S. v. Life and Health Benefits Plan of the American Red Cross

Filing 46

MEMORANDUM DECISION AND ORDER granting in part and denying in part 29 Motion for Summary Judgment; denying 32 Motion to Strike. The court sets a Status Conference for 11/5/2020 at 11:00 AM in Rm 7.200 before Judge Clark Waddoups. Signed by Judge Clark Waddoups on 10/22/2020. (lnp)

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE DISTRICT OF UTAH

RACHEL S.,
MEMORANDUM DECISION
AND ORDER

Plaintiff,
v.

Case No. 2:14-cv-778
LIFE AND HEALTH BENEFITS PLAN OF
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS,

Judge Clark Waddoups

Defendant.

INTRODUCTION
Rachel S. received residential treatment at Avalon Hills Eating Disorder Treatment Center
from August 16, 2012 to December 31, 2012. She was insured under Life and Health Benefits
Plan of the American Red Cross (the “Plan”) at the time she received treatment. Cigna Behavioral
Health administers “[c]laims for mental health benefits under the Plan.” Pl.’s Opening Brief, at
5 (ECF No. 30). 1 Cigna denied payment for services Rachel received from October 5, 2012 to
December 31, 2012, on the basis that she did not need residential treatment—partial hospitalization

1

This decision contains two types of record citations. One is to the administrative record found
at ECF No. 28, and the other is to briefs that have been filed. When citing to the administrative
record, the court refers to the “Rachel S. Rec.” pagination at the bottom of the page. Many pages
also have a “Rachel S.” numbering system at the bottom. The court has disregarded that
numbering system when citing to the administrative record. When the court cites to a brief, the
record citation refers to the ECF pincite at the top of the page.
1

or intensive outpatient treatment were adequate according to Cigna. At the final appeal level, an
external, independent review organization affirmed the denial.
Rachel now “seeks judgment in the amount $107,200, which represents benefits for 67
days of residential treatment.” Id. at 6. Cigna moves for summary judgment to dismiss all
claims. It also moves to strike an additional record that Rachel seeks to introduce. The court
concludes a de novo standard of review applies and that expert testimony is needed to resolve some
of the issues in this case. Other claims, however, warrant dismissal. Accordingly, the court
grants in part and denies in part Cigna’s Motion for Summary Judgment. The court also denies
Cigna’s Motion to Strike.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
Overview of Condition and September 2012 Coverage Determination
In July 2012, Rachel attempted to commit suicide a second time after struggling with an
eating disorder for approximately one year. Admin. R., at 440, 1754 (reporting first suicide
attempt in January 2012). Upon advice of her medical provider, Rachel entered residential
treatment at Avalon. Id. at 941. At the time of her admission on August 16, 2012, Rachel was
at 82 percent of her ideal body weight (“IBW”). Id. at 441–42. Rachel also “was over exercising
and severely restricting her food intake, and was experiencing cardiac complications of her eating
disorder.” Pl.’s Opening Brief, at 5 (ECF No. 30); Admin. R., at 1065, 1104. Avalon diagnosed
Rachel with anorexia nervosa, major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and history
of separation anxiety disorder. Admin. R., at 1179. Rachel denied suicidal ideation at the time
of admission. Id. at 441.
Rachel started taking Zoloft on August 24, 2012. Admin. R., at 452. Although Rachel
2

initially had high motivation to change, id. at 1065, on August 27, 2012, Rachel’s motivation had
decreased, and she struggled with eating increased calories and certain foods. Id. at 446–47. She
was able to “participate very well in group,” and got “along very well with the others” in her
groups. Id. at 447. Nevertheless, her insight was “pretty limited,” and her weight had decreased
to 77 percent of her IBW. Id. at 447, 453 (stating she had dropped additional weight after
admission). Rachel also continued making attempts to over-exercise. Id. at 447.
On September 5, 2012, the case notes reported that Rachel had to be put on a special diet
due to her refusal to eat. Admin. R., at 449. When she did eat, she ate very slowly and left “a
lot of food” on her plate. Id. Because of poor body image, Rachel wore a poncho or covered
herself in a blanket. Id. On September 12, 2012, the case notes reported that Rachel pleaded to
be allowed to go home and threatened to leave against medical orders. Id. at 455.
On September 17, 2012, Rachel expressed passive suicidal ideation on a scale of 5 out of
10 and had to contract for safety. 2 Admin. R., at 457. Her suicidal thoughts increased during the
day as she was required to eat. Id. at 458. She thought her meal plan had too many calories, and
she expressed that she was “getting extremely fat.” Id. at 458, 463 (quotations omitted). She
engaged in attempts to underplate and lower calories through surreptitious means. Id. at 458.
Because of her religion, the case notes stated religious topics were to be introduced into her
recovery. Id. The case notes specifically addressed whether Rachel was ready to step down to
partial hospitalization and concluded she needed too much supervision for a step-down to be

2 “The

contract for safety is a procedure used in the management of suicidal patients,” and is an
agreement whereby a patient agrees not to commit suicide. Bradley v. Berryhill, No. 1:17-cv1322, 2019 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 82257, at *6 n.4 (E.D. Cal. May 14, 2019) (citations omitted).
3

successful. See id. at 463 (noting among other things that the meal plan “would be hard to
maintain” and she “would go back to overexercising”). Rachel still lacked understanding about
appropriate exercise and was at 85 percent of her ideal body weight. Id. at 462–63.
Nevertheless, on that same date, a Cigna reviewer concluded Rachel no longer qualified
for residential care after September 17, 2012. Admin. R., at 460. The reviewer noted that the
nursing notes from September 13, 2012 to September 17, 2012 did not document any suicidal
ideation and that Rachel had gained some weight. Admin. R., at 460, 463. Cigna’s review notes
also acknowledged, however, that other records reported that Rachel did have suicidal ideation,
just no specific intent or plan. Id. at 463. Per the Cigna reviewer, Rachel had reported “she
would not kill herself because of her religious beliefs.” Id. at 463–64. It is unknown from what
source that information derived because it does not appear to be in Avalon’s record. Although
Rachel was engaging in surreptitious means to avoid calories, Cigna found that Rachel was “fully
compliant with her meal plan.” Id. at 463. Thus, it concluded Rachel no longer met level of care
requirements and could “safely move to and sustain improvement in less restrictive levels of care.”
Id. at 464.
Rachel filed an expedited appeal of Cigna’s decision. On September 21, 2012, Cigna
issued a formal denial. Cigna stated it had denied benefits based on the terms of the Plan.
Admin. R., at 526. Other than informing Rachel she should refer to her “plan documents for
requirements regarding medical necessity determinations,” the denial letter does not state how
Rachel failed to meet Plan requirements for medical necessity. Id. at 526–27. Instead, it stated
the following:

