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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. Under Washington law, for group life insurance, employer contribution is required, the grace period is 31 days, the employer cannot be the beneficiary, and the policy must cover at least two employees at the date of issue.
The premium must be paid by the policyholder, either wholly from the employer's funds or funds contributed by him or her, or partly from such funds and partly from funds contributed by the insured employees, or from funds contributed entirely by the insured employees. A policy on which no part of the premium is to be derived from funds contributed by the insured employees must insure all eligible employees, or all except any as to whom evidence of individual insurability is not satisfactory to the insurer.
Revised by HB 1146, effective 7/24/2005.
In December 2009 state law passed to extend all the state-granted rights and responsibilities of marriage to domestic partners.
State
Contact
Office of the Insurance Commissioner
Regulations
Revised Code of Washington
Title 48 Insurance
Chapter 48.24 Group Life and Annuities
§48.24.020 Employee groups
§48.24.030 Dependents of employees or members of certain groups
Federal
Contact
Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)
Regulations
29 CFR chapter XXV (Parts 2509 – 2590)