A hidden risk of benefits intranets
December 1, 2008 by Bill MeltzerPosted in: Compliance, Employee education, In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views
Do you publish summary plan documents (SPDs) on your benefits intranet? Is it the only way you make benefits info available to employees?
If the answer to both questions is yes, you may want to consider a second method for giving employees access to SPDs. A recent court case (Gertjejansen v. Kemper Insurance Companies) went against an employer because the firm overrelied on posting SPDs on its intranet.
The problem with intranet-only distribution is that certain people enrolled in your benefit plans may not be able to see the SPD if they have a question about their benefits or exclusions. Examples:
- Employees without regular access to computers
- Off-site employees without login capabilities
- Former employees or dependents on COBRA.
For more information on the case, and help resources, click here.
October 9th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
It works best if benefit information be provided via electronic and hard copy method. In this manner, the employer ensures that information has been made available to employees and former employees who are on Cobra (regardless of whether they have ocmputer access or not).