Insight
Case study: Plan testing during a mid-year amendment
How does a complex pension plan not only pass nondiscrimination testing but also pass this testing in the future?
When two significant health systems came together to form a new affiliation and blend shared services capabilities, they turned to Milliman for assistance. A senior Milliman communication consultant worked side by side with key stakeholders to attend planning meetings, set strategy, and develop communications to address the dynamic and fluid situation.
There were some unique challenges with this merger:
Both organizations understood the importance of effective communication in maintaining operations through the transition as well as for the creation of a high-functioning team going forward. The objectives for the communication strategy were to:
Milliman addressed these goals using a number of strategies and tactics, including:
Partnering with Milliman allowed the internal team to focus on the nuts and bolts of the integration work. Some of the communication tools and processes we designed and implemented during the transition continue to this day. In addition, as a neutral “outsider,” Milliman was able to balance the perspectives of the legacy organizations, defuse difficult conversations, and redirect key players down a more positive path.
Insight
How does a complex pension plan not only pass nondiscrimination testing but also pass this testing in the future?