ERISA Standards & Plan Governance
The Challenge
The company had grown quickly but their plan governance had not kept pace with their size. They lacked a formal benefits committee and their plan documents were outdated, leaving them vulnerable to Department of Labor audits and internal inconsistencies.
The IMPACT
Inconsistent plan administration was creating confusion among employees and increasing the administrative burden on the HR team. Leadership felt they were playing catch-up with regulations rather than maintaining a proactive stance on plan governance.
The Strategy
We implemented a formal governance structure, including a benefits committee charter and a regular meeting cadence for plan review. JA updated all plan documents and established a clear standard of care for every decision made regarding the health plan.
THE OUtcome
The new governance model provided the company with a clear roadmap for decision-making and ensured total alignment with ERISA standards. This structural reset reduced administrative friction and provided a defensible record of the firm’s fiduciary excellence.
Things Employers Should Consider
Strong plan governance is the backbone of a successful benefits program. It protects leadership from legal risk and ensures that the plan is managed with a long-term vision rather than reactive choices. Employers who prioritize governance find that their plans are more stable, more efficient, and better respected by their workforce.