Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion

Trends in Recordkeeper Consolidation and Due Diligence

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nichole Labott, managing director at SageView Advisory Group, who shares the impact recordkeeper consolidation is having on our industry. They discuss what’s at stake for retirement plan participants and steps plan administrators should consider to protect participants and their company.

What the J&J Case Means for Plan Administrators

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses a recent ERISA class action case, Lewandowski v. Johnson & Johnson et al., that is a wake-up call for plan fiduciaries managing health and welfare benefit plans. He will discuss the case allegations and possible best practices that plan fiduciaries should consider as we enter a new era of increased litigation.

SECURE 2.0: Leveraging Opportunities Employees Want Most

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, principal financial advisor at CAPTRUST, who shares her insight on leveraging some of the more popular and beneficial offerings from SECURE 2.0 Act including student loan repayments, emergency savings accounts and others.

Understanding Fees in Retirement Planning

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Ali Pino, a principal and retirement plan consultant with Spherient Advisors, who explains what plan fiduciaries need to understand about retirement plan fees, challenges she sees with fee disclosures and best practices to determine fee reasonability.

ESG Investing by Retirement Plans

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who offers insight on ESG investing by Retirement Plans and what benefits administrators need to know to stay compliant given recent court rulings.  

New Federal Rule Aims to Hold Investment Advisors to a Higher Standard

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Ali Pino, a Principal and Retirement Plan Consultant with Spherient Advisors, who discusses the proposed Department of Labor rule designed to help ensure investment advice is in the best interests of retirement savers and requires investment advisers to adhere to a higher standard of fiduciary responsibility. 

Auto-Portability: A New Way to Keep Retirement Savings Growing

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who offers insight on the new retirement plan auto-portability system. Auto-portability addresses the growing problem of 401(k) and other retirement plan participants who change jobs and lose track of their benefits or lose money by cashing them out early.

IRS 2024 Health Plan Affordability Threshold May Put Some at Risk

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt shares insight on what employers need to consider now that the Affordable Care Act benchmark for determining the affordability of employer-sponsored health coverage will drop significantly in 2024. How can employers stay compliant? How can employers maintain health plan affordability? This episode covers all this and more.

SECURE 2.0 Act Relief for Plan Corrections

Partial Plan Terminations

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by his colleague, Marc Purintun, who discusses Partial Plan Terminations. While you may be aware that plan sponsors can terminate a plan, you may not be aware that normal employer actions or an economic downturn may result in a partial plan termination. We cover what constitutes a partial plan termination, what facts and circumstances are considered, along with tips to protect employers from potential unple...

Using Equity Incentives to Attract and Retain Key Team Members

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by his colleague, Nona Massengill, a partner who focuses her practice on executive compensation matters. Nona will share insight on how employers are using equity incentives as another way to stand out in this continually competitive employment market.

Virginia Launches New Retirement Savings Program

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Mary Morris, CEO of Virginia529, who will discuss RetirePath, a new retirement savings program for Virginia workers without access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings plan. Listeners will learn more about the program offerings and what Virginia employers need to know in order to participate.

Exploring the Value of Qualified Default Investment Alternatives

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Ken Barnes, senior investment consultant at SageView Advisory Group, who discusses the benefits of Qualified Default Investment Alternatives (QDIAs) which can be a valuable option for retirement plan participants who may not have the time, interest or knowledge to make their own investment choices. We’ll explore how QDIAs have evolved over the years and important fiduciary considerations for plan adminis...

SECURE 2.0 Act – More Relief for Plan Administrators

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt shares more good news for benefit plan administrators, this time under the banner of the SECURE 2.0 Act. Highlights include a discussion of the relief granted for the self-correction process and the recovery of inadvertent benefit overpayments.  

What a Relief! 403(b) Plan Developments

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by his colleague, Marc Purintun who will cover the various changes impacting 403(b) plans. From the new determination letter process to reporting improvements, we’ve got the latest on some welcome news for benefits administrators.  

