Each year millions of legitimate claims for employee benefits are made by honest Americans. These claims -- such as a request for a group insurer to pay a medical bill -- are governed by the federal laws of ERISA. These laws preempt and supercede any contrary laws of the states.

Almost every one who participates in group insurance at work is effected by ERISA. The benefits you receive at work are provided as a "private welfare benefit" under ERISA. These laws control the benefit plans established by most every employer in the country. (There are, however, a few exceptions. For instance, governmental employees are excluded from ERISA.)

ERISA Bonds and Fiduciary Liability Insurance
Under provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), individuals who administer retirement, group health, savings or other employee benefit plans must maintain a fidelity bond, and may be responsible for losses that arise from any breaches of their fiduciary responsibilities or duties. The complex laws and regulations have spawned a growing number of ERISA related lawsuits. According to the Wall Street Journal, ERISA lawsuits grew by 35% to 10,536 from 1989 to 1993 and it has only gotten worse since then.

A fiduciary under ERISA of 1974 and its amendments or any regulation or order issued issued pursuant thereto, except if an insured is deemed to be a fiduciary solely by reason of legal advise rendered with respect to am employee benefit plan.- Attorneys who are involved in the investment of funds however require separate fiduciary liability coverage.