Though much of U.S. government-sponsored pandemic relief has expired as the country approaches it third new year since its first reported cases of COVID-19, pandemic-related law changes exist that continue to impact employee benefit plans, and it is important that plan sponsors and administrators pay close attention to these changes as the new year approaches. In a recent article for the Daily Journal of Commerce, we discuss several special relief provisions that directly or indirectly affect group health plans. You can read the full article here.

Originally published as an Op-Ed by the Oregon Daily Journal of Commerce on November 4, 2022.

Photo of Bethany Bacci Bethany Bacci

Bethany Bacci is a member of Stoel Rives’ Employee Benefits Group and counsels public and private employers on how to stay in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and the other statutory and regulatory regimes; qualified and nonqualified retirement plans…

Bethany Bacci is a member of Stoel Rives’ Employee Benefits Group and counsels public and private employers on how to stay in compliance with the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA, HIPAA, COBRA, and the other statutory and regulatory regimes; qualified and nonqualified retirement plans; health and welfare plans; and executive compensation arrangements. In an ever-changing regulatory environment, Bethany assists clients with staying on top of legal developments and current industry trends, including everything from pension derisking to changes in health care reform. In corporate transactions, she assists clients with identifying potential liability, assessing risks, and analyzing opportunities for synergy. She regularly handles plan spinoffs and mergers. Bethany has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America© in the Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law practice area for 2013 to 2019.

Click here for Bethany Bacci’s full bio.

Photo of Gabby Hansen Gabby Hansen

Gabby Hansen is an associate in Stoel Rives’ Benefits, Tax and Private Client group. Gabby counsels clients on various employment law-related issues with a focus on employee benefits. Gabby has experience assisting private and public employers. She provides strategic advice to clients so…

Gabby Hansen is an associate in Stoel Rives’ Benefits, Tax and Private Client group. Gabby counsels clients on various employment law-related issues with a focus on employee benefits. Gabby has experience assisting private and public employers. She provides strategic advice to clients so that they can avoid common issues and navigate compliance concerns smoothly. In addition to advice, she enjoys drafting plan documents and assisting clients with health and welfare and retirement plan set-up and design changes.

Click here for Gabby Hansen’s full bio.