Boosting Employee Engagement in 401(k) Participation and Retirement Savings

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Ali Pino, principal and retirement plan consultant with Spherient Advisors, who shares her best tips for boosting employee engagement in 401(k) participation and retirement savings. Hear how plan design, tailoring benefit offerings, and solid communication and education can make a difference for both your company and your employees.

SECURE 2.0 Act – Highlights and To Do’s for 2023

At the end of 2022, President Biden signed the highly anticipated SECURE 2.0 Act into law. On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt reviews highlights of the new law, including what employers need to focus on for this fiscal year to stay in compliance.

Plan Administrators’ 2022 Year-End Checklist

It’s that time of year again where Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion and host Brydon DeWitt outline some of the important steps that plan administrators need to take before the end of 2022. He will highlight important items that may be easily overlooked and resources available to help.

Multiemployer Plans

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Zan Gormley, a partner in Williams Mullen’s Litigation Section, for a discussion about multiemployer plans. They address what they are, how they work, why they are important, as well as some of the critical litigation issues that those who deal with employee benefit plans should be aware of.  

Court Decisions Impacting Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by the chair of Williams Mullen’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice, Marc Purintun, who discusses a recent Supreme Court decision that impacts plan fiduciaries responsible for plan investment options.

Helping Employers Address the Gender Gap in Retirement Savings

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nichole Labott, managing director at SageView Advisory Group, who explores the gender gap in retirement savings, potential causes and employer considerations.

Millennials, Boomers and Retirement Planning

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nichole Labott, managing director at SageView Advisory Group, who explores generational differences in retirement savings goals and strategies.

New Lifetime Income Illustrations Required Soon

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the newly required lifetime income illustrations that must be provided to 401(k) plan participants.

Health Plan Transparency Requirements

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by his colleague, Allison Carlon, who helps us better understand what employers need to know about the Consolidations Appropriations Act and new health plan transparency requirements and related deadlines. 

Employment Edition: Flexible and Remote Working Arrangements

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Matt Anderson, an attorney in Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment and Immigration Section, who discusses some very important employment policy considerations for listeners who are addressing flexible and remote work arrangements for their organization.

Cryptocurrency 401K Plans

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined once again by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who offers insight on the recent strongly worded DOL compliance release on cryptocurrency in 401(k) plans and what issues plan sponsors should carefully consider.

What Constitutes Plan Assets Under ERISA?

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Zan Gormley, a partner in Williams Mullen’s Litigation Section, who discusses the law and guidance on what constitutes “assets of the plan” under ERISA, and why that is significant for those who administer or transact business with employee benefit plans. 

“The Great Resignation” - Structuring Benefits to Attract and Retain Talent

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined once again by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who offers insight on how employers are using retirement benefits to help attract and retain employees in a tight labor market.

Group Health Plan Service Provider Compensation Disclosure Requirements

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the group health plan broker and consultant compensation disclosure requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and what you need to know to keep your organization in compliance.

2023 Benefits Forecast with Mercer

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Kristin Henshaw, a Senior Health and Benefits Consultant and Virginia Health Business Leader with Mercer. Kristin shares what employers need to consider as they craft their benefits strategic plan in advance of their 2023 open enrollment. From issues such as effective drug cost management to flexibility in time-off benefits, this episode will give you a jumpstart on trends for the year ahead.

New Prescription Drug and Health Coverage Reporting Requirements 

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the Biden administration’s interim final rule that requires health plans to report prescription drug and health coverage costs and its impact on reporting requirements for benefits administrators.

OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Regulations 

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by David Burton, a partner with the firm’s Labor, Employment and Immigration section who shares some answers to frequently asked questions on the recent OSHA COVID-19 vaccination regulations impacting employers with 100 or more employees.

Time to Tidy-Up Plan Documents

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt reminds us that with priorities focused on taking care of pandemic employees and plan participants, plan administrators may need some extra clean-up time. Do your plan documents reflect the myriad of changes encountered over the past 18 months? When does your house need to be in order? This episode has it covered.

Can Employers Impose a Health Insurance Surcharge on Plan Participants Not Vaccinated for COVID-19?

