Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Contact: Diane Weber, Diane.Weber@ThompsonHine.com
A webinar series presented by Thompson Hine LLP
Voluntary Benefits, Mandatory Rules: When “Extras” Trigger ERISA Obligations
Join us for the next session in our 2026 Brown Bag Benefits webinar series — quick and concise lunchtime programs designed to deliver timely updates on employee benefits matters without taking up too much space on your calendar. Each 30-minute session provides practical insights on emerging legal developments and regulatory trends impacting plan sponsors and benefit professionals. Join us for the full series or just those of interest to you.
Voluntary benefits—such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance—have evolved from nice-to-have perks to sought-after benefits. However, offering these benefits can raise ERISA questions that employers may not have considered. In this session, Kim Wilcoxon and Nate Ingraham will discuss when voluntary benefits may be subject to ERISA, the pros and cons of ERISA status, related fiduciary and compliance considerations, and recent litigation trends involving voluntary benefits.