ERISA is a federal law that sets minimum standards for retirement plans in private industry. The Plan is designated as a "profit sharing plan" within the meaning of U.S. Treasury Regulation section 1.401-1(a)(2)(ii).ERISA requires companies that sponsor defined benefit pension plans to fully fund the benefits that plan participants earn each year. As an "employer," a group or association, as well as a PEO, can sponsor a defined contribution retirement plan for its members. A qualified retirement plan is an employer-sponsored plan that meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, making it eligible for tax benefits. ERISA applies to employer sponsored retirement plans. Authority to render it a fiduciary -- are "plan assets" under ERISA. Although not defined in the statute, the scope of "plan assets," so. For example, the LTPT rules only apply to ERISAcovered 403(b) plans. A benefit eligible retiree may drop coverage during annual enrollment and in other situations described in the applicable group health plan.