One of the likely outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the rise in withdrawal liability cases.

To understand the complex area of withdrawal liability and how current events are impacting plan sponsors and employers, this webcast will address:

• The impact of the stock market on withdrawal liability
• Options for plan sponsors and employers
• How to detect complete and partial withdrawals due to the decrease in work
• When the Building & Construction Industry Exemption does not apply
• Controlled group liability.
  

[more information]

Whether you are a brand-new International Foundation member or have been a member for a while but need a quick refresher, this webcast will dive into all the helpful products and services your membership includes. Join in the conversation about how to make the most out of your membership benefits, including:

• Today's Headlines

• Personal research

• Foundation Community

• Benchmarking survey reports

• Legislative Tracker and Regulatory Updates.

Learn how the International Foundation can help you do your best work, especially when faced with challenges and uncertainty ahead.

[more information]

The pandemic has drastically impacted benefit trust funds and will continue to have a marked effect on these plans. With volatile market performance not seen since 2008, many plans are finding that their funding levels are suddenly in trouble. This session will revisit the two major pieces of legislation that pension plans have relied on to address funding issues over the past decade. Review the tools available to keep your plans on the “path to green,” including:

• Pension Protection Act (PPA) funding rules
• Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) requirements
• Remediation measures for deeply troubled plans
• New plan designs
• Current issues that plans are dealing with
• Planning for the future.

[more information]

Sustainability is key to a strong pension plan, especially now due to the impact of COVID-19. Risk assessments are a tool that can be used to help trustees focus on the future. This webcast will look at risk assessments and tests that can provide the information you need today to bring your plan forward. Topics will include:

• Key components and value of a risk assessment
• The role risk assessments can play in managing the impact of COVID-19 on your pension plan
• Types of stress tests as they relate to assets, sponsor revenue and payroll.

[more information]

Managing an apprenticeship program remotely, online can be challenging. This timely webcast will help instructors, directors and coordinators manage apprenticeship programs in the new world of virtual education. The webcast will address:

• Legal and HR issues
• Current trends
• Different strategies to consider
• Technology and blended learning options
• Administrative issues
• Approaches toward instruction and quality
• Q&A.

[more information]

Plan participants are confronting uncharted territory. The pandemic is having a profound impact on everyone's current finances and future financial security. How does one effectively plan to reduce debt and continue financial planning for the future amidst all the uncertainty? Where do you begin? This session is designed to address those issues and the steps your membership can take, including:

• COVID-19 economic challenges
• Recovery scenarios
• Building financial resilience
• Financial planning
• Black swan events.

[more information]

As many approach the two-month mark of the work-from-home environment, it is time to look back at how it was handled and how to move forward. This panel will discuss:

 • Fraud, abuse and internal controls

 • Operational issues

 • Cybersecurity

 • Other governance and oversight issues.

[more information]

The current pandemic has changed the way all businesses operate. The accounting profession is adapting to this new environment and working virtually. Accordingly, the industry needs to stay up to date on the latest issues. This webcast will address the current issues for accounting and auditing, and specifically:

• Working virtually and involved issues
• How to deal with this new world
• Auditing remotely
• Timeliness
• Form T-1
• Accounting and auditing updates
• Q&A.

[more information]

Help meet your organization’s COVID-19 financial recovery business objectives. Take steps with your medical plan to provide high-quality care for your covered lives while keeping your health care spend within budget.

 • Analyze your data to identify areas of high spend in your medical plan.

 • Ramp up preventive care—Communication strategies and best practices that work.

 • Identify quality care centers to guide employees to the right care at the right time.

 • Select goals and key indicators that you need to achieve next year.

 • Evaluate areas for improvement and strategically align your total rewards offering.

[more information]

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many companies and organizations to conduct business in a virtual environment and to utilize virtual tools. Due to these circumstances, many meetings are now conducted electronically, and it can be challenging to adapt to this new environment. This webcast will provide resources to help you run effective trust fund meetings virtually. Specifically, it will address:

  • Different technology options

  • Agendas/handouts for meetings

  • How to run a virtual meeting

  • Voting and deadlocks

  • Best practices.

[more information]

The impact of COVID-19 requires fast-paced decision making and detailed implementation from public sector trustees and staff. Join this webcast to cut through the information overload and focus on exactly what you need to know. This session will cover details of the CARES Act and Family Act as well as their impact on both public sector health and retirement plans. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage in a Q&A with our experts to discuss the issues they are watching and waiting for, as well as what the future might hold.

[more information]

Hear directly from the Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund of Philadelphia and Vicinity on their experience implementing a genetic testing benefit for cancer, hereditary heart disease and medication response, made available to their entire membership (subscriber plus one adult dependent). Discuss prevalence, outcomes and the overall impact on care for their members.

[more information]

Receiving the right care at the right time is in the best interest of every individual, and it can save your organization significant health care expenses down the road. Ensuring your employees get proper care can be challenging during the best of times. Learn what essential care is during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to help your employees get it and how it benefits your organization.

• Learn what getting the right care at the right time at the right place really means for employees and your organization.

• Analyze your data to identify serious employee health risks in your organization.

