Group Health Plan Coverage for Small Employers: Regulatory Compliance, Plan Design Options, and Alternatives

BARBRI

This CLE webinar will provide guidance to employee benefits counsel on group health plan design options and challenges associated with the development and administration of group health plans for small employers. The panel will discuss issues that arise in connection with the design and administration of group health and welfare benefit plans maintained by small employers. The panel will also provide methods to maintain compliance with federal regulations, provisions for plan documents, handling participant claims, and available group health plan alternatives.

Description

One of the most critical issues for small employers is determining whether to establish a group health plan for employees. Before providing a group health plan, an employer must decide how to deliver those benefits and comply with federal and state regulations.

The statutory and regulatory responsibilities relevant to health and welfare benefit plans can be burdensome for small employers. The employer must be aware of and consider the special rules, limitations, and exceptions applicable to small employers before implementing any type of health plan.

Group health plans must be appropriately structured to allow both the employer and employee to benefit under the current law. Additionally, ERISA plans include rights and protections for plan participants requiring careful attention to administrative and operational guidelines.

An employer can designate a third party to administer the plan. Counsel must understand all rules associated with the design and implementation of a group health plan for small employers to ensure compliance with federal and state law.

Listen as our panel provides their insights into issues that arise in the design and administration of health and welfare plans for small employers, reporting and disclosure to government agencies and plan participants, and methods to maintain compliance.

Outline

1. Defining "small employer" or "small plan" under ERISA
2. Preliminary issues in establishing a group health plan for small employers
3. Plan design options and other factors to consider
4. Group health pan alternatives
5. Benefit plan administration and operation challenges
6. Best practices and tips for ERISA counsel in advising small employers

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