Rachel Cutler Shim, Esq. Reed Smith, Philadelphia Rachel assists clients with compliance matters associated with health plans, cafeteria plans, welfare benefit plans, flexible compensation programs, retiree health plans and VEBAs. Rachel has significant experience advising small, medium and large multi-national employers on ERISA, HIPAA, ADA, FMLA, and COBRA issues as well as the federal tax-exempt status of plans, tax issues, and plan administration. Rachel also assists clients in complying with the state laws governing health and welfare plan design and administration, domestic partner coverage, continuation of coverage and mandated benefits and regularly counsels clients on ERISA pre-emption of state laws. Rachel also negotiates with third-party administrators, insurance carriers and other vendors on behalf of health and welfare plans. Recently, Rachel has assisted a number of employers in implementing the Medicare Reform Act, including health savings account rules and the prescription drug subsidy as well as in implementing consumer directed health plans and HIPAA compliant wellness programs.