Plan in Program Vs. Not in Program

When you define a benefits plan in the Plan Configuration work area, you don't have to place it in a program. However, there are advantages to associating a plan with a program.

Plans in Program

In general, associate a plan with a program when:

• Participants typically enroll in the plan at the same time that they enroll in other plans in the program.

• Participation eligibility requirements defined for the program also apply to the plan.

Plans Not in Program

Plans not in a program enable participants to enroll and disenroll multiple times throughout the year.

Example: A retirement savings plan not in program that allows unlimited, unrestricted enrollment changes

In general, don't associate a plan with a program when:

• Participants typically enroll in the plan at a different time than other plans in the program.

• Participation eligibility requirements defined for the program differ substantially from those defined for the plan.

• Benefits that the plan provides differ substantially from the benefits provided by other plans in the program.