Confronting retiree health benefits costs: current litigation trends
Article Abstract:
Escalating medical costs make retiree health benefits very important to people, so it is not surprising that employers' rights to reduce or eliminate such benefits have been the subject of much case law. ERISA is the applicable law and much of the case law concerns collectively-bargained benefits. The key issue in most cases is whether the promised benefit survives termination of the collectively bargained contract. Absent explicit language on this point, the courts look at parties' 'pattern of conduct' in order to construe intent. Some cases address whether the right to a benefit can be vested.
Publication Name: Tax Management Compensation Planning Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-8607
Year: 1993
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Accounting for postretirement health care benefits: the implementation and ramifications of FAS 106
Article Abstract:
Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement 106 mandates that companies perform accrual accounting for all postretirement benefits other than pensions. In view of the aging population and the rapidly increasing cost of health care benefits, health insurance is the most costly benefit to plan for. FAS 106 applies to fiscal years starting after Dec 15, 1992. Most companies use 'pay-as-you-go' and will have a big jump in expenses when they change to accrual-based accounting. Companies with generous benefits packages will experience the biggest jump in expenses.
Publication Name: Tax Management Compensation Planning Journal
Subject: Law
ISSN: 0747-8607
Year: 1992
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