The Employee Retirement Income Security Program, despite its name, covers more than just retirement.
Key points for employees:
ERISA covers retirement plans (e.g., 401(k)) and certain other benefit programs (such as medical).
Plan administrators have a duty to provide certain documents, including a summary plan description. The most important documents must be specifically requested by the participant or beneficiary.
Plans must have a reasonable claims procedure and an appeal procedure that affords a "full and fair review".
Group health plans are prohibited from forcing participants to arbitrate their group health plan benefits in lieu of going to court.
Attorneys fees are available to successful claimants who win after going to court to get their benefits.
Courts may give [[deference]] to the original administrative decision if specified by the plan and the claims/appeals were decided fairly and reasonably; otherwise, the court will decide the issue [[de novo]].
[[go]] https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/29/chapter-18