A self-funded medical plan has payroll deductions for dependent coverage and the employer pays 100% for employees. Premiums are paid for claims as they are incurred from the employer's general assets. There is a stop-loss policy for claims over a set dollar amount. The plan also has fully insured dental, std and ltd. Two questions-is an independent audit required and must separate 5500's be filed.

Need more information. At a minimum: How many participants are covered by the plans in question? Is there a cafeteria plan for the payroll deductions? What do you mean "premiums" are paid for claims as they are incurred?

There are about 800 employees in the plan which is a Section 125 plan for payroll deductions. The TPA processes claims and sends a detailed register and the company transfers money for the claims from the general assets.

[This message has been edited by jfgc (edited 02-08-2000).]

You don't need an audit because there is no "fund" to audit. Whether you file one 5500 or multiple 5500s depends on your plan documentation. In other words, you could set up these benefits under one umbrella plan (e.g., 501) and file one 5500. Or, you could set a separate plan for each type of benefit (e.g., 501, 502, 503 etc.) and file multiple 5500s.