2nd Wednesday Education Series- 2024 |
In-depth briefings on timely topicsThe monthly ECFC 2nd Wednesday Education Series provides a unique and valuable opportunity for association members to receive in-depth briefings on important and timely topics by experts from ECFC’s Education Committee, Industry Professionals, ECFC’s Technical Advisory Committee and key decision-makers in government. Not only will you gain valuable insights, but you'll also earn 1 CE per session. With fresh topics and timely updates, you'll stay informed and ahead of the game. Each hour-long webinar starts the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 1:00pm ET except for March and August. 2024 Call for Speakers Education Series attendees are searching for high-level, thought-provoking content. We welcome your submissions for our 2024 sessions. 2nd Wednesday Education Series- 2024
*Bulk discount is only available to members. Session Schedule: JANUARY 10, 2024 Topic: Overview of the Legislative and Regulatory Landscape for 2024 Speakers: William Sweetnam, Jr., Esq., ECFC Legislative and Technical Director Description: 2023 was a crazy year in Washington and it doesn't look like it's going to be any better in 2024. With a presidential election that will likely be a repeat of the 2020 election, a slim and fractious majority in the House of Representatives which may result in a shutdown of the federal government, and immigration and other international issues that may impact the legislative agenda, there may be limited opportunities to advance ECFC's legislative priorities. Bill Sweetnam will provide an overview of the situation in Washington and how ECFC's legislative and regulatory priorities may be impacted in 2024. FEBRUARY 14, 2024 Topic: AI Workshop: How AI is Reshaping Employee Benefits Speakers: Brian Strom & Amanda Richter, Elevate Description: The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked a seismic shift across all industries. The choice to either embrace or disregard AI technology is becoming a critical factor determining many businesses' success and profitability. But what does that mean for employee benefits? Will AI have the greatest impact on customer service, behind-the-scenes account processing, or member education? Is it all safe and secure? What if AI gets too powerful? Brian Strom, CTO of Elevate, will discuss existing AI innovations, assess risk potential, and provide a glimpse into future innovations. APRIL 10, 2024 Topic: Rise of HSA Fraud and the Dark Web Speaker: John Chase, MS, CPP, CFCI, Manager, Fraud Investigation, Inspira Financial Services Description: This session will explore the intersection of healthcare finance and cybercrime, focusing on the rise of Health Savings Account (HSA) fraud facilitated through the dark web. Participants will gain insights into the mechanisms of HSA fraud, the role of the dark web in facilitating these crimes, and strategies for prevention and response. Through a combination of conversation, case studies, and practical exercises, this session aims to equip professionals in the healthcare and cybersecurity fields with the knowledge and skills needed to combat this growing threat. MAY 8, 2024 Topic: Qualification Requirements: “Medical Care” and Claims Substantiation Speakers: Darcy L. Hitesman, Esq.,HitesmanLaw, P.A. Description: With the heavy use of electronic payment cards, the underlying Code requirements tend to get lost in the shuffle. Two of the Code requirements that must be in the plan document and reflected in plan operation are (1) the definition of “medical care”, and (2) claims substantiation. Failure to operate a plan in accordance with these requirements means there is no plan – for anyone. The session walks through the concept of qualification requirements, the definition of medical care, and the requirement that all claims be substantiated. June 12, 2024 Topic: Student Loans + Lifestyle Accounts = The Path to More Savings Speakers: Julia Fearn, Director of Channel Partners, SoFi at Work and Description: Secure 2.0 “opened the door” for new ways to save for retirement. While you might know that employers can offer student loan payment matching as alternative to 401(k) matching, were you aware of how to incorporate this with Lifestyle Accounts? Join Julia Fearn from SoFi at Work and Karli Dunkelberger from Alegeus as they discuss the value of integrating student loans with lifestyle accounts. July 10, 2024 Topic: July Deadlines: PCOR Fees, Calendar Year Form 5500s, Etc. Description: This session will cover key July compliance deadlines that include PCOR fees and 5500 requirements for health and welfare plans and any other late breaking developments. We'll explore who pays PCOR fees, how to calculate them, and the due date. We'll also delve into how a Wrap plan can help employers meet ERISA plan document and summary plan description (SPD) requirements and reduce the number of Form 5500s that need to be filed. Finally, the session will clarify when to file Form 5500s and explain options for extensions and late filers. Speaker: Sue Sieger, ACFCI, CAS, HSAS, Senior Compliance Consultant Employee Benefits Corporation September 11, 2024 Topic: Beyond the Basics: Navigating Fertility Coverage in Your Benefit Plan Speaker: Katie Bjornstad Amin, Principal, Groom Law Group, Chartered Description: This session dives into practical considerations to help you design a successful fertility assistance program. We'll share insights on common missteps plan sponsors, TPAs, and employers encounter, navigate the legal variations in fertility assistance across different states, and discuss tricky medical expense issues. We'll also explore alternative plan design options for reimbursing reproductive services. October 9, 2024 Topic: SECURE 2.0 Student Loan Match Speakers: Trent Pepper JD, MBA, General Counsel, Aviben Description: SECURE 2.0 permits employers to provide retirement plan matches on account of employees' qualified student loan payments rather than simply on account of employees' elective deferrals. This session will cover details of the student loan match under SECURE 2.0, areas where there is clarity based on IRS guidance and areas where questions remain, and implementation models for employers to consider. Participants will leave the session with a comprehensive understanding of the student loan match provisions of SECURE 2.0. November 13, 2024 Topic: Emergency Savings Benefit Description: Emergency Savings: What is it, the benefits of using an Emergency Savings and how Emergency Savings Benefits address employer and employee needs. Speakers: Brooks Teitelbaum, Director of Product Management December 11, 2024 Topic: 2024 Year in Review
Speakers: John Hickman, Ashley Gillihan & Ken Johnson, Alston & Bird, LLP SESSION DETAILS All supporting documents and recordings will be available to participants in the MY LEARNING section after the session. We will utilize Webex for these sessions. Additional members from your organization can sign up at a discounted rate if your organization has purchased the series or session. They get the same access, materials and CE units as the first member. CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations of Annual Subscriptions will not be provided once the series has begun. Series cancellations must be received in writing prior to the February Webinar and will be assessed a $50 service charge. CE UNIT DETAILS Each monthly Teleconference session is worth 1 Continuing Education unit, applicable towards FCI certification or recertification credit unless otherwise noted. For verification purposes, ONLY registered participants will receive continuing education units. LOOKING FOR MORE CE UNITS? Did you know that if you missed a past Education Session that you can still register to hear it “on-demand.” Check out the diversity and expertise that ECFC has offered this past year, and if you are looking for Continuing Education units towards your certification or re-certification, this is an excellent way to earn those CE units. Each session provides 1 CE unit. Past Year Series Information:To see what we did in 2019 - Click here To see what we did in 2020 - Click here To see what we did in 2021 - Click here To see what we did in 2022 - Click here To see what we did in 2023 - Click here |
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