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Special Section on Flexible Benefit Plans
The Future of Flexible Benefit Plans 
by Jon J. Meyer
Flexible benefit plans allow employers the opportunity to attract and retain a committed workforce and to respond to the needs of a diverse employee group. These plans also offer an approach to cost control. Implementing flexible benefits helps keep employers aligned with a future in which employees will likely choose from a myriad of benefit options over the Internet.
Functional Flex: Maximum Benefits Flexibility With Minimal Cost and Administration
by Steven L. Halterman, CEBS
This article describes a functional approach to the design and implementation of a flexible benefits program. This process involves viewing employee benefits as an integrated program, designed and maintained so that the entire program can fit the total compensation objectives of the employer, while providing functional coverage and benefits for employees.
Employee Self-Service Enables Employees to Leverage Benefits and Become Self-Sufficient
by Robert D. Perussina
Technological advances have revolutionized the communication and administration of flexible benefit programs. This author describes the effectiveness of employee self-sufficiency (ESS) systems and shows how they can benefit both employers and employees.
General Articles
Investment Education or Advice? That's the Wrong Question to Ask!
by Richard D. Glass, CEBS
Whether plan sponsors choose to call the investment information they offer plan participants education or advice, there are a number of issues they must examine closely. Sponsors need to define the goals of the programs they wish to initiate, assess the feasibility of desired programs in today's work environment, assure that participants get fair value for the fees they (often unknowingly) pay, clearly outline to participants what their responsibilities are and develop realistic expectations of what can be accomplished.
Qualified Medical Child Support Orders--California Health Insurance Coverage Assignment Orders--National Medical Support Notices: What's a Plan Administrator to Do?
by Julie Burbank Coleman and Charles A. Storke
Many employer-sponsored health plans and multiemployer health benefit trusts have seen an increase in medical child support orders (MCSOs), and they can anticipate receiving a greater number in the future. Once regulations are final for the national medical support notice (NMSN) required by the Child Support Performance and Incentive Act of 1998, plans should also begin receiving these. In preparation, plan administrators should ensure that they have proper procedures in place for determining whether MCSOs and NMSNs constitute QMCSOs.
Preparing Taft-Hartleys for the 21st Century: Health Care Leads List of Challenges for Plan Administrators
by Brian F. Goebel
Rising health care costs are a major challenge facing administrators of Taft-Hartley health and welfare plans. Managing costs while continuing to provide coverage that meets members' expectations and needs will require a delicate balancing act. Among areas that require close scrutiny are legislative activity, retiree medical benefits, prescription drugs, funding and cost-control methods.
Group Term Life Insurance
by Elizabeth E. Vollmar
Internal Revenue Code Section 79 allows an employer to provide each of its employees up to $50,000 in tax-free group term life insurance. This article lists the requirements life insurance plans must meet for employees to obtain the Section 79 tax benefit. The author also explains how employers can structure life insurance policies to avoid placing a tax burden on participating employees if an employee has more than $50,000 of coverage under a life insurance plan that meets the Section 79 requirements.
E-Benefits--Taking It Online
by Gaelyn Mitchell
Increasing concerns about recruiting and retaining qualified employees in today's competitive workforce market have made employers examine ways to maximize the value of their benefit programs. Many are utilizing the Internet as a channel for offering employees voluntary or elective benefits that provide necessary services and help employees achieve their financial goals. This article explains what an employer should look for in choosing an Internet site to help deliver voluntary benefits.
Legal Decisions Affecting Pension Plans
by Ira R. Mitzner
A number of recent legal decisions have considerable significance for pension plans. This article reviews some of the most important decisions and identifies trends they reflect. Some areas highlighted include plan amendments and surplus plan assets, fiduciaries and fiduciary duties, collection of delinquent contributions, attorney-client privilege, investments, withdrawal liability and termination, standard of review, preemption and federal common law.