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CCH® PENSION — 06/2/11

Mercer provides checklist for sponsors of defined benefit plans

Mercer has developed a "checklist" to help defined benefit (DB) plan sponsors address challenges they are facing in today's environment. The checklist is also beneficial for plan sponsors who are looking to improve their administrative processes and/or are contemplating moving their DB plan to a new co-sourced or outsourced relationship, according to Mercer.

Administering DB retirement plans has become increasingly difficult for many plan sponsors, said Mercer in a press release, due to factors such as frequent legislative and regulatory changes, mergers and acquisitions, and a lack of in-house resources and institutional knowledge to effectively manage the growing complexity and risk associated with these programs.

Mercer's DB sponsor checklist

Mercer's checklist for plan sponsors consists of five points:

• Aggregate and improve data quality - Consolidate historical participant information from all sources into an electronic, secure database and resolve legacy data issues including missing and conflicting information
• Certify outstanding calculations - Ensure all prior plan and terminated vested calculations have been completed and certified
• Ensure plans are current and compliant - Validate that plan documents, required participant forms/communications and Summary Plan Descriptions are in compliance with recent legislative changes
• Review and document procedures - Document current administrative procedures and plan practices to clarify details not present within legal plan documents, address ambiguous provisions and avoid unintended changes in administrative practice in connection with the transition to a new administrative system or provider
• Evaluate sourcing options - Determine if the plan sponsor has the resources, experience and organizational commitment to successfully maintain plan administration, or if outsourcing or co-sourcing is a more viable option

"In response to increased demand from plan participants for benefit estimates, plan sponsors will need to review and prepare their current data, processes and documentation," said Marceline Pankros, Principal in Mercer's Retirement, Risk and Finance business. "Additionally, if a plan sponsor is moving to a new plan administrator or preparing a plan for a freeze or termination, engaging in these "pre-sourcing" activities will allow them to move quickly as business or market conditions change in order to capitalize on the opportunities to save on plan costs and/or reduce plan risks."

Source: Mercer press release, May 12, 2011.

For more information, visit http://www.wolterskluwerlb.com/rbcs.

For more information on this and related topics, consult the CCH Pension Plan Guide, CCH Employee Benefits Management, and Spencer's Benefits Reports.

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