A Wrap document is a type of ERISA plan document that “wraps around” your insurance certificates or benefit contracts to create a single, comprehensive plan document that meets ERISA requirements.
Most insurance carriers provide certificates of coverage or booklets—but these do not satisfy ERISA on their own. That’s where a wrap document comes in.
🧾 What Does a Wrap Document Do?
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Combines multiple benefit plans (like medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, HRA) into one ERISA plan
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Fulfills the requirement for a written plan document and Summary Plan Description (SPD)
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Simplifies Form 5500 filings for large employers by consolidating benefits into one plan filing
🧠 Do I Need One?
If you’re a private-sector employer offering benefits to employees, ERISA requires a formal plan document—even if you’re a small employer. A wrap document is the easiest and most common way to meet that requirement.
You especially need one if:
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You offer multiple types of benefits
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You want to simplify compliance
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You’re concerned about DOL audits or documentation requests