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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.
Join today! In addition, subscriptions are available. |
All links below are to members-only content. 
 | Articles include:
Time’s Up for Sexual Harassment
and Misconduct: Protecting Fund
Employees and the Fund
by Lisa M. Gomez and Melissa S. Woods
The problems of sexual harassment and
misconduct in the workplace have been
making headlines for more than a year.
Employee benefit funds should have the
proper policies and procedures in place to
ensure such issues are adequately addressed
whether harassment takes place at the fund
office or off-site meetings. Why Employees Dislike Wellness Programs
and How to Change Their Mind-Set
by Debra Wein
Whether they’re concerned about privacy or simply
believe that wellness programs are no fun, some
employees don’t embrace wellness programs. This
article offers tips for getting the less enthusiastic
workers to join in. Six Ways to Reduce Employee Health Costs
Through Data Analytics
by Marilyn Schlein Kramer and Bryan Curran
Employers may discover strategies for reducing
health care costs by analyzing data from sources
such as biometric screenings, disease management
programs and payroll. Limitations Periods in Benefit Plans—
Guidance From the Courts
by Osvaldo Vazquez
Setting a reasonable limitations period can help
benefit plans control litigation expenses, ensure
equal treatment of claims and reduce uncertainty. Mindfulness and Stress Management:
Creating Cultures of Optimal Performance
by Lisa R. Schmidt, CEBS
Workplace stress, which comes with a $264 billion
annual price tag for the U.S. economy, is one of the
driving forces behind escalating employee benefit
costs. Through mindfulness and stress management,
employers can potentially reduce those costs and
create a healthier culture for employees.
- Legal & Legislative Reporter
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Larger Equity Allocations Pay Off for Large Taft-Hartley Defined Benefit Plans
by Robert J. Waid
For the sixth year in a row, the author compares the asset allocations of large and small Taft-Hartley defined benefit pension plans. He discusses why large plans outperformed small plans this year. Multiemployer DC Plans: Considering Participant-Directed vs. Trustee-Directed Investments
by Daniel A. Notto and Tom Villanova
Should trustees or participants direct Taft-Hartley defined contribution plan investments? Factors for trustees to consider include liability for investment decisions and communication. Protecting Pension Plans’ Hard-Won Gains: Could Hedge Funds Play a Role?
by Joe Marenda
Hedge funds may help pension plans protect their funded status in the event of a recession or stock market correction, but trustees should proceed with forethought when considering these differentiated but complex investments. Ten Tips for Responding to (and Avoiding) an IRS Letter 226-J
by Lindsay M. Goodman
Have you received a Letter 226-J from the IRS indicating that you owe a penalty under the Affordable Care Act? This article offers ten tips for how to respond as well as how to avoid receiving future notices. The Role of the Legal Committee
by Richard Masur
Multiemployer benefit fund legal committees play an important part in helping boards of trustees deal with matters including the structure of plan documents, fiduciary responsibilities, litigation and interaction with regulators. From Apathy to Adherence: Using Personalization and Precision to Improve Health
by Frank Gentilella
Medication nonadherence is a costly problem for health plan sponsors. Technology, including mobile apps, may provide an effective solution. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
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Managing Pension Risk
by Cary Franklin
Multiemployer defined benefit pension plans can effectively manage pension risk through policies governing benefit design, funding and investments. Disaster Planning for Employee Benefits
by Petula Workman, CEBS
Would your employees and plan participants be able to access their employee benefits in the event of a natural disaster like Hurricane Harvey? This article suggests areas that organizations should plan for to help ensure benefits will be available for workers if disaster strikes. Withdrawal Liability: Alternative Payment Rules and the Role of PBGC
by Jay K. Egelberg
The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) has issued new guidance for multiemployer pension funds that want to adopt alternative withdrawal liability payment arrangements. Association Health Plans: An Opportunity, With Risks
by Ross D. Weiler
A new regulation for association health plans (AHPs) has the stated purpose of expanding access to more affordable, high-quality health insurance. This article explains the new rules and looks at their potential impact on insurance markets. Losing Health Care Coverage: Understanding the Options
by Tony Cheng
People who lose health insurance coverage through an employer or multiemployer plan have several alternatives to choose from to gain coverage. This article offers a look at the pros and cons of the available options. Secure Choice: State-Based Retirement Savings Programs Move Forward Despite Regulatory and Legal Headwinds
by Adam J. Thomas
Several states have started individual retirement account plans to help workers who don’t have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans. This article provides an overview of the plans as well as the legal challenges they face. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
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Curing Low Health Care Literacy
by Kim A. Buckey
How many of your health plan participants can correctly define the terms
deductible or
copay? Low health care literacy can drive up health care costs for employees and employers. What’s Working (and What’s Not Working) in Financial Wellness Programs
by Liz Davidson
As the popularity of workplace financial wellness programs grows, organizations may find helpful lessons from the experience of employers with longterm programs. The author describes both successful and not-so-successful strategies for helping workers build good habits and reduce financial stress. The Role of the Withdrawal Liability Committee
by John E. Mossberg
Reviewing multiemployer benefit fund collection cases can be time-consuming for boards of trustees. Appointing a withdrawal liability committee allows for a thorough review of outstanding cases without bogging down a board of trustees meeting. Six Considerations for Designing a Total Rewards Program
by Kacie L. Sizemore
From paid time off to dog walkers, the perks offered in a total rewards program can be key to attracting and keeping the right employees. Tapping Your PBM to Detect Fraud, Waste and Abuse
by Jennifer Fuhrmann-Berger, Pharm.D.
