Compliance Corner: Podcasts

In this episode, Beth Allen and Chase Cannon break down a recent case (Stein v. Atlas Industries, Inc.) being litigated in federal court. Beth outlines the facts of the case, which involve an employee who had two events going on — his son’s extremely serious medical event and his own torn meniscus, which led him to be out on an FMLA-protected leave. Eventually, the employer terminated the employee for not following proper employer-outlined protocol with regard to employee notification for absences from work. Beth describes the employee’s claims against the employer, which were based on the employee’s FMLA protections and on ERISA Section 510, which generally prohibits an employer from retaliating against an employee (including terminating them) for exercising a right granted under ERISA. The employee claimed that the employer was terminating him due to the high claims and costs associated with his son’s medical event. Beth unpacks the arguments of both the employee and employer and explores why the court allowed the case to proceed to the jury. Beth also expertly describes the important takeaways for employers, including the importance of separating employment decisions from employee benefit plan decisions, keeping protected health information private, establishing definitive FMLA and leave policies and procedures, and consulting with legal counsel in tricky situations.

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss a topic that seems to be less pressing, but ever recurring: employer contribution strategies.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon delve into the health care delivery side of things with a discussion on direct primary care (DCP) arrangements, a type of clinical practice in which a physician offers primary care services to patients who pay a monthly membership or subscription fee. Suzanne further describes the details and history of DCP arrangements, how employers play in to the equation, the pros and cons of DCPs, and the state and federal regulatory considerations. Suzanne and Chase finish by discussing what to look for in 2018 as DCP arrangements continue trending upward.

In this episode, Beth Allen, former DOL enforcement attorney, discusses the DOL’s fiduciary rule and how it changed the definition of “fiduciary” to include more investment advisors. Then she highlights the recent Fifth Circuit Court decision that could result in the Fiduciary Rule's demise.

Podcast Episode 25: Study Outlines Possible Reasons for Individual Market Premium Increases by NFP's Insights from the Experts

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley quizzes Chase Cannon on the most recent reminders and issues regarding employer mandate reporting. The two hit on the basics of reporting (including 2018 due dates) and how the 2019 repeal of the individual mandate may impact reporting obligations.

Ep 23: Hot Topics for 2018

Ep 22: D.C. Court Decision on EEOC's ADA and GINA Wellness Regulations

Ep 21: Association Health Plans by NFP's Insights from the Experts