Summary of differences between federal and state regulations
Employee benefits are generally covered under the federal jurisdiction of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA).
Federal ERISA plans generally do not have to comply with state laws. ERISA rules preempt or block state laws that relate to ERISA plans. State insurance laws, however, do apply. Oregon has laws governing group life insurance, which include such provisions as the following:
The policy must cover at least 75 percent of the eligible members of the group or 10 lives, whichever is the greater, at the date of issue of the policy.
Grace period is 31 days.
Employer contribution is optional.
The state also has laws pertaining to legal services insurance.