People: Benjamin J. Conley, Associate

Benjamin J. Conley

Associate

Chicago
Direct: (312) 460-5228
Fax: (312) 460-7228

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Biography

Mr. Conley is an attorney in the Chicago office of Seyfarth Shaw LLP. He focuses his practice on employee benefit plans. Mr. Conley has experience counseling clients on qualified retirement plans, health and welfare plans, and executive compensation.

Mr. Conley regularly advises clients on defined benefit and defined contribution plan compliance, including corrections for plan operational errors. He assists clients in drafting plan documents, plan amendments and participant communications. He also advises clients on health & welfare plan compliance, including medical and dental plans, cafeteria plans, flexible spending accounts and dependent care spending accounts. Mr. Conley counsels clients on plan design decisions relating to COBRA, HIPAA privacy regulations and health care reform legislation.

Mr. Conley is a member of the firm's Health Care Reform Team. This cross-departmental team of lawyers was formed to focus on how health care reform will affect our clients. Mr. Conley started closely following health care reform well before it was passed into law. He regularly consults with governmental agencies on health care reform developments and has submitted comments on health care reform interim regulations on behalf of clients. Mr. Conley has presented extensively on health care reform and what it means for businesses, including leading the Healthcare Reform Certification Program offered by the Employer Healthcare Congress.

Mr. Conley serves as the editor and primary articles contributor for the Mid American Group Quarterly Benefits Newsletter. He has written articles concerning health care reform legislation, employer wellness programs, fiduciary responsibilities, claims review procedures and retiree medical benefits. Prior to joining Seyfarth, Mr. Conley was a lead articles editor for theWashington & Lee University Law Review.

Education

J.D., Washington and Lee University (2008)
Order of the Coif
Lead Articles Editor, Washington & Lee University Law Review; Winner of the 2007 Robert J. Grey, Jr. Negotiations Competition; ABA Regional Negotiations Competition Finalist
B.A., Miami University (2005)

Admissions

Illinois

Affiliations

Chicago Cares
Center for Economic Progress
Miami University Alumni Association
Near North Library Friends Association (Board Member)
Washington and Lee Alumni Association

