For tens of millions of American workers, planning for retirement begins with participation in an employer-sponsored 401(k) plan. The Council urges lawmakers to avoid enacting any policies that would undermine or disrupt the system for current and future participants. To provide additional information on 401(k) plans, the Council has prepared a detailed fact sheet on its recent 401(k) plan survey and an update of Fast Facts on 401(k) Plans.
New Survey Shows Employers' Ongoing Commitment to 401(k) Plans
Even through volatile economic conditions, employers have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the 401(k) system according to a study released today by WorldatWork, a global HR association, in partnership with the American Benefits Institute, the research and education affiliate of the American Benefits Council.
The 2013 Trends in 401(k) Plans and Retirement Rewards survey of 476 American Benefits Council and WorldatWork member companies provides a snapshot of defined contribution plan activity at major American companies. The report summarizes findings on participation and contribution rates, plan design and withdrawal activity. Click here for more details.
PPACA Pay-or-Play Rules Released; Council Summary Available
Treasury and IRS recently issued proposed regulations and a set of questions and answers addressing the "shared responsibility" provisions for employers under the health care law. The Council's written comments to the IRS and a comprehensive summary of the regulations are now available.
Latest Benefits Passport highlights recent symposia on global benefits issues
The international benefits arena has become one of the fastest growing areas of Council activity. To keep you apprised of the Council's efforts in the international arena, our Benefits Passport series examines global benefits developments and what they mean for U.S. companies.
The most recent edition discusses two recent events at which the Council led discussions regarding international benefits: The 9th National MetLife Symposium in Washington D.C. and the International Employee Benefits Association's 13th Annual Conference in Brussels, Belgium.

Benefits Byte
For American Benefits Council members, we offer a regular newsletter with the latest information on legislative, regulatory and judicial developments affecting employee benefits.
- Newly Introduced Student Loan Bill Would Restrict ‘Stretch IRAs’
- Council Comments on Call Letter Guidance on Medicare Advantage Plans
Health Care Reform (PPACA), General & Misc. Items
- Employer Shared Responsibility
- Market Reforms & Adult Child/Age-26 Coverage
- Preventive Care & Value-Based Design
- Quality Improvement & Delivery Reform
- Essential Benefits
- Tax & Revenue Issues
- Grandfathered Plans
- Claims and Appeals
- Summary of Benefits & Coverage
- Information Reporting/W2
- Health Insurance Exchanges
- State Innovation
- Medical Loss Ratio & Mini-Med Plans
- Automatic Enrollment
- Wellness Programs
- Accountable Care Organizations
- Non-Discrimination
Defined Contribution/401(k) Plan Reform
- Automatic Enrollment
- Investments
- Plan fees
- Taxation of Retirement Plans/Limits
- Funding Reform
- PBGC Deficit & Premiums
- Business Conduct Standards
Tax Reform, Deficit Reduction & Federal Budget
- FACTA Issues
- FBAR Issues
- Puerto Rico Plans
- Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
- Code Section 409(A), 457(A), 162(m) issues
- Say-on-Pay
Become a Member
The American Benefits Council's mission is to be the most effective advocate of employer-sponsored benefit programs in Washington, D.C. Our members either sponsor directly, administer or service retirement, health and stock compensation plans covering more than 100 million Americans.
Click below for more information about membership.

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