How employers should respond to increased DOL audits
ACA reporting requirements have brought increased scrutiny of employer-sponsored healthcare plans and the government is largely expected to respond to red flags through audits.
Law and regulation
Benefits Think Government outlines key labor and employment Initiatives
EEOC and other agencies say enforcing equal pay laws and eliminating barriers in recruiting and hiring practices are among several strategic enforcement priorities.
Paul Monsees
Foley & Lardner LLP
Benefits Think Fiduciary rule: 5 steps advisers should take now
Brokers should review account fee arrangements, among other actions, as they prepare for DOL’s new regulation.
Matt Sommer
Janus Henderson Investors
How advisers should respond to increased DOL audits
The Department has stepped up employer compliance checks, for which brokers should be prepared, according to Zynia CEO Julie Hulsey.
ACA compliance continues to challenge advisers
Bill Kite and D&S Agency are coming up with creative ways employers can meet health care reform requirements.
Benefits Think HHS releases protocol for forthcoming HIPAA audits
Now is the time for employers to ensure documentation is in order, especially if they’ve received a pre-screening questionnaire from the Office for Civil Rights.
Adam Greene
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Sen. Scott: MLR provision causing ‘disincentive’ to sell health insurance
As it stands, the medical loss ratio could eliminate agent commissions and may force brokers out of business, Scott says.
Benefits Think Employers advised to review policies in light of EEOC sex discrimination lawsuits
Organizations should consider updating their nondiscrimination policies to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Todd Solomon
McDermott Will & Emery LLP
Benefits Think HHS releases protocol for forthcoming HIPAA audits
Phase two of the review program focuses on covered entities, including employers. How advisers can help clients prepare.
Adam Greene
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Benefits Think The new fiduciary rule: A potential catch-22
Determining what is actually ‘in the best interest’ of a client is a gray area that may mean a greater risk of litigation for advisers and higher fees for small investors.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement
Benefits Think Clients’ practices in need of review with new NLRB ruling
Recent joint-employer rules could make companies think twice about various staffing arrangements and the use of contractors.
Charles Birenbaum
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Declining compensation leads to adviser servicing struggles
A fluctuating insurance industry presents several challenges for brokers to overcome, says broker Stephanie San Antonio of SSA Insurance Services.
Benefits Think The fiduciary rule: Key question for advisers remains
Determining what is actually ‘in the best interest of the client’ is a gray area that may mean a greater risk of litigation for advisers and higher fees for small investors.
John Ludwig
LHD Retirement
How to prepare for a HIPAA audit
HHS is launching phase two of its audit program focused on covered entities, including employers and other plan sponsors.
Benefits Think Review employment practices in light of NLRB ruling
New joint-employer rules will make companies think twice about staffing arrangements and the use of independent contractors.
Charles Birenbaum
Greenberg Traurig LLP
Benefits Think What’s at stake in the EEOC’s appeal of the Flambeau decision?
How the outcome of the case could affect the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on clients’ wellness programs.
Alden J. Bianchi
Mintz Levin
Experts say final fiduciary rule will flatten fees
Retirement plan advisers must rethink how they work and get paid, according to benefits attorneys and industry insiders.
Fiduciary rule will flatten fees, some experts say
Retirement plan advisers must rethink how they get paid, which could lead to a leveling of costs for plan sponsors.
HIPAA audit: How advisers can prep their clients
HHS is launching phase two of its audit program focused on covered entities, including employers and other plan sponsors.
Expect close monitoring during fiduciary rule implementation
Top DOL official counters that the new regulations will result in “major reform," while not ruling out additional government action.
By
Ann Marsh