4

The clinical basis for this decision is: Based upon the available
information, your symptoms do not meet the medical necessity
criteria of Cigna Level of Care Guidelines for Residential
Treatment for Eating Disorders for continued stay from 09/18/2012
as you are not suffering from acute 3 and severe mental health or
medical symptoms to require intensive monitoring in a residential
setting. Your eating disorder symptoms have improved. Your
current body weight is not significantly lower than you [sic]
expected body weight. You do not have significant impairment in
your blood pressure, pulse or laboratory results. You are not
reporting any thoughts to harm yourself or others. Your behavior
is stable and you are not suffering from significant limitations in
your usual, daily functioning. Safe and effective treatment can be
provided in a less restrictive setting. Timely and appropriate
treatment is available at a lower level of case.
Id. at 526 (emphasis added). The reasons Cigna relied on for denying coverage are contrary to
the record evidence. Rachel appealed the formal denial.
American Psychiatric Association Guidelines
The Plan contemplates that Cigna may develop “internal rules” for a claim determination.
See Admin. R., at 2401. Cigna chose to do so. Cigna’s Level of Care Guidelines for Behavioral
Health & Substance Abuse (“Cigna’s Guidelines”) state that Cigna “adopted nationally developed
and published guidelines of the American Psychiatric Association [“APA”] . . . due to their
acceptance as the best of evidence-based practice for mental health and substance use disorders.” 4
Id. at 360.

3

The Plan specifies that services provided at a residential treatment center are for subacute
treatment. Admin. R., at 341. To the extent Cigna denied coverage because Rachel did not meet
acute standards, such a denial would be improper. Raymond M. v. Beacon Health Options, Inc.,
No. 2:18-cv-048, 2020 U.S. Dist. LEXIS 94615, at *53–55 (D. Utah May 29, 2020).
4

Although Cigna states it adopted the APA Guidelines, Cigna’s Guidelines are not the same.
Thus, “adopted” does not appear to be used in the sense of making them its own.
5

According to the APA, “[a]norexia nervosa is a complex, serious, and often chronic
condition that may require a variety of treatment modalities at different stages of illness and
recovery.” Admin. R., at 1993. The APA Guidelines state when determining if “a different level
of care is appropriate, it is important to consider the patient’s overall physical condition,
psychology, behaviors, and social circumstances rather than simply rely on one or more physical
parameters, such as weight.”

Id. at 1966.

Before a patient may be discharged, the APA

Guidelines state the patient “need[s] to both gain healthy body weight and learn to maintain that
weight.” Id. at 1989 (emphasis added). They also state “patients who reach a healthy body
weight but are discharged before this learning occurs are likely to immediately decrease their
caloric intake to excessively low levels.” Id.
The APA Guidelines caution that as a patient regains weight, the patient may “become
unhappy and demoralized about resulting changes in body shape.”

Admin. R., at 1968.

Numbers on a scale may cause “a resurgence of anxious and depressive symptoms, irritability, and
sometimes suicidal thoughts.” Id. Thus, “sustained weight gain and weight maintenance” are
important treatment considerations. See id. (emphasis added). The APA Guidelines also warn
that “[p]atients with inadequate motivation or support who are discharged from inpatient to partial
hospitalization programs before they are clinically ready often have high rates of early relapse,
greater struggles with recovery, and slower rates of progress, necessitating longer future inpatient
stays.” 5 Id. at 1989. With the APA’s accepted guidelines in mind, the court notes the following
facts about Rachel’s condition following Cigna’s first denial.

5

In the end, besides impacting the patient’s health, premature discharge gives rise to greater
costs, not less.
6

Plaintiff’s Level of Progress Following First Denial
On September 28, 2012, Rachel was told that her weight gain was “slightly on the slower
side,” so her meal plan was going to be increased. Admin. R., at 1735. In reply, Rachel reported
that “her meal plan [was] giving her more stress as time [went] on.” Id. (emphasis added). On
October 2, 2012, Rachel’s “[i]nsight and judgment remain[ed] impaired by symptoms.” Id. at
1767. She appeared, however, to be more motivated about her recovery and “more willing to
accept her body.” Id. at 1054. Yet, on October 8, 2012, Rachel’s counseling session focused on
her “non-compliance and resistance to treatment, direct care staff, and weight restoration.” Id. at
1052. She desired to resist staff who held her accountable. Id. On October 12, 2012, Rachel
talked “about her lack of energy, lack of motivation, and surrendering herself to recovery.” Id. at
1049. She felt depressed and had suicidal ideation, but was vague about her thoughts. Id.
Nevertheless, she reported that she would constantly see something, and it would cause her mind
to “create a plan on how she [could] kill herself.” Id. She also stated, however, that she would
not harm herself. Id.
On October 16, 2012, Rachel reported that her mood was “pretty good,” but she continued
to report suicidal ideation and had “visible anxiety related to actual weight gain and a distorted
body image.” Admin. R., at 1766. Rachel’s psychiatrist noted that Rachel had to “be closely
monitored.” Id. On October 18, 2012, Rachel reported worries about her meal plan and that her
body would get used to the high calorie plan. Id. at 1020–21. The following day, she expressed
“significant distress” over her weight gain. Id. at 1020.
On October 23, 2012, Rachel was “attentive and cooperative.” Admin. R., at 1765. Yet,
she continued to have “difficulty with intrusive thoughts around suicide and having frequent
7

thoughts of ways she could accomplish this.” Id. at 1764. She appeared fatigued and had anxiety
about her body image. Id. She denied a specific plan to harm herself, but the psychiatrist again
noted that Rachel had to “be closely monitored.” Id. at 1765.
On the same day, a treatment note stated, “Rachel continues to have high anxiety centered
on comparison with her siblings and anxiety of mom.” Admin. R., at 1377. Rachel’s family was
involved in her treatment efforts, which allowed Rachel to work on issues with her family. While
such efforts were necessary, important, and commendable, on October 23, 2012, Rachel expressed
how the dynamics made her irritable and overwhelmed. Id. at 1366. She had “anxiety related to
managing everyone’s reactions, emotions, and worry.” Id. Thus, while she was gaining insights
with her family, those efforts remained stressful beyond the time Cigna denied benefits.
By October 29, 2012, Rachel participated appropriately in scheduled physical activities,
but she was observed making extra trips around the house as a form of exercise in non-compliance
to her treatment.

