Employee Benefits Hot Topics 2021

This program, taught by Laura Andrew and Lisa Carrasco, ERISA and employee benefits attorneys at Smith, Gambrell & Russell, LLP, will review hot topics affecting ERISA health & welfare plans and retirement plans during 2021.

With regard to health & welfare plans, this course will cover legislation related to MHPAEA audits, ACA, No Surprises Act, Consolidated Appropriations Act Transparency Rules, COVID-19, and COBRA subsidies/litigation. For retirement plans, this course will cover recent guidance regarding cybersecurity audits, missing participants and uncashed checks, plan correction methods, SECURE 2.0, target-date funds and ESG investing, and Cycle 3 restatements. This course will also provide an ERISA fiduciary overview with a focus on best ERISA governance practices.

This program will benefit in-house counsel and labor & employment attorneys involved with human resources and employee benefit plans.

Learning Objectives:

1. Discuss recent legislation, guidance, and executive orders and what to expect under a Biden administration with regard to ERISA health & welfare plans and retirement plans

2. Provide an ERISA fiduciary overview and explanation of ERISA plan best practices with regard to governance

3. Identify upcoming plan amendment deadlines