Opinions

Opinions | May 25th, 2010

Does the PPACA Apply to Dental and Vision Plans?

May 25, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Plan sponsors have lots of issues to deal with - but perhaps none looms quite so large these days as getting a handle...

Opinions | May 19th, 2010

IMHO: Live Long and Prosper?

May 19, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - I’ve been a huge Star Trek fan for most of my life.

Opinions | May 18th, 2010

Dealing with the Age 26 Coverage Requirements

May 18, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - This week's question(s) focus on the requirement to cover “dependents” up to age 26.

Opinions | May 11th, 2010

The Big 403(b) Opportunity for Financial Professionals: Small Plans

May 11, 2010 - 403(b) plan sponsors have had their hands full. Regulatory changes in the final 403(b) regulations from the Treasury Department and new Form 5500 and...

Opinions | May 11th, 2010

What If Your Group Health Plan Discriminates in Favor of HCEs?

May 11, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Plan sponsors have lots of issues to deal with—but perhaps none looms quite so large these days as getting a handle on what they...

Opinions | May 10th, 2010

IMHO: Grecian 'Formula'

While the markets were in an apparent freefall last week, I could hear former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulsen on the TV in the next room...

Opinions | May 6th, 2010

IMHO: Why Bother?

May 06, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Here’s a question to ask yourself: “Why do you offer a 401(k) plan?”

Opinions | May 4th, 2010

If a Dependent Child’s Coverage Doesn’t Meet Tax Code Requirements, Does Imputed Income Result?

May 4, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Plan sponsors have lots of issues to deal with - but perhaps none looms quite so large these days as getting...

Opinions | April 27th, 2010

IMHO: Cynic’s “Cull”

April 27, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - I have always taken seriously the notion that news and information should be presented “straight”, and without commentary.

Opinions | April 27th, 2010

What is a Grandfathered Plan?

April 27, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Plan sponsors have lots of issues to deal with - but perhaps none looms quite so large these days as getting a handle...

Opinions | April 27th, 2010

Simplifying Plan Administration: A Concise Guide to Meeting Fiduciary and Compliance Responsibilities

April 27, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR (b)lines) – Sponsors of 403(b) plans...

Opinions | April 20th, 2010

What Do Plan Sponsors Need to Be Worried About Within the Next Year Under PPACA?

April 20, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Plan sponsors have lots of issues to deal with - but perhaps none looms quite so large these days as getting...

Opinions | April 19th, 2010

IMHO: “Out” Spoken

As I noted last week, about two months ago, the Department of Labor asked the public for some insights on retirement income via a request for information,...

Opinions | April 13th, 2010

403(b) Webcast Series – What Retirement Reform Means for Your 403(b) Program

April 13, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) – Doug Fisher, Senior Vice President, Policy Development, Fidelity, says many of the policy issues, especially around benefit security and coverage, that drove health...

Opinions | April 13th, 2010

What do the 403(b) Regulations Really Require? – Part II

April 13, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR (b)lines) – In Part I we discussed questions plan sponsors were left asking after passage of the 403(b) regulations in 2007, and provided a...

Opinions | April 12th, 2010

IMHO: “Safety” First

April 12, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Back in February, the Department of Labor and the U.S. Treasury turned to the retirement plan community for some input.

Opinions | March 30th, 2010

IMHO: Court “Case”

For all the fuss about fees, a recent friend of the court filing by the Department of Labor reminds us that it’s not just what you pay, it’s...

Opinions | March 30th, 2010

What Do the 403(b) Regulations Really Require? – Part I

March 30, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Soon after publication of the final 403(b) regulations in 2007, as the marketplace sorted out the requirements, the implications, and the intent of...

Opinions | March 22nd, 2010

IMHO: Power Less

Last Saturday night, we returned to a home darkened by a power outage.

Opinions | March 18th, 2010

IMHO: Afford Abilities

March 18, 2010 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - There are in this--or perhaps any—business certain moments of epiphany that shed light and clarity.