What Exactly are Group Benefits?

​If you are reading this, then this is probably your first real job as an “adult.” Either that or you are curious about health benefits. Nonetheless, this article is going to talk about group benefits. What are they? Who are they for? How do they work? We will try to address those fundamental questions in this article so let us get started. 

What is a Group Benefit?
So a group benefit is a health benefit plan for the plan participants and their dependents. This plan is set up and maintained by the employer, an employee union, or even both. The plan is received through insurance, possible reimbursement, and otherwise. So it is health coverage that covers your dependents as well.

That means that this plan is for people with dependents. That can mean a young family, someone with senior dependents, single-parent households, and more. It will depend on the type of plans that the participant is given as well as what they choose.

How do Group Benefits Work?
Participants in the private sector are covered by ERISA or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. This provides the participants and beneficiaries protection in their employee benefits. This includes providing them access to the information on the benefit plan, among other things. Also, ERISA has set a standard for the parties who handle and manage these plans. These standards have to be met as part of their responsibilities according to law.

For these standards to be enforced, there is EBSA or Employee Benefits Security Administration. It is responsible for implementing as well as administering the rules and provisions of ERISA. As part of their duties, the agency provides participants with consumer information on health plans. They also help with compliance assistance for plan service providers, employers, as well as other parties the help with complying with the provisions of  ERISA

If you are a new employee or are about to have a dependent, it is good to know more about this as it may help you out a lot in the future. Remember that you can look up Both ERISA and EBSA for help as well as more information on your health plan and other similar needs.

At Alliance Health Group, we put our clients first by offering them policies that they can afford. Having insurance is a necessity nowadays and we're here to help you out. Learn more about our products and services by calling our agency at (813) 501-4006. You can also request a free quote by CLICKING HERE.