Employee Benefits Blog

Authorized Representatives – Fresh Look at an Old Rule

Earlier this year, the Department of Labor issued an information letter explaining ERISA’s authorized representative requirement. Below are some of the takeaways employers may want to consider. 1. The Authorized Representative Requirement Under ERISA ERISA’s claims procedure regulations expressly give participants and beneficiaries the right to appoint authorized representatives to act on their behalf in […]

July 18, 2019 | 2 min read | Tagged: appeals, authorized representative, claims, DOL, ERISA, health plan

Allison B. Bans Counsel

What is Telemedicine? A Cool Benefit or a Hot Mess?

We’ve had numerous inquiries lately about telemedicine benefits. My clients most typically ask either “is this a group health plan?” or “is it just access to another provider?” Clearly, there is much confusion surrounding telemedicine benefits. Part of the problem is that the regulators have yet to issue guidance on how telemedicine should be treated. […]

August 29, 2016 | 7 min read | Tagged: EAP, employee assistance program, ERISA, Excepted Employee Assistance Program, group health plan, health plan, healthcare, HSA, Notice 2004-50, telemedicine, voluntary plan safe harbor

Nancy K. Campbell Of Counsel