Court Finds Plan Language Does Not Require a Second Level Appeal

In this case, the summary plan description (?Ç£SPD?Ç¥) described a participant?ÇÖs ability to submit a second level appeal for a denied benefits claim under an employer-sponsored group health plan subject to ERISA and stated that failure to submit such an appeal would constitute a waiver of the participant?ÇÖs right to review the decision. In addition, the denial letter received by the participant stated that she had a right to request a second level appeal. However, the court found neither the plan document, SPD, or denial letter obligated the participant to file a second level appeal before filing a lawsuit, thus resulting in the court?ÇÖs denial of the defendant?ÇÖs motion for summary judgment for failure to exhaust the plan?ÇÖs administrative remedies. This case highlights the importance of reviewing plan and related documents to ensure they expressly state that submitting a second level appeal is required before a lawsuit over a denied claim can be filed. Laura B. v. United Health Grp. Co., No. 16-cv-01639-JSC (N.D. Cal. Aug. 25, 2017).