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Benefits Magazine is a monthly magazine that covers benefit issues affecting multiemployer, single employer and public employee plan representatives. Health care, retirement, financial literacy and other related topics are addressed. The magazine includes cases studies and profiles of those shaping the industry, as well as
Legal & Legislative Reporter. Benefits Magazine is free to International Foundation members. The digital version is available to both International Foundation and ISCEBS members.
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All links below are to members-only content.
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What Should My Asset Allocation Be?
Five Key Factors for Employee
Benefit Funds
by Jennifer Mink
What is the best asset allocation for an employee
benefit fund? The author offers five factors trustees
should consider when determining the mix of
investments for defined benefit pension funds,
trustee-directed defined contribution funds, and
health and welfare funds. Behavioral Economics: Three Tools for
Improving Prescription Drug Adherence
by Eric Culley, Pharm.D., and Eric Parmenter, CEBS
Medication nonadherence is a costly but avoidable
problem for health plans and plan participants.
Plan sponsors can use strategies from behavioral
economics to help participants take their
medications as prescribed. Multiemployer Health Plan Funding Targets
by Hans Kraabel, CEBS, and Becky Drews
Determining the ideal funding target for a
multiemployer health and welfare plan requires
trustees to explore a number of variables. The
authors explain the factors that should be
considered and provide two real-world examples. Guiding Workers Through the
Medicare Maze
by Valerie Bock, CEBS
Benefits staff may want to recognize their role in
educating workers about the often confusing
topic of Medicare. Getting in Front of the Trends: Using High-
Tech Tools to Improve Financial Wellness
by Arthur l. Noonan and David Scharf
Financial well-being programs can help employers
address issues like delayed retirement, disability
and turnover. Using data analytics and artificial
intelligence tools to identify and predict workforce
trends can increase the effectiveness of such
programs. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Breaking the Silence: Reducing the Risk of Suicide in the Construction Industry
by Tori A. Geter
Workers in the construction industry are at an increased risk for death by suicide. This article explores the industry-specific factors that may contribute to this trend and describes a multiemployer plan wellness program’s suicide prevention program. Retiree Health Plans 101
by Carrie J. Grove and Wesley N. Yoder
The authors discuss three key areas plan sponsors should consider when reviewing or implementing a retiree health care plan: compliance, design and funding, and communication. The Global Gender Equality Movement
by Selima Crum, Nicholas Dobelbower, Ph.D., CEBS, and Valerie Evans
In the wake of the #MeToo movement and increased attention on gender equality, governments around the world are enacting laws to achieve equal pay, healthy work-life balance and safe work environments. The Rise of the Defined Contribution Trustee
by Asad Ali and Jason S. Fuiman
As defined contribution (DC) retirement plans become the primary source of retirement income for a growing number of plan participants, DC plan trustees must recognize their responsibilities in helping participants meet their retirement savings goals. How to Support Employees Raising Children With Developmental Disabilities
by Angela Nelson
Providing benefits that support employees caring for children with developmental disabilities such as autism spectrum disorder can ease parents’ stress while boosting their productivity and sense of loyalty to their employer. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Boost the Bottom Line: Help Employees Improve Their Financial Well-Being
by Jeffrey P. Tulloch
Life outside work—and the stress about personal finances that may accompany it— can have a negative effect on employees’ work lives and productivity. The author offers four essential steps to building a financial wellness program to help employees thrive both in and outside of the workplace. High Stakes for Health Plans: Out-of-Network Provider Lawsuits
by Daniel R. Brice and Imani M. Shaw
The number of lawsuits filed by out-of-network health care providers seeking payment from health plans is on the rise. The authors review recent litigation and suggest steps plans can take to limit their exposure. Voluntary Benefits: To Implement or Not to Implement? Is That the Only Question?
