretive bulletin Monday on open multiple-employer retirement plans, making it easier for states to run these types of plans.

Two Form 5500 draft documents released earlier this year suggest the IRS intends to begin collecting retirement plan compliance data on an annual basis from both ERISA-governed and certain non-ERISA plans.

Commentary: Most employers are in the dark about what they get in return for what they spend on health benefits. As a result, they tend to make decisions about benefits on the basis of costs alone, with little regard to value.

Small business owners don’t always have the resources or know-how to establish 401(k) plans for their employees.

Commentary: Add these talking points to your next plan review to ensure the year gets off to a good start, says adviser Michael Clark.

The majority of workers have no idea if they’re on track to meet their retirement goals. What role do employers play in helping them find out?

Student loan debt, the need to save to buy a car or home or other priorities may cause many younger workers to forgo 401(k) contributions early in their careers. What can employers do to help them catch up?

Commentary: By understanding the measurables of their plan and leveraging data, plan sponsors will make smarter, more informed decisions to create competitive benefit packages while addressing plan-specific needs with actionable insights.

New business for validated employee benefit producers decreased over the past three years. Organic growth for independent brokers has also slowed. However, mergers are on a record-setting pace.

It all starts with a business plan and honest answers to some tough questions about the state of your company, says columnist Jack Kwicien.