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt explores compliance considerations for employers who are considering imposing a health insurance surcharge on plan participants who are not vaccinated for COVID-19. He discusses potential implications with HIPAA nondiscrimination provisions and health plan affordability under the ACA.

Are Brokerage Windows Right for Your Retirement Plan?

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Ken Barnes, Financial Advisor with SageView Advisory Group, for a discussion about using self-directed brokerage windows in retirement plans. Listeners will learn how to determine if this concept is a good fit for their organization, the potential costs and benefit and related fiduciary considerations.

Cautionary Tales for Preapproved Plan Documents

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Claire Pollock, a paralegal with Williams Mullens Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Practice, who shares what she has learned over the years from working with preapproved or prototype plan documents and managing adoption agreements. She also discusses important dates for plan administrators.

Missing Plan Participants

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined once again by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who explains the Department of Labor’s recent guidance for plan sponsors regarding missing plan participants. They also share some excellent tips on how to find participants who are difficult to locate.

Best Practices for Reducing ERISA Litigation Risk

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by one of Williams Mullen’s newest attorneys, litigator Zan Gormley, who walks us through best practices to help prevent ERISA lawsuits and steps to take in the event of a potential benefits claim.

Cyber Security Guidance for Benefit Plan Sponsors and Participants

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Beryl Ball, Principal Financial Advisor at CAPTRUST, who discusses recently released Department of Labor tips on cyber protection for benefit plan sponsors and participants.  

Back to the Future: SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined once again by Nichole Labott, Managing Director at SageView Advisory Group, to reflect upon a time before COVID-19, when the monumental changes of SECURE Act were the big news. They will discuss what is ahead for SECURE Act 2.0 and its greater advantages for employers and employees.  

Employer Retention Tax Credit Expansion

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Williams Mullen tax attorney, Philip Delano, to discuss the Employer Retention Tax Credit , the significant expansion to the tax credit for 2021 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and its potential good news for your bottom line.

Employee Retention Tax Credit Expansion

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Williams Mullen tax attorney, Philip Delano, to discuss the Employee Retention Tax Credit , the significant expansion to the tax credit for 2021 under the Consolidated Appropriations Act and its potential good news for your bottom line.

COBRA Notice Litigation

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt explains how the recent wave of COBRA-based lawsuits may warrant a thorough review of your COBRA notification process in 2021.

Biden Administration Quick Take – Three Employment Law Initiatives We’re Monitoring

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Laura Windsor, chair of Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment and Immigration Practice who shares her insight on three employment initiatives we are closely monitoring under the new Biden Administration. From COVID-19 vaccine policies and return to work protocols to sweeping pro labor law changes, you won’t want to miss this episode.

DOL’s Guidance on Continued COVID-19 Timeframe Relief

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the recently issued Department of Labor guidance on continued COVID-19 relief for certain employee benefit plan notice and election timeframes.

Payroll Integration for Plan Sponsors

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Dee Spivey, retirement plan specialist at SageView Advisory Group, who discusses payroll integration technology and how it may help plan sponsors create efficiencies in plan administration.

Employee Misclassification: Exploring the DOL New Final Rule and Its Impact on Employers

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Amanda Weaver, an attorney with our firm’s Labor, Employment and Immigration Practice, who explains the United States Department of Labor’s Final Rule addressing independent contractor misclassification under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act set to take effect March 8, 2021.

New Round of COVID-19 Relief Expands Assistance for Employers

On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt addresses the latest round of coronavirus relief legislation passed in December 2020 and what benefit plan sponsors need to know about changes impacting family leave, employee retention and flexible spending arrangements going into 2021.

Plan Administrators’ 2020 Year-End Checklist

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by colleague Nona Massengill to discuss important steps that plan administrators need to take before the end of 2020. They will highlight some important items that may be easily overlooked and what to expect in 2021.

Cybersecurity Considerations for Retirement Plan Sponsors

On the latest episode of Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Nichole Labott, managing director at SageView Advisory Group, to discuss the importance of proper cybersecurity for retirement plan sponsors.