Benefits strategies are evolving quickly—and HR leaders are under increasing pressure to ensure their plans remain competitive, cost-effective, and aligned with what peer organizations are doing.
This session takes a practical, market-driven approach to both health insurance and 401(k) plan design, highlighting current industry trends and how employers are adapting their strategies in real time. Attendees will gain insight into how similar organizations are structuring their benefits, where they are investing, and which plan features they are prioritizing to attract and retain talent.
Using ERISA as a unifying framework, this session will also explore the key “levers” HR leaders can adjust across both health and retirement plans—from contributions and plan design features to emerging fringe benefits—to drive stronger outcomes.
In addition, we will cover key legislative updates impacting plan sponsors, including SECURE 2.0 and the evolving requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026, which expands upon Health & Welfare plan regulations introduced in the CAA of 2021. Attendees will gain clarity on how these changes affect compliance, fiduciary responsibility, and overall plan strategy.
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how their current offerings compare to peers, along with actionable ideas to refine and elevate their overall benefits strategy.
Learning Objectives:
By attending this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify current trends in health insurance and 401(k) plan design across industries
- Evaluate how peer organizations are structuring benefits to remain competitive
- Understand key fiduciary considerations under ERISA as they apply to both health and retirement plans
- Apply strategic “levers” within plan design (e.g., contributions, plan features, ancillary benefits) to improve outcomes
- Interpret key provisions of SECURE 2.0 and their impact on plan sponsors and participants
- Understand expanded compliance and transparency requirements under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 for Health & Welfare plans
- Develop a more integrated and aligned approach to total benefits strategy
