In an article published by Managed Healthcare Executive, I discussed the potential impact of a recently proposed regulation from the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, Health and Human Services and Labor that expands the usability of health reimbursement arrangements (HRA). The new rule as proposed would apply for most health plans beginning January 1, 2020, and would be particularly beneficial to employees of small employers who are not required to offer health plan coverage to their full-time employees under the ACA.
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Key Considerations When Buying a Company with an ESOP
I outlined the key considerations, important steps and issues of concern when buying a company that is employee-owned, or at least partially employee-owned, by an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), including:
- The nature of an ESOP: In an ESOP, employees have retirement accounts invested primarily in their employer’s stock, rather than having accounts invested in an array of securities and mutual funds. The trustee of the ESOP – who represents ESOP participants as the beneficial owners of the company stock – is entitled to participate in the sale or transaction like other shareholders would. Most importantly, anytime an ESOP is involved in the acquisition or sale of company stock, the transaction must be for “adequate consideration,” and the trustee’s decision to buy or sell must be in the financial best interest of the ESOP participants.
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The DOL’s Fiduciary Rule: Alive, Dead or Both?
Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl provides an update regarding the Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiduciary rule, which sets forth when an individual becomes a fiduciary by providing investment advice to employer retirement plans. While the final rule was released in April 2016, numerous delays have postponed entire implementation until July 2019. Until then, Doug recommends employers consider the following:
Continue Reading The DOL’s Fiduciary Rule: Alive, Dead or Both?
What Employers Should Do to Ensure Fiduciary Rule Compliance
In an article published by Employee Benefit News, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl provided guidance for employers who now must comply with the Department of Labor’s (DOL) fiduciary rule. After months of delay, the rule went into effect on Friday, June 9, 2017, and provided guidance on who is considered a fiduciary
DOL Rule Is Seismic Shift For Advisors
Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl commented on the Department of Labor’s (DOL) new fiduciary rule that will impact how and when an individual is treated as a fiduciary under ERISA if that person provides investment advice. While many expected a further delayed applicability, parts of the new rule will take effect June 9,
Use of Multiple Record Keepers Could Hurt Defendants in 403(b) Lawsuits
In an article published by InvestmentNews, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl provided insight on a recent district court ruling which allowed allegations that using multiple record-keeping firms in 403(b) retirement planning breaches fiduciary duty to continue. With many other prominent institutions involved in similar litigation, this particular lawsuit targets Emory University, and
Bill to Harmonize Wellness Program Requirements May Have Stalled
In an article published by SHRM online, Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl discussed protected genetic information and wellness program design. The article outlines recent legislation proposed by the House Education and Workforce Committee that intended to clarify differences between the wellness program rules under several federal statutes and regulations. The bill subsequently stalled
The American Health Care Act: What You Need to Know and What You Need to Watch
Noted healthcare observer/thought leader Paul Keckley – who provided private-sector input on the Affordable Care Act – breaks down the “need to know” facts of its potential successor, the American Health Care Act, and discusses some of the big bets it makes about the future.
The full article, “The American Health Care Act: What
Pension De-Risking: What Is It and Why Is It So Popular?
Bass, Berry & Sims attorney Doug Dahl authored an article discussing the various ways in which employers seek to decrease risk associated with defined benefit pension plans and what HR and benefit professionals should know about the process. As Doug points out in the article, once an employer decides to engage in a de-risking strategy,
DOL Announces Temporary No Enforcement Policy of Fiduciary Rule
Earlier this month, the Department of Labor (DOL) proposed a 60-day delay of the April 10, 2017 effective date of its (much debated) fiduciary rule. The fiduciary rule – a vestige of the Obama Administration – was thought to be bound for the chopping block once President Trump took office. However, the proposed rule has only thus far been delayed, concerning many in the industry that: (1) there may be a gap period during which the fiduciary rule becomes law before a delay is published, or (2) the DOL could decide to simply leave the fiduciary rule in place.
Continue Reading DOL Announces Temporary No Enforcement Policy of Fiduciary Rule