Which entity directly issues group insurance policies?

Group insurance policies are typically issued to an entity that acts as a single member to provide coverage to a group of individuals, such as employees or union members. In most cases, this entity is the employer or union, which negotiates the terms of the insurance policy with the insurance company.

This arrangement allows the employer or union to provide benefits to its employees or members as part of a collective agreement, making it easier and often more cost-effective to obtain insurance coverage for a larger number of individuals. The group policy is generally issued in the name of the employer or union, reflecting that they are the policyholder, while the individual members receive certificates of insurance detailing their specific coverage.

The other options do not fit this description as directly. The individual employee is covered under the group policy but does not have the authority to issue such policies. The insurance company provides the policy but does not issue it to individuals directly; rather, they issue it to the employer or union. Lastly, the government may provide insurance programs but does not typically issue group insurance policies in the context discussed here. Therefore, the entity that directly issues group insurance policies is indeed the employer or union.