Presentations

“Health Care Reform Update - New Guidance from HHS, DOL and IRS” Employer Healthcare Congress Webinar (December 2012)
“New Market Franchisee Affordable Care Act Briefing,” Regional Presentation for Client Restaurant Chain (December 2012)
“Preparing for Health Care Reform’s 2014 Benefits Overhaul,” Illinois Chamber of Commerce Webinar (December 2012)
“Post Electoral Healthcare Reform PPACA Update,” Employer Healthcare Congress Webinar (November 2012)
“The Election Results are In: What the Hospitality Industry Should Expect in the Next Four Years,” Client Webinar (November 2012)
“Impact of the Affordable Care Act Insurance Mandates on Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans (Part I),” Employer Healthcare Congress Convention (October 2012)
“Impact of the Affordable Care Act Insurance Mandates on Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans (Part I),” Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist Webinar (September 2012)
“Impact of the Affordable Care Act Insurance Mandates on Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans (Part II),” Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist Webinar (September 2012)
“Strategically Communicating with Employees about the Affordable Care Act,” Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist Webinar (September 2012)
“State, Federal and Private Health Exchanges: The Future Marketplace for Health Insurance?,” Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist Webinar (September 2012)
“Planning Ahead for the Affordable Care Act,” Vistage Executive Coaching Group (September 2012)
“Affordable Care Act Briefing,” Presented to the Franchise Advisory Council for a National Restaurant Chain (August 2012)
“Understanding Employee Benefit Program Changes as a Result of the Affordable Care Act,” Assurance University (August 2012)
“Health Care Reform: Employer Update and Action Steps,” Worldwide Employee Benefits Network (August 2012)
“Health Care Reform Update: Impact on Employers,” McGladrey Alliance Human Resources Roundtable (August 2012)
“Preparing for the Affordable Care Act’s Summary of Benefits & Coverage (SBC) Requirement,” The Knowledge Congress (August 2012)
“Health Care Reform for Employers: The Work is Not Over Yet….,” Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council (July 2012)
“Full Steam Ahead on Health Care Reform, “ Client Webinar (July 2012)
“Impact of Health Reform on Employers and Small Business Owners,” Foundation Repair Association (April 2012)
“Handicapping the Supreme Court on Health Care Reform,” California Chamber of Commerce (April 2012)
“Impact of Health Reform on Agricultural Employers and Small Business Owners,” American Farm Bureau Federation (April 2012)
“Healthcare Preparedness: Getting Ready for 2014 Today,” Inland Press Association (March 2012)
“Healthcare Reform -- The Work is Not Over Yet,” WorldWide Employee Benefits Network (February 2012)
“HSAs: Passing Fad or Wave of the Future?” Client Webinar (February 2012)
“Healthcare Reform - Updates & Future Outlook,” Melita Group Webinar (January 2012)
“Healthcare Reform Certification Workshop,” Employer Healthcare Congress (October 2011)
“Planning for PPACA - A Panel on Short-term and Long-term Compliance and Planning Concerns,” Employer Healthcare Congress (October 2011)
“Legislative Alert: Important IL Workers’ Compensation Reform Updates and the Latest Affordable Care Act News,” Assurance University (September 2011)
“Opportunity to Reduce Health Care Costs,” Assurance Agency - Seyfarth Shaw Client Webinar (September 2011)
“Employer Healthcare Reform Disclosure Requirements: Countdown or Meltdown?” WorldWide Employee Benefits Network (August 2011)
“Self-Funding for Group Health Plans: Opportunities for Employers, Considerations Under PPACA and Other Issues,” Assurance Agency - Seyfarth Shaw Client Webinar (August 2011)
“Health Care Reform: Understanding Employer Obligations” Melita Group Webinar (March 2011)
“Affordable Care Act Implications for Governmental Plans,” ABA State and Local Government Section, Government Operations Committee (February 2011)
”WEB 2010 Health & Welfare Roundup,” WorldWide Employee Benefits Network (December 2010)
“Benefits Strategy and Health Care Reform,” Northern Virginia Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) (November 2010)
“What Business Owners Must Know About the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act,” AHLA/PNC Bank (October 2010)
“Health Reform - Six Months Later,” Client Webinar (October 2010)
“Health Care Reform: What it Means for Public Sector Collective Bargaining,” IPELRA Annual Conference (October 2010)
“Resetting the Benefits Agenda - Employer Challenges under Health Care Reform and Other Benefits Laws for Q4 2010 and 2011,” Client Breakfast Briefing (September 2010)
“Health Care Reform Legislation: What it Means for Your Business,” Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce (April 2010)
“An Employer’s Guide to Health Reform,” Client Webinar (April 2010)
“Attorney Briefing on Health Care Reform Legislation,” Internal Firm Webinar (March 2010)

