Jenny Gartman, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

**ACA Preventive Services Requirements Struck Down: Braidwood Management v. Becerra Explainer**

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

26 Apr 202326 Apr 2023

As a result of ongoing litigation, the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Treasury (the departments) cannot enforce some Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive care requirements, but the departments strongly encourage plan sponsors to keep coverage without […]

Communication Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Education (U.S.) Financial Wellness Investments Regulatory U.S.

Three Trustee Actions During Market Volatility

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

10 Apr 202310 Apr 2023

Recent bank failures and resulting market volatility have captured headlines in recent weeks, and many individual investors reacted quickly. However, when it comes to fulfilling their fiduciary duty in the face of unexpected news, trustees should remain calm to avoid costly investment […]

Employee Benefits ERISA Multiemployer PBGC U.S.

Proposed Interest Rate Assumptions for Determining Employer Withdrawal Liability (Part Two)

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

14 Mar 202314 Mar 2023

A new rule proposed by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) would increase the certainty of withdrawal liability determinations for multiemployer benefit plans and likely help prevent withdrawal liability disputes from going to arbitration and litigation, PBGC officials say. The proposed permissible […]

Employee Benefits Multiemployer PBGC

PBGC: Proposed Interest Rate Assumptions for Determining Employer Withdrawal Liability

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

28 Feb 202310 Mar 2023

For the first time since the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) introduced the concept of withdrawal liability, the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has announced a proposed rule addressing the permissible interest rate assumptions for actuarial determinations of a […]

Canada Compliance Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disability Benefits Disease Management Employee Benefits Flexible Work Options Health Care Human Resources (HR) U.S. Wellness

2023 Outlook on Respiratory Illnesses and the Workforce

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

26 Jan 202310 Mar 2023

At this time of year in cold climates, airborne illnesses (influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19) persistently impact families and workplaces. Influenza is a well-known endemic. Endemic means persistent—It will not go away, and it won’t get much worse or better. Influenza […]

401(k) Plans Defined Benefit (DB) Plans Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Retirement U.S.

2023 Employee Benefits Reporting and Disclosure Calendars

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

13 Jan 202310 Mar 2023

Plan sponsors and administrators are encouraged to reference these comprehensive calendars to stay on track in 2023. Health and Retirement Plans Subject to ERISA (Includes Multiemployer Plans) Health and Welfare Plans New deadlines in 2023 are: Retirement Plans Defined Contribution Defined Benefit […]

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Employee Benefits MPRA Multiemployer PBGC Pensions Regulatory Retirement U.S.

PBGC Special Financial Assistance “Lock-In” Application for Nonpriority Plans

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

08 Nov 202208 Nov 2022

Multiemployer pension plans that intend to apply for SFA from the PBGC should note the schedule for reviewing applications and may want to consider submitting a lock-in application.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Compliance Employee Benefits Investments Multiemployer PBGC Pensions Retirement U.S.

PBGC Special Financial Assistance Final Rule: Permissible Investments

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

25 Oct 202225 Oct 2022

The PBGC final rule details permissible investments for SFA assets. Get key takeaways in our latest blog.

401(k) Plans Cybersecurity DOL Education Employee Benefits U.S.

Cryptocurrency Guidance for 401(k) Plan Fiduciaries

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

04 May 202204 May 2022

Last week, we shared five reasons why cryptocurrencies can present serious risks to 401(k) fiduciaries and participants. Since then, there has been some confusion about fiduciary duties when it comes to a cryptocurrency option that is fully integrated into a plan’s core […]

Employee Benefits

Five Reasons Why Cryptocurrencies Can Present Serious Risks to 401(k) Fiduciaries and Participants

Jenny Gartman, CEBS

28 Apr 202228 Apr 2022

On March 10, 2022, the Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) released compliance guidance that cautions plan fiduciaries to exercise extreme care before they consider adding a cryptocurrency option to a 401(k) plan’s investment menu for plan participants. The guidance […]