What types of health benefits are covered by ERISA?

ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act) covers a wide range of employee benefit plans, including health benefit plans. The types of health benefit plans covered by ERISA include:

1. Employer-Sponsored Group Health Plans: This includes health insurance plans provided by employers for their employees and their families.

2. Self-Insured Health Plans: These are health benefit plans where the employer assumes the financial risk for providing healthcare benefits to employees, rather than purchasing insurance from a third-party carrier.

3. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): These are employer-funded arrangements that reimburse employees for eligible medical expenses.

4. Health Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): These are employer-sponsored accounts that allow employees to set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses.

5. Dental and Vision Plans: ERISA also covers dental and vision benefit plans provided by employers.

6. Prescription Drug Plans: ERISA applies to prescription drug plans offered by employers as part of their benefits package.

It's important to note that ERISA does not cover health benefit plans provided by government entities, such as plans offered to federal government employees or state employees, as these are typically governed by separate regulations. Those state laws and regulations often establish requirements similar to ERISA. Additionally, ERISA exempts certain church plans and plans maintained by governmental entities.

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