NFP's Insights from the Experts

Companies have expanded their view of well-being and they’re investing in resources that improve the lives of their employees. The return on this investment – healthier, more productive employees, and an enhanced ability to attract and retain talent – depends on the well-being strategy. A plan that understands employee wants and needs, key trends, and the importance of effective communication is c...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review newly inaugurated President Biden’s pandemic response proposal, the American Rescue Plan. Chase outlines the proposal overall, then turns his attention to the proposal’s expansion of FFCRA leave to all-sized employers until the end of September 2021. Chase and Suzanne discuss additional leave expansion, and the proposal’s COBRA subsidies fo...

In the latest installment of the Washington Update Election Series podcast, Finseca’s VP of Government Affairs, Armstrong Robinson, is joined by Jeff Driscoll, VP Product Intelligence & Carrier Management. Jeff and Army discuss the changes to 7702 instituted by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020 and the impact those changes might have on accumulation life insurance sales.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at a recent Supreme Court decision on ERISA preemption and state laws relating to pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Suzanne starts with a description of PBMs and state law regulation of PBMs. Chase and Suzanne discuss the meaning and application of ERISA preemption, and Suzanne outlines how lower courts and the Supreme Court have treated ERIS...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at the brand new COVID-19 relief bill, called the Consolidated Appropriates Act of 2021. Suzanne starts with a provision of the bill that allows (at the employer’s discretion) employees to rollover unused amounts in their FSAs (health and dependent care) from 2020 to 2021 and from 2021 to 2022. Suzanne and Chase then talk about practical impl...

In our latest US Benefits Trend Report podcast, Kim Bell, SVP, head of health and benefits, has a conversation with Kim Heald, NFP’s national practice leader for voluntary benefits. Kim Heald shares her perspectives on how the one-size-fits-all approach to benefits is increasingly ineffective, especially for multigenerational workforces, and the risks for employers if they don’t adapt by integrati...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review the compliance obligations employers must review and complete prior to the end of the year, for both calendar and non-calendar year plans. Chase digs into the basis of imputed income for domestic partner coverage and group term life insurance, and the importance of calculating and adding imputed income before the end of the year. Chase and...

It’s been a whirlwind since Election Day and while the Electoral College vote isn’t until December 14, results are coming into focus. In our final Election Update podcast, NFP’s Suzanne Spradley, Chase Cannon and Kristin Bulat recap the election process, discuss pending litigation and look ahead to what we might see over the next few months. Our experts also offer insights on the US Supreme Court’...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Erin Ziaja offer insight on litigation against insurance carriers that have denied business interruption (BI) claims for COVID-19 issues, including the recent decision where the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. The podcast also provides an overview of state proposals that extend BI coverage to COVID-19 related claims and other state laws enacted to prov...

In the latest episode of our Election Update podcast mini-series, Armstrong Robinson, chief advocacy officer at Finseca, and NFP’s Kristin Bulat discuss the factors driving unprecedented early voting, how it might affect when we have final results and implications for future elections. Army and Kristin also contrast the uncertainty surrounding the election with the certainty provided by life insur...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon discuss the lawsuit challenging the ACA that is set for Supreme Court oral arguments on November 10, 2020. Suzanne outlines the basis for the lawsuit—a claim that the ACA’s individual mandate is unconstitutional, and that the individual mandate is not severable from the remainder of the ACA. Suzanne details the history of the case, the arguments m...

In our latest Insights from the Experts podcast, Mark Rieder sits down with Gina Bartasi, CEO of KindBody, to discuss their global end-to-end family building benefit for all. KindBody’s mission is to offer best-in-class care, accessible pricing and a seamless experience for fertility, gynecology and wellness services. Learn how their emphasis on personalized, human-centered care supported by moder...

Our latest US Benefits Trend Report podcast features a conversation with Mark Rieder, NFP’s head of innovation. Mark talks with Kim Bell, SVP, head of health and benefits, about opportunities in the employee benefits space, the acceleration of innovation in response to COVID-19, and innovating to solve big problems and improve lives. Mark also discusses how living in a digital world requires that...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley address some confusion on recent HHS announcements extending their emergency declarations. Chase begins by describing two pandemic-related requirements — one relating to FFCRA/CARES Act COVID-19 testing/diagnosis, and one relating to the deadline extensions for COBRA notices and premium payments, HIPAA special enrollment windows, and claims appeal...

The latest episode of the Election Update podcast mini-series features insights from David Carter, chief investment officer at Lenox Wealth Management, and Michael Moriarty, chief investment officer at Wealthspire Advisors. David and Michael detail factors affecting the markets, including stimulus spending and federal monetary policy. They also share how market volatility is actually positive for...

With just four weeks until Election Day, and one formal presidential debate under our belts, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon take a fresh look at Joe Biden’s healthcare proposals in the latest episode of our 2020 Election Podcast mini-series. Episode highlights include insight on: - The advantages and challenges of Biden’s initiative to add a public option, and how that might interact with the c...

NFP’s own Suzanne Spradley, Chief Compliance Officer, and Chase Cannon, VP, Benefits Compliance and Counsel, have dedicated the second episode of the Election Series on NFP’s Insights from the Experts Podcast to a thorough discussion of the nomination process and the impact that an open seat in the Supreme Court could have on the election and on cases currently before the Court. You can read a ful...

Helping employers thrive in an increasingly complex benefits compliance landscape In the face of more rules and regulations, employers are working harder than ever to keep up. In our latest podcast, our benefits compliance expert shares insights on tracking new developments, assessing their impact and being flexible to position your organization for continued success.

As the presidential election gets closer, our very own Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon will be regularly delivering updates and analysis you can share with clients through a new mini-series the 2020 Election Series. Check out our first episode where we dive in and compare the candidates tax proposals to current law.

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look closely at newly revised DOL regulations relating to the FFCRA. Suzanne outlines the holding in the NY court case that led to the DOL’s revisions. Suzanne and Chase outline how the DOL’s revised regulations respond to the court’s position that the FFCRA’s “work availability” requirement was unreasoned and inconsistent. Suzanne continues with...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley review new DOL guidance on FFCRA (emergency paid sick leave and emergency family and medical leave) leave relating to the new school year. Chase outlines a few scenarios on school re-openings, including full and partial openings and virtual learning, and how an employee might or might not qualify for FFCRA leave. Chase and Suzanne then jump into a...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at Joe Biden’s health care proposals, now that election season is formally upon us. Suzanne leads off by addressing the advantages and challenges of Biden’s initiative to add a public option, and how that might interact with the current private and marketplace plans. Suzanne and Chase discuss several past state initiatives relating to public...

In this episode, Chase Cannon and Suzanne Spradley discuss several compliance challenges relating to remote workers in the pandemic environment. Chase starts by outlining employee eligibility – usually based on work location – in connection with state paid family and medical leave laws. Chase and Suzanne dig in to some recent guidance from Massachusetts regarding employee withholding for state pai...

In our latest Insight from the Experts podcast, NFP's Head of Innovation, Mark Rieder, sits down with Susan Van Klink, chief revenue officer at League, to discuss their data-driven platform designed to provide a single access hub for employees to engage with their health, lifestyle and benefit programs. This new “front door” to healthcare eliminates the current sea of point solutions via an integr...

In this episode, Suzanne Spradley and Chase Cannon look at the definitions and history of telehealth, and the federal and state policies that helped spur its popularity. Suzanne discusses the recent surge, both prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic, of telehealth usage. Suzanne and Chase discuss the policies and rules promulgated, both at the federal and state level, that helped facilitate tha...