According to ERISA regulations, when must a Summary Plan Description be provided to a new plan member?

The correct answer is that a Summary Plan Description (SPD) must be provided to a new plan member within 90 days after the eligibility date. ERISA, or the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, requires that employers provide a clear and comprehensive SPD to inform plan participants about their benefits, rights, and obligations under the plan.

The 90-day timeframe is important as it ensures that new members have timely access to essential information regarding their benefits. This information is crucial for helping them understand the specifics of their coverage, including eligibility, benefits, claims procedures, and rights to appeal.

Other timeframes, such as 60 days, 120 days, or 30 days before the eligibility date, do not align with ERISA requirements and would not provide the new plan members the timely information they need post-eligibility to effectively manage and utilize their benefits. Therefore, understanding the specific regulation is key for compliance and for ensuring new members are adequately informed about their plan.