Mahlon D. v. Cigna Health & Life Ins. Co.

Pending before the Court are the parties' cross-motions to establish the standard *1030 of review in this Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") action. See Dkt. Nos. 27, 29. Defendant Cigna Health & Life Insurance Company ("Cigna") contends that the standard of review should be abuse of discretion. See Dkt. No. 27. Plaintiffs Mahlon and Emily D., on the other hand, contend that the standard of review should be de novo. See Dkt. No. 29. The Court finds this matter appropriate for disposition without oral argument and the matter is deemed submitted. See Civil L.R. 7-1(b). For the reasons detailed below, the Court DENIES Defendant's motion, GRANTS Plaintiffs' motion, and finds that the de novo standard of review applies to this action.

I. BACKGROUND

A. Factual Background

According to the Complaint, Plaintiff Mahlon D. was an employee of RailWorks Corporation ("Company") and participated in the Company's employee welfare benefit plan ("Plan"). See Dkt. No. 1 ("Compl.") ¶ 5. At all relevant times, Plaintiff Emily D. was a dependent of Mahlon D. and covered under the Plan. Compl. ¶ 6. Plaintiffs allege that Emily D. was admitted to Change Academy at Lake of the…