Learning Hub

On the Road to Compliance: 5 Pit-Stops to Fuel Broker-Client Connections & Accelerate Your Business

February 12, 2026 – March 12, 2026 | Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. ET
$99

Embark on Medcom's 5-week journey to total benefits compliance with this exclusive brokers-only ERISA compliance training program! Guided by our compliance experts, this virtual series will break down key rules, real-world challenges, and practical strategies to help you support your clients with confidence.

Medcom prides itself on being a top service provider on Shortlister, BenefitPitch, and among national agencies for the quality and value of our services, including competitive, high-quality broker training. Don’t miss this opportunity to drive your business forward and strengthen your compliance knowledge!

Meet the Instructors


Derek Ashton, CEBS

Director of Training & Compliance Business Development

An in-demand speaker and host of the popular year-round “Compliance Recharge” series, Derek informs and entertains while delivering practical insights tailored to the interests of insurance producers, benefits consultants, and brokerage client service professionals. After earning a B.A. in Divinity, Derek attained the Group Benefits Associate (GBA), Compensation Management Specialist (CMS), and Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) designations through the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. After joining Medcom in 2012, he directed the company’s Compliance & Actuarial Division for over seven years and now serves in a compliance consulting, training, and business development leadership role.


Mary Catherine Waldron, J.D.

Senior Compliance Advisor

Mary Catherine Waldron, J.D., has been with Medcom Benefits Solutions for seven years. Mary Catherine graduated from the University of Central Florida, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Bachelor of Arts in History, and completed a Graduate program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Mary Catherine then earned her Juris Doctor in only two years, graduating with Honors recognition in Pro Bono legal services. While in law school, she was an active member of the nationally ranked Moot Court Honor Board and was a certified legal intern with the State Attorney’s Office for the 4th Judicial Circuit Special Prosecution Division and the 7th Judicial Circuit Court for the State of Florida. Mary Catherine enjoys working closely with her team as well as the Medcom partners and clients to provide guidance and assistance on the various facets of Health and Welfare Compliance. Mary Catherine’s main areas of focus are ERISA and Nondiscrimination Testing.

$99
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Training Agenda

Session 1: ERISA and Plan Documents

  • Why Compliance is Important
  • Introduction to ERISA
    • Fiduciary Requirements
    • Plan Document and SPD Requirements
    • Wrap Documents

Session 2: ERISA and Form 5500

  • How to Distribute SPDs, Notices, and Related Documents
  • Form 5500 Overview
    • How Wrap Documents Impact Form 5500 Filings
    • Form 5500 Due Dates and Extensions
    • The Summary Annual Report
    • How to Handle Delinquent Filings

Session 3: Tax-Advantaged and Account-Based Plans

  • Tax Code Compliance Overview
  • Cafeteria Plan Compliance
  • Mid-Year Election Changes
  • Nondiscrimination Testing Overview
    • NDT for Cafeteria Plans
    • NDT for Self-Funded Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
  • Overview of HSAs
  • Overview of HRAs

Session 4: Essentials of COBRA Compliance

  • Employers & Plans Subject to COBRA
  • COBRA Qualifying Events
  • Maximum Coverage Periods, Disability Extensions, and Second Qualifying Events
  • How COBRA is Impacted by Leaves of Absence, Severance Agreements, Merger/Acquisition Activity, and Other Scenarios

Session 5: ACA, HIPAA, and CAA

  • ACA Compliance Requirements
  • HIPAA Privacy & Security for Self-Funded Plans
  • Overview of Consolidated Appropriations Act Compliance
    • Transparency Rules
    • RxDC Reporting
    • Mental Health Parity Rules
    • Gag Clause Attestations

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Testimonials

“Mary Catherine is wonderful! So knowledgeable and witty, the way she breaks things down to an understandable level, then helps build on that base, really makes her sessions enjoyable!”

“A great job was done explaining the topics and engaging everyone with real-life scenarios.”

“Lots of information that brokers can ask more about when talking to the compliance team.”

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