About the Program

Each year, NEEBC’s Washington Update program highlights the newest laws, regulations, policy initiatives and other trends affecting employee benefit plans. As has been the case in recent years, there is no shortage of important topics in 2024.

For starters, there is the Presidential election, which (as with any presidential election) will have major policy consequences, particularly relating to group health plans, pharmacy benefits, among others. Scott Behrens, Vice President, Director of Government Relations of the Lockton Companies will lead off with discussion of the what the election results mean for pension and welfare benefits and beyond.

We are also delighted to reprise last year’s Washington Update with presentations from representatives of the Treasury Department and the Department of Labor. In addition, this year’s program will also feature a representative from the Department of Health & Human Services. Matt Litton, Attorney-Advisor, U.S. Department of the Treasury will provide us with an overview of the items that are top of mind at the Treasury’s Office of Benefit Tax Counsel. Matthew Meidell from the Department of Labor’s Office of Health Plan Standards and Compliance Assistance will provide an overview of the final Mental Health Parity rules. Rounding out the program is a representative of the Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Civil Rights to discuss cyber security issues that are fast becoming a concern for pension and welfare alike.