What is the Erisa settlement with UnitedHealthcare?

Asked by: America Luettgen  |  Last update: September 25, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)

UnitedHealth Group Inc has agreed to a $69 million settlement to resolve allegations that it breached fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The class action lawsuit, which has been pending for over three years, involved the company's 401(k) savings plan.

What is the ERISA settlement with United Healthcare?

UnitedHealth Group has agreed to settle an ERISA class action for $69 million over allegations stemming from a 401(k) plan investment in Wells Fargo funds. Plaintiff's counsel, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight, announced the settlement was reached Friday in Snyder v.

What is the settlement for the ERISA lawsuit?

If an ERISA settlement is reached, this means both sides (after offers, counter offers, and much discussion) ultimately agree on a settlement amount. You cannot be forced or manipulated into settling your claim, and either party may walk away from the settlement discussion at any time.

Is there a class action lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare?

The matter was certified as a class action in February 2022. In August 2022, Sanford Heisler Sharp McKnight filed an Amended Complaint that presents a detailed chronology of UnitedHealth's decision-making behind closed doors, including the role played by UnitedHealth's CFO, John Rex.

What is the ERISA law for health insurance?

ERISA restricts the ability of states to enact laws that relate to employee welfare benefits, including employer-sponsored health insurance coverage. Under ERISA, states retain the authority to regulate insurance carriers and health maintenance organizations (HMOs).

Lawsuits emerge against UnitedHealth and some of its executives

37 related questions found

What qualifies as an ERISA claim?

ERISA governs the claim only if ERISA covers the plan involved in the claim. ERISA applies to most employee benefit plans, including employee health and retirement plans. ERISA does not cover certain plans, such as government plans and church plans.

What is ERISA health insurance reimbursement?

ERISA guides employer-provided healthcare plans. For those covered under the plans, including employees or their beneficiaries, an ERISA Plan expects to be repaid for any medical bills covered by insurance. The effort to attain this repayment is referred to as ERISA Reimbursement.

Which health insurance denies the most claims?

According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.

Can I sue UnitedHealthcare?

If you believe that your insurance company denied your health insurance claim without any justification, you may be entitled to file a bad-faith lawsuit against UnitedHealthcare.

How do I find out if I am part of a class action lawsuit?

If you think you may be included in a class action lawsuit, you can check a current list of lawsuits at classaction.org.

What damages are available under ERISA?

An ERISA lawsuit offers individuals the opportunity to recover various types of damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pension benefits.

What is the final settlement compensation?

Full and Final Compensation Payments

On most occasions acceptance of an offer of compensation will be in full and final settlement, which means you cannot ask for more compensation as a result of the same accident at a later stage. It is important therefore that settlement is not rushed.

Can you release ERISA claims?

A release can be enforceable even if not all factors weigh in the employer's favor. Courts apply heightened scrutiny when considering ERISA claims; given ERISA's duties of loyalty and prudence in favor of the plan participant, courts tend to judge the factors tightly. Prior guidance on releases of ERISA claims.

Are ERISA settlements taxable?

Tax laws regarding disability settlements are no exception. Generally, if the long-term disability (LTD) policy was provided by the employer as a fringe benefit, the payments you receive—or the lump-sum settlement in an ERISA lawsuit—would be taxed as income.

How do I know if my health insurance is ERISA?

Check Your Plan Documents: Review your Summary Plan Description (SPD) or other documents. ERISA plans must provide an SPD that clearly states they are an ERISA plan. Look at Employer Contributions: If your employer contributes to the plan or matches your contributions, it's likely an ERISA plan.

What is the 401k match at United Healthcare?

The maximum employer match is 4.5 percent of your eligible pay per pay period if you contribute 6 percent of your eligible pay per pay period. You become 100 percent vested after you have completed two years of service. Both pre-tax and Roth after-tax contributions are eligible to receive the employer match.

What is the class action lawsuit against UnitedHealth?

UnitedHealth Group Inc has agreed to a $69 million settlement to resolve allegations that it breached fiduciary duties under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The class action lawsuit, which has been pending for over three years, involved the company's 401(k) savings plan.

What is the 72 hour rule for UHC?

We typically decide on requests for prior authorization for medical services within 72 hours of receiving an urgent request or within 15 days for non-urgent requests.

How do I get reimbursement from UnitedHealthcare?

Ask your provider for the Provider Information or have them fill it out for you. Keep a copy of the form, claim details and receipts for your records. Send the claim as soon as possible, and as close to the date of service as possible. Complete a separate form for each claim.

Which insurance company has highest claim settlement?

Which life insurance company has the highest claim settlement ratio? Max Life Insurance has the greatest claim settlement ratio in terms of claim number, with 99.34% for the fiscal year 2021-22. Exide Life Insurance and Bharti Axa Life Insurance came in second with a 99.09 percent death settlement percentage.

Who is the most trusted insurance company?

Best car insurance companies
  • Best for customer satisfaction: Erie Insurance.
  • Best for seniors: Nationwide.
  • Best for liability insurance: Auto-Owners.
  • Best for claims filing : State Farm.
  • Best for bundling: American Family.
  • Best for accident forgiveness: Progressive.
  • Best for military members and veterans: USAA.

What is the timeline for ERISA claims?

An adverse benefit determination occurs when your insurance company denies your claim for monthly disability benefits or makes any decision to terminate or reduce your benefits. ERISA generally requires that claimants get 180 days (approximately six months) within which to file an appeal following such a determination.

What is ERISA payment?

The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) is a federal law that sets minimum standards for most voluntarily established retirement and health plans in private industry to provide protection for individuals in these plans.

How does ERISA affect health insurance?

Employer-sponsored group plans are subject to ERISA. This includes self-insured health plans, which typically aren't subject to state insurance laws. ERISA exempts these self-funded plans from certain state laws. Fully insured health plans are also subject to the regulation and any applicable state insurance laws.