Williams Mullen’s Benefits Companion provides employers with critical information regarding their benefits plans. From ESOPs to pension plans, from health plans to stock-based compensation, severance agreements and more, our attorneys and guests provide listeners with tips, tricks and key takeaways to consider within the world of employee benefits.
Episode 64: Exploring the Value of Qualified Default Investment Alternatives 05.17.23
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...
{more}Episode 63: SECURE 2.0 Act - More Relief for Plan Administrators 05.04.23
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.
Episode 62: What a Relief! 403(b) Plan Developments 04.17.23
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.
Episode 61: Boosting Employee Engagement in 401(k) Participation and Retirement Savings 03.09.23
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.
Episode 60: SECURE 2.0 Act - Highlights and To Do's for 2023 02.16.23
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.
Episode 59: Plan Administrators’ 2022 Year-End Checklist 12.02.22
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.
Episode 58: Multiemployer Plans 10.19.22
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.
Episode 57: Court Decisions Impacting Plan Sponsors and Fiduciaries 10.05.22
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.
Episode 56: Helping Employers Address the Gender Gap in Retirement Savings 08.09.22
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.
Episode 55: Millennials, Boomers and Retirement Planning 07.06.22
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.
Episode 54: New Lifetime Income Illustrations Required Soon 06.13.22
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.
Episode 53: Health Plan Transparency Requirements 06.02.22
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.
Episode 52: Employment Edition - Flexible and Remote Working Arrangements 05.09.22
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.
Episode 51: Cryptocurrency in 401(k) Plans 04.13.22
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.
Episode 50: What Constitutes Plan Assets Under ERISA? 03.31.22
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.
Episode 49: “The Great Resignation” - Structuring Benefits to Attract and Retain Talent 03.15.22
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.
Episode 48: Group Health Plan Service Provider Compensation Disclosure Requirements 02.16.22
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.
Episode 47: 2023 Benefits Forecast with Mercer 12.15.21
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.
Episode 46: Time to Tidy-Up Plan Documents 12.13.21
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.
Episode 45: New Prescription Drug and Health Coverage Reporting Requirements 12.01.21
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.
Episode 44: OSHA COVID-19 Vaccination Regulations 11.17.21
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.
Episode Note: This podcast was recorded on 11.12.2021. OSHA has since announced that it has “suspended activities related to the implementation and...
{more}Episode 43: Can Employers Impose a Health Insurance Surcharge on Plan Participants Not Vaccinated for COVID-19? 09.09.21
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.
Episode 42: Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion - Are Brokerage Windows Right for Your Retirement Plan? 09.02.21
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.
Episode 41: Cautionary Tales for Preapproved Plan Documents 08.19.21
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.
Episode 40: Missing Plan Participants 07.08.21
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.
Episode 39: Best Practices for Reducing ERISA Litigation Risk 06.24.21
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.
Episode 38: Cyber Security Guidance for Benefit Plan Sponsors and Participants 06.10.21
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.
Episode 37: Back to the Future: SECURE Act and SECURE Act 2.0 05.24.21
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.
Episode 36: Employee Retention Tax Credit Expansion 04.29.21
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.
Episode 35: COBRA Notice Litigation 04.15.21
On the latest 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.
Episode 34: Biden Administration Quick Take – Three Employment Law Initiatives We’re Monitoring 04.01.21
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.
Episode 33: DOL’s Guidance on Continued COVID-19 Timeframe Relief 03.11.21
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.
Episode 32: Podcast: Payroll Integration for Plan Sponsors 02.11.21
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.
Episode 31: Employee Misclassification - Exploring the DOL New Final Rule and Its Impact on Employers 01.28.21
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.
Episode 30: New Round of COVID-19 Relief Expands Assistance for Employers 01.15.21
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.
Episode 29: Plan Administrators’ 2020 Year-End Checklist 12.03.20
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.
Episode 28: Cybersecurity Considerations for Retirement Plan Sponsors 10.15.20
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.
Episode 27: New Virginia Laws Impacting Worker Classification 09.03.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by David Burton, partner with Williams Mullen’s Labor, Employment and Immigration Section, to discuss some very important changes to Virginia laws impacting worker classification that went into effect on July 1.
Episode 26: COVID-19 Edition - Employee Benefits Considerations When Conducting Furloughs and Layoffs 08.11.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the differences between furloughs and layoffs and how each can impact employee benefits, such as 401(k) plans and group health plans.
Episode 25: DOL Proposed Changes for Socially Responsible Investment Options 07.30.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Marie Yascko-Rosado who discusses the Department of Labor’s proposed rule that could impact plan fiduciaries who use environmental, social and governance (ESG) funds as investment options.
Episode 24: COVID-19 Edition - Deadline Extensions Impacting HIPAA, COBRA and ERISA 07.15.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt explains the Department of Labor’s Disaster Relief Notice that extends certain filing and notification time-frames applicable to employee benefit plans and their participants and beneficiaries, including special enrollment time-frames, COBRA deadlines and ERISA claims procedure deadlines in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
Episode 23: Supreme Court Decision Protecting LGBTQ Workers 06.24.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion host Brydon DeWitt is joined by Marc Purintun, chair of Williams Mullen’s Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation Practice, to discuss the landmark Supreme Court decision protecting LGBTQ workers from job discrimination.
