Julie Stich, CEBS, Author at Word on Benefits

COVID-19: Don’t Forget Your EAP

Julie Stich, CEBS

26 Mar 202022 Sep 2020

Listen to this content here. Self-quarantine. Shelter in place. Safe at home. Social distancing. Asymptomatic carrier. Novel coronavirus. New phrases that have become an everyday part of our lexicon. We’re standing at least six feet away from people. Working virtually. Avoiding face-to-face […]

Defined Benefit (DB) Plans Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Retirement

The SECURE Act—What Employers Need to Know

Julie Stich, CEBS

27 Jan 202027 Jan 2020

On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, an appropriations law to fund certain federal agencies through September 30, 2020. This law included bipartisan legislation, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, widely […]

Compliance DOL Employee Benefits

Tips to Handle a DOL Benefit Plan Audit

Julie Stich, CEBS

13 Nov 201913 Nov 2019

If you’ve ever gotten a letter from the Department of Labor (DOL) Employee Benefits Security Administration asking for more information about your benefit or retirement plan, you may have felt your heart thudding in your chest. Yes, it’s not a letter you […]

Employee Benefits Multiemployer

DOL-OLMS Requesting Comments on Proposed Reinstated Form T-1 Filing for Certain Union Trusts

Julie Stich, CEBS

18 Jul 201917 Jul 2019

On May 30, 2019, the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor-Management Standards (DOL-OLMS) issued a proposed rule that would reinstate an annual filing of Form T-1, the Trust Annual Report. DOL-OLMS says the form is designed to “capture financial information pertinent to […]

Defined Contribution (DC) Plans Employee Benefits Financial Wellness Retirement

The House’s SECURE Act: What It Could Mean for Retirement Plans

Julie Stich, CEBS

28 May 201921 Jan 2020

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved a retirement bill, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (H.R. 1994). The bill is notable for being bipartisan, as shown by the 417-3 vote and the mix of its […]

Multiemployer Pension Plans Solvency Discussions: What’s Next?

Defined Benefit (DB) Plans Employee Benefits Multiemployer

Multiemployer Pension Solvency Discussions: What’s Next?

Julie Stich, CEBS

29 Nov 201829 Nov 2018

Update: The Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans was charged with developing and releasing proposed legislation by November 30 to resolve multiemployer pension solvency challenges. On November 29, the Committee’s co-chairs announced that more time is needed. According to […]

Employee Benefits Health Care Prescription Drugs

No Magic Pill to Cure Specialty Drug Costs (But Some Preventive Measures)

Julie Stich, CEBS

05 Jun 201808 Aug 2018

Employers and plan sponsors scrutinize the cost of their health care benefit plans with a keen eye. One area that causes major eye twitch is specialty prescription drugs. As reported by AARP, the retail price of specialty drugs increased by almost 10% […]

Canada Employee Benefits Financial Education Financial Wellness

Financial Literacy Month Programs Strengthen Financial Well-being

Julie Stich, CEBS

21 Nov 2017

November is Financial Literacy Month in Canada. As part of Canada’s National Strategy for Financial Literacy, the federal government is leading the charge to strengthen the financial well-being of all Canadians by helping them manage money and debt wisely, plan and save […]

Employee Benefits Global Benefits

How to Find Success in Handling Global Benefits

Julie Stich, CEBS

15 May 201715 May 2017

I recently had the opportunity to attend our Certificate in Global Benefits Management program. Throughout my years here at the International Foundation, I’ve talked with members who work in multinational companies about benefits, compensation and HR issues impacting their expatriate and local […]

Communication Employee Benefits

Being the Bearer of Bad Benefits News

Julie Stich, CEBS

14 Mar 201715 Mar 2017

It’s not fun having to break bad news to someone. Whether it’s a loved one, neighbor or someone we barely know, it’s never easy. As plan sponsors and employers, it’s especially hard to tell participants and employees that their benefits are changing […]