• Understand what essential care is and how your provider network can provide that care during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Ramp up communication efforts to ensure employees are getting the care they need.

• Select goals and key indicators to ensure your plan is providing high-quality care that delivers value to your organization.

[more information]

Everyone knows that advances in technology change the way patients receive care, but what does it mean for plan administration? Hear from stakeholders who will share how technological advances in the following areas support administrative process improvement:

• Blockchain

• Robotics

• Machine learning.

[more information]

This program will cover fundamental aspects of the CARES Act most likely to impact small- and mid-sized companies and their workforces. Tune in to learn about:

• The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) for small businesses as well as recent and developing guidance from the Small Business Administration

• Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for small businesses

• Other financial relief potentially available under the CARES Act, including mid-sized business loans

• Expanded unemployment benefits—Impact on state unemployment programs as well as laid-off and furloughed workers.

[more information]

The passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") is among a series of legislative actions designed to address the growing challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. With provisions that support employees, employers and public health, the CARES Act is designed to provide relief for many. This hour-and-a-half webcast will help you understand how the legislation will impact employee benefits plans. Our expert panel will address:

• Major provisions in the CARES Act

• How the CARES Act expands on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act ("FFCRA")

• Provisions relating to group health plans

• Provisions relating to retirement plans

• Fiduciary issues

• Considerations for trustees, administrators and plan professionals.

[more information]

This webcast will discuss key legal developments and updates with a focus on labor and employment issues for multiemployer plan sponsors, with current information on topics such as:

• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) compliance

• National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) activity

• Right to work

• COVID-19 and other hot issues.

[more information]

On-site and near-site clinics are a staple part of the benefits package for many funds and employers. In this webcast, we will learn about the value of on-site and near-site clinics, as well as how they are responding to the coronavirus pandemic, and what plan sponsors can do to ensure their clinic is taking the appropriate steps and precautions to serve members.

[more information]

In our current state of economic and social uncertainty, you cannot afford to ignore your collections program. This webcast is designed to provide you with the practical information you need to fulfill your fiduciary obligation to collect payments and meet the demands of our current situation. This webcast will cover:

• Fiduciary duty: Always the starting point

• Modifying your policies and procedures to meet current challenges

• Assisting signatory employers—Waiver of liquidated damages and installment payments

• How to assist participants with eligibility issues

• Working with your collection team

• Payroll audits in a world on shutdown

• Relying on facts: Utilizing your reserves and monitoring your continuation value.

[more information]

This webcast will help multiemployer plan sponsors understand the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020. This piece of legislation is among a series of steps being undertaken by the federal government in response to the global coronavirus pandemic. Join us to learn how the legislation will impact employers and plan participants. Topics to be covered include:

• What is the intent of the act?

• Timeline for implementation

• How and when does money flow to employers and employees?

• Things trustees should think about during this time

• What are administrators doing now

• Should you have a disaster plan in place?

• How to ensure benefits are paid and processed.

[more information]

Do you offer health care coverage to your retirees age 65 and over?

Do you struggle with the rapidly increasing costs of prescription drug coverage for these retirees?

Do you know that the average retiree takes four times more prescriptions each month than the average working member?

Do you know you have options when it comes to covering retirees?

Do you currently receive the Retiree Drug Subsidy (RDS)?

Did you know that an (Employer Group Waiver Plan) EGWP program could increase your government subsidies by 100%, with minimal change to your member benefit?

In this discussion, we will explore opportunities to maximize a plan’s share of available government and pharmaceutical subsidies, while allowing you to also keep your commitments to your retirees.

[more information]

Every day, employers manage various issues associated with employee (and family) member illnesses, unplanned absences and workforce productivity challenges. While the manifestation of the novel coronavirus presents many familiar challenges, there are some new, unique concerns facing employers and plan sponsors. This webcast provides guidance on regulatory considerations associated with responding to illness in the workplace (including but certainly not limited to the coronavirus).

[more information]

Are you still complying with the ACA? The new budget bill passed in December 2019 made some changes, and new regulations made others. Join us for an update from John Barlament, partner at Quarles & Brady LLP, focusing on what health plan sponsors need to know about the ACA in 2020.

This webcast will cover:

• Refresher on ACA compliance

• Update on 1095-B/1095-C reporting

• New PCORI fee developments

• Repeal of Cadillac and other taxes

• Individual health coverage HRAs (ICHRAs)

• Legal developments.

[more information]

Webcast held in partnership with the New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC)

The passage of the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act in December marks the most significant retirement plan legislation in more than a decade. Join Mike Webb of Cammack Retirement Group as he provides an update on this important topic, including:

• An overview of the SECURE Act

• An exploration of the key provisions of the act

• Discussion of the implications on retirement plan sponsors and participants.

[more information]

Webcast held in partnership with the New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC)

The need for international health insurance continues to grow in line with an increasing volume of U.S. outbound international travel. Employers are reporting an increase in employees experiencing health-related incidents overseas, yet one in three employers do not have dedicated international health benefits. Identifying the need for a comprehensive international solution is key to success when operating in today’s global business environment.

