Word on Benefits

How Vaping is Changing Workplace Policies

Anne Patterson

21 Nov 201919 Nov 2019

While it is standard practice to prohibit smoking in the workplace, what are employers doing about vaping in the workplace? According to the World Health Organization, the number of vapers around the world has increased from about seven million in 2011 to […]

Employee Benefits Health Care

D-I-V-O-R-C-E (Part 2) – Handling Health Care Benefits

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

20 Nov 201903 Dec 2019

As the old country song by Tammy Wynette demonstrates, what happens during a divorce can be tough to spell out. Divorce can be the source of great confusion for many, including employers. They have a number of actions to take related to […]

D-I-V-O-R-C-E Splitting Retirement Benefits

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

D-I-V-O-R-C-E (Part 1) – Splitting Retirement Benefits

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

19 Nov 201905 Feb 2020

Communication DOL Employee Benefits Regulatory Retirement

Electronic Delivery of Retirement Plan Notices Could Become Easier

Lois Gleason, CEBS

18 Nov 201914 Nov 2019

In October 2019, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published proposed regulations regarding default electronic disclosures by retirement plans under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The proposed rules offer a look at what the DOL is thinking of […]

Apprenticeship Programs Employee Benefits

5 Ways to Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week

Staff

15 Nov 201914 Nov 2019

November 11-17, 2019 marks the fifth annual National Apprenticeship Week, established by the U.S. Department of Labor to celebrate and unite business leaders, labor, educational institutions and Americans interested in apprenticeship programs. Here’s five ways to celebrate this important week: Participate: New […]

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

Takeaways From the 65th Annual Employee Benefits Conference

Stacy Van Alstyne, CEBS

12 Nov 201912 Nov 2019

Each year, 5,000 trustees, administrators and plan advisors gather to share ideas and learn from each other. While many come from opposite ends of the bargaining table, the camaraderie is palpable. I continue to get energized and inspired after attending the Annual […]

CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) Employee Benefits

Two Paths to Reporting CEBS Compliance Credits

Staff

07 Nov 201929 Mar 2021

It’s been a while since I earned my Certified Employee Benefit Specialist® (CEBS®) designation, so when it comes to staying CEBS Compliant, I’m all in. I want others to know that I keep my benefits knowledge current, year after year. As with […]

Employee Benefits Human Resources (HR)

Strategies for Overcoming a Workplace Crisis

Robbie Hartman, CEBS

30 Oct 201930 Oct 2019

Crises can happen to any workplace at any time. The type of crisis may vary—including natural disasters like fires or earthquakes; catastrophic workplace accidents; and workplace violence, harassment or abuse—but one constant that can help organizations improve their response is advance planning. […]

Affordable Care Act (ACA) Employee Benefits Health Care

The HRA Final Rule Is Here (Part 3)—How ICHRAs Can Satisfy the Employer Mandate and Nondiscrimination Rules

rosep

28 Oct 201924 Oct 2019

On June 13, 2019, the Departments of Labor, the Treasury, and Health and Human Services jointly issued a final rule to expand the flexibility and use of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). The final rule, applicable for plan years beginning on or after January […]