Admin. R., at 1373.

The following day, Rachel processed her negative

thoughts and feelings about the size of her clothing. Id. at 1365. Although “[s]he was able to
recognize her increase in distress,” she “struggled to manage it.” Id. In other words, having the
insight did not translate into her having the ability to manage her distress over the size of her
clothing.
In November 2012, Rachel had reached her target weight and Avalon allowed her to go on
a home pass. Admin. R., at 1248. Nevertheless, a clinician noted that Rachel “continue[d] to
struggle with intense distress around her body image and having a desire to change her physical
appearance to ease her discomfort.”

Id. at 1362.

Following a family therapy session on

November 20, 2012, Rachel was in a low mood and subsequently reported attempting to commit
8

suicide. On November 26, 2012, Rachel reported the following during an individual therapy
session.
[S]he was sitting in the back of the car [after a therapeutic pass] and
was alone and isolating and had the urge to hurt herself. Rachel
stated that she wrapped the seatbelt around her neck and attempted
to strangle herself. Rachel stated that she did it for as long as she
could and then let it go.
Id. at 1790. She explained that she did not ask for help because of her “feeling of weakness and
that seh [sic] did not want everyone to know how she was feeling.” 6 Id. at 1791. Afterwards,
she felt guilty for the incident. Id. Rachel discussed with her therapist ways to stay safe. Id.
She then authorized her therapist “to talk to staff about how [the incident] happened and how to
prevent it from happening in the future.” Id.
On November 27, 2012, Rachel also reported the incident while she was in group therapy.
Admin. R., at 1014. She said it left her feeling “vulnerable, sad, and frustrated.” Id. On
November 28, 2012, Rachel reported during group therapy that she felt “hurt, frustrated, ashamed,
and angry . . . after opening up in process group . . . about her recent history of self-harm attempts.”
Id.
Cigna contends, however, “that this ‘suicide attempt’ was not as serious as Rachel S.’s
opening brief would lead one to believe,” and that Rachel has “mischaracterized the evidence about
suicidal ideation in an attempt to buttress her claim.” Def.’s Opening Brief, at 15 (ECF No. 33).
Although Rachel made the above reports, Cigna asserts Rachel made a contrary report to her

6

An individual therapy note three days earlier noted that “Rachel struggles to share her emotions
openly with others,” and that she “encounters her own personal rules for showing and expressing
emotions when in the presence of family or peers.” Admin. R., at 1364.
9

psychiatrist on November 27, 2012. Cigna quotes the following language from the psychiatrist
report:
On Tuesday evening [November 20, 2012, Rachel] became
depressed when returning home from the Sports Authority and selfreported that she wrapped a seatbelt around her neck in the back seat
of the SUV and thought about strangling herself. This event was
self-reported and not corroborated by staff or peers.
Id. (quoting Admin. R., at 1763) (emphasis in Opening Brief). Cigna contends the psychiatrist
report shows Rachel did not attempt to commit suicide, but merely thought about it. Cigna further
contends Rachel denied suicidal ideation during the relevant period in other reports and that even
if the event did occur, “it was of short duration and did not result in any injury to her.” Id. at 16.
Cigna is correct that Rachel did report she was not suicidal before the event. Cigna’s
quote from the psychiatric report, however, fails to include relevant facts. A more complete quote
is as follows:
According to Treatment Team, the patient had a rough time at the
beginning of law week. On Tuesday evening [November 20, 2012],
she became depressed when returning home from the Sports
Authority and self-reported that she wrapped a seatbelt around her
neck in the back seat of the SUV and thought about strangling
herself. This event was self-reported and not corroborated by staff
or peers. The patient, however, did this in the past when upset en
route from Jackson Hole.
Admin. R., at 1763 (emphasis added). Thus, it was not Rachel who reported that she thought
about killing herself; that fact seemingly was based on a Treatment Team statement. Moreover,
the psychiatrist noted that Rachel’s report was consistent with another past attempt by her.
Finally, the psychiatrist report stated Rachel’s mood on the date of their visit was “depressed and
anxious,” with her “[a]ffect restricted, appropriate and mood-congruent.” Id. When all of the
10

reports are viewed together, they do not support the incident was minor. It also bears noting that
even if Cigna were correct that Rachel merely thought about suicide, she still wrapped a seat belt
around her neck while contemplating suicide.

This is so notwithstanding her consistent

statements to staff that she would not act on her suicidal ideation.
In early December, Rachel’s vitals were unstable again. She had to be restricted from
exercise therapy and was placed on maximum fluids. Admin. R., at 993, 1762. When her vitals
stabilized the following week and she was allowed to resume exercise, Rachel once again overexercised. Id. at 992. Later that month, during another home pass attempt, Rachel started
binging and purging multiple times. Id. at 1582, 1707. She broke a blood vessel in her eye due
to purging. Id. at 1759.
The above provides only some of the details in the record, but it highlights the complexity
of Rachel’s condition.

The evidentiary record is extensive.

It contains psychiatrist notes,

individual therapy notes, group therapy notes, nursing notes, dietician reports, body-image reports,
exercise reports, laboratory reports, and so forth. The record shows that on some days Rachel did
better than on other days. This was so from the outset of her admission. In other words, her
recovery was not linear. Nor could it be defined by her state on a particular day. The relevant
question, based on the industry standard, was not whether Rachel could step down for a few days
and be okay. It was whether there were sufficient indicators to support Rachel could step down
and sustain an ability not to restrict, over-exercise, and otherwise continue in her progress when in
a less restrictive setting. Determining whether Rachel was ready to step down from residential
treatment to partial hospitalization had to be based on the totality of the evidence.

11

Cigna’s Second Denial and Review by Independent Review Organization
Except for Rachel’s conduct during the latter part of December 2012, all the above was
known to Cigna when it conducted the level two appeal on December 10, 2012. The panel partly
reversed the earlier denial that stopped coverage after September 17, 2012. Admin. R., at 520.
The panel concluded Rachel met coverage requirements through October 4, 2012 because she
“needed some additional time for further stabilization and to work on discharge planning.” Id. at
520–21.

