Meguerditchian
Meguerditchian v. Aetna Life Insurance
Opinion
lead Opinion
Wright, J.
ORDER REVERSING ADMINISTRATOR’S DECISION AND REMANDING FOR DECISION ON THE MERITS [36]
I. INTRODUCTION
This case presents a dispute concerning a short-term disability benefit plan offered by Nerses Meguerditchian’s employer, Federal Express Corporation (“FedEx”). When Meguerditchian was injured at work, Aetna Life Insurance — the claims-paying administrator of the policy — denied Meguerditchian’s claim as untimely. As a result Meguerditchian brought his action seeking recovery of benefits under Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) § 502(a)(1)(B). For the reasons discussed below, the Court REVERSES the administrator’s denial of Meguerditchian’s STD benefits claim as untimely and REMANDS this case to the claims-paying administrator for a decision on the merits.
II. FACTUAL BACKGROUND
FedEx sponsors a Short-Term-Disability Plan (“STD Plan”) for the benefit of its employees. (AR 168.) FedEx is the STD Plan Administrator — it funds and administers the plan but does not make benefit-eligibility determinations. (AR 169, AR 201-02.) Instead, Aetna Life Insurance Company acts as the claims-paying administrator for the STD Plan. (AR 169.) Aetna makes eligibility…