Human Resources: Plan Options

Employers Oppose Proposed New Pension Accounting Rules
Employers Oppose Proposed New Pension Accounting Rules Despite Desire for Change, Watson Wyatt Survey Finds Proposed Rules Assume Increased Importance Following Recent SEC Vote to Move U.S. Companies Toward International Accounting Standards

Employee Understanding and Adequacy Of Benefits Are Top Concerns for SERP Sponsors in Canada
Canadian employers who sponsor supplemental employee retirement plans (SERPs) are concerned about balancing benefit adequacy with plan costs. This is among the main findings of a nationwide survey of Canadian plans released today by Buck Consultants.

Legal & General Reveals the Cost of Delaying Pension Saving Can Run into Thousands of Pounds
Legal & General has calculated the full cost of delaying pension contributions, revealing how important it is that people start saving for income in retirement as early as possible.

Fresh Start Foundation to present 401k edcation program
FRESH START WOMEN'S FOUNDATION TO OFFER A 401(K) EDUCATION PROGRAM THAT HELPS WOMEN TAKE CHARGE OF THEIR FINANCIAL FUTURE

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Illinois
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Illinois survey reported nearly all Illinois employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United States
The preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in Indiana
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the 2008 Compensation Data – Indiana survey reported nearly all Indiana employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

Cost of Prescription Co-Pays Increases in United States
The cost of medical coverage is on many employees’ minds as they near retirement. Prescription costs are of particular concern to baby boomers who rely on coverage through their employer. Despite medical coverage cuts, the preliminary Compensation Data 2008 survey results reported nearly all U.S. employers offer prescription drug coverage as part of their medical plan. The survey also found co-pay costs have increased for non-formulary and formulary drugs since 2006.

MassMutual Clients Express High Satisfaction with Plan Installation Process
According to both retirement plan clients and advisors, the Retirement Services Division of MassMutual Financial Group continues to meet or exceed their expectations throughout the plan installation process. The data is derived from MassMutual's recently completed new client implementation

MassMutual Completes Acquisition of First Mercantile Trust Company
Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) announced today it has completed its previously announced purchase of First Mercantile Trust Company from SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI).

MassMutual to Host Free Advisor WebEx Regarding Opportunities in the Nonprofit Market
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division is offering a free WebEx session exclusively for retirement plan advisors to discuss "Opportunities in the Nonprofit Market." The

MassMutual Offers Free Research Paper on Target Retirement Date Investments as QDIAs
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division has released a new research paper regarding the use of target retirement date investments as the default option for retirement plans with automatic enrollment.

Anthony Rienzi has joined Buck Consultants as a Principal in the firm's New York office
Rienzi has served in leadership, client management and consulting roles with several leading human resource and benefits consulting firms. His most recent position was with The Segal Company, where he was a Senior Vice President and Regional Health Practice Leader.

MassMutual Hosts 2-Day Conference in Support of Its TPA Alliance
MassMutual's Retirement Services Division hosted its 2008 TPA Conference at the PGA National Resort and Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., May 14 - 16.

MassMutual Names Hugh O'Toole Head of Sales and Distribution for RSD
MassMutual Names Hugh O'Toole Head of Sales and Distribution for Retirement Services Division

Suzanne Johnson Joins Buck Consultants as Director
Suzanne Johnson has joined Buck Consultants as a Director in the firm's Secaucus, NJ office.

SOCIAL MEDIA: THE NEXT FRONTIER IN EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION
Watson Wyatt Experts Say Social Media Can Benefit Employers;Guidelines for Use, Change Management the Key

MORE COMPANIES, WORKERS ADOPT CONSUMER-DIRECTED HEALTH PLANS
Nearly Half of Employers Now Have CDHPs, Watson Wyatt/National Business Group on Health Survey Finds

Pension Protection Act Updates to Benefits Compliance Book
With basic employment safeguards to communicate to senior management, this reader-friendly summary of federal laws by WorldatWork is essential when it comes to compliance in employee benefit plan design, maintenance and operation.

MassMutual to Acquire The First Mercantile Trust Company From SunTrust Banks, Inc.
Agreement will expand MassMutual's Retirement Services business; An 'important strategic step forward'

Standing Out: Benefits That Impact Recruitment
The number of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island organizations actively recruiting has increased over the last five years from 89.6 to 95.4 percent. In this competitive market, employers must look to a variety of benefits to stand out.

When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements
When it comes to keeping employees happy and productive, nothing tops flexible work arrangements, according to a new poll by LifeCare®, Inc., provider of comprehensive specialty care services and a longtime leader in the work/life industry.

Thinking of Retiring on the Beach? Start Saving Now
Most U.S. employees know they should save more for retirement. However with the personal savings rate at negative .5 percent (www.bea.gov/newsreleases/national/pi/pinewsrelease.htm), individuals are spending more than they earn, depleting their savings and increasing debt.

Buck Consultants Finds Executive Retirement Plans Alive and Well After Final IRS Rules
An overwhelming majority of employers have no intention of terminating their nonqualified executive retirement plans as a result of final Internal Revenue Code rules governing these arrangements.

MassMutual Retirement Services Continues Aggressive Expansion of its Third Party Distribution Sales
Hugh O'Toole Joins MassMutual as Corporate Vice President, Northeast Division Sales Manager and Nonprofit Market Leader