Episode 22: DOL Updates ERISA Electronic Disclosure Guidelines 06.16.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses the Department of Labor’s long-awaited updates to the ERISA electronic disclosure guidelines.
Episode 21: COVID-19 Edition - New Opportunities for Health Flexible Spending Arrangements and Cafeteria Plans 06.01.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt discusses new opportunities that the IRS and COVID-19 legislative relief have created for health flexible spending and cafeteria plans.
Episode 20: COVID-19 Edition - Employee Benefit Plans 05.06.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by colleague, Marc Purintun, to discuss the impact of COVID-19 legislative relief on employee benefit plans and plan sponsors.
Episode 19: COVID-19 Edition - Practical Guidance on Leave Relief for Employers 04.15.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, host Brydon DeWitt is joined by David Blanchard, of OneDigital, to discuss key considerations for employers contemplating furloughs, layoffs or addressing other leave scenarios and how the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act may help.
Episode 18: SECURE Act Implications for 401(k) Plans 03.03.20
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Marie Yascko-Rosado discuss changes for 401(k) plans under the recently enacted SECURE Act.
Episode 17: Government Investigative Demands 12.17.19
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt is joined by colleague Chuck James, partner and co-chair of Williams Mullen’s White Collar Litigation Practice, who will discuss what you need to know when responding to a government agency’s inquiry.
Episode 16: Plan Administrators’ 2019 Year-End Checklist 12.06.19
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Ellie Clendenin, Nona Massengill, and Brydon DeWitt discuss some end of year benefit plan considerations as 2020 approaches.
Episode 15: Student Loan Benefits 11.20.19
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Marie Yascko-Rosado and Brydon DeWitt discuss ways employers can attract younger employees through student loan repayment employee benefit strategies.
Episode 14: New Hardship Distribution Regulations for 401(k) Plans 11.05.19
On the latest episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Ellie Clendenin discuss the new hardship distribution regulations and what plan sponsors need to know this year and for 2020.
Episode 13: Captive Insurance Arrangements 10.24.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt is joined by special guest CPA Scott Bailey, Jr., a partner at Carr, Riggs & Ingram. They discuss captive insurance arrangement strategies. Listen to the episode below.
Episode 12: Employee Benefits in Mergers and Acquisitions 10.04.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt is joined by Larry Parker, partner and chair of Williams Mullen’s M&A Practice. Brydon and Larry discuss some of the top employee benefits issues that clients face when going through a merger or acquisition.
Episode 11: Health Reimbursement Arrangement Update 09.18.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt reviews the final health reimbursement regulations that go into effect on January 1, 2020. Listen to the episode below.
Episode 10: Importance of Investment Policy Statements 09.04.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt is joined once again by special guest Beryl Ball, a senior vice president and financial advisor at CAPTRUST. Brydon and Beryl discuss the importance of investment policy statements and best practices.
Episode 9: New Rules for Top Hat Plan Filings 08.16.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Nona Massengill discuss the final regulations for top hat plan filings, which went into effect today, August 16.
Episode 8: Best Practices for Retirement Plan Committees 07.09.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt is joined by special guest Beryl Ball, a senior vice president and financial advisor at CAPTRUST. Brydon and Beryl discuss some of the best practices for retirement plan committees.
Episode 7: Recruiting and Retention - Can Your 401K Make a Difference? 06.20.19
On this joint edition of Williams Mullen's GovCon Perspectives and Benefits Companion podcasts, Brydon DeWitt is joined by special guest Carl Grund, a financial advisor with Signature Financial Partners in Tysons, Va. Brydon and Carl discuss the role that benefits such as 401K plans can play in helping government contractors recruit and retain employees.
Episode 6: House Passes Retirement Reform Legislation 06.05.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Marie Yascko-Rosado discuss the retirement reform legislation recently passed by the House of Representatives — The SECURE Act.
Episode 5: Correcting Health Savings Account Contribution Errors 05.20.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Claire Pollock explore recent IRS guidance on how employers may correct common Health Savings Account Contribution errors.
Episode 4: ERISA Plan Status of Voluntary Benefits 05.09.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon Dewitt and Claire Pollock discuss how to identify whether voluntary benefits are subject to ERISA and what to do if they are. Listen to the episode below.
Episode 3: Health Reimbursement Regulations 04.26.19
On this episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Claire Pollock discuss proposed health reimbursement arrangement regulations that may provide welcome relief and flexibility for employer-provided health benefits.
Episode 2: Wellness Program Compliance Update 04.09.19
On the second episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion, Brydon DeWitt and Claire Pollock discuss what employers need to know about the current status of EEOC wellness program regulations.
Episode 1: Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit 03.27.19
On the first episode of Williams Mullen's Benefits Companion podcast, attorney Brydon DeWitt talks with paralegal Claire Pollock about the Family and Medical Leave Tax Credit