Through use of clinical protocols and access to key data, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) can play an important role in finding and preventing fraud, waste and abuse in prescription drugs. Seeing Clearly: Vision Benefits
by Bill Gimbel
Whether they are employer-paid or voluntary, vision benefits can help lower the cost of vision care for employees and encourage them to seek routine eye exams. This article discusses available coverage options and what plan sponsors should consider when offering vision benefits. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
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From on High: A Discussion of Federal Law and State Court Decisions on Medical Marijuana and the Workplace
by Diana M. Bardes
Despite the trend in many states toward legalization or decriminalization, marijuana remains illegal under federal law. That leaves health plans and employers in a puzzling position when it comes to health plan coverage and reasonable workplace accommodations. Practical Solutions to Defined Contribution Plan Challenges
by Asad Ali
Defined contribution (DC) plan sponsors are facing increasing scrutiny while plan participants wrestle with how to save enough for retirement. DC plan fiduciaries can address these challenges through good governance, paying attention to fees and thoughtfully constructing an investment lineup. Forum Selection Clauses for Employee Benefit Plans
by Paul E. Stoehr and Jennie G. Arnold
Seeking to limit the costs and inconveniences of lawsuits, a growing number of employee benefit plans are specifying the venue in which plan lawsuits can be filed. A Guide to Caring for Elderly Loved Ones
by Matthew McKearn
Millions of people in the United States provide care for an elderly parent or loved one. This article provides information on the issues family members should discuss to ensure the needs of loved ones will be met when they can no longer live independently. Preparing for Open Enrollment: Five Steps to Take Now
by Chris Whitlow
It’s time to start planning for open enrollment. Taking these five steps, including gathering employee feedback and creating a communications plan, can make the process go more smoothly. Using Artificial Intelligence to Guide Health Benefit Choices
by Scott Evans
Technology such as artificial intelligence and machine learning has the potential to help health plan participants make better plan selections and help employers control benefit costs. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Phased Retirement: A Solution for Employers and Employees?
by Anna M. Rappaport
Phased retirement programs can help employers fill a need for talent and experience while improving retirement outcomes for employees. The author describes options employers may consider for such programs along with some of the associated challenges. A Crash Course in Behavioral Economics— Bypassing Biases
by Kweku Obed
Emotional and cognitive biases affect the investment decisions pension plan fiduciaries make. The author describes these biases and offers tips for avoiding them. Special Feature: Perspectives on the Opioid Crisis and the Workforce
by John S. Gaal, Ed.D.