by Valerie McGee, CEBS
Increasingly popular voluntary benefits can help employees with issues such as out-of-pocket health care costs and even pet expenses. How does an employer decide which benefits to offer? ERISA Plan Expenses: Fiduciary Standards to Live By
by Steven E. Grieb, CEBS
Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plan administrators should proceed with caution when determining whether plan assets can be used to pay plan expenses. Multiemployer Payroll Auditing Update
by Lawrence R. Beebe
Recent changes to multiemployer plan payroll audit standards and guidance may require multiemployer plans to change their payroll audit procedures. Seven Key Components of Financial Literacy for Construction Workers
by John Enright
Several factors—including the physically demanding nature of their work—mean that workers in the construction industry may need to plan differently for retirement. The author describes seven key areas construction workers should address in financial and retirement planning. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Validate Wellness Vendors With a Data-Driven Approach
by Jason Elliott
A data-driven approach can help health plan sponsors evaluate whether wellness programs and vendors will produce the desired results. Transgender Health Benefits: Best Practices and Legal Considerations
by Todd Solomon, Jacob Mattinson and Erin Steele
Although the legal landscape surrounding transgender health benefits continues to evolve, health plan sponsors and insurers would be wise to weigh the legal and business implications of providing or excluding gender transition–related medical coverage. Getting in the Driver’s Seat: Four Steps to Prepare for a DOL Audit
by Jodi L. Green
Based on her experience as a senior investigator with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, the author offers tips for preparing for a Department of Labor employee benefit plan audit. Trustee Expenses Revisited
by David Dorsey and Travis Ketterman, GBA
From travel to meals, what kinds of employee benefit fund trustee expenses are considered reasonable, necessary and—ultimately—reimbursable? HRAs: New Opportunities for Plan Sponsors?
by Stacie M. Kalmer
Regulators have issued changes to the rules governing health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). This article explains the final regulations and describes how health plan sponsors may elect to use HRAs in the future. Own Worst Enemy: How Plan Sponsors Can Encourage Participant HSA Funding
by Kerry Leonard
Behavioral economics concepts may explain why many holders of health savings accounts (HSAs) don’t contribute to them. The author offers strategies for overcoming these tendencies, including the use of technology that incorporates machine learning and artificial intelligence. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Mailbox or Inbox? What You Need to Know Before Switching to Electronic Notices
by Mitchel D. Whitehead and Seong J. Kim
Are you looking to get rid of paper plan notices in favor of electronic communications? Make sure you’re familiar with the Department of Labor’s regulations on electronic communications and other applicable federal and state laws before making the switch. Catch Them While You Can: Monitoring and Assessing Partial Withdrawal Liability
by Anusha Rasalingam
Proactively monitoring, collecting and assessing partial withdrawal liability can be one of the best ways for multiemployer pension funds to ensure they can collect withdrawal liability while employers still have sufficient assets to pay what is due. The Bermuda Triangle Plus One: The Interplay of FMLA, ADA, ACA and Workers’ Compensation
by Carrie B. Cherveny
It can be difficult to navigate all the requirements when the Family and Medical Leave Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Affordable Care Act and workers’ compensation programs all may apply to an employee’s circumstances, such as in the case of a workplace injury. Stop the Grind: How Employers Can Curb Workplace Fatigue and Drive Productivity
by Lawrence Epstein, M.D.
Sleep-deprived workers are not only less productive but also less healthy. How can employers help workers get the sleep they need? Improving Apprenticeship Program Delivery
by R. Lance Hogan, Ph.D., and Luke J. Steinke, Ph.D.
