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## § 59.1-589 – Definitions

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As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

“Benefits consortium” means a trust that is a self-funded MEWA, as defined in § 38.2-3420, and that complies with the conditions set forth in § 59.1-590.

“ERISA” means the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, P.L. 93-406, 88 Stat. 829, as amended.

“Health benefit plan” has the same meaning as in § 38.2-3431.

“Member” means a person that is part of a sponsoring association, that conducts business operations within the Commonwealth, and that employs individuals who reside in the Commonwealth.

“Sponsoring association” has the same meaning as in § 38.2-3431 and includes any wholly owned subsidiary of a sponsoring association.

“Trust” means a trust that (i) is established to accept and hold assets of a health benefit plan in trust in accordance with the terms of the written trust document for the sole purposes of providing medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision benefits and defraying reasonable administrative costs of providing health benefits under a health benefit plan and (ii) complies with the conditions set forth in § 59.1-590.