Archived Pension & Benefits NetNews™

May 6, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• House passes genetic nondiscrimination bill; Bush expected to sign
• Most companies oppose single-payer health care system and state coverage mandates, survey finds
• Hewitt survey suggests U.S. companies not effectively managing workplace flexibility programs
• More than six million enrolled in health savings account plans
• EBSA issues guidance and amends regs on Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs)
• IRS issues notice of June 6 hearing on hybrid defined benefit plans
• IRS requests applications for IRS Advisory Council

April 29, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• Increase in expatriate population fuels growth in western-style pay and benefits
• DOJ, American Airlines settle pilot benefits dispute
• Settlements in lieu of retiree health coverage are subject to FICA
• Senate passes genetic nondiscrimination bill
• IRS releases update to 2007-2008 Priority Guidance Plan
• DOL bars Connecticut TPA from acting as plan fiduciary
• DOL obtains judgment ordering distribution of 401(k) assets of Michigan firm

April 22, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• Final regs provide guidance on employer comparable contributions to HSAs
• Workers show record drop in retirement confidence
• More than three-quarters of U.S. workers know someone who’s taken FMLA leave, survey shows
• House subcommittee hears testimony on proposed FMLA rule changes, paid leave
• IRS releases final regs on employer comparable contributions to HSAs
• Pension Protection Act Technical Corrections Bill passed by House
• IRS issues coordinated issue paper on cost sharing arrangements

April 15, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• Employee was lawfully discharged for exceeding FMLA leave maximum
• U.S. retirement assets grew substantially in last 10 years, but face a challenging 2008, according to Watson Wyatt
• Employers, employees disagree on employers' level of involvement in employees' health
• Despite perceived effectiveness, most employees do not stay committed to wellness programs
• IRS issues proposed regs on single-employer plan minimum required contribution rules under PPA
• Labor Department unveils online video to help small employers select appropriate retirement options
• New members appointed to ERISA Advisory Council

April 8, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• Survey shows more employees take “mental health days” for family issues than for work stress
• Ballard Spahr takes deeper dive into proposed revisions to the FMLA regulations
• Modification to terms of split-dollar life insurance arrangements is not a material change to underlying life insurance contract
• ERIC urges appeals court to affirm ruling that San Francisco ordinance is preempted by ERISA
• IRS releases guidance on modifications to split-dollar life arrangements
• PBGC waives small employer reporting of missed quarterly contributions for 2008
• ERISA did not preempt recovery by state Medicaid agency

April 1, 2008 (Click date to view stories in this section)

• Washington enacts military family leave act
• Employers promote use of generic drugs to manage costs, Mercer finds
• Supreme Court declines review of EEOC rule on retiree health benefits
• Talent shortage is top concern of employers, health care costs place second this year in annual survey
• EBSA issues proposed rule containing model notice for multiemployer plan in critical status
• IRS issues proposed regulations relating to notice requirements when a plan significantly reduces benefit accruals
• IRS holds public hearing on automatic contribution arrangements