The Rap on Wraps | Texas Benefit Consultants

There’s a good chance you use a wrap document to help satisfy your Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) summary plan description (SPD) obligations. Yet if you look for a definition of wrap document in ERISA statutes or regulations, you will not find one. The wrap is not a defined term or required document; it … Continued

A DOL Audit Can Happen to You | TX Benefit Brokers

Summary plan descriptions (SPDs) are required for all retirement, health, and welfare plans subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). However, misconceptions about this requirement are widespread. ERISA attorney Stacy H. Barrow, partner with Marathas Barrow Weatherhead Lent LLP, had a chat with ThinkHR about the importance of having proper ERISA … Continued

DOL Delays New Rules for Disability Benefit Claims | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

On November 29, 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a Final Rule that delays implementation of new claim rules for disability benefits through April 1, 2018. This 90-day delay is intended to give the DOL, insurers, employers, and other interested parties additional time to review the new rules. The DOL is collecting public … Continued

Preston Rutledge to be Nominated as Next EBSA Head | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

President Trump has announced his intent to nominate Preston Rutledge as Assistant Secretary of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). The position as head of the EBSA has been vacant since Phyllis Borzi stepped down in January 2017. The White House announcement includes highlights of Mr. Rutledge’s career which clearly demonstrate his knowledge and experience … Continued

President Directs Federal Agencies to Consider ACA Changes | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

On October 12, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order directing the Departments of Labor (DOL), Health and Human Services (HHS), and Treasury to develop new rules to allow some exemptions from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The Order indicates the Administration’s priorities although it has no immediate effect since any rule changes must first … Continued

DOL Guidance for Benefit Plans Impacted by Hurricane Harvey | Fort Worth Benefit Advisors

The U.S. Department of Labor has issued compliance guidance for benefit plans, employers and employees, and service providers who are impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The guidance generally provides relief from various ERISA requirements and time limits for entities in the disaster area. This follows the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announcement extending certain filing dates, including … Continued