My question is on Association that provides benefits (Health,
>welfare and pension) to membership). What is there responsibilities to
>provide SPD's, fiduciary role to participants. The participants are
>employees of the member organizations, yet the association provides most
>of the plan services. What are the actual obligations of the association
>to the participants.

I can tell you my personal experience with ABC (Associated Builders and Contractors) with regard to your question. ABC sponsored the medical and dental plans, which were underwritten by John Hancock. ABC coordinated all activities with Hancock, including claims processing. They obtained SPD's for us (written by Hancock), billed us and assisted with dispute resolution. All in all, not a bad situation.