DE GREZIA v. Superior Court

Craig A. Laidig, Woodland Hills; and Musick, Peeler & Garrett, and Cheryl A. Orr, Los Angeles, for Real Party in Interest.

Petitioners Malynda A. De Grezia, Alfonso G. De Grezia, and their minor children, Mia De Grezia, Isabella De Grezia, and Raquel De Grezia, seek a writ of mandate directing respondent Los Angeles Superior Court to vacate its order granting the motion filed by real party in interest Blue Cross of California to compel arbitration. A writ shall issue directing the trial court to modify its order.

On January 1, 2001, Malynda De Grezia obtained a health insurance policy from real party in interest Blue Cross of California. Shortly after Blue Cross issued the policy, she became pregnant with triplets: the minor petitioners Mia, Isabella, and Raquel De Grezia. The girls were born 13 weeks premature in August 2001, weighing between one and two pounds each. Because of complications from their prematurity, they remained hospitalized until November 2001, and have to date incurred more than $1,000,000 in medical bills.

Within a day or two of giving birth, De Grezia asked Blue Cross to add her husband and her daughters to her health policy effective the day of…