The written foundation of every ERISA health plan — plan documents, SPDs, wrap documents, amendments, and the cafeteria plan that makes pre-tax premiums possible.
The plan document is the formal legal instrument governing the plan — every ERISA plan must have one. The SPD is the plain-language summary that must be distributed to participants. Insurance certificates and booklets alone usually satisfy neither requirement fully.
Read the full answerA wrap document "wraps" ERISA-required plan and SPD language around insurance certificates and benefit booklets, combining multiple welfare benefits into a single ERISA plan. It fills the compliance gaps carriers leave and can reduce multiple Form 5500 filings to one.
Read the full answerAn SMM is the notice participants must receive when a plan changes materially between SPD updates. It's generally due within 210 days after the plan year of the change — but just 60 days for material reductions in group health coverage or benefits.
Read the full answerA Section 125 cafeteria plan (including simple premium-only plans) is the IRS-required written plan that lets employees pay premiums and contribute to FSAs pre-tax. Without an up-to-date written cafeteria plan document, those pre-tax deductions technically fail — creating tax exposure.
Read the full answerReview plan documents, the wrap, SPDs, and the cafeteria plan at least annually — ideally alongside renewal — and update them whenever benefits, carriers, eligibility, or the law change. SPDs must be re-furnished every five years if the plan has been amended, every ten regardless.
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Fiduciary In A Box walks your team through every one of these requirements step by step — documenting decisions, organizing files, and keeping your plan compliant year-round.
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