Technically, each welfare benefit (medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, HRA, etc.) is considered a separate ERISA plan. That means each one would require its own plan document, Summary Plan Description (SPD), and possibly Form 5500 filing if not bundled.
But in practice, most employers choose to simplify.
🧾 The Common Solution: A Wrap Document
Instead of managing a mountain of individual plan documents, many employers create a wrap document to combine multiple benefits into one single ERISA plan. This approach:
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Meets legal documentation requirements
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Allows for one combined SPD
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Reduces complexity (especially for Form 5500 filings)
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Keeps you organized and ready in case of a DOL audit
🧠Key Tip:
Whether you offer two benefits or ten, using a wrap document is the easiest way to stay compliant without juggling separate documents for every plan.