erisa

While this cost reduction is certainly a positive gesture, to the extent that the refund or credit is considered a plan asset, it must be used in accordance with ERISA and fiduciary obligations. Listen to learn more about determining whether your credit is a plan asset, and your options from there.

Court say ERISA and the fiduciary duty of ESOP administrators is complecated.

Schwartz, Conroy & Hack, PC partners Evan Schwartz and Matt Conroy discuss Civil Insurance Fraud and understanding the many issues that can arise when dealing with these claims and litigation, particularly the criminal liability proceedings that can follow.

Firm partners Evan Schwartz and Michail Hack discuss the current state of the long term care industry, some of the basics of filing claims, and what you can do to pursue a claim that has been disputed, denied, or terminated by an insurance company.

Employees who serve their organizations’ mission are falling behind on securing their own long-term financial wellbeing. How can nonprofits help? This podcast was recorded at an event hosted by Bernstein and the Back Office Cooperative for nonprofit board and committee members. To learn more, read “Mission First, People Always” http://bit.ly/missionfirstpeoplealways

Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources it believes are reliable as of the date of this podcast. AllianceBernstein L.P. makes no representations or warranties concerning the accuracy of any data. There is no guarantee that any projection, forecast or opinion in this material will be realized. Past performance does not guarantee future results. The views expressed here may change at any time after the date of this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. AllianceBernstein L.P. does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. It does not take an investor’s personal investment objectives or financial situation into account; investors should discuss their individual circumstances with appropriate professionals before making any decisions. This information should not be construed as sales or marketing material or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument, product or service sponsored by AllianceBernstein or its affiliates.

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© 2019 AllianceBernstein L.P.

Insurance companies often dispute the claims made by their policyholders, making it difficult for the insured to get their payout. In the inaugural episode of The Insurance Lawyer, host Evan Schwartz discusses some of the basics of Long-Term Disability (LTD) claims and what you need to know when filing. Feel free to visit us at https://www.schlawpc.com for more information.

Gid Pool took a standup comedy class 13 years ago at age 61 on a lark. He shares the story of his retirement hustle, traveling the US and 50+ countries as a standup comic, inspirational speaker, and the author of Act II and Beyond: Making the Rest of Your Life Spectacular. Plus, Joe and Big Al follow-up on ERISA protection for SEP IRAs, they discuss the Qualified Business Income Deduction for owners of rental real estate, and they offer financial tips and investing ideas for high school grads and college students. Transcript & show notes: http://bit.ly/YMYW-219

Kristin Wong (author, Get Money, columnist, Joint Accounts @ Medium.com) talks about relationships and money and how communication, specificity, and gamification can improve your financial life. Joe and Big Al answer your money questions: should you increase your Roth 457 contribution when your spouse wants to retire 8 years before you? Does a SEP IRA have the same protections as a 401(k)? Must a company allow third-party management of a 401(k)? Plus, Big Al admits he answered a question incorrectly last week. Transcript & show notes: http://bit.ly/YMYW-218

Marc Levinson, author of The Economist Guide to Financial Markets: Why They Exist and How They Work explains how understanding financial markets can help you make fewer investing mistakes and improve everything from your home to your job to your portfolio. Plus, what does Tax Reform 2.0 have in store for us? What to do with a few extra bucks before they burn a hole in your bank account? Can you avoid taxes on an inherited annuity? Do SEP IRA's have ERISA protection from creditors, “like the OJ stuff?” Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA have some answers. Transcript and show notes at http://bit.ly/YMYW-180

William Shakespeare’s admonition about lawyers notwithstanding, most employer-sponsored benefit plans could not function without the sage counsel of the attorneys who have devoted their careers to employee benefits law. The “hall of fame” for these skilled attorneys is the American College of Employee Benefits Counsel, which recognizes the small share lawyers who have made lasting contributions to the benefits field.

As part of its mission to advance the public’s understanding of the employee benefits system, the College is now sponsoring the First Annual Employee Benefits Simplification Prize, with a $10,000 prize going to the winner. The deadline for this award is April 1, 2018.

In this episode of the American Benefits Podcast, host Jason Hammersla speaks with Henry Eickelberg, ACEBC treasurer, and Randy Hardock, chair of the simplification award committee, to talk about the privileges of ACEBC fellowship and how to win that grand prize.

Elaine Martyn from Fidelity Charitable explains how donor advised funds can help others and reduce your 2017 taxes. Retirement jitters, a retirement crisis, and 7 ways to teach your kids the value of saving for retirement to help them avoid both the jitters and the crisis. Plus, is there any way to undo rolling a 401(k) into a 403(b) annuity? And can Joe explain why a 60/40 mix of stocks and bonds isn’t necessarily the best way to go - without snapping?

Harvard Business School Senior Lecturer and Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Robert Pozen suggests fixing the retirement savings crisis with the Automatic IRA, and using Progressive Indexing to fix Social Security. Joe and Big Al discuss 6 Ways to Survive Retirement Income Shock, recourse versus non-recourse loans, RMDs on annuities in a 401(k), the difference between stocks that pay dividends and those that don’t, and Aretha Franklin’s plans for retirement.

The podcast celebrates Brett's birthday this week by haphazardly covering Wonder Woman (the movie), Wonder Woman (the gender quality lawsuit), digging bodies up out of a graveyard, the availability of State Codes on Google, Tyrell v. BNSF Railway (personal jurisdiction and Ginsburg/Sotomayor fighting), Laroe Estates v. City of Chester (intervention and standing), Bitchin' Camaros, Home Alone and Die Hard as Christmas movies, Honeycutt v. U.S. (joint and several liability in conspiracy convictions), Advocate Health Care v. Stapelton (ERISA coverage for church-affiliated business), and Nazim's harsh review of the Thomas the Tank Engine movie.  "Law" starts at (04:09), but its a bumpy ride.

Employers of all sizes offering health and welfare plans to employees are subject to ERISA laws with few exceptions. One of these laws requires a plan document and summary plan description per line of coverage (medical, dental, vision, life, etc.). A wrap plan document is an attorney created document that wraps around all of an employer’s health and welfare plans to effectively create one ERISA plan. An employer’s carrier provided documents like the booklet, contract or evidence of coverage often do not include all items required under ERISA to qualify as a true summary plan description, so the creation of a wrap plan document can help ensure compliance with ERISA as well as streamline an employer’s 5500 reporting. Listen in to learn more.

On March 24, 2017 a vote was scheduled to take place on the House floor regarding the Republican proposed American Health Care Act, but it didn’t happen. This podcast will review why not, what alternative measures may be used to attempt repealing or amending the current law, and advice to employers on what to do next.

Section 125 plans provide a simple and effective way to add employee benefits, especially for businesses with a number of employees who regularly have medical and childcare expenses. Employees can deduct their insurance premiums pretax and set aside pretax funds to use toward qualified medical and dependent care expenses. Business owners can experience decreased company payroll and tax liabilities for social security, Medicare, and unemployment. But, before you start pre-taxing, be sure to have the right documents in place!

In January 2017, the IRS Office of Chief Counsel issued a memorandum clarifying the tax treatment of certain types of fixed indemnity plans offered by employers. Since the memorandum was released, several fixed indemnity plan insurance carriers have pushed back, stating that the interpretation of the IRS memo was too broad and should not affect the taxation of such plans. Listen in to learn how and if this affects various types of hospital and critical care reimbursement plans, cancer and accident plans, and other similar type lump sum reimbursement arrangements.

Overview of the American Health Care Act, the Republican proposal to replace Obamacare. Impact on employers and suggestions for the near future.