Texas Employee Benefits Attorney
ERISA, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, covers employer-provided benefits such as life insurance, accidental death insurance, long and short-term disability insurance, health insurance and retirement plans such as 401K plans. ERISA applies to private employers who provide these benefits often called "plans" but ERISA does not require employers to offer "plans" or ERISA benefits. ERISA does not apply to privately purchased life, health, accident, and disability insurance purchased by individuals.
At the Law Office of Mark A. Ticer, we represent individuals in disputes with their employers or their employer-provided insurance carriers. As a Dallas ERISA claims lawyer, Mark Ticer uses his extensive knowledge of the insurance industry to help clients obtain the benefits their employers or the employee is entitled to. Since 1990, the firm has concentrated on consumer insurance matters, helping people take on large insurers and ERISA plans in pursuit of benefits to which the employee is entitled.
Many people are confused about ERISA and are unaware about the distinctions between privately held policies and employer-provided insurance benefits; Mark Ticer helps people understand the important and critical differences of ERISA coverage and serves as their advocates.
ERISA or Not?
To determine whether an insurance question or dispute is covered by ERISA, ask the following questions:
- Who do I work for? If your employer is a public entity or a religious organization, you are not covered by ERISA.
- Who pays the premiums? If your employer pays some or all of the premiums, it's likely an ERISA-covered benefit.
- Who is my contact? If your contact person is called the plan administrator, then you are likely covered by an ERISA plan.
- What kind of insurance is at issue? If your dispute is over homeowners insurance, it is not an ERISA matter. If the problem is with an of employer-paid insurance, it is likely an ERISA case.
Just like all insurance companies, providers of employer-sponsored insurance are in business to save money and minimize payments. To do this, plan adiministrators often deny initial claims, especially for disability and significant medical expenses. Because of the way the coverage process works under ERISA-covered plans, it is very important to include all evidence and documentation in the initial benefit claim — you may not have an opportunity to add anything later as your claim moves forward. Our firm can advise about all these matters.
Contact our Dallas law firm to learn more about ERISA-covered benefit plans.
