Benefits Think

Engaged savers, specifically those who are near the end of work, deserve an appropriate spectrum of risk options.

As group purchasing coalitions become more popular, they are increasingly susceptive to mismanagement due to low volume, lack of risk control and poor adviser experience.

Plans sponsors can remove many of the barriers that prevent employees from taking full advantage of 401(k)s.

The DOL rule to allow employers to band together to create an association health plan has hidden obligations for employers.

The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act made significant changes to the Internal Revenue Code, making changes affecting employer-provided retirement, welfare and fringe benefits.

Long used by larger companies, advisers should be knowledgeable about how these medical stop-loss systems are now benefitting a wide range of businesses.

Employers should develop the equivalent of an independent or objective credit score for plans that serve as a tool for gauging the value of each fund.

Employers should review documents before sending them out to employees, understand plan provisions and consult advisers when needed, among other guidelines.

A recent Sixth Circuit court case shows that even when workers appear to meet the standard for exemption, a closer reading of FLSA rules might be necessary.

Don’t be afraid to look past typical health brokers to make client introductions — even the office cleaning person could be a lucrative source.