Consequently, it approved coverage for services rendered on September 18, 2012

through October 4, 2012. Id. As of October 5, 2012, the panel found the following:
[Y]ou were no longer meeting the continued stay Level of Care
Guidelines for Residential Treatment Eating Disorders. As of
10/05/2012, you were cooperative more motivated to treatment,
gaining insight, attending and participating in groups, caring for self
and willing to get help. Although you were still having body
distortions and thoughts of restricting, you were continuing to gain
insight and weight with an ideal body weight above 91% and you
were medically stable. Although you were still having some
ongoing suicidal thinking you were not having recurrent intent or
plan to harm self. Your depression was improving in that you were
getting out of bed, caring for self, attending and participating in
groups and activities and not exhibiting impairments in your ability
to understand your treatment. You and your family were actively
addressing family conflicts and your family was involved and
supportive of your treatment. As of 10/05/2012 there were no
longer any medical or psychiatric symptoms that required continued
24-hour monitoring or would have prevented treatment at a less
restrictive level of care such as in a partial hospital program.
Id. at 521. Similar to its first denial, Cigna stated it had denied benefits based on the terms of the
Plan. Id. at 520. Other than informing Rachel she should refer to her “plan documents for
requirements regarding medical necessity determinations,” the second denial letter also does not
state how Rachel failed to meet Plan requirements for medical necessity. Id. at 521.
12

Rachel subsequently pursued an external appeal through Independent Medical Expert
Consulting Services, Inc. (“IMEDECS”) as part of her appeal rights. The IMEDECS reviewer
was “board certified in psychiatry with expertise in eating disorders.” Admin. R., at 516. On
July 18, 2013, the reviewer affirmed Cigna’s determination that Rachel no longer qualified for
residential treatment as of October 5, 2012 because that treatment level was not medically
necessary. Id. at 515, 517. Specifically, the reviewer stated the following:
Progress notes document that by 10/5/12, the patient had reached a
weight of 136.2, 91 percent of ideal weight, a BMI (body mass
index) of 19, with a goal weight of 145 to 155, having increased 12.8
lbs. She reported increasing energy and improving mood. She
still experienced eating disordered psychopathology which is typical
of patients with Anorexia Nervosa. Treatment at a lower level of
intensity of care is necessary for months and often years for
complete remission of the core psychopathology. On 10/5/12, the
patient had no suicidal ideation. She was compliant with
medications and her nutritional program. Progress notes after
10/5/12 do not show any significant or severe psychological or
medical symptoms which would change this decision and require
more [dates of service] at the RT level of care.
Id. at 517.
The reviewer listed the materials he or she reviewed to reach these conclusions. Admin.
R., at 516. The list states the reviewer considered Cigna’s Guidelines. Id. The list does not
show the reviewer considered any portion of the documents comprising the Plan, 7 including the
Plan’s medical necessity and residential treatment criteria. See id.

7

The documents comprising the Plan consist of (1) the Life and Health Benefits Plan of the
American Red Cross; (2) the American Red Cross Open Access Plus/PPO Medical Benefits
component plan and summary; and the Summary Plan Description. See Admin. R., at 2306–39
(2012 Plan); Id. at 316–56 (2012 Open Access); Id. at 2376–2425 (2012 Summary). See also id.
at 2309 (stating the documents that comprise the Plan).
13

Rachel questions how carefully the reviewer considered the record because the reviewer’s
report states Rachel had a longstanding history of purging, and that she was diagnosed with
“Anorexia Nervosa, with Binge-Purge features.” Admin. R., at 517; Memo. in Opp’n to Sum.
Jdmt., at 9, 11, 27 (ECF No. 34). Early admission notes state Rachel was purging by use of
laxatives, “every other month when starting a new cleanse.” Admin. R., at 441. Whether this
was “longstanding” is unclear due to the ambiguity of that term. Notably, however, Rachel’s
counsel argued before Cigna, during an appeal process, 8 that “Rachel had a significant history of
purging via abusing laxatives . . . and via excessive exercise.” Id. at 834. While purging via
vomiting was new to her after admission, see id. at 495, Rachel’s history supports purging in an
alternative manner prior to admission. The record, however, does not support that she was
diagnosed with Binge-Purge features during the relevant time period. The reviewer misstated
Rachel’s diagnosis.
Plan Terms and Cigna’s Guidelines
Rachel remained in residential treatment until December 31, 2012. Admin. R., at 516.
She seeks coverage from October 5, 2012 to December 31, 2012, 9 id., and contends she met the
criteria for medical necessity during that time period. The Plan defines medical necessity as
follows:

8

The appeal pertained to services in January 2013, which time period is no longer at issue in this
case. Admin. R., at 811; see infra note 9. Nevertheless, the information is relevant.
9

Initially, Plaintiff also asserted a claim for coverage from January 1, 2013 to January 17, 2013
for partial hospitalization. Plaintiff is no longer pursuing that claim, see Memo in Opp’n to Sum.
Jdmt., at 5 (ECF No. 34), so the denial of coverage for that period is affirmed.
14

Medically Necessary Covered Services and Supplies are those
determined by the Medical Director to be:
$ required to diagnose or treat an illness, injury, disease or its
symptoms;
$ in accordance with generally accepted standards of medical
practice;
$ clinically appropriate in terms of type, frequency, extent, site
and duration;
$ not primarily for the convenience of the patient, Physician or
other health care provider;
$ rendered in the least intensive setting that is appropriate for the
delivery of the services and supplies.
Admin. R., at 354 (emphasis added). Rachel contends Cigna’s denials did not comply with
generally accepted standards of medical practice and focused on stepping her down prematurely.
The Plan defines residential treatment as “a subacute, structured, psychotherapeutic
treatment program” where the facility “provides 24-hour care, in which a person lives in an open
setting.”

Admin. R., at 341.

Cigna’s Guidelines for “Residential Treatment for Eating

Disorders,” state that such treatment “is intended for patients who need around-the-clock
behavioral care, but who do not need a secure setting with frequent psychiatric and medical nursing
interventions.” Id. at 415.
Cigna’s Guidelines require that services at the residential treatment level be medically
necessary.

Cigna’s definition of medical necessity is consistent with the Plan’s definition.

