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Agreements to Individually Arbitrate ERISA Claims After EPIC Systems Corp. v. Lewis (PDF)

"The U.S. Supreme Court's blessing of class and collective action waivers in mandatory arbitration agreements related to employment claims brings some long-awaited clarity to this topic and opens the door to waiver of class actions arising under [ERISA].... Before employers rush to implement mandatory arbitration programs, a variety of factors touching on the legal, social, and practical implications of such a decision merit careful consideration." [Epic Systems Corp. v. Lewis, No. 16-285 (U.S. May 21, 2018)]

Oklahoma Employer/Employee Partnership for Insurance Coverage -- O-EPIC

Excerpt: O-EPIC premium assistance has two different strategies for covering low wage workers. The Employer Sponsored Insurance program helps low wage workers at small firms purchase qualified insurance offered by their employer. The Individual Plan will help qualified individuals get health insurance coverage even if they are not able to get coverage through their employer.

2021 Off to an Epic Start for DB Risk Takers

"A typical 'traditional' allocation of 60 percent equities and 40 percent core bonds ... with a 70 percent funding ratio on January 1 has totally shredded it, riding the rail closer to 80 percent after only three months.... Many economic forecasters are calling for a few more quarters of tasty waves, so it may be tempting to continue the ride. But glide path theory suggests that DB investors tend to become more risk averse as funding ratios improve."

The 'Classic 105' Medical Reimbursement Scheme: An Epic Fail, Promoters Indicted

"The case serves as a reminder to employers to be wary of promoters of schemes promising too-good-to-be-true tax savings. The operators of the Classic 105 scheme had promised employers large tax savings under the guise of a medical reimbursement arrangement. The operators pleaded guilty to money laundering, conspiracy to defraud the IRS and improperly marketing a multiple-employer welfare arrangement (MEWA)."

Audio and Text: Epic Auto Contract Talks Focus on Health Care

Excerpt: At midnight [tonight], the current contract between the United Auto Workers and Detroit's three car companies ends. Both sides are trying to work out a new deal that would help the struggling firms and protect workers' benefits. Some people who follow the industry say its future is at stake.

Checklist of Key Requirements in 2021 for Health and Welfare Benefit Plan Sponsors (PDF)

"Complying with the many rules that govern health and welfare benefits can be a challenge for benefits administrators. EPIC has prepared this compliance checklist to help administrators manage their 2021 benefits compliance efforts."

Retirement Plan Design: Bilbo Baggins Finds Safe Harbor in the Shire

"Bilbo lives a quiet, comfortable life in the Shire. He owns a farm and employs several workers ... One day, wanting to show his appreciation for his beloved employees, Bilbo sets up the Bilbo Baggins’s Benefits 401(k) plan (BBB 401(k)). He includes an employer match ... Before Bilbo can dive into the nuts and bolts of plan administration, however, the wizard Gandalf shows up to his house with a rowdy band of dwarves. Before Bilbo knows it, he is whisked away on an epic adventure. Bilbo, a homebody to the core, worries about what will happen to him, his employees, and the BBB 401(k)."

Fiduciary Wake-Up Call: Cybersecurity and Your Vendors

"Recent guidance from both the [DOL] and the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS) underscores the importance of due diligence and ongoing oversight of ... third-party administrators (TPAs), carriers, and technology platforms ... Outsourcing the administration does not absolve you of your fiduciary duty.... Here's a checklist to guide your due diligence related to cybersecurity."

2025 Mental Health Toolkit

"This toolkit is designed as a five-week mental health awareness campaign for May, National Mental Health Awareness Month: [1] Suggested communications schedule, plus national year-round observances. [2] Ready-to-use weekly email templates for consistent outreach. [3] Curated selection of mental wellness tools and resources. [4] Mental health fast facts overview with some surprising statistics."

Preparing Today for Tomorrow's Benefits

"In a healthy workplace benefits ecosystem, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, retirement planning, financial wellness, and behavioral health -- along with their respective technologies -- must work together in a cohesive manner. This integration creates a holistic system that genuinely serves your employees' diverse needs."