Employers subject to ERISA must maintain specific documents for each group health or welfare plan they offer. These documents ensure compliance and give employees clear information about their benefits.
📄 Required ERISA Plan Documents:
1. Plan Document
This is the official legal document that outlines the structure of the benefit plan—who’s eligible, what benefits are offered, how the plan is administered, and more.
Note: Even if you offer a fully insured health plan, you still need a written plan document.
2. Summary Plan Description (SPD)
This is a plain-language explanation of the plan, which must be distributed to participants. It includes eligibility rules, benefits, claims procedures, and participant rights under ERISA.
The SPD must be provided within 90 days of enrollment (or within 120 days of a new plan’s creation).
3. Form 5500 (if applicable)
Large group health plans (typically with 100 or more participants) must file an annual Form 5500 with the Department of Labor.
🧠Optional but Helpful:
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Wrap Document: Combines multiple benefit plans into one ERISA-compliant plan document and SPD. Very common for small employers who offer multiple benefits.