On December 23, 2025, four class action lawsuits were filed in the Northern District of Illinois and the Southern District of New York.  These suits allege employers who sponsored voluntary employee benefits plans, and their insurance brokers, violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”).  This article explores the allegations in these complaints and offers suggestions as to what employers can do to avoid—or at least be best positioned to defend—simi