IRS provides much needed guidance for health FSAs *

USA - June 4 2012
Employers are getting some welcome relief in the form of IRS guidance that provides helpful details and clarity on how to implement the upcoming $2,500 limit on salary reduction contributions to health flexible spending accounts (FSAs) set by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

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Sixth Circuit finds CBA provision requiring union to indemnify employer for withdrawal liability does not violate public policy under ERISA *

USA - April 3 2012
The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) provision, which obligated a union to indemnify an employer for withdrawal liability did not violate public policy under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended by the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980 (MPPAA).

Co-authors: Charles F. Billington III.

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New guidance on lifetime income options in retirement plans *

USA - February 21 2012
On February 2, 2012, in a stated effort to encourage retirement savings and manage longevity risks, the Department of Treasury, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the White House released a package of guidance and commentary.

Co-authors: Sheila Ninneman.

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New PPACA benefit summary rules clarified *

USA - February 14 2012
If their open enrollment periods start before September 23, 2012, health insurers and employers that sponsor health plans will not have to provide new summaries of benefits and coverage, or "SBCs," to new enrollees and existing health plan participants later this year, under new final regulations implementing the 2010 health care reform law.

Co-authors: Tim Stanton.

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DOL issues final service provider fee disclosure rules *

USA - February 10 2012
On February 2, 2012, the Department of Labor published final rules regarding service provider fee disclosures (Final Rules).

Co-authors: Tia L. Martarella .

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