Word on Benefits

Family-Friendly Employee Benefits

Anne Patterson

30 May 201919 Aug 2019

Each month on Talking Benefits, I join Julie Stich, Kelli Kolsrud and Justin Held, International Foundation benefits nerdthusiasts, to discuss a trending employee benefits topic we think our listeners want to know more about. This month’s episode fell right between Mother’s Day and […]

Employee Benefits Financial Education

The Scoop on 529 Plans

Justin Held, CEBS

29 May 201929 May 2019

Happy National 529 College Savings Plan Day! Here at the International Foundation, we keep a close eye on benefits-related holidays and today we’re celebrating National 529 Day! Celebrated each year on May 29, National 529 College Savings Plan Day serves to raise […]

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 […]

Cybersecurity Employee Benefits Fraud

Your Blockchain Questions Answered

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

23 May 201923 May 2019

If you pay attention to any news surrounding technology and employee benefits, you’ve likely heard mention of blockchain. But what is it, and what do you need to know about it? In their article in the May issue of Benefits Magazine—“Coming to […]

Employee Benefits

When Disaster Strikes . . . Employee Relief Options

Amanda Wilke, CEBS

21 May 201920 May 2019

With hurricane season on the horizon, it is important for employers to be prepared in the event that disaster strikes. When a hurricane or other disaster occurs, employees are often in desperate need of assistance. Employers can step in to help employees […]

Compliance Employee Benefits Health Care Mental Health

Checklist to Make Sure Your Health Plan Complies With MHPAEA

Lois Gleason, CEBS

15 May 201920 May 2019

As awareness rises and stigma decreases, society is focusing on the urgency and importance of treating mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Does your employer-sponsored health plan comply with the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA)? DOL Enforces Mental […]

CEBS (Certified Employee Benefit Specialist) Employee Benefits

Rule CEBS Exam Day

Rachel Olsen

14 May 201913 May 2019

I had the day circled on my calendar for quite a while before it arrived. Midday is my time of choice and preferably a Monday so I’m fresh off a weekend of prep. CEBS® exam day has arrived. Now, I’ve taken several […]

Employee Benefits Health Care

Flexible Spending Accounts: Reminders for Plan Sponsors About Eligible Medical Expenses

Anne Newhouse, CEBS

08 May 201913 May 2019

According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans Employee Benefits Survey, more than 61 percent of plan sponsors offer a flexible spending account (FSA) to their participants. As medical costs continue to rise, we all want to save on health care, […]

Cybersecurity Employee Benefits

6 Lessons Learned From a Ransomware Attack

Kathy Bergstrom, CEBS

07 May 201907 May 2019

Most of us have received at least a few (more likely dozens of) suspicious emails or text messages urging us to log onto a website or respond to help someone in need. Some are obviously scams, containing misspellings or a suspicious email […]

Employee Benefits Paid Leave Paid Time Off (PTO) Vacation Work Life Balance

Trends in PTO and Vacation Offerings—Just in Time for Summer

Anne Patterson

06 May 201918 Jul 2019

Whether it’s a family road trip with fruit snacks and beef jerky, getting another stamp or two on your passport or enjoying your own community with a staycation, time off is top-of-mind for many employees across the U.S. as summer quickly approaches. […]

Family-Friendly Employee Benefits

The Scoop on 529 Plans

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

﻿Your Blockchain Questions Answered

When Disaster Strikes . . . Employee Relief Options

Checklist to Make Sure Your Health Plan Complies With MHPAEA

Rule CEBS Exam Day

Flexible Spending Accounts: Reminders for Plan Sponsors About Eligible Medical Expenses

﻿6 Lessons Learned From a Ransomware Attack

Trends in PTO and Vacation Offerings—Just in Time for Summer

Your Blockchain Questions Answered

6 Lessons Learned From a Ransomware Attack