As we watch the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and brace for Hurricane Irma, our perspective shifts. The struggles of those in the paths of the storms are immense, and many may need help that falls outside the scope of the benefit plan description. How can you prepare to step up when needed? In this month’s episode of the Talking Benefits we discuss how employers and plan sponsors deal with disasters.

Talking Benefits Episode 9: When Disaster Strikes 

This month’s show—Episode 9: When Disaster Strikes
(Recorded September 5, 2017, 2:00 p.m. CST)

Tune in to this month’s episode for a quick update on the benefits news from the past month, followed by a close look at how benefit plans can prepare for and respond to a disaster:

  • Since last month . . . updates on:
    • ACA news—Status of repeal, exchanges and subsidies
    • Foundation from the Foundation—Budget reconciliation explained
    • Conflict of Interest Rule
    • MPRA
    • Same-sex spouse benefits coverage in Houston, Texas
  • Disaster preparedness
    • Accommodations from the IRS, DOL and PBGC
    • Participant communication
    • Employee assistance programs (EAPs)
    • Paid leave
  • True Story—Our special guest, Maurice Hodos, CEBS, shares how his fund office came to the aid of participants after Hurricane Katrina

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Fiduciary Rule Tracker
Workplace Threats Survey

Not sure how to get started with podcasts? It’s easy to start listening! Download a podcast app to your smartphone or tablet. We recommend the Apple podcast app (Apple products only) and Stitcher. Then, search “Talking Benefits” and click “Subscribe.” The app will automatically download new episodes as they come out. Want to listen on your computer? Search “Talking Benefits” in iTunes and subscribe, or check back every month for new episodes posted on our webpage.

Subscribe to Talking Benefits on iTunes, Stitcher or your favorite podcast app, or watch for new episodes on the International Foundation website.

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Ann Godsell, CEBS
Director, Social Media and Content Marketing at the International Foundation

Staff

Director, Social Media and Content Marketing at the International Foundation


Favorite Foundation service/product:
Face to face conferences.

Benefit topics that grab her: Benefit communication, preventive health, health care cost management, workflex

Favorite Foundation conference moments: Meeting Dr. Andrew Weil at the Annual Employee Benefits Conference was a cherished opportunity. She also loves the times when she and a member recognize each other at a conference because of interacting on Twitter!

Personal Insight: Known around the office as “appropriately paranoid,” Ann is usually prepared for a variety of potential outcomes in most every situation.

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