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ERISA Group Health Plan

Meaning

An ERISA Group Health Plan is a health insurance or employee welfare benefit plan established or maintained by a private-sector employer for the purpose of providing medical, surgical, or hospital care to its employees and their beneficiaries. Governed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, these plans must adhere to stringent federal requirements regarding reporting, disclosure, fiduciary standards, and claims procedures. Many modern corporate wellness programs, particularly those offering biometric screenings or health risk assessments, are considered part of or integrated with an ERISA Group Health Plan, subjecting them to these extensive regulatory mandates. The classification is vital for determining an employee’s legal rights and protections concerning their health benefits.