Admin. R., at 415. Cigna refers to the medical necessity criteria as “basic elements.” Id. at 416.
Cigna then requires that five additional conditions be met for a person to qualify for admission.
The following two are relevant here:
15

D. For individuals diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa, the body
weight is less than 90% of Ideal Body Weight (IBW). However if
body weight is greater than 90% of IBW, then one of the following
is present:
1) Weight loss of two or more pounds/week . . . .
E. The individual’s condition requires around the clock
intervention to provide interruption of the food restriction, excessive
exercise, binging, purging and/or use of laxatives/diet pills/diuretics
to avoid harm due to life threatening medical consequences or to
avoid life threatening complications due to a co-morbid medical
condition (e.g. pregnancy, uncontrolled diabetes) or psychiatric
condition.
Id. (emphasis added). To continue care after admission, the Guidelines state, in relevant part, the
following:
Despite active participation by the individual, the treatment plan
implemented has not led to enough improvement in the individual’s
condition such that he/she cannot yet safely move to and sustain
improvement in a less restrictive level of care as evidenced by:
■ the individual continues to suffer from symptoms and/or
behaviors that led to this admission
....
Id. at 417 (emphasis added). The record is not clear how Cigna applied the last provision. In
other words, it is not clear if the “symptoms and behaviors that led to this admission” were applied
in the same manner as they were at admission for purposes of determining if Rachel could safely
move to partial hospitalization and sustain improvement. What is clear is that the December 2012
denial and the IMEDICS denial stated a reason for the denial was that Rachel was above 91 percent
of her ideal body weight, i.e. one percentage point above the cut off level set by Cigna’s
Guidelines.
The Plan requires that any denial “will set forth . . . “[t]he specific reason or reasons for
16

the denial” and provide “[a] reference to the specific plan provisions on which the denial is based.”
Admin. R., at 2401. These requirements also are found in 29 C.F.R. § 2560.503-1(g)(1)(i)–(ii).
Thus, Cigna could not rely solely on its guidelines.
ANALYSIS
I.

STANDARD OF REVIEW
Rachel seeks “to recover benefits” under the terms of an ERISA plan. 29 U.S.C. §

1132(a)(1)(B). “Because ERISA is silent with respect to the standard of review,” the United
States Supreme Court looked to trust law and its “common law principles to decide” what standard
was appropriate. Gilbertson v. Allied Signal, Inc., 328 F.3d 625, 632 (10th Cir. 2003). 10 The
Court concluded a denial of benefits under ERISA should be reviewed de novo “‘unless the benefit
plan gives the administrator or fiduciary discretionary authority to determine eligibility for benefits
or to construe the terms of the plan.’” LaAsmar v. Phelps Dodge Corp. Life, 605 F.3d 789, 796
(10th Cir. 2010) (quoting Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. v. Bruch, 489 U.S. 101, 115 (1989)). The
administrator bears the burden of proving a decision should be reviewed under an arbitrary-andcapricious standard.” LaAsmar, 605 F.3d at 796.
A.

Authority Granted to Cigna

Here, the Plan “delegate[d] to Cigna the discretionary authority to interpret and apply Plan
terms and to make factual determinations.”

Admin. R., at 351.

The Plan also delegated

Gilbertson applied a “1977 version of ERISA’s claim procedure regulations and the
regulations were amended in 2000.” Brian C. v. ValueOptions, No. 1:16-cv-93, 2017 U.S. Dist.
LEXIS 168409, at *10 (D. Utah Oct. 11, 2017); see also Rules & Reg. for Admin. & Enf’t; Claims
Procedure, 65 Fed. Reg. 70,246, at *70,255–56 (Nov. 21, 2000) (codified at 29. C.F.R. § 2560.5031(l)). The amendment modified the ERISA regulations on grounds other than the standard of
review articulated by the Supreme Court.
17

10

discretionary authority to Cigna “to perform a full and fair review . . . of each claim denial which
has been appealed by the claimant or his duly authorized representative.” Id. This is a clear
grant of discretionary authority to Cigna. Thus, Cigna is entitled to deferential review of its
decision.
B.

Authority Granted to the Independent Review Organization

The Plan also specifies that a claimant may appeal a denial to an independent review
organization (“IRO”), and that the decision by the IRO is final and binding. Admin. R., at 2402–
03. Rachel exercised this right and the denial of her claim was reviewed by IMEDECS. The
parties dispute whether the Plan granted discretionary authority to the IRO. Moreover, Plaintiff
contends that because the IRO’s decision was final and binding on Cigna, it removed Cigna’s
discretion and made the IRO’s decision subject to de novo review.
The Plan states the following about the IRO’s review authority:
The IRO will review all of the information and documents timely
received and other relevant information that it determines to review.
The IRO will make a decision that is independent of any decision
that has preceded it . . . .
Admin. R., at 2403. Unlike the express grant of discretionary authority to Cigna, the Plan chose
not to use such language for the IRO’s review. A plan may not want an IRO to have full discretion
to interpret and construe plan terms and make such construction binding upon the administrator.
If the Plan at issue here did desire such an outcome, it arguably would have used language similar
to what it used when describing Cigna’s authority. The Plan’s different choice of language is at
odds with the conclusion that the IRO was granted the same discretionary authority as Cigna.
Nevertheless, were the court to adopt Plaintiff’s argument, it would create havoc with the
18

deferential review standard because independent, external reviews are required by federal law.
See 29 C.F.R. § 2590.715-2719(d). Plans have the option of granting discretionary authority to
an administrator, and the United States Supreme Court has determined that when plans elect that
option, a deferential standard of review should apply. Changing that standard to de novo review
when a claimant elects to pursue an external review has the potential to dismantle the standard set
by the Supreme Court. Although an IRO stands on different footing than an administrator,
carrying the level of deference through to all layers of review affords consistency in the law and
gives effect to the Supreme Court’s Firestone ruling. For these reasons, the court concludes the
IRO’s decision should be reviewed under the same standard that applies to Cigna.
II.

EXCEPTION TO DEFERENTIAL STANDARD OF REVIEW
Although a deferential standard of review applies when a plan grants discretionary

authority to an administrator, the Tenth Circuit has made clear that for such deferential review to
apply “not only must the administrator be given discretion by the plan, but the administrator’s
decision in a given case must be a valid exercise of that discretion.” Rasenack v. AIG Life Ins.
Co., 585 F.3d 1311, 1315 (10th Cir. 2009) (quotations and citations omitted). Courts uphold an
administrator’s decision if “it was made on a reasoned basis and supported by substantial
evidence.” Van Steen v. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 878 F.3d 994, 997 (10th Cir. 2018) (citation
omitted).
Substantial evidence means “more than a scintilla of evidence that a reasonable mind could
accept as sufficient to support a conclusion.” Eugene S. v. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of
N.J., 663 F.3d 1124, 1134 (10th Cir. 2011) (quotations and citation omitted). “A scintilla of
evidence . . . is the least quantum of evidence possible in support of a given fact in issue.” Scintilla
19

