ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in private industry, providing protection to individuals in these plans. For healthcare plans, ERISA mandates that plan administrators must act in the best interest of participants and beneficiaries, ensure the plan has clear documentation, and provide participants with essential information about plan features and funding. Given that ERISA governs the coverage of approximately 139 million Americans across 2.5 million health plans, understanding and complying with ERISA’s requirements is crucial for any employer offering health plans. ERISA health plans are required to disclose plan information to participants, file reports with the government, and adhere to fiduciary responsibilities, which include ensuring the plan is financially sound and managed prudently. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, lawsuits, and a damaged reputation, making it critical for employers to fully grasp and meet ERISA’s requirements.