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New regulatory landscape for DC plan disclosures

New disclosures about defined contribution (DC) plan fees and investment expenses would take effect under Labor Department rules proposed in July. This Update outlines the new disclosures and their implications for 401(k) and other DC plan sponsors. (Update, 2 Sep 2008, 1 page) More | Article

On-site clinics require ounce of legal prevention

Workplace health clinics can curb benefit costs and improve employee wellness, but employers must navigate complex legal issues to realize these gains. This Update answers common legal questions to consider before offering on-site health clinics. (Update, 20 Aug 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Institutional plans post negative Q2 returns

The median corporate, public and foundation/endowment plan has seen negative 2008 returns, Mercer's latest survey of plan performance finds. Quarterly losses ranged from 0.4 percent for foundation/endowment funds to 1 percent for corporate plans. (Update, 15 Aug 2008, 8 pages) More | Article

Domestic partner benefits present HR challenges

Nontraditional same- and opposite-sex relationships present benefit challenges for employers. Understanding what state and federal laws require and how they interact is critical. This Update looks at legal and tax issues for domestic partner benefits. (Update, 6 Aug 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Broad equity markets post losses for Q2 2008

All equity markets started 2008 with first-quarter losses, Mercer's Defined Contribution Universe Summary reports. Losses varied from 2.7 percent for the S&P 500 to 1.0 percent for the fixed-income class, but money-market funds saw a small gain. (Update, 1 Aug 2008, 5 pages) More | Article

How do health plans handle same-sex marriages?

Several states have legalized or plan to recognize same-sex marriages, yet federal and many state laws won't extend legal rights to these unions. This Update looks at what this conflict means for employer health plans offering spousal benefits. (Update, 23 Jul 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Plan for next year's open season

Summer is the perfect time to review strategies and plan a successful open enrollment season for the upcoming plan year. This Update provides tips on meeting legal requirements and the needs of participants and sponsors alike. (Update, 26 Jun 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Genetic bias law affects employers, health plans

New restrictions apply to genetic information used for employment or health benefits under a law signed May 21. This Update highlights key terms effective for health plan years starting on or after May 21, 2009, and for employers on Nov. 21, 2009. (Update, 11 Jun 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

Institutional plans post negative Q1 returns

The median corporate, public and foundation/endowment plan has seen negative 2008 returns, Mercer's latest survey of plan performance finds. Quarterly losses ranged from 5.0 percent for foundation/endowment funds to 5.5 percent for corporate plans. (Update, 28 May 2008, 7 pages) More | Article

Design tips for consumer-directed health plans

Consumer-directed health plans can help employers rein in benefit spending and teach employees to be better health care consumers. A recent Mercer survey identified key design elements that are powerful predictors of plan success. (Update, 23 May 2008, 4 pages) More | Article

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What are Updates?

Updates are summaries and brief analyses of business-line specific news and developments. Mercer's Retirement, H&B, and Human Capital Businesses -- along with the WRG -- publish Updates as developments warrant, typically 2-3 times a month.

Tools from Mercer Select

Toolkits developed by Mercer experts are available to help you deal with particularly complex HR areas: HIPAA security and FLSA.