Overview
Mary Samsadoubted that multiple religiously affiliated hospitals, being sued by employees (in a Supreme Court case) claiming their pension plans are not “church plans” exempt from full funding under ERISA, would be hit with significant penalties if they lose. “Generally, pension plans are not legally required to be fully funded at all times,” Ms. Samsa said. “In fact, it is anticipated by the Pension Protection Act rules that some plans won’t be and if that occurs, certain restrictions on the plan come into play.”