### Question
How does group health plan requirements define medical or surgical benefits?


### Answer
Under *29 U.S.C. § 1185a*, **medical or surgical benefits** is defined as:

> benefits with respect to medical or surgical services, as defined under the terms of the plan or coverage (as the case may be), but does not include mental health or substance use disorder benefits

#### Citation:
  - *29 U.S.C. § 1185a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 18-EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT INCOME SECURITY PROGRAM > SUBCHAPTER I-PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE BENEFIT RIGHTS > Subtitle B-Regulatory Provisions > part 7-group health plan requirements > Subpart B-Other Requirements**

