Insurance and ERISA Legal Issues Around Puget Sound
Many people understand that they have disability insurance coverage, but aren't sure whether, when, or how to make a claim. This confusion often results in people delaying in submitting a claim, which can potentially jeopardize their right to coverage. Below is a guide to some of the issues you might consider in determining whether to …
Continue reading How Do I Know Whether To Make A Disability Insurance Claim?
On May 13, 2019, Washington State's Insurance Commissioner announced regulatory action against two "Health Sharing Ministries" over selling health insurance illegally and engaging in deceptive business practices. The Insurance Commissioner alleged two Health Sharing Ministries, Aliera Healthcare and Trinity Healthshare, abused rules allowing religious nonprofits to act outside normal health insurance regulation. Washington State insurance …
Continue reading Washington Insurance Commissioner Targets Illegal “Health Sharing Ministries”
A recent decision from our neighbors in the Portland, Oregon federal courts emphasizes that insurance policyholders should always strive to submit claims as soon as possible - especially where the insurance policy is covered by ERISA. Often, it's not practical to submit insurance claims as soon as the loss occurs. When your house burns down, …
A cardinal principle of insurance law is that the fine print in an insurance policy must be interpreted consistent with the reasonable expectations of an ordinary person purchasing insurance. The Washington Court of Appeals recently emphasized that rule in its April 8, 2019 decision in Feenix Parkside LLC v. Berkley Nort Pacific. In the Feenix the Court …
Continue reading Insurer’s Misreading of Policy Terms Results In Win For Policyholder
ERISA applies to most insurance obtained through an employer. "COBRA" coverage is insurance coverage you get after your employment ends. So it's understandable if you assume that COBRA coverage isn't ERISA-governed. Surprisingly, many courts have held that ERISA governs COBRA coverage after all. ERISA generally applies to any insurance procured by an employer for the …
