Compliance Corner: Podcasts

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley look at recently published DOL guidance establishing new parameters relating to deadline suspensions for COBRA notices, elections and payments, HIPAA special enrollment elections, and appeals/claims filings. Chase outlines the background and examples on the DOL’s new approach to the one-year suspension period, which is now based on the individual’s or plan’s deadline itself (not a hard stop on February 28, 2021, as many had thought). Chase and Suzanne then dig into the newest federal COVID-19 relief bill that is through the House and with the Senate, focusing on potential COBRA subsidies that could create additional employer (and COBRA administrator) compliance obligations

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In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at new mental health parity requirements for plan sponsors under the recently-enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA of 2021, the most recent pandemic-related legislation, signed into law in December 2020). Suzanne outlines the new requirements in connection with current law (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act — MHPAEA), and related enforcement. Suzanne and Chase discuss the details of the new requirements, the rapidly-approaching compliance date (February 10, 2021), the lack of specific guidance, and the challenges in working with vendors (including carriers and TPA/ASO providers) in gathering necessary information.

Companies have expanded their view of well-being and they’re investing in resources that improve the lives of their employees. The return on this investment – healthier, more productive employees, and an enhanced ability to attract and retain talent – depends on the well-being strategy. A plan that understands employee wants and needs, key trends, and the importance of effective communication is critical to achieving key objectives. Our latest trend report podcast provides expert insights for developing and executing the right plan.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review newly inaugurated President Biden’s pandemic response proposal, the American Rescue Plan. Chase outlines the proposal overall, then turns his attention to the proposal’s expansion of FFCRA leave to all-sized employers until the end of September 2021. Chase and Suzanne discuss additional leave expansion, and the proposal’s COBRA subsidies for those impacted by a pandemic-related furlough or layoffs, and the expansion of premium tax credits. The two close with a short discussion of potential Biden executive orders and their impact on proposed regulations regarding wellness programs, independent contractors and more.

In the latest installment of the Washington Update Election Series podcast, Finseca’s VP of Government Affairs, Armstrong Robinson, is joined by Jeff Driscoll, VP Product Intelligence & Carrier Management. Jeff and Army discuss the changes to 7702 instituted by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and the impact those changes might have on accumulation life insurance sales.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at a recent Supreme Court decision on ERISA preemption and state laws relating to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Suzanne starts with a description of PBMs and state law regulation of PBMs. Chase and Suzanne discuss the meaning and application of ERISA preemption, and Suzanne outlines how lower courts and the Supreme Court have treated ERISA preemption previously. Suzanne tracks the background and arguments in the Rutledge case, and digs into the Supreme Court’s holding that ERISA does NOT preempt Arkansas’s PBM law. Chase and Suzanne close by discussing the potential implications of the holding for group health plans, both in and out of the PBM context.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at the brand new COVID-19 relief bill, called the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2021. Suzanne starts with a provision of the bill that allows (at the employer’s discretion) employees to rollover unused amounts in their FSAs (health and dependent care) from 2020 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022. Suzanne and Chase then talk about practical implications of the act, including employee notification, administration, and plan document updates before digging into provisions of the law that apply to individuals, including unemployment benefits and stimulus checks. Suzanne outlines the items in the law relating to small businesses, including extensions of employee retention and FFCRA tax credits and additional amendments to the PPP loan program. Suzanne and Chase close with a discussion of new prohibitions on certain surprise billing practices and on new requirements for plans and carriers on price transparency.

In our latest US Benefits Trend Report podcast, Kim Bell, SVP, head of health and benefits, has a conversation with Kim Heald, NFP’s national practice leader for voluntary benefits. Kim Heald shares her perspectives on how the one-size-fits-all approach to benefits is increasingly ineffective, especially for multigenerational workforces, and the risks for employers if they don’t adapt by integrating supplemental health and lifestyle benefit options. The discussion also includes an overview of major challenges (70% of Americans are unable to save $1,000 to pay for unplanned medical expenses), how voluntary benefits can enhance employee financial stability and productivity, and an example of how voluntary benefits make a meaningful difference. Listen to the full podcast here.