of Evidence, Bouvier Law Dictionary (Desk Edition). Substantial evidence requires more than
that. It is not the least quantum of evidence. It is evidence sufficient for the conclusion to reach
the level of reasonableness, even if the decision is at the low end of the reasonableness continuum.
See Kimber v. Thiokol Corp., 196 F.3d 1092, 1098 (10th Cir. 1999) (citations omitted). A plan
administrator need not “give the reasoning behind the reasons,” but it still must state the particular
reasons for a denial in a non-conclusory manner. Flinders v. Workforce Stabilization Plan of
Phillips Petroleum Co., 491 F.3d 1180, 1192 (10th Cir. 2007) (quotations and citations omitted).
Moreover, “[s]ubstantiality of the evidence is based upon the record as a whole. In determining
whether the evidence in support of the administrator’s decision is substantial, [the court] must take
into account whatever in the record fairly detracts from its weight.” Caldwell v. Life Ins. Co. of
N. Am., 287 F.3d 1276, 1282 (10th Cir. 2002).
Following the hearing in this case, the court has reviewed anew the record, counsel’s
arguments, and applicable law. Based on the court’s review, it concludes a de novo standard of
review should apply because the denial decision was not based on a valid exercise of the discretion
afforded to the administrator and IRO.
A.

Application of Plan Requirements versus Cigna’s Guidelines

Although the court has concluded the IRO’s decision should be reviewed under the same
standard that applies to Cigna, Rachel raises an additional argument as to why the court should
conduct a de novo review of Cigna’s claim denial. Rachel contends that Cigna failed to apply the
Plan terms. In particular, Rachel contends “[n]one of the denial letters applied the definition of
medical necessity.” Pl.’s Opening Brief, at 26 (ECF No. 30). Instead, “Cigna applied its own
internal guidelines, the Cigna Level of Care Guidelines for Residential Treatment of Eating
20

Disorders.” Id.
As stated above, the Plan contemplates that Cigna may develop “internal rules” for a claim
determination. See Admin. R., at 2401. This is unremarkable because the Plan afforded Cigna
discretion to interpret and construe the Plan terms. Consequently, de novo review cannot arise
merely because Cigna applied its own internal guidelines. De novo review may arise, however,
if Cigna also did not evaluate Rachel’s eligibility under the Plan terms to ensure compliance with
them.
Recently, the Tenth Circuit addressed whether an administrator had properly applied
medical necessity criteria. The documents at issue were a “summary plan description and a
separate medical policy (entitled ‘Behavioral Health: Psychiatric Residential Treatment.’).” Lyn
M. v. Premera Blue Cross, 966 F.3d 1061, 1068 (10th Cir. 2020). The summary plan contained
“general criteria and the medical [policy contained] specific criteria.”

Id.

Although both

documents had to be considered when determining medical necessity, Premera’s denial letters
showed it failed “to apply the medical policy’s criteria.” Id. at 1068–69. The Court concluded
such conduct was arbitrary and capricious. Id. at 1069. Accordingly, it remanded the case and
instructed “the district court to conduct de novo review of the plan administrator’s decision.” Id.
(citing Rasenack, 585 F.3d at 1327 in support that de novo review is proper on remand when an
administrator’s decision was arbitrary and capricious).
In this case, the Plan specifies that residential treatment is for subacute care, and it requires
that determinations for such care be based on medically accepted standards in the industry. The
APA Guidelines are recognized in the relevant industry as being the accepted practice for eating
disorders. Yet, none of the denials referred to how Rachel failed to meet these Plan requirements.
21

They only referred to Cigna’s Guidelines, which notably, are not part of the Plan. Moreover, the
list of materials that the IRO reviewed does not contain any of the three Plan documents at issue
in this case. The IRO only reviewed Cigna’s Guidelines. Although Cigna’s Guidelines initially
track the criteria of the Plan for medical necessity, Cigna’s coverage criteria does not rest on the
Plan’s criteria. It adds other criteria that fail to show on their face how they are in keeping with
industry standards. It also defines residential treatment in a different manner than the Plan.
Absent consideration of the Plan terms by the administrator, a court is left to speculate about the
correctness of the denial. As Lyn M. makes clear, ERISA denials must take into account all
relevant plan documents to ensure decisions are based on the terms of the plan and not something
else. Failure to do so is arbitrary and capricious and results in de novo review.
B.

Substantial Evidence

Rachel also contends the denial decisions by Cigna and the IRO were not based on substantial
evidence. Rachel cites extensively to the record in support of her argument. Cigna contends
Rachel has cherry-picked the record and only highlighted the negative treatment notes. Plan’s
Resp. to Pl.’s Opening Brief, at 6, 23 (ECF No. 33). Cigna is correct that Rachel has reported
treatment notes that run contrary to facts stated in Cigna’s denial letters. When determining if a
denial is supported by substantial evidence, however, a court must “take into account whatever in
the record fairly detracts from [a denial decision’s] weight.” Caldwell, 287 F.3d at 1282.
This does not mean the court substitutes its judgment for that of the administrator.
Instead, the court looks to the record as a whole to determine if a denial decision falls within the
spectrum of reasonableness.

22

i. Van Steen
In Van Steen v. Life Insurance Co. of North America, 878 F.3d 994, 995–97 (10th Cir.
2018), an employee sought long term disability after suffering a mild traumatic brain injury that
resulted in cognitive fatigue and “deficits in executive functioning, attention, memory and higher
level attention/speed of processing.” The plan at issue allowed long term disability if an employee
was “unable to perform each and every material duty of his or her regular occupation.” Id. at 997
(citation omitted). Stated differently, the Court said a claim could be denied only if an employee
could “perform each and every material duty” of the job. Id.
The plan administrator had “full discretionary authority to interpret and construe the terms
of the ERISA Plan.” 11 Id. Accordingly, the Tenth Circuit reviewed the administrator’s “decision
under the arbitrary and capricious standard.” Id. The administrator argued its denial of benefits
“was well-supported” by the medical evidence and reviewed by medical experts. Id. at 998. One
of the reviewers concluded the employee’s “symptoms were not severe enough to preclude
occupational function.” Id. (quotations and citation omitted). “[A]n outside neuropsychologist
concluded . . . [the] combination of psychological and cognitive symptoms would not be
considered to be at a level that would entirely preclude continuous gainful employment.” Id.
(quotations and citation omitted). A third reviewer noted certain accommodations the employee
would need, “but did not discuss how these accommodations would impact [the employee’s]
ability to perform his material job duties on a full-time basis.” Id. (citation omitted). At the

