Greta Elaine Gerberding Cowart

Over 30 years of experience in advising employers regarding complex employee benefit plan issues, including design, administration, defense of claims, vendor selection,reducing financial statement risks related to long term benefit obligations in pensions and retiree benefits, and strategies for recruitment and retention of work forces and in creducing risks in downsizing or right sizing of the workforce. Provided expert opinions for employer administration issues for both retirement plans and health plan disputes.  Such advice includes consideration of litigation trends under ERISA and other laws. Counseled employers through strategies and steps necessary to reduce financial statement risks related to retiree medical, pension, retiree life and long term disability benefits.  

Advised employers on employee benefits strategies for a variety of different types and generations within the workforce. Counseled employers dealing with sensitive workplace issues involving benefits, including addressing employees with substance abuse issues. Co-authored article on employer startegies to consider when dealing with the opioid crisis with law school classmate, a recognized labor attorney.

Significant successful representations of employers against challenges by the IRS, U.S. Department of Labor, Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services (HIPAA Privacy and Security) and participant challenges to the administration and operation of the employee benefit plans.