29th Annual Employee Benefits Seminar, Davis Wright Tremaine, Seattle
This year we discussed:
401(k) and 409A Update and Future Trends
Presented by Jeff Belfiglio
- Discussion of proposals to curtail 401(k) tax breaks
- Review of popular 401(k) design trends
- Analysis of treatment of releases in severance arrangements under 409A
IRS Initiative Expands Lifetime Income Options
Presented by Christine Hawkins
- Overview of new IRS guidance on alternative retirement plan options
- Assessment of hurdles to DC plans adopting these features
Litigation Update: Issues of Interest and Concern for Plan Fiduciaries
Presented by Rich Birmingham
- Review of recent case law and what it means for plan fiduciaries
- Discussion of best practices for avoiding fiduciary liability
What to do Now that You Have Satisfied the Participant and Service Provider Fee Disclosure Rules
Presented by Amy Hwang
- How to stay in compliance with the participant and service provider fee disclosure rules
- What to do with all this information now that you have it
Update on Domestic Partner and Same-Sex Marriage Issues
Presented by Dipa Sudra
- Discussion of post-election status of Defense of Marriage Act and Washington Marriage Equality Act
- Overview of employee benefit plan issues impacting domestic partners/same-sex spouses
HIPAA Compliance: The Auditors Have Arrived
Presented by Sarah Bhagwandin
- Five critical compliance issues
- How to address common compliance failures
- Discussion of how enforcement of the HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule has changed
Health Care Reform Part III
Affordable Care Act: Where Are We Now?
Presented by Liz Deckman
- What you need to know about summaries of benefits and coverages
- How to handle your medical loss ratio rebates
- Discussion of new fees and reporting requirements
2012: New World Order
Presented by Sarah Bhagwandin
- What is the Big Picture?
- Where is there tax exposure for employers?
- How is the marketplace innovating to respond to Health Care Reform?
Health Care Reform and Medical Plan Nondiscrimination Issues
Presented by Rich Birmingham
- What are the new rules and how do they work?
- Discussion of challenges and opportunities for employers in plan design