Research suggests that apprenticeship programs can better prepare apprentices for work by using a curriculum development model that focuses on teaching necessary skills, properly sequencing training and measuring performance. The authors say benefits include individualized training and a system that evaluates behaviors and skills based on actual work environments. Private Equity: The Increasing Appeal of Customization
by Helen Lais
Pension funds looking to expand investment opportunities may want to consider private equities. This article describes the building blocks to constructing a private equity portfolio. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Creating a Multiculturally Competent Worksite Wellness Program: The Why and the How
by Linda Howard
Making sure a worksite wellness program is multiculturally competent can help organizations not only meet the needs of a diverse workforce but also remain in compliance with antidiscrimination laws. Building a Bridge to Your Mobile Future
by Casey Sirotnak, Michael J. Goldberger and Robert Sica
A mobile app can help multiemployer benefit funds meet member demands for self-service while reaping advantages for the fund office. The authors highlight the pillars of a successful mobile app project and provide an example of one fund’s experience with an app. Turning Vacation Days Into Cash and Other In-Demand Benefits
by Caroline E. Nelsen
Redesigning a paid-time-off (PTO) program to provide employees with the option to buy, sell or donate their PTO may help employers meet the wants and needs of a wide range of workers. Employers should pay attention to the tax implications as well as state laws when designing a program. Ten Costly Health and Welfare Plan Compliance Traps
by Lisa Allen
Focusing on these ten compliance traps should help health and welfare plan sponsors reduce the chance of a Department of Labor audit. Recognizing, Revealing and Resolving Symptoms of Sexual Harassment
by Pam Jeffords and Madeleine Winslow
Although media attention has increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, it remains a widespread problem in need of solutions. By conducting employee surveys and providing training to discover, define and understand sexual harassment, employers can take steps toward a healthier, more productive and more inclusive workplace. Value Investing—Are Rumors of Its Demise Greatly Exaggerated?
by Eric C. Elbell
Institutional investors typically allocate a portion of their equity portfolios to value stocks, which have underperformed in recent years. This article examines the historical performance of value stocks and discusses whether they may be poised for a rebound. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Held for Ransom: How One Organization Responded to a Cyberattack
by Tim Worke and Mike Schechter
Nearly every organization is vulnerable to a cyberattack. This article tells the story of how one organization dealt with a ransomware attack. Coming to Grips With Blockchain
by Michael Stoyanovich and Frank E. Tanz
Blockchain is more than just a buzzword, and benefits organizations should begin familiarizing themselves with the concept. The authors explain the basics of this much-hyped technology and describe its potential applications. Navigating a Benefit Suspension Application Under MPRA
by Michael Reilly
Applying for a suspension under the Multiemployer Pension Reform Act (MPRA) is a lengthy and complicated process. This article describes the steps one pension fund went through to apply for benefit suspensions. Three Simple Strategies for Adopting a Passive Investment Consulting Approach
by Brian A. Schroeder
Changing the investment management structure or adopting a rules-based approach may allow plan sponsors to eliminate many of the problems associated with active investment consulting. Helping Employees With Chronic Pain
by Jeff Krauss, M.D.
Traditional treatment options have proven ineffective in resolving chronic pain for many people. The author states that an approach that incorporates education, behavioral and physical therapy has proven to be more effective than options such as opioids and surgery. What Works Best to Help Millennial Employees Achieve Financial Security?
by Rick Garnitz
Many Millennial employees may be more concerned about reducing debt and gaining financial independence than planning for retirement. The author suggests strategies plan sponsors can use to help younger employees reach their short-term goals and allow them to shift their focus to the long term. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Target-Date Funds: Help Plan Participants Hit the Mark
by Deb Rosenberg, CEBS
As the popularity of target-date funds continues to grow, defined contribution plan sponsors should make sure their plan participants understand how to best use these investments. DC Plans Encourage Lifetime Participation Through Individual Retirement Advice
by Corey Wirth, CEBS, and Jim Singer
Recognizing a need among their participants, the boards of trustees for a group of retirement funds in Missouri and Illinois have implemented a program that provides individual retirement advice to participants. Who Foots the Bill? The Courts Weigh In on Withdrawal Liability
by John E. Mossberg
The definition of who or what constitutes an employer for withdrawal liability purposes has expanded over the last several years. The author reviews recent court decisions on this topic. Against Common Sense: The Expenses Putting Your Apprenticeship Program at Risk
by Jennifer E. Germaine
Failing to properly evaluate apprenticeship program expenses can cause programs to run afoul of Department of Labor and ERISA regulations. Beyond Defaults: Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Health Outcomes
