In Group Health Insurance, who typically receives a master contract?

In Group Health Insurance, the master contract is typically issued to the group policyholder, which is often the employer or another organization that provides the insurance coverage for its members. This master contract outlines the terms and conditions of the insurance plan, including coverage details, premiums, and the responsibilities of both the insurer and the group policyholder.

The reason that the group, as a whole, receives the master contract is that it governs the overall coverage for all enrolled members rather than individual agreements for each insured individual. Members of the group receive certificates of insurance as proof of their coverage, but the master contract itself remains with the group or the organization managing the plan. This structure allows for easier management of the insurance policy since all members can benefit from a single, comprehensive agreement tailored to the group's needs.

Other choices do not align with this practice: individuals do not receive a master contract, limiting their direct interactions with the policy terms; the insurance company retains a copy for its records and to manage compliance but does not serve as the primary holder of the contract; and while government agencies can regulate health insurance, they do not receive the master contract in the context of Group Health Insurance coverage.