MEWAs - Michigan

Summary of differences between federal and state regulations

Among the various employee benefit programs established and governed by ERISA are multiple employer welfare arrangements (MEWAs), which are subject as well to state regulatory and fiscal standards consistent with ERISA. Federal ERISA covers MEWAs. Michigan has laws governing MEWAs.

The laws include provisions such as the following:

• MEWAs must provide written notice to each individual covered by the plan that individuals covered by the plan are only partially insured, and that in the event the plan or the MEWA does not ultimately pay medical expenses that are eligible for payment under the plan for any reason, the individuals covered by the plan may be liable for those expenses. §500.7044
• MEWAs must not take any name that is the same as or closely resembles the name of any other MEWA doing business in this state. §500.7022
• The employers in the MEWA are members of an association or group of two or more businesses or entities that are in the same trade or industry or same type of service, including closely related businesses that provide support, services, or supplies primarily to that trade, service, or industry. §500.7011
• MEWAs are limited to providing medical, dental, optical, surgical, or hospital care benefits; benefits in event of sickness, accident, disability, or death; and prepaid legal services. §500.7006

State

Contact

Office of Financial and Insurance Services

Regulations

Michigan Compiled Laws The Insurance Code of 1956 (Excerpt), Act 218 of 1956

Chapter 70 Multiple Employer Welfare Arrangements

Federal

Contact

Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA)

Regulations

29 CFR chapter XXV

2509, 2510, 2520, 2530, 2550
2560, 2570, 2571, 2575, 2578
2580, 2582, 2584, 2589, 2590