Our Issues

Retirement

Learn more about Retirement issues of interest to American Benefits Council members.

Tax Reform, Deficit Reduction & Federal Budget

The tax incentives for employer-sponsored health and retirement plans are commonly at risk of being curtailed or eliminated to generate federal revenue in the context of tax or budget reform. The Council is constantly working to preserve these tax incentives by underscoring their economic value.

Defined Contribution/401(k) Plan Reform

This section covers all matters related to the sponsorship of a defined contribution retirement plan (like a 401(k) plan), including issues related to plan fees, automatic enrollment, investment strategies and options (such as default investments and target-date funds), contribution limits, multi-employer arrangements, benefit statement requirements, hardship distributions and plan loans.

Defined Benefit Plans & PBGC

This section covers all matters related to the sponsorship of a traditional defined benefit retirement pension plan, including issues related to funding rules, PBGC premiums and governance and plan freezing and de-risking activity. The Council focuses on single-employer plans, though certain multiemployer plan matters are included here as well.

Financial Wellness, Education & Advice

Employers' ability to provide financial education and investment advice to their employees can make a significant difference in retirement outcomes. Financial wellness programs offer an integrated approach to financial planning and savings and can encompass such topics as household budgeting, insurance needs, retirement savings, debt reduction and credit repair.

Fiduciary Responsibility

Under ERISA, a fiduciary has the legal responsibility to act solely in the interest of its participants and beneficiaries. This section covers enforcement, amendment and litigation of these responsibilities, including matters related to the provision of retirement-related investment advice.

State-Based Retirement Programs

A number of states have passed (or are considering) legislation to require private-sector employers that do not sponsor retirement plans to provide payroll deduction contributions into a state-sponsored retirement plan. These measures have the potential to impose responsibilities on larger employers with respect to employees who are not eligible for the employer-sponsored plan.

Miscellaneous/Retirement Plan Administration

This section addresses miscellaneous and routine retirement plan administrative matters.