Compliance & Group Health Plans: The Good, the Bad, and the Leavitt Way

Written by Dara Anderson—Executive Team Lead

October 8, 2025

Blog Compliance & Group Health Plans: The Good, the Bad, and the Leavitt Way

Compliance in group health plans isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about protecting your business, your employees, and your reputation. At Leavitt Great West, we know that navigating the maze of regulations like ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA can be overwhelming. But we also know that when done right, compliance can be a powerful tool for building trust and delivering value. Let’s break down how compliance impacts group health plans, what employers can do to stay ahead, and how our account executives and producers make sure no one gets left behind.

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The Positive Side of Compliance in Group Health Insurance

When employers stay compliant with HIPAA, ERISA, and ACA regulations, they protect both their business and their employees. Compliance ensures secure, transparent, and fair group health insurance coverage—safeguarding personal health information, clarifying plan rights, and strengthening employee trust.

Beyond protection, health benefits compliance reduces risk and improves plan quality. Meeting ACA requirements prevents costly penalties and ensures your plan remains affordable and comprehensive. A compliant, well-managed plan doesn’t just keep you out of trouble—it positions your organization as a trustworthy employer that values transparency and employee wellbeing.

The Challenges of Staying Compliant

Maintaining group health plan compliance can be complex. Constant regulatory updates—from ACA affordability thresholds to COBRA notices and HIPAA privacy rules—require precision and proactive management. Employers must file Forms 1094-C, 1095-C, and Form 5500, distribute Summary Plan Descriptions (SPDs), and conduct nondiscrimination testing to remain compliant.

Even small mistakes—like missing a COBRA notice deadline or misclassifying an employee—can trigger costly fines. Employers can mitigate these risks by leveraging compliance technology, automating key filings, and partnering with experienced compliance consultants.

The Cost of Non-Compliance

The financial consequences of non-compliance with group health insurance regulations are steep:

  • ACA Affordability Penalties: $4,460 per affected employee.

  • Form 5500 Non-Filing: $2,739 per day.

  • HIPAA Violations: From $141 to $2 million per incident.

  • COBRA Notice Errors: $100+ per day.

  • SPD Violations: Up to $1,956 per violation.

According to the Department of Labor, over $1.4 billion was recovered from employers in 2023 for benefit plan violations. These numbers underscore the importance of proactive compliance management.

How Leavitt Great West Simplifies Compliance

At Leavitt Great West Insurance Services, we make compliance for group health plans simple and effective. Our dedicated team provides:

  • Ongoing regulatory support and plan document reviews

  • Compliance technology tools for monitoring deadlines and filings

  • Risk analysis to identify coverage or reporting gaps

  • Expert guidance on ACA, ERISA, HIPAA, and COBRA requirements

Our producers maintain full licensing and meet all state and federal compliance standards. With Leavitt Great West, you can focus on your business while we ensure your health benefits remain compliant, efficient, and employee-friendly.

Compliance as a Competitive Advantage

Compliance isn’t just a legal necessity—it’s a strategic advantage. Employers who invest in compliance strengthen their brand reputation, improve employee satisfaction, and protect their bottom line.

Partnering with Leavitt Great West means you’re not just meeting requirements—you’re elevating your organization’s health benefits strategy with confidence and care.

Need help managing compliance? Contact Leavitt Great West today for a consultation.

Have questions? Contact:

Dara Anderson

Dara Anderson

Executive Team Lead

Call: (406) 441-4713

Dara Anderson is a seasoned executive with over three decades of experience in the insurance and benefits industries. Currently, she serves as the executive team lead at Leavitt Great West Insurance Services and plays a pivotal role in the executive leadership team.

Dara's leadership extends to organizing annual client summits, serving as the executive representative on the Leavitt Group Culture Committee, and collaborating with legal on contract reviews and ACA compliance. She is adept at managing vendor relationships and ensuring efficient project workflows through online systems and automation. Her experience with account management for high-profile clients has been a cornerstone of her career.

Before her current role, Dara led the employee benefits team at Leavitt Great West where she managed a team of professionals, coordinated strategic planning, and provided training on compliance and legislative updates. Her previous experience includes managing teams at Mountain West Benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, and Baxter International, where she honed her skills in sales, marketing, project coordination, and account management.

Dara's extensive experience and leadership skills have made her an invaluable asset to every team she has led. Her dedication to client satisfaction, compliance, and efficient project management continues to drive success at Leavitt Great West.

Dara is celebrating almost 40 years of marriage and is the proud mother of two accomplished daughters and a grandma to a darling little boy and adorable little girl.  Dara enjoys spending her free time on side-by-side trips in the mountains of Montana and camping, embracing the beauty of the outdoors.

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