On March 25, 2019, Associate Attorney John Sexton attended a webinar titled “Multiemployer Pension Plan Withdrawal: An In-Depth Examination.” The webinar focused on the evolution of the Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act and strategies for minimizing liability.

The Multiemployer Pension Plan Amendments Act (MPPAA) was enacted in 1980. This Act created withdrawal liability whereby employers withdrawing from multiemployer pension plans must, upon withdrawal from a plan, pay a share of the plan’s unfunded vested benefits. “Withdrawal,” as defined by Title IV of ERISA, can occur through a complete withdrawal or a partial withdrawal. [Read more…]

On March 26, 2019, Associate Attorney John Sexton attended the webinar “DOL Disability Claims Regulations: Effects on Employee Benefit Plans-Best Practices for Plan Sponsors, SPD Modifications, Required Disclosures, Appeals and ERISA Compliance.” The webinar focused on the Department of Labor’s new disability claims regulations.

The “Final Rule,” as represented by 81 Fed. Reg. 92316, was issued on December 19, 2016. The new procedures are effective for claims for disability benefits filed on or after April 1, 2018. These new procedures alter and focus on notice, disclosure, and process. [Read more…]