Nicole D. Bogard, Partner, Seyfarth Shaw LLP to Speak at KC’s Play or Pay and 90 Day Waiting Period: Emerging Issues in Health Care Reform Live Webcast

New York, NY, December 21, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The Knowledge Group/The Knowledge Congress Live Webcast Series, the leading producer of regulatory focused webcasts, has announced that Nicole D. Bogard, Partner with Seyfarth Shaw LLP will speak at the Knowledge Congress’ webcast entitled: “Play or Pay and 90 Day Waiting Period: Emerging Issues in Health Care Reform Live Webcast.” This event is scheduled on March 20, 2013 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET.

Visit event homepage to know more and to register:
http://www.knowledgecongress.org/event_2013_Play_or_Pay.html

Event Synopsis:

Guidance was jointly issued by the Departments of Labor, Treasury, and Health and Human Services on two related health care reform issues, the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” penalties and the implementation of the 90-day waiting period limitation. In less than a year, employers employing at least 50 full-time employees will be subject to the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” penalties. If employers do not offer health coverage or do not offer affordable health coverage or coverage that provides a minimum level of value to their full-time employees, they may be subject to a tax penalty under the proposed regulations issued by the Internal Revenue Service. This guidance will help employers prepare for the significant new rules that become effective in 2014. It is essential for employers to have an understanding of the fundamental changes and requirements and to begin planning now to address these pieces of guidance.

In this Live Webcast, attorneys with health care industry expertise across legal areas will provide insight on the scope of the guidance, as well as some recommendations and best practices for handling these changes that are coming in 2014.

Some of the key issues that will be addressed:

• What are the employer shared responsibility or “play or pay” provisions
• How to determine whether you are a large employer subject to the rules
- How to determine full-time status of employees and dependents who must be offered coverage
• How to determine if coverage is affordable and minimum value coverage
• What are the employer liabilities and penalties
- How to identify which rules apply for existing and new employees
- Rules governing the 90-day waiting period limitation

About Nicole D. Bogard

Nicole D. Bogard is a partner in the Atlanta office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP, a full service law firm of over 800 lawyers across 10 offices, handling issues for clients in all key areas including employee benefits, labor and employment, litigation, commercial litigation, real estate, securities litigation, trade secrets, trusts and estates, and workouts and bankruptcy, among others. A member of the firm’s Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation Department, Ms. Bogard focuses her practice on health and welfare plans. She brings significant experience representing clients with matters before the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Health and Human Services. She represents employers on health and welfare employee benefit compliance, including the Health Care Reform Act, COBRA administration, special enrollment rights, HRAs, HSAs and self-funded group health plans. Ms. Bogard has been an instructor for the American Society of Employers and frequently speaks at educational seminars for clients and professional organizations on a variety of benefit issues.

About Seyfarth Shaw LLP

With more than 800 lawyers across 11 offices, Seyfarth Shaw handles issues for clients in all key areas including employee benefits, labor and employment, litigation, and corporate, among others. Clients range from Fortune 100 to midsize companies, and include publicly traded and privately held companies and various types of funds. Recently, BTI Consulting Group recognized Seyfarth as one of the nation’s five best law firms for client service in its 2013 BTI Client Service A-Team Report, which ranks firms based only on client feedback that serve the Fortune 1000. In addition, Seyfarth was honored in November 2012 by the Financial Times with a No. 7 ranking in the FT Law 25 index of innovative law firms, rising two spots from 2011. The recognition reflects the ongoing efforts of the firm's leadership, partnership and staff to drive quality and efficiency in the delivery of client service.

About The Knowledge Group, LLC/The Knowledge Congress Live Webcast Series

The Knowledge Congress is a series of live webcasts produced by The Knowledge Group, LLC, which examine trends, regulatory, and technology changes across a variety of industries. Its mission is to produce unbiased, objective, and educational live webcasts that examine industry trends and regulatory changes from a variety of different perspectives. The goal is to deliver a unique multilevel analysis of an important issue affecting business in a highly focused format.

The organization brings together the world's leading authorities and industry participants through informative two-hour webcasts to study the impact of changes and emerging trends. Hear from leading government officials/regulators, key thought leaders, and industry experts objectively analyze the latest trends and issues and their impact on industries. For further details, please visit the organization’s website: www.knowledgecongress.org.