ERISA compliance comprises three main elements:
1 Reporting - The employer must file certain information with the Department of Labor and the IRS, including a summary plan description setting out the plan’s details. Plans must also report material modifications to the plan.
2 Disclosure - ERISA requires sharing all material information with plan participants and the Department of Labor on request.
3 Paying Claims - Plans must establish a claims procedure to process claims for benefits. The plan must provide information for appealing to any participant whose claim is denied.