11

A conflict of interest existed because of the administrators “dual role as an insurer and
administrator of the Plan.” Van Steen, 878 F.3d at 997. Nevertheless, the court did “not rely on
conflict of interest considerations to resolve [the] case.” Id.
23

second appeal level, the administrator provided a “list of tasks that [the employee] was capable of
performing, but only in a broad, generalized sense.” Id. at 999.
The above statements were comprehensive determinations about the employee’s abilities
to sustain gainful employment. Yet, the Tenth Circuit concluded none of the reviewers actually
adhered to the Plan language by determining the specific question at issue, namely, whether the
employee was “able to perform each and every material duty of his job on a full-time basis.” Id.
The Court observed that the record contained extensive information about the employee’s
cognitive fatigue. Id. It noted that an evaluation was needed to determine whether the employee
had “the cognitive stamina to sustain an eight-hour work day for five days a week.” Id. The
administrator, however, showed no such evidence.

Id.

Consequently, the Tenth Circuit

concluded the administrator’s decision was arbitrary and capricious because its discretion did “not
stretch so far as to ignore the language of the Plan itself.” Id. at 1000.
ii. American Psychiatric Association Guidelines
Here, the Plan covers medically necessary services that are rendered in accordance with
generally accepted standards of medical practice and in the least restrictive setting appropriate for
the necessary services. Avalon follows the APA Guidelines and Cigna asserts in broad terms that
it also has adopted those guidelines. The APA Guidelines state that even though weight is an
important factor for consideration when determining the level of care for an eating disorder,
“[w]eight level per se should never be used as the sole criterion for discharge from inpatient
care.” 12 Admin. R., at 1966, 1989. Indeed, as a patient approaches or reaches normal weight
12

In this context, inpatient care refers not only to inpatient hospitalizations but also to residential
treatment.
24

restoration, that condition actually may cause the patient to need more treatment rather than less.
This is so because the patient’s weight may cause “a resurgence of anxious and depressive
symptoms, irritability, and sometimes suicidal thoughts.” Id. at 1968. In turn, this leads a patient
to wanting to restrict and over-exercise to combat the negative surge of emotions. Releasing a
patient “to partial hospitalization programs” at that critical stage often leads to “high rates of early
relapse, greater struggles with recovery, and slower rates of progress, necessitating longer future
inpatient stays.” Id. at 1989. In other words, a premature release actually can cause harm to a
patient.
iii. Cigna’s December 11, 2012 Denial
Applying Van Steen and the industry practices called for by the Plan, the court concludes
that Cigna did not answer the relevant question. Each of the denial letters placed emphasis on
Rachel’s weight to support why she no longer qualified for residential treatment even though the
weight itself led to significant distress for Rachel. She did not want to be at that weight and was
not accepting of it or her meal plan.
Cigna also said Rachel did not qualify for residential treatment because (1) she was more
cooperative and motivated; (2) she was gaining insights and attending groups; (3) she was
medically stable; (4) her suicidal ideation did not have any accompanying intent or plan; (5) her
depression had improved such that she could get out of bed and care for herself; (6) her family was
supportive and she was addressing family conflicts in treatment; and (7) she no longer needed 24hour monitoring.
Reviewing the record as a whole, Cigna’s statements about Rachel’s weight and some of
the above factors are accurate. She was attending group therapy and did so throughout her
25

treatment as Avalon. That factor was unchanged. She could get out of bed and care for herself
and did so throughout her treatment at Avalon. That factor also was unchanged.
As for the other factors, Rachel was more cooperative, but the record also shows that she
remained oppositional to staff and had significant distress over her meal plan at the time of the
October 4, 2012 denial. Although she was gaining insights, the record shows her judgment was
still impaired and she had strong urges to restrict her food and over-exercise. Consistent with the
cautions stated in the APA Guidelines, Rachel had visible anxiety and distress over her weight
gain in October. She engaged in surreptitious ways to over-exercise and avoid detection.
As for Rachel’s suicidality and depression, it also was consistent with what the APA
warned about in its guidelines. Rachel often denied suicidal ideation, including at the time of her
admission to Avalon. Yet, the record also contains many times where Rachel admitted she did
have suicidal ideation. And even though Rachel did not have a specific plan to harm herself, the
record reports that Rachel was being closely monitored in October 2012 because she had frequent,
intrusive thoughts on how to kill herself. Moreover, Rachel’s distress and suicidal thoughts
increased at night after she had to comply with her meal plan all day. This is significant because
partial hospitalization is sometimes referred to as a day hospital program where a person does not
stay at a facility overnight. See Admin. R., at 518 (stating the external “review supports care at
the Day Hospital level for [Rachel] beginning 10/5/12”).
As for Rachel’s family, she was addressing conflicts with them and they were supportive
and involved. Nevertheless, those same family therapy sessions often caused Rachel’s mood to
drop and were a trigger for her. The reported suicide attempt in November 2012 occurred after
Rachel’s family therapy session. Rachel either attempted to commit suicide or she wrapped a
26

seatbelt around her neck and thought about committing suicide. Her actions were consistent with
her January 2012 and July 2012 suicide attempts where she tried to commit suicide by choking
herself. The record also references a similar attempt while en route from Jackson Hole.
Thus, while Cigna reported that Rachel was improving in the areas noted above, the noted
areas do not reasonably show why Rachel no longer needed 24-hour care. For example, stating
in the denial that Rachel was “still having body distortions and thoughts of restricting,” but that
did not warrant residential treatment because she was “continuing to gain insight and weight with
an ideal body weight above 91%” does not answer the question. 13 “Gaining insight” does not
mean Rachel had sufficient insight to sustain improvement when her body distortions and thoughts
of restricting remained persistent. Indeed, improved cooperation and insight mean little when
such improvements did not change that Rachel remained oppositional and still had strong urges to
restrict and planned to restrict if not closely monitored. Likewise, Rachel’s ability to get out of
bed and care for herself did not signify that she would not have returned to the same behaviors that
resulted in her admission when she was showing visible anxiety and distress over her new weight,
and was having frequent, intrusive thoughts on how to kill herself. Such facts cannot be brushed
aside by stating she had no specific plan. Residential treatment is for subacute, not acute care,
according to Plan documents.
Reasonableness requires taking into account all facts. Cigna’s December 2012 denial
letter runs contrary to the record in a similar manner to Van Steen. Cigna reached the conclusion
that Rachel’s condition did not qualify for continued residential treatment based on its own

13

Unless of course Cigna relied heavily upon Rachel’s weight in contravention of the APA
Guidelines for continued care.
27

guidelines. But the question before it was whether Rachel’s care was medically necessary based
on “accepted standards of medical practice.” That is the Plan language. Yet, Cigna’s denial does
not answer why Rachel could safely step down and sustain her progress in the face of her having
the very symptoms that the APA Guidelines caution about when a person approaches a target
weight.
iv.

