ERISA applies only to private employers and employees. It does not require employers to offer insurance, pension, or retirement programs or benefits.ERISA's notion of a "health plan" (a distinct legal entity created when an employer promises to provide and pay for employee health benefits) is often confusing. Sole proprietorships, nonprofit organizations, partnerships and corporations are generally subject to ERISA, but churches and governmental employers are not. Our California ERISA denial lawyer has the knowledge, skills, and experience to help you fight insurance companies and receive your rightful ERISA claim. ERISA is a federal law that governs most employersponsored group benefit plans and sets the minimum standards of protection for plan participants. Many people have disability insurance through their employer. This document, the complete contents of the Employee Gateway (employees.usc. Learn about your rights under this law.