Talking Benefits

Over one in four employers is exploring the expansion of covered abortion services, according to a new report from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. In this bonus epsiode we delve into the Post-Dobbs Employer Coverage: July 2022 Pulse Survey, which revealed current abortion coverage offerings and future considerations. For more info check out www.ifebp.org/dobbsimpact. Read this blog post and other great posts at blog.ifebp.org Join us at the International Foundation's Annual Employee Benefits Conference to hear the latest on how this Supreme Court decision is impacting benefit plans. Register today: www.ifeb.org/usannual

When we talk about the relationship between work and family, many think about the struggles of working mothers. But, fathers face many of the same issues when trying to strike a balance between family and career. In this episode we talk to Dr. Brad Harrington of the Boston College Center for Work and Family on his recent research in the area and how employers can help dads. As mentioned in this episode, you can learn more about Dr. Harrington's research at www.bc.edu/cwf

In this episode we chat with Alex Willis, CEO of LeadershipSurge about returning to the office and how remote and hybrid work arrangements will shape the future of our office teams and collaboration.

In a galaxy far, far away, heroes and villains still need their employee benefits, and benefits professionals still need to know how to handle coordination of benefits (and lots of tricky claims scenarios). In this bonus episode, we delve into how they handle those—between lightsaber battles. You can read this Word on Benefits blog post and many others at https://blog.ifebp.org/

Statistically women save less than men for retirement for a number of reasons. We discuss how employers can help narrow that gap in this episode. Read Cara's blog and other great Word on Benefits Blog posts here: https://blog.ifebp.org/ Find great retirement news and education resources here: https://www.ifebp.org/retirement-pensions/Pages/default.aspx And here: https://www.ifebp.org/microsite/Pages/default.aspx

Have you ever told a white lie? Would you cheat on your taxes? What if you knew you wouldn’t get caught? In this bonus episode we dive into why people commit benefits fraud. Read Alyssa's and many other great blog posts here: https://blog.ifebp.org

Apprenticeship programs have been around for a long time, but they're always evolving. In this episode we take a deeper dive into new trends in apprenticeship and what industries outside of the trades can learn from these programs. Be sure to check out the links mentioned in this episode: Top Trends in Apprenticeship 2022 Survey https://ifebp.org/store/Pages/apprenticeship-survey.aspx International Foundation's Apprenticeship Resources page: https://ifebp.org/apprenticeshipresources International Foundation Financial Tools for the Trades course: https://ifebp.org/toolsfortrades

Stop-loss insurance is a great way for self-funded health plans to avoid catastrophic costs. But, you need to know what's important for your organization in a policy. Rose Plewa discusses the top 5 considerations in purchasing a plan. You can read her original blog post here: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/five-considerations-when-purchasing-stop-loss-insurance Take a deeper dive into self-funded group health plans by completing the International Foundation's Certificate in Self-Funding Group Health Plans: https://www.ifebp.org/education/online-certificate-programs/Pages/certificate-in-self-funding-group-health-plans-overview.aspx Check out the 2020 Employee Benefits Survey that Rose mentioned in this episode: https://www.ifebp.org/store/employee-benefits-survey/Pages/default.aspx

It's our 50th episode! After a little celebration we take a look back at some of the biggest developments in the benefits industry from the past year. Plus we let you know what to keep on your radar for 2022. And don't forget to check out the items mentioned in this show. Blog posts on the ACA Supreme Court case, California versus Texas: https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/supreme-court-affordable-care-act https://blog.ifebp.org/index.php/california-v-texas-explainer EBSA cyber security best practices: https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ebsa/key-topics/retirement-benefits/cybersecurity/best-practices.pdf International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans COVID-19 One Year Update survey: https://www.ifebp.org/store/Pages/covid-19-one-year-update-survey.aspx

Those of us in the benefits world have been talking about mental health parity for over 20 years at this point, but it's not all old news. We chat with Stephanie Patrick on what's new and what's ahead for mental health parity and how it affects your plans.

Do you have the right level of protection against cyberattacks? Does your current insurance even cover them? What about cyberinsurance? International Foundation Director of Educational Outreach presents her blog post on why your organization may want to consider cyberinsurance. Read this and other great blog posts at blog.ifebp.org

This month we are joined by Dr. Tracy Brower to discuss how caregiving has changed, what it means for employees, and how employers can support those in caregiving roles. Want to hear more from Tracy? Check out her books: https://tracybrower.com/bring-work-to-life/ And don’t forget to attend the International Foundation’s 67th Annual Employee Benefits conference in Denver, Colorado or join virtually. Learn more here: www.ifebp.org/usannual

What do long COVID, DEI, neurodiversity, mental health and wellness programs have in common? They are all points of consideration when employing individuals with disabilities. In this episode, we talk with Kellee Grimes, Manager of Health Services at Mutual of Omaha, about how to maintain compliance with ADA and other laws and regulations. The International Foundation does tons of research on the employee benefits industry each year. As a member, you can access research and survey reports like the ones Justin mentioned in this episode for free. To see all of the International Foundation’s research and survey reports, visit www.ifebp.org/research and to become a member visit www.ifebp.org/membership

Host Justin and special guest Craig Copeland from EBRI dive into how factors like race, gender and socioeconomic status can impact a person's ability to save for retirement. Check out the work from our friends at the Employee Benefit Research Institute at www.ebri.org

Robbie Hartman reads his recent Word on Benefits blog post on how to make your benefits plan more inclusive for members of the LGBTQ+ community. You can read this and many other great Word on Benefits blog posts at blog.ifebp.org

Join your Talking Benefits hosts in a round of Jeop-ARPA-dy! They review the six American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) provisions and what employers and plan sponsors need to know, Jeopardy-style.

Resilience is shaped by a person’s past experiences, and their social support network, among other things—It can be a skill that we learn, practice and build on. This episode outlines seven tips to help build resilience, examples of things that spark joy (which helps build resilience), and how employers can help build resilience within their organization.

Benefits Bonus: What the American Rescue Plan Act Means for Financially Troubled ME Pension Plans by IFEBP

This episode explores the impact of financial well-being among Black and Hispanic women and offers solutions to what employers and plan sponsors can do to provide more effective financial education for underrepresented women.

Hear how the “roller coaster ride” of this pandemic has changed the lives of Ruben Navarro, fire captain II for the LA Fire Department, and his team. He shares tips and best practices on handling the pressures of essential work/front line work while maintaining mental well-being.