This webcast will cover:

• Identifying the need for a comprehensive international solution

• Working with a domestic carrier or insurance agent or directly with an international carrier

• What to expect in the selection process

• Best practices in working with a dedicated account manager

• Implementing an expatriate plan.

[more information]

EBRI-ERF POLICY FORUM #86 Retirement, Health and Financial Wellbeing Sponsored by the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) – Education and Research Fund (ERF) 20 F Street, NW Conference Center 20 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20001 Thursday, December 12, 2019 Program: 8:30am – 2:00pm

This webcast provides a focused look at recent developments under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) as well as a review of the challenges faced by employers. It also includes tactics on how to avoid mistakes and pitfalls, using real-world cases and examples.

Key takeaways include:

• What's new and interesting in FMLA case law

• Top FMLA mistakes that can trip up employers

• The seven habits of highly effective FMLA administration.

[more information]

Webcast held in partnership with the New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC)

Momentum appears to be building in the movement toward value-based care. Nearly half of the large companies in the United States are considering contracting with accountable care organizations (ACOs) by 2020, and federal and state governments are making efforts to shift Medicare and Medicaid to value-based reimbursement models.

Value-based reimbursement is transforming health care delivery, and the process could help reduce health care costs and improve quality. However, implementing and sustaining a successful value-based arrangement is a complicated endeavor—A broad and deep understanding of the capabilities is needed for the arrangement to succeed. It is critical to identify gaps in core capability areas such as

• Organizational readiness

• Governance, network, clinical and financial performance

• Quality, data-driven population health

• Model of care design and delivery

• Financial infrastructure and incentives

• Technology, data and analytics

• Consumer experience and patient satisfaction.

Selecting the right partner is also critical for the long-term success of a value-based relationship.

This webcast will describe current trends in value-based care and approaches to value-based reimbursement and will offer a framework for employers interested in implementing a value-based reimbursement model.

[more information]

Join us on October 31 to hear exclusive findings from the new International Foundation survey on workplace wellness trends. Learn how organizations in the United States and Canada are evolving their programs to ensure the overall well-being of their workers.

This webcast will cover survey results showing:

• Prevalence of wellness benefits

• Reasons for offering wellness benefits

• Costliest medical conditions

• Methods used to improve worker wellness

• Who designs and implements the wellness program

• How wellness offerings are communicated

• Use of incentives

• Collection and use of data

• Barriers to wellness programs.

[more information]

Your organization has a wellness program and a risk-management program to address employee safety, but are these programs integrated? Lifestyle choices such as sleep, stress, physical activity and nutrition all play a role in safety and overall health. It’s important that your employees connect well-being to safety. In this webinar, Wellness Workdays CEO Debra Wein explains why a holistic approach to well-being that includes workplace interventions to protect safety combined with initiatives that advance employee well-being is the gold standard. No matter what industry your organization is in—financial, technology, life sciences, education, health care or another sector—you’ll learn what steps you need to take to integrate your programs and keep your employees safe and healthy.

[more information]

Mental health and substance use disorders among the workforce take a large toll on employees and employers. To address this, many plans offer mental health and substance use disorder benefits along with their traditional medical and surgical benefits. Plan sponsors need to make sure these benefits comply with federal parity rules. This session focuses on complying with federal mental health parity rules such as the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA). The presentation addresses final guidance issued by the DOL in September 2019 as well as federal enforcement of MHPAEA.

This webcast covers:

• The need for mental health and substance use disorder benefits

• Mental health parity rules, including new DOL parity FAQs

• Federal Enforcement of MHPAEA.

[more information]

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has not gone away. Employers must still file Form 1095 for 2019. In addition, some employers are receiving IRS Letter 226J, Letter 5699 or Notice 972CG regarding potential penalties. This webcast will discuss how to proactively address reporting issues, both state and federal, as well as how to respond to subsequent IRS letters and notices. It will provide the latest update on Texas v. United States and on what Congress has done with the Cadillac tax.

This webcast will cover:

• Instructions for 2019 Forms 1094-C and 1095-C

• Responding to Letter 226J, Letter 5699 and Notice 972CG

• Individual state reporting

• Texas v. United States update

• Cadillac tax update

[more information]

After a decade of grappling with how to enhance investor protections, the SEC recently finalized its Regulation Best Interest rule. This rulemaking package also includes a new required disclosure document and interpretation of some existing rules.

This presentation will cover:

• The rulemaking package with particular emphasis on how it impacts service provider interactions with plan sponsors and active plan participants

• The rule’s impact on rollover recommendations

• The degree of certainty this rule offers as we hurdle toward a June 30, 2020 compliance deadline.

[more information]

Laws and rules change frequently and so does workplace culture. Employers need to know how to navigate the complex field of labor and employment law. Well-informed employers can avoid legal landmines and maintain a welcoming environment that leads to increased employee retention. This session addresses evolving employment-related laws, regulations and trends in today's workplace.

This program will cover:

• Drug and alcohol testing

• Sexual harassment

• Overtime and regular rate regulations

• Employee use of employer email and personal cell phones

• General trends in paid and unpaid leave laws

• The latest Supreme Court cases.

[more information]