Nfp Benefits Compliance Podcast

In this podcast, NFP’s John Deem, regional VP Benefits Compliance, and Lucia Fan, VP Corporate Benefits in Mid-Atlantic, dive into what Medicare is, the different types of Medicare plans, what each plan covers, and how to know what you're eligible for. This is a two-part podcast — look for Understanding Medicare Pt.2 to hear the rest of the deep dive.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley look at recently published DOL guidance establishing new parameters relating to deadline suspensions for COBRA notices, elections and payments, HIPAA special enrollment elections, and appeals/claims filings. Chase outlines the background and examples on the DOL’s new approach to the one-year suspension period, which is now based on the individual’s or plan’s deadline itself (not a hard stop on February 28, 2021, as many had thought). Chase and Suzanne then dig into the newest federal COVID-19 relief bill that is through the House and with the Senate, focusing on potential COBRA subsidies that could create additional employer (and COBRA administrator) compliance obligations

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In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at new mental health parity requirements for plan sponsors under the recently-enacted Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA of 2021, the most recent pandemic-related legislation, signed into law in December 2020). Suzanne outlines the new requirements in connection with current law (Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act — MHPAEA), and related enforcement. Suzanne and Chase discuss the details of the new requirements, the rapidly-approaching compliance date (February 10, 2021), the lack of specific guidance, and the challenges in working with vendors (including carriers and TPA/ASO providers) in gathering necessary information.

Companies have expanded their view of well-being and they’re investing in resources that improve the lives of their employees. The return on this investment – healthier, more productive employees, and an enhanced ability to attract and retain talent – depends on the well-being strategy. A plan that understands employee wants and needs, key trends, and the importance of effective communication is critical to achieving key objectives. Our latest trend report podcast provides expert insights for developing and executing the right plan.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review newly inaugurated President Biden’s pandemic response proposal, the American Rescue Plan. Chase outlines the proposal overall, then turns his attention to the proposal’s expansion of FFCRA leave to all-sized employers until the end of September 2021. Chase and Suzanne discuss additional leave expansion, and the proposal’s COBRA subsidies for those impacted by a pandemic-related furlough or layoffs, and the expansion of premium tax credits. The two close with a short discussion of potential Biden executive orders and their impact on proposed regulations regarding wellness programs, independent contractors and more.

In the latest installment of the Washington Update Election Series podcast, Finseca’s VP of Government Affairs, Armstrong Robinson, is joined by Jeff Driscoll, VP Product Intelligence & Carrier Management. Jeff and Army discuss the changes to 7702 instituted by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and the impact those changes might have on accumulation life insurance sales.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at a recent Supreme Court decision on ERISA preemption and state laws relating to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Suzanne starts with a description of PBMs and state law regulation of PBMs. Chase and Suzanne discuss the meaning and application of ERISA preemption, and Suzanne outlines how lower courts and the Supreme Court have treated ERISA preemption previously. Suzanne tracks the background and arguments in the Rutledge case, and digs into the Supreme Court’s holding that ERISA does NOT preempt Arkansas’s PBM law. Chase and Suzanne close by discussing the potential implications of the holding for group health plans, both in and out of the PBM context.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at the brand new COVID-19 relief bill, called the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2021. Suzanne starts with a provision of the bill that allows (at the employer’s discretion) employees to rollover unused amounts in their FSAs (health and dependent care) from 2020 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022. Suzanne and Chase then talk about practical implications of the act, including employee notification, administration, and plan document updates before digging into provisions of the law that apply to individuals, including unemployment benefits and stimulus checks. Suzanne outlines the items in the law relating to small businesses, including extensions of employee retention and FFCRA tax credits and additional amendments to the PPP loan program. Suzanne and Chase close with a discussion of new prohibitions on certain surprise billing practices and on new requirements for plans and carriers on price transparency.

In our latest US Benefits Trend Report podcast, Kim Bell, SVP, head of health and benefits, has a conversation with Kim Heald, NFP’s national practice leader for voluntary benefits. Kim Heald shares her perspectives on how the one-size-fits-all approach to benefits is increasingly ineffective, especially for multigenerational workforces, and the risks for employers if they don’t adapt by integrating supplemental health and lifestyle benefit options. The discussion also includes an overview of major challenges (70% of Americans are unable to save $1,000 to pay for unplanned medical expenses), how voluntary benefits can enhance employee financial stability and productivity, and an example of how voluntary benefits make a meaningful difference. Listen to the full podcast here.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review the compliance obligations employers must review and complete prior to the end of the year, for both calendar and non-calendar year plans. Chase digs into the basis of imputed income for domestic partner coverage and group term life insurance, and the importance of calculating and adding imputed income before the end of the year. Chase and Suzanne review the notices, tests and filings that must be completed by years’ end, including the Massachusetts HIRD filing requirement. Chase then looks forward to 2021, investigating the federal and state reporting requirements for employer mandate and state individual mandates. As the pandemic – and remote work – continues into 2021, Chase and Suzanne discuss the importance of state tax nexus and employment and income tax withholding for those working from home in a different state. The two conclude with a quick recap of the continued administrative challenges created by the DOL’s extensions to COBRA and HIPAA spe

