Our Presentation:

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) established the Fiduciary framework for Employers overseeing Employee Benefits Plans. There has been a wave of ERISA litigation in recent years focused primarily on Employer-Sponsored Retirement Plans.

However, the recent J&J lawsuit could be the bellweather for a shift in focus from Retirement Plans to Health & Welfare Plans. The lawsuit has triggered a number of questions for Employers. What are the fiduciary duties of employers to their employees’ health and welfare plans? What can employers do to establish fiduciary best practices? What is their potential legal exposure?

All of this and more will be covered by our experts, Chris Lockman, Employee Benefits Attorney & Partner at Verrill, and Trevor Putnoky, President & CEO at Healthcare Purchase Alliance of Maine.

Please bring your questions! If you have any questions you would like to submit in advance, please send them to Nate Moody (nmoody@lebelharriman.com).

Our Speakers:

Chris Lockman, Esq., Verrill

Chris is a problem-solver and employee benefits "generalist" who advises clients on a range of pension, executive compensation, and welfare benefit plan issues, but maintains a focus on assisting clients with health care reform compliance, negotiation of administrative services agreements, and the operation of consumer-driven health care arrangements such as health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).

Chris also has significant experience in the correction of retirement plan qualification failures, defending IRS audit and DOL investigations, and winding down plan administered by bankrupt entities.

Trevor Putnoky, MPH, Healthcare Purchaser Alliance of Maine

Trevor joined the Alliance in 2010 and has held multiple roles within the organization before ultimately being named CEO in 2023. As CEO, Trevor is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organization, promoting the HPA’s work and mission, and fostering partnerships with local and national groups working toward higher quality, more affordable healthcare.

He is passionate about helping employers navigate the complex world of healthcare benefits and encouraging the adoption of innovative strategies that reduce costs while enhancing coverage (it is possible!).