The author offers his own perspective on the opioid crisis and interviews four experts who recently participated in International Foundation panel discussions on opioids to get their views on how the opioid crisis started and what is being done to treat and prevent the spread of opioid use disorder (OUD). The Role of the Benefit and Appeals Committee
by Kristina M. Guastaferri
A benefit and appeals committee is tasked with the review and determination of benefit appeals for a multiemployer benefit fund. Committees ensure thorough review of such appeals and help boards of trustees remain in compliance with federal claims and appeals regulations. Plugging Leaks in DB Pension Plan Administration
by Larry P. McNutt and James J. McKeogh
Multiemployer pension plan trustees and professionals shouldn’t ignore areas such as data management and plan design elements, including early retirement provisions, when working to ensure the long-term health of the plan. How to Plan and Design a Thorough Health Care Claims Audit
by Matthew B. Dubnansky
A comprehensive health care claims audit protects health plans and participants from mistakes and regulatory violations. This article outlines best practices for planning and conducting an audit. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
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 | Articles include:
Curbing the High Cost of Opioid Abuse Treatment
by Andy Johnson
As the opioid epidemic worsens, health plans are getting hit with large bills from out-of-network substance abuse treatment facilities. Plan sponsors can take steps to control these costs but must be mindful of mental health parity requirements when enacting changes. Beyond Wellness: A Holistic Approach to Health Management
by Troy J. Cook
Health plan sponsors can combat rising health care costs and improve employee health by creating interventions that target the specific health needs of every individual within the employee population. 15 Technology Trends That Can Elevate Your Wellness Program
by Anna Mittag
Technology such as wearables and wellness apps can boost wellness program participation and engagement. This article identifies 15 technology trends that have the potential to improve wellness programs. Managing Prescription Drug Costs: Holding PBMs Accountable for Clinical Management
by Kenneth B. Berry and Kristin Begley, Pharm.D.
Drug plan sponsors can lower drug spending and improve member outcomes by working with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that use strong, high-touch clinical management programs. Evaluating the Effectiveness of Wise Use of Medical Care Training—A Case Study
by James L. McGee, CEBS, and William E. Hembree
Teaching severely and catastrophically ill plan members how to more effectively use health care and plan for end-of-life care can help health plans reduce costs. This article describes a study of a patient education process being tested by a transit workers fund in Washington, D.C. Five Meaningful Benefits for Millennials
by Renee M. Rochman
Employers that want to attract and retain Millennial employees may want to consider offering benefits that help this younger generation balance their personal and professional lives. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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 | Articles include:
Lightening the Load of Elder Care
by Adam M. Doling and Peter C. Solimando
Nearly 25 million U.S. workers are caring for an elderly parent or loved one. Employers, unions and welfare funds can offer benefits to help workers balance the demands of work and caregiving. Target-Date Funds: Key Considerations and a Process for Fiduciaries
by Marc A. Fandetti
Target-date funds (TDFs) are a popular investment option in 401(k) plans, but some offerings may not be appropriate for fund participants. The author contends that plan sponsors should more closely evaluate their TDFs, using equity exposure, management style and fees as major parameters. Benefit Plans and Cybersecurity Threats: Controls Outweigh Technology
by Hormazd Dalal
While technology is an important part of guarding employee benefit plans against cyberthreats, limiting access to information and having security protocols in place are key to protecting plan data. Building an Effective Online Strategy
by Jillian Otten
A successful digital communications strategy can help employee benefit funds achieve organizational goals. The author offers tips for improving websites and communicating through social media and mobile apps. Conducting a Mental Health Culture Audit
by Phillip A. Ginter
One in five working adults experiences at least occasional mental health challenges, making mental health a workplace issue. Employers that want to address the issue can start with a mental health culture audit. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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What’s in Your Vendor Contract? Five Provisions to Avoid
by Adam Meehan
Have you closely read your plan vendor service agreements? Failure to do so or seek qualified counsel input could leave your benefit plan on the hook for significant costs. The Role of the Collection Committee
by Travis J. Ketterman, GBA
The efficient collection of contributions is an essential element of operating a multiemployer benefit fund. A collection committee can help improve fund collection efforts while saving time for boards of trustees. Assessing Trustee Performance: A View From Experience
by Denny Delk
Employee benefit funds are heavily regulated, but who is responsible for the oversight of fund trustees? The author offers his take on how to best gauge trustee performance. DC Plan Administration Costs: Are Flat Fees the Answer?
