Last year the Department of Labor (DOL) finalized new disability claims procedure rules, effective January 1, 2018, to add more procedural safeguards and provide claimants access to more information. Covered Plans The new rules are not limited to disability plans. They apply to all ERISA welfare and pension plans that provide benefits based on a finding of disability (e.g., vesting or payment under pension, 401(k), and top hat plans or life insurance plans that require…
The establishment of prudent processes is a fundamental element of appropriately discharging fiduciary duties under ERISA. Where a committee acts as the primary plan fiduciary, a written committee charter will typically form the basis for all committee operations. The committee charter effectively provides the “by-laws” and operating guidelines that will govern how the committee discharges its obligations. The Charter’s Role Charters will typically address how committee members will be appointed and replaced, term limits, quorum,…