by Steve Vernon
Health education programs may not successfully move participants to action to address the health challenges they face. This article, the second in a two-part series, discusses how plan sponsors can use behavioral economics to help participants make better health care decisions. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Ten Tips to Boost Telehealth Engagement
by Reid Rasmussen
An increasing number of employers are offering telehealth programs, but convincing employees to use the benefit can be a challenge. Multiemployer Plans and the Working Spouse Rule
by Hans F. Kraabel, CEBS
The working spouse rule is a cost-control tool that’s getting a fresh look from many multiemployer health plans. This article provides tips and detailed examples for plans considering implementing such a rule. Targeted Communication: How NFL Player Benefits Moved the Goalposts
by Bethany Marshall, CEBS, and Alyssa Hodder
Creating benefit communication materials that capture the attention of workers requires a thoughtful, personalized approach. This article describes how the NFL Players Association revamped its communication strategy. Transforming Health Care Through Value-Based Reimbursement
by Ross D. Weiler
The value-based health care movement appears to be gaining momentum. In addition to providing an update on the state of value-based care in the United States, this article offers a framework for evaluating value-based reimbursement arrangements. Beyond Defaults: Using Behavioral Economics to Improve Retirement Outcomes
by Steve Vernon
For retirement plans, the field of behavioral economics has demonstrated the power of autoenrollment features to increase plan participation. Plan sponsors can put other insights into action using research on plan participant behavior to help workers start saving earlier, determine how much to save and decide when to retire. Protecting Employee Data in the Digital World
by Paige Schaffer
Identity fraud is a workplace issue. Employers have a responsibility to protect the employee data they collect, but they may also want to consider providing identity protection services as an employee benefit. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
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Benefit Communications: Getting Started With Data Analytics
by C. Anton Ames
Using data analytics to create targeted benefit communications can be a successful strategy for plan sponsors looking to improve participant engagement. The Evolution of Reference-Based Pricing
by Kenneth B. Berry and Ryan Day
The use of reference-based pricing (RBP) to pay for health care services has grown over the last decade. This article discusses how RBP approaches have changed and improved over time, helping plan sponsors negotiate better prices for health care services. The Forgotten Network: Taking a Second Look at Health Plan Ancillary Networks
by Robyn Bartlett
When considering a change in medical carriers, health plan sponsors should pay close attention to how the switch will affect the relationships their participants have with ancillary health care providers. A Mature-Cycle Playbook: Three Investment Strategies for Multiemployer Plans
by Doug Kramer
In this advanced investment article, the author offers three investment strategies for multiemployer benefit funds looking for strategies to help their fund portfolios withstand equity market volatility. Developing Workplace Financial Wellness Programs
by Gerald J. Wernette, CEBS
Are you considering working with a recordkeeper or third-party vendor to implement a workplace financial wellness program? This article describes key questions to address before getting started as well as commonly used program approaches. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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The Ins and Outs of Providing Medical Coverage to a Globally Mobile Workforce
by Lisa F. Burkard, CEBS
Employers have an increasing responsibility or duty of care to ensure that employees have adequate medical coverage and assistance services while they’re living and working internationally. This article discusses the available options and factors companies should consider when designing a medical program for their mobile workforce. The Basics of Global DC Plan Oversight
by Iain Jones
As a growing number of countries develop regulations governing defined contribution (DC) plans, multinational companies should consider creating a global DC governance plan. The author provides a simple framework for developing such a plan. Down at the Crossroads: Where Student Debt Meets the 401(k)
by Steven E. Grieb, CEBS
Funding a student debt benefit through a qualified retirement plan has become a hot topic for discussion as employers search for ways to recruit and retain young workers who may be struggling with student loan debt and failing to save enough for retirement. Preventing and Detecting Participant Fraud
by Leslie C. Kirsch and Christopher J. Rosetti
One of the most common types of participant fraud occurs when ineligible people receive pension or health benefits. Fortunately, benefit funds have multiple options for spotting and stopping this kind of fraud. Financial Stress and Three Generations in the Workforce: How Employers Can Help
by Christy DeFrain
Financial stress affects the three main generations in the workforce in different ways. Plan sponsors have an opportunity to help all three generations through employee benefits—including financial wellness programs. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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