Responding Quickly: The American Recovery & Reinvestment Act Changed the Regulations for Employers

CLEVELAND, OH (3/5/09) --- Only three days after the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009was signed into law by President Obama, the Benefit Advisors Network responded by conducting a webinar that focused on the new COBRA Provisions. Over 1,200 attended BAN’s webinar which was presented by their Compliance Director Peter Marathas.

“It’s obvious from the number of people that signed up for this webinar that this is the issue right now for employers – and they’re just not sure what to do first,” said Deane Elek, Director of the Benefit Advisors Network. “BAN was able to powerfully and quickly adapt to support our members, enabling them to react quickly and effectively to client demands for information on this critical issue.”

Elek continues, “This is one more reason employers want BAN members from across the country as their broker.”

The COBRA provisions webinar is one more example of BAN responding to the needs of their members and providing tools members can use to support their customers.

“The webinar was able to address our client’s concerns regarding the new regulations,” said Josh Senders, CFP, of Pilot Benefits and BAN member. “While there are still many unanswered questions, participants on the webinar left with the impression that they had the most up to date information from one of the nation’s top law firms.Peter Marathas was able to interpret the new COBRA laws in a way that all participants, regardless of their legal or HR background, were able to grasp the changes and begin to chart a plan of action.”

Unlike many other industry organizations, Benefit Advisors Network only selects one firm per market or market segment to join the organization. That unique structure and philosophy allow members to share best practices, unencumbered by concern about the presence of their competitors.

BAN’s members are widely regarded as the ‘best of the best’ in their respective markets –distinguishing themselves from their competitors through their knowledge of the industry, their ethical approach to business, and their vision.

About Benefit Advisors Network

Benefit Advisors Network is a federated association of benefits brokers who leverage their combined size to bring employers the right solutions at competitive prices. Together they represent more than 10,000 employer groups and 8.5 million employees. For more information about Benefit Advisors Network contact Director Deane Elek at (440) 528-0301 or visit the organization’s website at www.benefitadvisorsnetwork.com