WEBINAR RECAP: When the DOL Comes Calling: Are Your Health Plans Ready?

On March 25, we hosted an executive-level webinar exploring the growing scrutiny facing employer-sponsored health plans and the increasing personal liability risks for ERISA fiduciaries.

ERISA fiduciary responsibility is not symbolic—it carries real exposure. As enforcement activity from the Department of Labor and litigation from the plaintiffs’ bar continue to rise, benefit committee members, executives, and others exercising discretionary authority over plan decisions must be prepared to demonstrate strong oversight, prudent vendor management, reasonable fees, and sound governance practices.

In this session, John Schembari, Partner at Kutak Rock LLP, shared practical guidance on where fiduciaries face the greatest risk and what leadership teams should be doing now to strengthen compliance and reduce exposure.

Key Takeaways:

Fiduciary status matters

Individuals with discretionary authority may face personal liability

Enforcement is increasing

DOL audits and litigation trends are intensifying

Governance is critical

Strong oversight, documentation, and vendor management are essential risk mitigators

John leads Kutak Rock’s national Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice, advising private, public and governmental employers on minimizing legal risk while aligning benefits and compensation programs with business goals. He counsels Fortune 500 companies, fiduciaries and executive teams on retirement plans, health and welfare plans, ESOPs and equity and incentive compensation arrangements. John presents throughout the U.S. on employee benefits, executive compensation, ERISA, tax and privacy matters, translating complex regulations into clear, practical guidance.