It’s been a whirlwind since Election Day and while the Electoral College vote isn’t until December 14, results are coming into focus. In our final Election Update podcast, NFP’s Suzanne Spradley, Chase Cannon and Kristin Bulat recap the election process, discuss pending litigation and look ahead to what we might see over the next few months. Our experts also offer insights on the US Supreme Court’s consideration of California v. Texas, which challenges the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate. We’re finishing strong with an episode that’s not to be missed. As we look ahead, specialized expertise will be increasingly critical to navigating complex challenges and risks. In December, NFP will be hosting a three-part post-election webinar series to offer perspectives on the impact of the results. In the coming weeks, look for details on the webinar dates and times, as well as information on our speakers, all of whom offer unique insights on client solutions and the broader political and economic landscape.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Erin Ziaja offer insight on litigation against insurance carriers that have denied business interruption (BI) claims for COVID-19 issues, including the recent decision where the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The podcast also provides an overview of state proposals that extend BI coverage to COVID-19 related claims and other state laws enacted to provide immunity for businesses in cases alleging COVID-19 exposure. The podcast concludes with a brief discussion of the federal proposal for pandemic relief and the liability protection in the next stimulus package.

In the latest episode of our Election Update podcast mini-series, Armstrong Robinson, chief advocacy officer at Finseca, and NFP’s Kristin Bulat discuss the factors driving unprecedented early voting, how it might affect when we have final results and implications for future elections. Army and Kristin also contrast the uncertainty surrounding the election with the certainty provided by life insurance and financial planning.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the lawsuit challenging the ACA that is set for Supreme Court oral arguments on November 10, 2020. Suzanne outlines the basis for the lawsuit—a claim that the ACA’s individual mandate is unconstitutional, and that the individual mandate is not severable from the remainder of the ACA. Suzanne details the history of the case, the arguments made on either side, and the potential impact of a decision either way. Suzanne and Chase discuss Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s very recent appointment to the Supreme Court, and how her views on the role of the judiciary branch might impact the outcome of the ACA case.

In our latest Insights from the Experts podcast, Mark Rieder sits down with Gina Bartasi, CEO of KindBody, to discuss their global end-to-end family building benefit for all. KindBody’s mission is to offer best-in-class care, accessible pricing and a seamless experience for fertility, gynecology and wellness services. Learn how their emphasis on personalized, human-centered care supported by modern tech is on the leading edge of family building support.

Our latest US Benefits Trend Report podcast features a conversation with Mark Rieder, NFP’s head of innovation. Mark talks with Kim Bell, SVP, head of health and benefits, about opportunities in the employee benefits space, the acceleration of innovation in response to COVID-19, and innovating to solve big problems and improve lives. Mark also discusses how living in a digital world requires that employers embrace digital transformation in how they deliver benefits to employees. He closes with insights on relationships with startups (partnership vs. disruption), applying existing technologies to evolving problems, and the importance of adaptability and a long-term view. Listen to the full podcast here.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley address some confusion on recent HHS announcements extending their emergency declarations. Chase begins by describing two pandemic-related requirements — one relating to FFCRA/CARES Act COVID-19 testing/diagnosis, and one relating to the deadline extensions for COBRA notices and premium payments, HIPAA special enrollment windows, and claims appeals. Chase and Suzanne describe the differences in the HHS and White house declarations of national emergencies, which drive the effective time periods for the requirements themselves. Suzanne finishes with lightning-round questioning of state developments, as Chase describes recent developments in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York and Washington

The latest episode of the Election Update podcast mini-series features insights from David Carter, chief investment officer at Lenox Wealth Management, and Michael Moriarty, chief investment officer at Wealthspire Advisors. David and Michael detail factors affecting the markets, including stimulus spending and federal monetary policy. They also share how market volatility is actually positive for investors, particularly those with financial plans designed to accommodate market fluctuations. The takeaways? The markets will be just fine, regardless of the election outcome, and as long as there’s uncertainty, there will be volatility.

With just four weeks until Election Day, and one formal presidential debate under our belts, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon take a fresh look at Joe Biden’s healthcare proposals in the latest episode of our 2020 Election Podcast mini-series. Episode highlights include insight on: - The advantages and challenges of Biden’s initiative to add a public option, and how that might interact with the current private and marketplace plans. - Several past state initiatives relating to public options, and the challenges those states faced with affordability and solvency. - Biden’s plan to expand Medicaid and improve the ACA. - A comparison of some of Biden’s initiatives to the employer-sponsored insurance market, which shows the employer model is working well and should be preserved.