by Jed Petty
Charging a per head administrative fee to plan participants while also seeking to minimize investment fees may be a desirable way to segregate and allocate plan costs to members of defined contribution retirement plans. Health Care Benefit Assignments: How to Defend a Denial-of-Claim Lawsuit
by James M. Steinberg
When health plan participants authorize medical providers to bill the plan for their services, they also may be allowing the provider to seek legal recourse for a denied claim. Cutting Costs and Changing Habits With Reference Pricing
by David Henka
Reference-pricing programs for prescription drugs have the potential to change plan member behavior and significantly reduce drug costs. The author offers tips for implementing a reference-pricing program. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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The Nuts and Bolts of Merging Health and Welfare Funds
by Dennis R. Johnson
In this practical guide to merging health and welfare funds, the author describes both the steps trustees should take when evaluating a merger and issues to consider, including structure and the legal standards that apply to the decision to merge. How to Assess the Financial Status of Your Health Fund
by Stephanie Patrick
Determining benefits and setting contribution rates for health and welfare funds can be challenging tasks for trustees. The author explains the role of financial statements, funding projections and summary reports in determining and monitoring the financial status of a fund. Recruiting Younger Apprentices: Three Vignettes, Three Approaches
by John S. Gaal, Ed.D.
The author profiles three efforts to build a pipeline from high schools to registered apprenticeship training programs and, eventually, careers in the trades. Five Common Blunders in Contracting With a PBM
by Gannon Murphy, Ph.D., and Seth A. Friedman
The language in contracts with pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) can be quite complex. Avoiding these five common mistakes when negotiating a PBM contract can increase the transparency of these deals and help benefit plans save money. Critical Questions to Ask When Evaluating an Investment Manager
by Jennifer Mink
Selecting an investment manager and providing oversight of that manager are part of the fiduciary responsibility of employee benefit fund trustees. This article, the second of a two-part series, addresses critical questions trustees should ask when monitoring an investment manager. How Are U.S. Multinationals Preparing for Brexit?
by Selima Crum and Nicholas C. Dobelbower, Ph.D., CEBS
U.S. multinational companies are assessing the impact of Brexit on their European businesses, regional talent strategy and employee benefit plans. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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 | Articles include:
Critical Questions to Ask When Hiring an Investment Manager
by Jennifer Mink
Selecting and monitoring an investment manager is part of the fiduciary responsibility of employee benefit fund trustees. This article addresses critical questions trustees should ask when hiring an investment manager. A second article, in March, will highlight questions trustees should ask when monitoring an investment manager. Why Good People Do Bad Things: How Fraud Can Happen to Any of Us
by Leslie C. Kirsch
Understanding the science of fraud and ethical decision making can help employee benefit plans prevent fraud from occurring. Insuring Your Apprenticeship Fund
by Laverne Wingfield and Tina Fletcher
As providers of benefits and training to apprentices, joint apprenticeship training committees (JATCs) and joint apprenticeship training funds (JATFs) have specific insurance needs that should be reviewed. How New Drugs Come to Market
by Michael S. Jacobs
It can cost billions of dollars and take a dozen years to get a new drug approved for sale in the United States. This article provides an overview of the road new drugs must take—from application to approval. The Universe of the University Cases: A New Approach to ERISA Enforcement
by Emily Rickard, J. Christian Nemeth and Todd A. Solomon
Class action lawsuits alleging fiduciary breaches have been filed in the last two years against 16 private universities with regard to their Section 403(b) plans. The authors explain the implications of these lawsuits for defined contribution plan sponsors. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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Managing Medical Plans Around the World
by Wil J. Gaitan
A shift in economic power to emerging markets, an aging population and an increase in unhealthy behaviors are contributing to rising costs for global medical plans. Uncovering Hidden Health Plan Costs With Data Analytics
by Laurent Laor
Data analytics offers a powerful tool for exposing health care costs arising from fraud, waste, abuse and errors. Governance Matters: Improving Pension Plan Board Effectiveness
by Christopher K. Merker, Ph.D.
Research indicates there is a strong relationship between pension plan governance and plan performance. The author identifies six key drivers of effective governance. Privacy Considerations for Employer-Sponsored Wellness Programs
by Kristen M. Whittle
Employers must be mindful of their duty to protect the privacy of the health information employees may share when participating in a workplace wellness program. Coronary Calcium Imaging: An Alternative Approach to Heart Disease Prevention
by William Blanchet, M.D., and Samuel J. Kenish, CEBS
A diagnostic test called
coronary calcium imaging may help health and welfare plan sponsors identify plan members at risk for heart disease earlier and better target treatment for those members. - Legal & Legislative Reporter
Printable Issue [PDF]
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