Publications

Co-Author, "Issue 64: Tri-Agency FAQs Address Annual Limit Waivers, Provider Selection, Clinical Trials and Transparency Notices," Health Care Reform Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (May 17, 2013)
Co- Author, “Issue 61: Summaries of Benefits and Coverage - Round 2,” Health Care Reform Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (April 29, 2013)
Co-Author, “Issue 58: IRS Employer Mandate Clarification Spells Relief for Employers Contributing to Multiemployer Plans,” Health Care Reform Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (March 15, 2013)
Co-Author, “Issue 50: New Guidance Delays Effective Date for Employer Exchange Notification,” Heath Care Reform Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (January 28, 2013)
Co-Author, Fiscal Cliff NO. 4: Will the Fiscal Cliff Negotiations Impact Whether an Employer Owes a Penalty Under Health Care Reform?” Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (December 20, 2012)
Author, “2013 Employment Law Update: The Affordable Care Act’s Employer Mandate: An Explanation and Discussion of the Impact on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans,” Wolters Kluwer Law & Business (Publication Pending)
Co-author, “Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act’s Individual Mandate; Limits Medicad Enforcement Mechanism,” Health Care Reform Management Alert, Seyfarth Shaw LLP (June 29, 2012)
Author, “Proposed Regulations Address Calculating and Paying the Comparative Effectiveness Fee,” HR Hero E-Zine (June 2012)
Co-Author, “IRS Provides Transition Relief for $2,500 Issue FSA Cap; Delays Amendment Deadline,” Heath Care Reform Management Alert Series, Seyfarth Shaw (June 1, 2012)
Co-Author, “Does My Plan Provide Minimum Value?” Client Alert (May 2012)
Co-Author, “Plan Sponsors May Be Able to Issue Fewer SBCs than Originally Expected,” Client Alert (March 2012)
Co-Author, “Essential Health Benefits to Be Defined by ‘Benchmark’ Plans,” Client Alert (March 2012)
Co-Author, “SPD Language, External Review for Self-Insured Health Plans,” Practical Law: The Journal (March 2012)
Co-Author, “Health Exchanges and Multiemployer Plans -- Can They Exist in Harmony?” Benefits Magazine (February 2012)
Author, “Staffing Industry Concerns under the Affordable Care Act,” HR hero E-Zine (February 2012)
Co-Author, “Final Summary of Benefits & Coverage Rule Delays Effective Date, Modifies Requirement,” Client Alert (February 2012)
Co-Author, “Medical Loss Ratio Rebates Expected in August 2012 - Could Constitute Plan Assets,” Client Alert (February 2012)
Co-Author, “Illinois Announces Civil Union Partner Benefits Not Taxable,” Client Alert (February 2012)
Co-Author, “IRS Issues Sample Amendment for PPA Funding-Based Restrictions and Extends Deadline for Amending Plans,” Client Alert (December 2011)
Author, “New W-2 Reporting Requirement,” Melita Group Newsletter, (November 2011)
Co-Author, “Agency Guidance Suggests Delay in Summary of Benefits and Coverage Effective Date,” Client Alert (November 2011)
Editor & Contributing Author, “Mid American Group Quarterly Benefits Newsletter,” Mid American Benefits Group (June 2011 - Present)
Co-Author, “IRS Announces 2012 Inflation-Adjusted Benefit Limits,” Client Alert (October 2011)
Co-Author, “CLASS Act Halted Due to Solvency Concerns,” Client Alert (October 2011)
Co-Author, “New October 14th Deadline for Medicare Part D Creditable Coverage Notice,” Client Alert (September 2011)
Author, “IRS Guidance Makes 2014 Hospitality Employer Health Care Costs More Predictable,” Five Key Labor and Employment Issues Hospitality Employers Need to Be Aware of This Quarter (September 2011)
Co-Author, “IRS Guidance Helps Employers Estimate Play or Pay Penalty,” Client Alert (September 2011)
Co-Author, “Summary of Benefits and Coverage and Advance Notice of Modifications,” Client Alert (August 2011)
Co-Author, “Civil Union Act Requires Insurance Policies to Conform Immediately,” IASB Online Update (June 2011)
Author, “An Employer’s Guide to Health Reform,” Healthcare Reform Law Resource Guide, American Health Lawyers Association (June 2010)
Co-Author, “ERISA Fiduciary and Claims Procedures,” Benefits Compliance - Strategies for Plans, Programs & Policies, M. Lee Smith Publishers, LLC (June 2010)
Author, “Educated Projections Regarding Health Care Reform Legislation,” Benefits & Compensation Law Alert (January 2010) (Revised January 2012)
Co-Author, “Expatriate Arrangements - Are They Deferred Compensation Subject to Code Section 409A?,” Practical Law Company (January 2010)
Co-Author, “Employer Considerations in Reducing Retiree Medical Benefits,” Practical Law Company (October 2009)

Press

Quoted in “High Court’s Health Care Decision Sends Employers Scrambling,” Daily Journal (July 2012)
Quoted in “Businesses Ponder Impact of Health-Care Reform,” Fox Business (March 2012)
Quoted in “Health Reform Still Fuzzy to Business Owners,” Daily Journal (April 2011)
Quoted in “What the health care overhaul means for media companies,” Inland Press Association (October 2010)

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Events

11/15/2012 The Election Results Are In: What The Hospitality Industry Should Expect In The Next Four Years
7/19/2012 Deb Gordon, Ben Conley Speaking at MCHC Program on Health Care Reform

People: Benjamin J. Conley, Associate

Benjamin J. Conley

Biography

Education

Admissions

Affiliations

Presentations

Publications

Press

Health Care Reform Team

@SeyfarthEBLaw

Practice Accolades

News

Publications

Events

Practices & Sectors

Specialty Teams