Law and regulation

New regulations herald widespread changes in professional roles and business models for retirement planners and wealth managers.

Often overlooked, handbooks are an important form of documentation that the IRS or DOL will most likely request during an audit, says attorney Patricia Moran.

CIAB argues that a Colorado movement to establish a state-run health insurance program is “ridiculous” and would decimate private group healthcare.

Will health insurance be sold across state lines? Will the ACA be repealed or altered? James Klein, head of the American Benefits Council, explains the probable impact of a Republican or Democratic victory in November.

Retirement plan sponsors should develop a comprehensive risk management strategy that includes the periodic review of contractual protections with their TPAs.

Will health insurance be sold across state lines? Will the ACA be repealed or altered? James Klein, head of the American Benefits Council, explains the probable impact of a Republican or Democratic victory in November.

Republican lawmakers aren’t giving up yet in their fight to kill stricter rules for brokers that have been championed by President Obama.

In another ACA irony, carriers seek to discourage sales of money losing policies by denying consumers the professional advice they need, says NAHU president Don Goldmann.

Advisers and their clients have to start planning now to ensure they are prepared for the HSA fiduciary rules taking effect in two years.

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.

EEOC and other agencies say enforcing equal pay laws and eliminating barriers in recruiting and hiring practices are among several strategic enforcement priorities.

Brokers should review account fee arrangements, among other actions, as they prepare for DOL’s new regulation.

The Department has stepped up employer compliance checks, for which brokers should be prepared, according to Zynia CEO Julie Hulsey.

Bill Kite and D&S Agency are coming up with creative ways employers can meet health care reform requirements.

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.

As it stands, the medical loss ratio could eliminate agent commissions and may force brokers out of business, Scott says.

Organizations should consider updating their nondiscrimination policies to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.

Phase two of the review program focuses on covered entities, including employers. How advisers can help clients prepare.

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.

Recent joint-employer rules could make companies think twice about various staffing arrangements and the use of contractors.