The IRO’s Denial Letter

The IRO’s denial letter likewise fails to meet the reasonableness standard based on
substantial evidence.

Similar to Cigna, the IRO noted Rachel’s weight, increasing energy,

improving mood, and compliance with her medication and nutritional program. The IRO also
noted that on October 5, 2012, Rachel had no suicidal ideation. The IRO had Rachel’s medical
records at least through December 31, 2012. Although services were denied as of October 5,
2012, the IRO was obligated to review the record as a whole and not isolate the evidence to one
day.

Moreover, the IRO’s conclusory statement that Rachel had no significant or severe

symptoms warranting residential treatment suffers from the same deficiencies noted above for
Cigna’s denial. Finally, the IRO’s denial was based on Cigna’s Guidelines and not the Plan terms
because the IRO’s materials did not contain any Plan documents.
C.

De Novo Review

Although the court has concluded it was arbitrary and capricious to deny Rachel benefits,
this “does not automatically entitle Plaintiffs to the remedy they seek.” Michael D. v. Anthem
Health Plans of Ky., Inc., 369 F. Supp. 3d 1159, 1178 (D. Utah 2019). “The remedy when an
ERISA administrator fails to make adequate findings or to explain adequately the grounds of her
decision is to remand the case to the administrator for further findings or explanation.” Caldwell
28

v. Life Ins. Co. of N. Am., 287 F.3d 1276, 1288–89 (10th Cir. 2002). In Caldwell, however, the
administrator failed to address an issue and had made no findings as to that issue. Such is not the
case here. Cigna made findings. But it did so selectively, without fairly taking into account
contrary evidence. Therefore, this case is distinguishable from Caldwell.
The Tenth Circuit also addressed whether remand to the administrator was proper in
Rasenack.

The Court did a comprehensive review of the evidence and concluded the

administrator had failed to credit all of the evidence presented. Rasenack, 585 F.3d at 1326
(stating the administrator “cherry-picked the information helpful to its decision to deny” benefits
“and disregarded the contrary opinions of the medical professionals”). The Court also concluded
the administrator had failed to issue a timely denial, which warranted de novo review. Id. at 1327.
Under such circumstances, the Court stated the administrator “had its chance to exercise its
discretion,” but had “failed to do so in accordance with the clear guidelines of the Plan and
ERISA.” Id. It therefore remanded the case to the district court to conduct a de novo review,
and further authorized the court to take additional evidence if needed to address the complex,
medical issue.
Here, similar to Lyn M., the IRO did not review any plan documents before affirming the
denial. Additionally, Cigna’s reference to the Plan was rote and without substance. When
considered in conjunction with Cigna’s selective use of the evidence, the court likewise concludes
Cigna had its chance to exercise its discretion. Thus, remand to the administrator is not warranted
and the court will conduct the de novo review.
Based on the court’s review, it concludes the evidence fails to show Rachel could have
safely stepped down and sustained improvement had she been discharged to partial hospitalization
29

on October 5, 2012. The evidence shows that for a period of time after October 5, 2012, Rachel
continued to meet industry standards for residential treatment. What is less clear is the date on
which Rachel could have stepped down safely. When a court is evaluating a case de novo, it may
“conduct[] a bench trial or permit[] additional evidence.” Lyn M., 966 F.3d at 1070 (citation
omitted). The court concludes independent, expert evidence is needed to determine on what day
Rachel could have stepped down safely and sustained her improvement based on industry
standards.
III.

OTHER CLAIMS
Rachel’s Complaint also asserts claims under 29 U.S.C. §§ 1104, 1109, 1132(a)(2), and

1132(a)(3) for equitable relief and breach of fiduciary duty. Amended Complaint, at 7–8 (ECF
No. 19). Cigna moves for summary judgment and requests dismissal of all claims under those
sections.

Rachel has not opposed such dismissal.

Accordingly, the court grants summary

judgment in favor of Cigna and dismisses those claims.
IV.

MOTION TO STRIKE
Cigna also moves to strike an additional business record that Avalon kept, but did not

introduce into the administrative record while the case was on appeal. Cigna informed Rachel
that she, or her representative, would “have the opportunity to explain [her] issue” during the
second level appeal meeting on December 10, 2012. Admin. R., at 524. Cigna also informed
Rachel that the Appeal Committee would “make a decision based on documentation and
information presented during the meeting.” Id. Rachel seeks to introduce notes that were
recorded during the meeting and kept by Cigna as a business record. The document contains
information that Cigna allowed a total of ten minutes for Rachel’s providers and family to speak
30

during the conference call as to why Cigna’s denial was improper. Insurance Notes, at 6 (ECF
No. 30-1). It contains information about Rachel’s stated condition and the specific concerns
Avalon had about her condition. Id. at 5–6. Because such information may be relevant to an
expert opining on the date Rachel could have been stepped down to partial hospitalization, the
court denies the Motion to Strike.
CONCLUSION
For the reasons stated above:
1.

The court GRANTS IN PART and DENIES IN PART Cigna’s Motion for

Summary Judgment (ECF No. 29) as follows:
A.

The court grants summary judgment in favor of Cigna as to Rachel’s claim
for coverage of partial hospitalization from January 1, 2013 through January
17, 2013.

B.

The court grants summary judgment in favor of Cigna as to Rachel’s claim
for Equitable Relief and Breach of Fiduciary Duty under 29 U.S.C. §§ 1104,
1109, 1132(a)(2), and 1132(a)(3), and hereby dismisses each of those
claims with prejudice.

C.

The court denies summary judgment as to Rachel’s claim for coverage
under 29 U.S.C. § 1132(a)(1)(B) from October 5, 2012 through December
31, 2012.

2.

The court DENIES Cigna’s Motion to Strike (ECF No. 32).

3.

The court sets this matter for a STATUS CONFERENCE on November 5, 2020 at

11:00 a.m.
31

DATED this 22nd day of October, 2020.
BY THE COURT:

____________________________________
Clark Waddoups
United States District Judge

32