Events & Webinars

This webinar will dive into the key requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), covering everything from fiduciary responsibilities to plan administration. Learn about ERISA’s impact on retirement plans, health benefits, and more, while gaining actionable insights to ensure your organization stays compliant and protects employees’ benefits.

Kick off the series with a simple, clear look at what AI really is and how it’s already being used in benefits, claims, and accounting. We’ll walk through tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, show real examples in action, and talk about how to use AI safely and responsibly.

Why it matters: This is the foundation. If you’re unsure where to start, this session gives you the confidence to explore AI without needing a tech background.

Host: Aaron MacDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, Michigan Planners

The employee benefits landscape continues to shift as post-2024 and 2025 rate increases place added pressure on employer budgets. Groups in the 50–500 life range are especially feeling the impact, facing rising costs, limited transparency, and evolving compliance requirements. With inflation, shifting risk dynamics, and new regulations in play, employers need to proactively explore strategic cost containment, smarter funding models, and data-driven planning to stay ahead of renewal season.

AI only works well if you ask it the right way. This session teaches you how to “talk” to AI clearly so it gives you accurate, helpful results. You’ll learn simple techniques to get better answers, faster and even how to build a set of go-to prompts for things you do often.

Why it matters: Think of this as learning how to write an email to someone who’s smart but needs guidance. The better your instructions, the better the result.

Imagine having your own AI assistant that knows your company’s tone, tasks, and policies. This session shows you how to create just that: an AI agent trained on your materials, ready to help with claims, communication, or internal support.

Why it matters: This turns AI from a fun tool into a real part of your team, helping get things done faster and more consistently.

Host: Matt Cole, Chief Operations Officer, Michigan Planners

This session combines expert vendor insights with actionable funding strategies to help employers rethink their approach to rising costs. We’ll explore creative cost control solutions, real-world outcomes, and how self-funding or level-funding can work for small to midsize groups. Learn how to evaluate stop-loss options, manage risk effectively, and implement non-traditional approaches that actually deliver results.

Instead of one general AI, what if you had a small “team” of AI helpers, each doing a specific job like reviewing documents or answering benefit questions? You’ll learn how to break down big tasks into smaller pieces and let different AI agents handle each one.

Why it matters: This is how you scale your productivity. AI can help in more areas when it’s focused and structured just like your human team.

Host: Michael DiLorenzo, CEO, Michigan Planners & Aaron MacDonald, Chief Strategy Officer, Michigan Planners

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are more than just a tax-advantaged benefit—they’re a powerful long-term cost containment tool. This session will focus on how employers can leverage HSAs to lower costs, engage employees, and support consumer-driven healthcare. We’ll cover best practices, contribution strategies, and how tools like MPI’s MI Life Plan can maximize impact.

AI can work around the clock. In this session, we’ll show how to set up automations so your AI assistants handle tasks overnight like reviewing claims or summarizing reports and are ready with insights by the time you log in.

Why it matters: Free up your day for high-value work by letting AI take care of the routine stuff while you’re off the clock.

This final session helps you take everything you’ve learned and build a plan to roll it out across the company. We’ll cover how to pick the right projects, show the value of AI to your leadership team, and keep the momentum going with small wins and smart tracking.

Why it matters: AI can make a big difference but only if it’s rolled out with purpose. This session sets you up to lead that transformation with confidence.

Hosts: Aaron MacDonald, Chief Strategy Officer & Wes Shivel, Medicare Specialist, Michigan Planners

Explore how employers are using ICHRAs and Medicare to control costs while offering flexibility and choice. We’ll also dive into how claims data can uncover opportunities, support plan design decisions, and guide ongoing strategy. The session will highlight real examples of how data-driven insights lead to long-term savings.

Compliance questions can be tricky, and misunderstandings can lead to costly mistakes. This session will tackle common challenges in tax compliance, ERISA, HRAs, cafeteria plans, reporting and disclosure, and the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Get clear answers to frequently asked questions and practical guidance to help you navigate these regulations with confidence.

Larry will cover the fundamentals of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), including eligibility requirements, contribution limits, tax benefits, and compliance considerations. Learn how HSAs can benefit both employers and employees, while ensuring your organization stays compliant with the latest regulations surrounding these accounts. Perfect for HR professionals and benefits administrators looking to maximize the value of HSAs.

This webinar will focus on the intersection of Medicare and COBRA, covering eligibility, coverage options, and compliance requirements for both. Learn how these programs work together, how to navigate enrollment periods, and the responsibilities employers have when employees transition to Medicare. This session is essential for HR professionals and benefits administrators managing employee health benefits and ensuring compliance with Medicare and COBRA regulations.