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July 23, 2007
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Decision by State of Texas (and Counties and Towns) to Skip GASB 45 Reporting Draws National Attention
Excerpt: "The rule, which will take effect in fiscal 2007-2008, is a major change in the way that retiree health and other benefits have been accounted for by governmental entities. Until GASB 45, governmental entities used a pay-as-you-go method to record post-retirement benefit costs. . . . [T]he Texas House passed a bill that would allow the state and local governments to opt out of GASB 45 . . . . The Texas Senate passed the bill later that month." (PLANSPONSOR; free registration required)
Overview: Indiana Hospital to Fine Unhealthy Workers; Uses Wellness Program Data
Excerpt: "The program will assess $5 per-paycheck fees on employees who do not meet minimum standards for body mass index, cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure and nonuse of tobacco. Although it will not be fully implemented until 2009, the effort was announced this year to give employees plenty of warning . . . ." (Workforce Management)
Will Single-Payer Buzz from 'SiCKO' Last?
Excerpt: "Supporters hope Michael Moore's latest movie will sway public opinion. The AMA and others counter that government-run health care isn't the right solution." (AMNews via Physicians for a National Health Program)
Overview: Massachusetts Regulator Issues Rules for 'Free Rider Surcharge'
Excerpt: "The Act imposes on 'non-providing' employers a charge equal to a portion of the Commonwealth's cost of providing health benefits to employees. On December 22, 2006, the DHCFP issued a final free rider regulation, but the regulation was later withdrawn on or about January 19, 2007. The new emergency rule was issued June 20, 2007." (Mintz Levin)
Opinion: Federal Bills Offers HRA Tax Parity, End to Beneficiary Problem for Non-Dependents
(Temporary link.) Excerpt: "Today's call-to-action asks that you urge your Representative and Senators to support a bill that would provide tax parity to non-spouse/non-dependent individuals who qualify for and receive employer-provided health plan benefits. . . . Both bills contain a provision that would reverse the Treasury's Revenue Ruling on Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA), which stated that whether taxable or not, reimbursements from HRAs may no longer be made to non-spouse or non-dependent beneficiaries." (ICMA-RC)
Many Workers Admit to Recent Drug Use, Federal Survey Says
Excerpt: "A federal survey shows 1 in 12 full-time workers in the United States admit to having used illegal drugs within the past month. '[A]ccessing treatment is challenging and many employers carve out health-care benefits for addiction and mental health,' [says the director of research communication for a well-known rehabilitation center in Minnesota]." (Human Resource Executive)
'Abuse of Discretion' Standard Applied Despite Claim Processing Error
Excerpt: "The case suggests that claims administrators may salvage the abuse of discretion standard in the face of missed deadlines, if: #1 they maintain 'contact' with the claimant; #2 they render a decision before suit is filed . . . ; #3 the plan or policy does not provide for 'automatic denial of an appeal after a certain time period'; #4 the missed deadline resulted from delays over good faith evidentiary issues . . . ; #5 The facts show that the claims administrator was nonetheless 'taking action on [the] appeal'; #6 They show 'substantial compliance' with the claims regulations.'" (Health Plan Law Blog)
UAW Contract Talks Could Change Conditions for Workers Throughout Auto Industry
Excerpt: "It's expected that this contract may revamp how the industry deals with big issues such as wage packages and retiree health care, as well as smaller ones, such as work rules and break times." (USA TODAY)
As UAW Enters Negotiations with Detroit, Retirees Outnumber Workers
Excerpt: "For the first time in its 72-year history, the United Automobile Workers union is entering contract talks in the United States with more retirees than active workers in its ranks. That shift has the greatest impact on medical costs." (International Herald Tribune)
Links to Items on Executive Comp, Benefits in General
Pointers for Starting a Third-Party Administration Firm for Pension or Welfare Benefits
Excerpt: "In truth, there is no how-to guide for starting a TPA. However, understanding the reasons why not and a few handy suggestions will be your most useful tool." (Society of Professional Benefit Administrators)
Newly Posted Press Releases
Pension Plan Freezes Slowing, Watson Wyatt Finds
Watson Wyatt
U.S. Labor Department Action Restores Funds to San Luis Obispo 401(k) Fund
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
U.S. Labor Department Sues To Recover Assets For Former Birmingham, Ala., Company's 401(k) Plan
U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
The SPARK Institute Recommends Simplification And Efficiency In Fee Disclosure To 401(k) Participants
SPARK Institute
Transamerica Retirement Services Expands 401k Distribution
Transamerica Retirement Services
Pension Governance, LLC is Proud to Present a Musical Commentary - Pension Tension Blues
Pension Governance, LLC
Trust Builders Launch New Batch Gap Illustration Tool
Trust Builders, Inc.
SurePayroll to Offer Small Business 401k
SurePayroll
Healthquotes.com Launches New Short-Term Health Insurance Web Site
Healthquotes.com
Newly Posted or Renewed Job Openings
( Post a Job | View All Jobs )
Senior Plan Administrator
for American National Insurance Company
in TX
Defined Benefit Analyst
for Vanguard
in PA
Client Management
for Benefit Jobs LLC
in NJ
Systems Solutions Specialist - OmniScript
for JPMorgan Retirement Plan Services
in KS, MO
Associate Benefit Administrator
for Independent Benefit Services
in MD
Retirement Plan Proposal & Implementation Manager
for National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA)
in DC, MD, VA
401(k) Administrator
for Temecula California Location Opportunity
in CA
Junior Pension Administrator
for A leading provider of pension administration and actuarial consulting.
in CA
Relationship Manager - Defined Contribution Plans
for Vanguard
in PA
Director of Taft-Hartley Plan Administration
for Segal on behalf of a client
in MI
Vice President-TPA Operations
for Employee Benefits/Retirement Plan Services Firm Located in Midwest
in IN
Regional Sales Consultant
for Gallagher Retirement Services
in NY, PA
Employee Benefits Administration
for Primary Consulting, Inc.
in ANY STATE
Handy Links:
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- Using the Web for Employee Benefits Research (hypertext article)
- Employee Benefits Library
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