Amanda Wilke, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

What to Know Before Implementing Spousal Surcharges and Carve-Outs

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

04 Jun 202604 Jun 2026

Today’s blog outlines strategies, legal concerns and best practices for employers implementing spousal surcharges and carve-outs to control costs.

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Improving Financial and Benefits Literacy

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

12 May 202612 May 2026

Financial and benefits literacy is successful when employees have clear, low-risk next steps, giving them the confidence to make informed decisions and improving outcomes for both the employee and the organization.

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Proposed Rules on Trump Accounts Are Here

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

07 Apr 202607 Apr 2026

Today’s blog covers considerations for employers regarding new proposed rules on how to establish Trump accounts and how to elect for eligible children to receive the Contribution Pilot Program.

401(k) Plans Compliance Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Financial Education (U.S.) Regulatory Retirement SECURE 2.0 U.S.

Super Catch-Up Contributions: Takeaways for Employers

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

05 Feb 202617 Feb 2026

Today’s blog shares key takeaways for employers regarding “super” catch-up contribution limits for employees as outlined in SECURE 2.0 Act final rules.

401(k) Plans Compliance Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Financial Education (U.S.) Legislative Regulatory SECURE 2.0 U.S.

Roth Catch-Up Contribution Final Rules: Takeaways for Employers

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

29 Jan 202617 Feb 2026

Today’s blog covers final rules issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on SECURE 2.0 Act provision requiring Roth catch-up contributions to be made by select participants.

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Canada Sick Leave Entitlement Round-Up

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

09 Dec 202509 Dec 2025

Employee entitlement to sick leave varies, today’s blog is a roundup of where provincial and federal labor standards currently stand on providing paid and unpaid sick leave.

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What Group Health Plans Should Know About Additional Breast Cancer Screening Coverage in 2026

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

04 Dec 202504 Dec 2025

Employers should prepare now for expanded breast cancer screening and navigation coverage requirements applicable to group health plans in 2026, as the new requirements impact plan participants, administration and costs.

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What Employers Need to Know About Trump Accounts

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

30 Sep 202530 Sep 2025

Today’s blog discusses the main points employers should know when considering whether to contribute to “Trump Accounts”, including account eligibility, employer contributions, plan document requirements, eligible investments and nondiscrimination rules.

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Drug Plan Cost-Containment Strategies

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

15 Jul 202515 Jul 2025

Today’s blog shares strategies for extended health coverage plans to consider as drug plan costs are projected to increase between 6% and 9%.

Canada Compliance Disability Benefits Employee Benefits Legislative

Ontario’s New Long-Term Illness Leave Takes Effect Soon: What Employers Need to Know

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

10 Jun 202510 Jun 2025

On December 19, 2024, Ontario’s Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 (Bill 229) received Royal Assent. Amongst the changes in the bill amending the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), was the introduction of unpaid long-term illness leave, effective June 19, 2025. While the law […]