Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs)

The Summary Plan Description (SPD) outlines the different benefits provided by your health insurance plan, as well as your legal rights outlined by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). ERISA is a federal law that protects the health benefits of people in the U.S. Your SPD provides information about the healthcare coverage for you and your covered dependents and about different services provided by your health insurance plan. In addition, the SPD states at what point your employer can change or end your health benefits plan.

All group health plans subject to ERISA must provide participants with an SPD regardless of size. Both insured and self-funded group health plans must comply with the federal laws governing SPDs.

Participants must receive an SPD:

  • Within 120 days of the plan becoming subject to ERISA
  • Within days of enrollment for new participants
  • Every 5 years if material amendments are made during that period
  • Every 10 years if no amendments occur

Bene-Care will create and provide these summaries for you and your employees to keep you in compliance with the laws and regulations governing your health plans.