Short answer: ERISA is the federal law governing most private-sector employee benefit plans. It sets rules for plan documents, employee disclosures (like the SPD), fiduciary duties, claims and appeals, and reporting (Form 5500).
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is the federal framework for private-sector health and retirement benefits. It requires employers to maintain plan documents, give participants a Summary Plan Description and other notices, act as fiduciaries in the plan’s interest, follow defined claims and appeals procedures, and file Form 5500 for larger plans. ERISA also preempts many state insurance laws, which is why self-funded plans can sidestep state mandates. Governmental and most church plans are exempt.