CIGNA Reaches Regulatory Settlement Agreement with Massachusetts Prompting the Review of Disability Benefit Denials
On May 12, 2013, the state of Massachusetts took a step in the right direction when it let CIGNA know that its unscrupulous claims handling procedures as they relate to disability benefits under ERISA governed long term disability policies would not be tolerated. Known as the CIGNA Regulatory Settlement Agreement, the settlement was entered into by five states (California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, or Pennsylvania) and the following insurance entities Life Insurance Company of North America, Connecticut General Life Insurance Company and Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company (all under the umbrella of the more commonly known “CIGNA”).
Massachusetts Fines Cigna $250,000 For Unreasonable Long Term Disability Claim Handling
The Regulatory Settlement Agreement was reached after an investigation was initiated on September 15, 2009 by the Maine Superintendent of Insurance and the Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance to investigate CIGNA’s claims handling practices as they relate to ERISA governed long term disability policies. Although the details are not yet clear as to what information the investigation revealed, the results of same prompted the Massachusetts Department of Insurance to fine CIGNA $250,000.00 as well as assess an additional $150,000.00 fee.
“Massachusetts has always done a good job of protecting it’s citizens from the unreasonable actions of insurance companies and it is great to see that they are trying to make Cigna act ethically, reasonably and professionally,” stated Attorney Gregory Michael Dell, a nationwide disability insurance attorney and member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. The state of Massachusetts will continue to monitor Cigna for a 24 month period in order to make sure Cigna complies with the Regulatory Settlement Agreement. A complete copy of the agreement can be viewed by clicking here.
In total CIGNA has been fined over $1.6 million dollars as a result of what was deemed to be unfair and unreasonable claims handling practices and has allegedly set aside over $75 million to pay potential claims to be reassessed. If you’re a Massachusetts resident whose long term disability claim was denied or terminated in 2009 and 2010 your claim may be eligible for reassessment. It is important to note that if you receive notice from CIGNA that your claim is eligible for reassessment you MUST notify CIGNA of your intent to have your claim reassessed within 60 DAYS of the letter.
Attorneys Dell & Schaefer is available to provide you with an immediate free consultation to advise you as to the best way to collect Cigna disability benefits that may have been wrongfully denied. Click here for additional detailed information about the terms of the Cigna Settlement Agreement.
Resources to Help You Win Disability Benefits
Submit a Strong Cigna Appeal Package
We work with you, your doctors, and other experts to submit a very strong Cigna appeal.
Sue Cigna
We have filed thousands of disability denial lawsuits in federal Courts nationwide against Cigna.
Get Your Cigna Disability Application Approved
Prevent a Cigna Disability Benefit Denial
Negotiate a Cigna Lump-Sum Settlement
Our goal is to negotiate the highest possible buyout of your long-term disability policy.
Policy Holder Rating
Payment delays!
Cigna (NYL) denied my claim
Hold up on payments!!!
Paid Family Leave
They should all rot in hell
They will constantly come up with anything to delay paying you
Don't count on Cigna!!! You will be very disappointed!!!
They will do anything to avoid paying
Q: Why can Cigna get away with not paying me anything for my disability?
Q: Do I have to be an active employee to apply for LTD?
Q: Can Cigna refuse to give me a copy of my short term disability policy?
Q: Is my plan governed by ERISA?
Q: Can I add a physical disability claim to my mental health one without seeing a doctor (hard to get an appointment with COVID)?
Q: Do you handle CIGNA cases in Florida?
Q: How can Cigna get away with not answering my calls?
Q: Do you handle closed cases only, or open ones as well?
Is Cigna Seeking To Offset Disability Benefit by Social Security Survivor Benefit?
Is Cigna's Denial of Your Appeal Really a Denial?
What Should a Claimant Expect When Suing Cigna or any Other Disability Company for Long Term Disability Benefits?
Are Cigna Short Term Disability Denials on the Rise?
Cigna's latest strategies for handling and denying disability benefit claims
Is a Claimant's Complaints of Pain Enough to Qualify for Short or Long Term Disability Insurance Benefits?
Is My Insurance Company Allowed to Take An Offset of My Monthly LTD Benefit for Social Security Benefits My Kids Receive As A Result of My Disability?
Is My "No-Fault" Auto Insurance Settlement an Offset Under My Long Term Disability Insurance Policy?
Cigna Sued For Failing To Make A Timely Decision on Appeal
CIGNA Overturns a Waiver of Premium for Group Life Insurance Policy
Cigna Admits Error In Denying Disability Benefits
CIGNA Overturned Their Denial of LTD Benefits for Nevada Healthcare Coordinator
CIGNA Denies Technology Manager under the Own Occupation Provision & Dell Disability Lawyers Wins Appeal
CIGNA overturned previous denial of waiver of life insurance premiums
Dell Disability Lawyers successfully appeal denial of benefits to claimant with CRPS/RSD
LINA overturned its previous LTD denial for Medical Technologist
Reviews from Our Clients






