Plans & Trusts

by Estelle Métayer
To start realizing the promises of artificial intelligence (AI), trustees should begin educating and training themselves on its potential applications. The progression of this field will undoubtedly bring new opportunities and risks, including the potential automation of trustee operations. The author covers five reasons AI can be a treasure trove for employee benefit organizations and lists a series of questions trustees should be asking right now.

by Colleen Baker
It can be a tall order to balance the cost pressures of the benefits industry with the need to drive value for an organization and its diverse members, which is why most plan sponsors have considered implementing flexibility into their benefit plans. This article introduces flexible options and then delves into important considerations and objectives, challenges, communication needs and a checklist of questions for plans looking to offer the type of flexibility that can meet business and member goals.

by Dominique Roelants
Defined benefit pension plans that use a final average salary formula can face the risk of pension spiking, in which members are able to take steps to significantly increase their salary—and thus their pension— during their final working years. The author provides reasons for plans to consider making all taxable earnings pensionable and using inflation-adjusted career average pension plans. He suggests that this switch could achieve plan savings and member equity while avoiding the problem of pension spiking.

by Barry Gros and Barbara Sanders
The past decade has seen an increase in contingent pension plans, in which some or all of the pension benefit depends on a plan’s financial position. An in-depth research study offers insights and best practices for the governance and sustainability of these plans, including the importance of organizational coherence, people and process.

by Barb Martinez
The number of reimbursed high-cost drugs continues to grow at the same time that plan sponsors face increased pressure over the allocation of health care resources. The author presents key takeaways for plan sponsors while discussing drug plan decisions, equitable choices that benefit plan members, and key metrics for health care outcomes and resources.

by Chris Gory
Telehealth is touted as a way to create stronger patient engagement, increase efficiency in care and help those who are currently underserved by the health care system. It also faces challenges due to a lack of organizational oversight and uniform rules. With 70% of Canadians saying they would use virtual physician visits, employers and plan sponsors will want to keep a close eye on this developing technology.

by Leila Mandlsohn
Worldwide, Canada is second only to the United States in per capita consumption of prescription opioids. The author—who notes that it will take a comprehensive, holistic approach to address this crisis— discusses national strategies as well as steps plan sponsors and benefit providers can take to be part of the solution.

by Marc Milot, Ph.D.
Many employers and plan sponsors utilize external employee assistance programs (EAPs) to help address the growing challenge of mental health concerns among employees. While past research had difficulty assessing the direct value of EAPs, new studies indicate that EAPs can help improve psychological health in the workplace and reduce associated costs. The author also covers what to look for when evaluating EAP providers and measuring program returns.

by Marc-André Vinson
Even when the inflation rate is modest, it can greatly reduce the purchasing power of retirement dollars over a 20-, 30- or 40-year period. The author illustrates the ramifications of inflation and provides strategies for helping plan members prepare for the inflation that will inevitably affect their retirement future.