{"id":357832,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/erisa-amendments-overview.html"},"modified":"2025-04-16T15:34:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T20:34:52","slug":"erisa-amendments-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/wages-and-benefits\/erisa-amendments-overview.html","title":{"rendered":"ERISA Amendments Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Are the Latest Amendments to ERISA?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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ERISA amendments have expanded protections and enhanced recordkeeping for employee insurance plan members. Key amendments include COBRA, allowing temporary extended health coverage post-job loss, and HIPAA, safeguarding against health discrimination. Other significant updates involve the Newborns’ and Mothers’ Health Protection Act, Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, and the Affordable Care Act. Each addressed specific health coverage aspects and ensuring broader, fairer access to healthcare benefits. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), enacted in 1974, outlines the rules for handling employee benefit plans. This law ensures that insurance companies and private employers follow certain guidelines. It also provides crucial protections for plan participants.<\/p>\r\n

Over the years, ERISA has undergone amendments to meet changing healthcare needs. This article looks at the key amendments that influenced welfare benefit plans for employees and their beneficiaries.<\/p>\r\n

What is ERISA?<\/h2>\r\n

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974<\/a> (ERISA) established the minimum standards for most health benefits and private-sector qualified retirement plans. The law aims to protect participants who have voluntarily created ERISA plans.<\/p>\r\n

This federal law mandates necessary disclosure requirements, which include the following:<\/p>\r\n