(Transcribed for original received October 16, 1999)

Texas Department of Insurance 333 Guadalupe · P.O. Box 149104, Austin Texas 78714-9104

 
October 14, 1999

RONALD J MARTIN
501 SYCAMORE LN #327
EULESS TX 76039

RE:COMPANY:FIRST HEALTH STRATEGIES (TPA) INC
DOCUMENT ID:424921

Dear Mr. Martin:

We are enclosing a copy of the reply from the administrator. As explained in the letter, this plan is self-funded by the employer.

Individual employers and certain employee organizations may self-fund their employee health benefit plans under the authority of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), a federal law. ERISA preempts state regulation of these self-funded plans; however, the U.S. Department of Labor has some oversight of these plans.

If you do not wish to accept the company’s decision in this matter, we suggest that you follow the instructions in the emplloyee’s benefit booklet for filing a grievance or appeal.

Additional questions about ERISA may be directed to the U.S. Department of Labor at:

Div of Tech Assistance and Inquiries U S. Department of Labor PWBA N5619 200 Constitution Ave NW Washington DC 20210 Phone: (202) 2190-8776

Pension and Welfare Benefits Admin Federal Building Rm 707 525 S Griffin St Dallas TX 75202-5025 Phone: (214) 767-6831

We hope this information will be helpful to you and regret that we could not be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Mabel E. Cartey, Complaints Specialist
Consumer Protection 111-1A
P.O. Box 149091
Austin, TX 78714-9091
Telephone: (512) 305-7642
E-mail: mabel_cartey@tdi.state.tx.us

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www.tdi.state.tx.us