ERISA: The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for health plans offered at work. It provides protections for people who may have these plans. ERISA allows companies to set up self-funded plans that are governed by federal law and exempt from state insurance regulations. ERISA laws have been amended over the years in important ways, including COBRA and HIPAA. Advocacy groups continue to work to amend ERISA laws. If you feel your company’s health plan does not cover important services your family needs, speak to your employer and tell them; they may not know something is important. For more information about ERISA, go to the U.S. Department of Labor’s website.