2021 Employee Benefits Law Update - 18th Annual Advanced Seminar

• Identifying Plan Errors and Developing Solutions to the Errors.
• Implementation of Best Practices – Corporate Governance Standards in Employee Plan Administration
• Employee Plan Fiduciaries: Why You are One, What Your Duties Are, What Your Liability is
• Trimming Your Employee Plan Administration Expense Budget – What Expenses Can You Charge to Your Plan?
• Cost-Effective Management of Your Plan’s Service Providers: Getting the Services You Pay For and are Entitled to Receive
• Implementation of an Employee Plan Compliance Calendar

Focus on both IRS and Department of Labor guidance that addresses correcting plan errors including a case study analysis of the voluntary compliance programs that both the IRS and DOL administer. An analysis of the multiple types of correction methods, as well as the venue appropriate for the particular error, will be analyzed.

Focus on the practical and legal aspects of managing an audit by either the DOL or the IRS. Included in this discussion will be specific areas the DOL is currently concerned with.

Focus on various administrative functions concerning employee benefit plans including a detailed discussion of electronic plan administration guidance and other recent developments.

The last year has seen a significant increase in agency audit activity with the DOL and Office of Civil Rights (OCR) leading the way. This session will help you identify and avoid the top 10 exposure items we see in DOL agency investigations under the ACA, the Mental Health Parity Act (MHPAEA), wellness programs, and ERISA. We will also focus on increased OCR investigations related to a data breach (including the rise of email hacking incidents) under HIPAA.

Now that the dust has settled, what plan changes and compliance risks exist, and how can exposure be limited? Latest update on Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules and regulations. Compliance initiatives for play or pay and avoiding the so-called “Cadillac” tax.

Now that the agencies have issued new HRA regulations significantly expanding employer options, many employers are looking for ways to fix their health care contribution obligation while continuing to offer an array of valuable coverage options to employees. What tax and benefits compliance issues arise? Can employers offer health coverage through individual policies? What are the advantages and disadvantages of a fully insured versus a self-funded exchange? Will a private exchange arrangement satisfy the ACA requirements (including the employer “pay or play:” obligation)? This session focuses on the compliance aspects of private exchange arrangements with an emphasis on what can be done today, and what legislative or regulatory changes must be made to fully realize the benefits of a defined contribution approach.

What compliance issues and traps arise in connection with onsite clinics. Potential impact on HSAs and health care reform implications.

We all know the rules (we think) but what do you do when a data breach occurs. Walk through real-life data breaches and resolution.

As the popularity of wellness, disease management, and health risk assessment programs continues to grow, many employers have overlooked the many legal compliance issues that may arise in connection with a successful program. Hidden compliance costs associated with the “carrots” and “sticks” need to be considered. Also, are “mandatory” participation requirements allowed? What about smoker rate differentials? Attendees of this session will be able to identify and avoid potential compliance traps under the new ACA wellness regulations, under HIPAA’s non-discrimination and privacy requirements, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and COBRA.

• Which Health & Welfare plans must comply
• Basic operating rules
• What to do if you fail

So that everyone’s questions can be answered, there will be an “open forum” session that will provide you with an opportunity to ask questions regarding topics that were not covered.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Hotel Colee, 3377 Peachtree Road Northeast, Atlanta, United States