Meeting/Event Information

Presentation Title: Health Plan Formation and Changes: A Roadmap
Presentation Description:
This presentation will provide an overview of rules and issues surrounding health andw welfare benefit plan formation and compliance.

Presentation Learning Objectives
(3-5 things the audience will learn from your program)

• Provide a basic overview on the structure of ERISA welfare plans
• Discuss options employers may take as it relates to plan design & cost management
• Discuss strategies for effective benefits communication & employee engagement
• Provide practical guidance on complying with specific regulations, including those related to COBRA, HIPAA, or the Affordable Care Act fit into the larger scheme?
• Discuss evolving trends in healthcare compliance

Speaker Bio (please keep to one paragraph, 5-7 sentences if possible)
• John R. Kirk is a Partner at Bricker Graydon, LLP where he practices exclusively in the employee benefits area. John specializes in providing comprehensive support for employers of all sizes, including both public and private entities. His expertise spans all facets of employee benefits, including the design, implementation, and compliance of tax-qualified plans such as 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, ESOPs, and supporting clients' health and welfare plans. John has extensive experience representing plan sponsors, trustees, and fiduciaries in transactions involving ESOPs. In his practice, he guides companies through the entire ESOP life-cycle, including formations, acquisitions, divestitures, and administration matters post-formation. John further assists ESOP entities and other benefit plans with governmental audits/investigations and litigation. John earned his J.D. from the University of Kentucky College of Law, and a B.S. in Accounting from Georgetown College. He lives in Union, KY with his wife, Casey, son, Jack, and daughter, Nancy.

• Michaela Taylor is an associate in the Employee Benefits Practice Group at Bricker Graydon, LLP, specializing in the design, administration, and regulatory compliance of a diverse array of employee benefit issues, including, welfare benefit plans, health care reform, tax-qualified retirement plans and executive compensation. She supports clients in navigating the intricacies that emerge during plan  administration. Michaela regularly assists clients on issues related to reporting and disclosure requirements, compliance with ERISA, the SECURE Act, the Internal Revenue Code, the Affordable Care Act, HIPAA and COBRA. She is located at the downtown Cincinnati office. Michaela is a "super cat" holding a BHS in Clinical Leadership and Management, Master of Health Administration, and a J.D. from the University of Kentucky. She resides in Covington, KY, with her husband, Dillon, and two goldendoodles, Woodford and Weller.

Sponsor

Big thank you to our March sponsor, Bricker Graydon!