Update: What are ERISA health plan documents and SPDs?

Any employer sponsoring a health and welfare benefit plan covered by ERISA must have a written plan document and a written summary plan description (SPD) that each contain specific content. Failing to meet these ERISA rules can lead to penalties and other liabilities. But knowing what qualifies as a plan document or an SPD is sometimes difficult, given the variety of other benefit communications, such as insurance policies, benefit brochures, and employee handbooks. This Update describes key points that employers should know about ERISA's plan document and SPD requirements.  (Update, 14 Sep 2007, 4 pages)

• Full Update (PDF)

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